Wholesale Pearl Jewelry: Choosing Quality Pieces for Your Store

Pearls are making a comeback in a big way. But not all wholesale pearl jewelry is worth stocking.

Real vs fake. Real pearls have a slight grit when you rub them against your teeth. Fakes feel smooth. Real pearls also have tiny surface irregularities. Fakes are perfectly uniform and plasticky.

Freshwater vs saltwater. Freshwater pearls are more affordable and make up most of the wholesale market. Saltwater (Akoya) pearls have better luster but cost more. Both sell well depending on your customer base.

Pair with sterling silver. The best pearl jewelry uses genuine 925 sterling silver findings. Cheap base metal settings ruin the look. Browse our new arrivals to see current pearl styles.

For the technical details on pearl grading, the GIA’s pearl guide is a solid reference.