Jewelry Accessories

A high quality single, double, or triple pearl engagement ring, with or without diamonds, mounted in yellow or white gold will cost about the same price as your average, small diamond engagement ring. The difference will be that for the same investment you could have a large, fine, round South Sea AAA grade pearl gem, perhaps measuring 12 mm around for between $800 and $1,000, while the equivalent sized diamond gemstone would have to be 6.5 carats, and we won’t scare you by mentioning what that might cost!

Pricing: Pearls versus Diamonds

We can safely say that a 1 carat diamond solitaire ring with a yellow or white gold mounting is likely to cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000, which is a huge price difference from solitaire pearl engagement rings with diamonds as accents set in 18k gold for between $1,000 to $2,500. Even if you go to the outer extreme and price the designer pearl jewelry Mikimoto creates in their exclusive high-end engagement ring collections, you’ll find several pieces far below $10,000.

For example, one particular engagement ring by Mikimoto, which includes a large top grade cultured natural white South Sea pearl, .61 carats of genuine pave set diamonds mounted in an 18k solid white gold ring, only costs $3,900. And if we take it one step further, and really go all out, selecting the Mikimoto 11 mm white South Sea cultured pearl with .68carats of genuine diamonds mounted in a platinum ring, it will only cost about $8,700. Take into account that this is no ordinary ring, but a premier “investment quality” pearl engagement ring fit for the rich and famous clients Mikimoto designs attract.

Pearl Engagement Rings for Less than Diamonds

The point to mentioning high-end designer pearl jewelry and engagement ring prices is not to suggest you must spend eight or ten thousand dollars to have either a diamond or a pearl on your finger, but in fact just the opposite. We suggest that if the highest priced, top quality, designer pieces are selling for about eight thousand, that means there must be a huge variety of pearl engagement rings for much less, in fact under a thousand dollars, that are considerably more interesting than the equivalent diamond pieces. That is why in this article we present some pearl engagement options that are priced between $150 and $2,000, with genuine cultured pearls set in solid yellow or white gold rings.

Pearl ring settings are naturally determined by your choice of color, be it yellow or white gold, and the price will not be affected no matter which you select, since both are basically the same price. What will determine the price is the grade and quality of the pearl, or pearls, you select. (To see the differences in grades, go to the Pearl Grading System chart at the end of this article.)

Pearl Rings with Diamonds

The majority of engagement rings we recommend are pearl rings with diamonds simply because the diamonds tend to accent the pearls very well and give a touch of traditional sparkle.

We present a selection of recommendations for solitaire pearl ring styles, single pearl ring designs, 2 pearl ring options, traditional settings and a few modern pearl ring creations –fine pearl jewelry from Shecy Pearls or Perluna with a few other less expensive ideas from Bling Jewelry, Heavenly Treasures and Emitations.

Although the vast majority of our featured pieces are genuine natural cultured pearls, there are a few selections we believe to be good value in crystal pearl jewelry styles and costume pearl rings that may be an alternative for those on a tight budget. Most of the handmade pearl jewelry that is presented is mounted in yellow or white gold, with only a few pieces being available in silver.

Shecy Pearl Jewelry Collections

We begin diving for pearl engagement rings with the Shecy Pearl Jewelry collections that offer freshwater, akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls in unique designs for all budgets.

Pearl Rings for about $200

We start with the least expensive freshwater pearl rings, and offer a variety of color choices, not only white.

White Pearl Ring – The least expensive pearl engagement ring in 18K white gold with a cultured white freshwater pearl, measuring 10 mm, of AAA quality, is the elegant single pearl engagement ring, or solitaire, that retails for under $190. Or the pearl rings with diamonds, with delicate split shanks, also freshwater pearl ring, for just over $200.

Rose Pearl Ring – In the same $200 price range, there’s a single pearl ring with a pink freshwater grade AAA pearl with rosy luster, set in white gold, which would be perfect for matching with a simple white gold His and Hers wedding band.

Lavender Pearl Ring – For something totally unique, still about $200, why not a lavender pearl ring set in yellow gold accented by a small diamond? Modern, chic and elegant for the lady with a style all her own! It’s also a good quality AA+ freshwater pearl with very high luster. As a pearl engagement ring alternative, this one really stands out as good value. It’s also a perfect choice for an unusual promise ring, or as a pre engagement ring for a lavender loving gal.

Blue Pearl Ring – Again, with the same $200 budget, there’s another unique option in blue, while this blue pearl ring is in fact a black freshwater pearl, it tends more toward blue than black. It is a tad smaller than the other rings, at just over 7 mm, but is an excellent quality round AAA freshwater pearl set in 18k white gold. This unique blue pearl engagement ring may one day be your “something” blue on your special day.

Traditional Engagement Ring Style

Returning to more traditional engagement ring styles and colors, there are several bargains from Shecy Pearls that worthy of a second look. For example their freshwater with two small diamonds on the shank is only $225 and is tasteful and elegant, and easy to match with any gold wedding band and a variety of bridal jewelry to accessorize your wedding attire on the big day. The ring has a 9 mm grade AA+ white pearl with very high luster and a very good smooth surface. This is about as good as it gets considering quality versus price in a pearl engagement ring with a traditional feel.

Pearl Engagement Rings over $200

For just a little bit more, selling for $260, there’s a similar piece that features a white grade AAA freshwater pearl that measures about 8 mm around, and is likewise set in rich yellow gold, accented by diamonds, but with a bit of an antique flavor, with a swirling circular piece of gold emerging from the twisted shank like an oyster shell. This exquisite pearl engagement ring could be matched easily with a rounded, polished gold wedding band with a diamond or two, perhaps even an eternity ring, blending pearl and traditional diamonds into your own unique style.

Modern Pearl ring

For a modern pearl ring design that holds a round white freshwater pearl in a clean contemporary band, there’s the Shecy Pearl engagement ring for just $277, that spares no quality even at that affordable price. The pearl is AAA grade with the highest luster, harvested from freshwater oysters in China, that have very thick pearl layers or nacre. For under $300, this will give you what looks like a designer pearl ring for a fraction of the cost.

Cluster and 2 Pearl Rings

There are two other designs we want to show you in this general price range of under $300, and they are: a two pearl ring and a cluster pearl ring, just to give you a few more options.

The cluster pearl ring features 5 freshwater pearls that measure 4 -6 mm and are grade AA+, set in white gold band rings polished like platinum and retails for $282.

The other is the popular 2 pearl ring design using white drop pearls of good AA+ quality with very high luster and thick nacre. The two pearls are set into finely crafted white gold with details around the twisting band that joins the two gems at the top. The symbolic intertwining of the pearls would make a choice engagement ring, not to mention how reasonably priced it is at just $283.

South Sea Pearl Rings $400 to $600

There are many other choices in pearl engagement rings under $300 from Shecy Pearl, but we’re now going to move up to a slightly higher price range to show you some options in South Sea pearl rings from $400 to $600.

As you may already know, the most famous golden south sea pearl jewelry is indeed gorgeous and rich in tone, especially when set in yellow gold to even further highlight the golden pearls. We will show you both the golden and the white South Sea pearl ring designs, so you can decide which is best for you.

Golden South Sea Pearl Engagement Ring

The first selection is a golden south sea pearl engagement ring with diamonds set in yellow gold that retails for just under $400. It features intricate shank details and a round AAA grade golden South Sea pearl with the highest luster and sheen possible, along with a tick durable nacre.

Another choice piece is the 10 mm round AAA grade golden South Sea pearl ring set in an 18K white gold band with a touch of a modern flair. The pearl actually comes from Australian waters and the sheen is excellent and the surface is almost 100% free of blemishes and perfectly smooth. This single pearl ring is an excellent choice for just $405.

Matching Pearl Accessories

There is a complete set of matching accessories, including a stunning pearl bracelet and a variety of earrings, either stud or pearl drop earrings, if you’re worried about what to wear with your gown. And speaking of gowns, this color of ring matches excellently with champagne and off white bridal gowns, or the ones that have a touch of golden lace on the bodice.

White South Sea Pearl Ring

The next featured item from the Shecy Pearl collection of engagement and wedding rings is the 13 mm AAA grade South Sea pearl ring with a white, perfectly round, Australian gem with excellent luster, set in 18K yellow gold. It has an antique pearl ring feel with the leafy fingers that decorate the outer edges of the pearl as if being gently cradled. This gold ring can be paired with an antique gold wedding band or used as an engagement and wedding ring all in one. It’s so grand on its own, it really needs nothing more. It’s almost $1,200, so it’s not an inexpensive choice, but if it’s within your budget it is very good value because South Sea pearls are investment quality.

Pearl Jewelry Set

For a matching pearl jewelry set in white and gold, such as pearl necklace jewelry you can wear on your wedding day or for a separate pearl bracelet, pearl earrings or even matching bridesmaid jewelry pearls, there are many designs to choose from at Shecy Pearl as well. You will find both white and yellow gold pearl drop earrings, as well as pendants, pearl necklaces, and matching bracelets and even pearl brooches that would be marvelous for adding to a white wedding stole or winter coat.

Investment Quality South Sea Pearls

The Final Shecy Pearl engagement ring suggestion we offer is specifically for those who have an eye for a good investment as well as for elegant and distinguished pieces of jewelry.

The ring we feature costs $1,900, but for that price you will have a timeless 13 mm perfectly round AAA grade golden South Sea pearl almost 100% perfect with a surface that’s smooth thick nacre to last a lifetime. The ring is further set into your choice of solid 18K yellow or white gold, and accented with a zillion diamonds around a twisting and elaborately finished split shank design.

With a full selection of accessories to match, this ring could be just the start of a very valuable South Sea pearl collection. It all begins with the first piece, which will come with a certificate of appraisal by a gemologist certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

These pearl rings and jewelry suggestions, while they are made with cultured pearls and not wild ones, are still a wise investment, and like diamonds or other gemstones, will hold in their pearly hearts the priceless sentimental value of your love.

Perluna Engagement Rings

In order to give you a few more pearl engagement ring choices from other designers, we have selected some pieces from a company called Perluna. Although they do not have as large a selection of pearl engagement rings with diamonds, their quality is excellent for simple single pearl ring designs that are priced between just over $100 to $300.

For example one of their 9 mm freshwater pearl ring designs, set in yellow gold is a delightful piece for only $276, and they have similar designs with and without a diamond, for as little as $144.

Delicate Antique Pearl Ring Design

They also have South Sea pearl rings that start at just $300 and have a touch of an antique pearl ring design while still being elegantly understated and easy to match with plain wedding bands for a crisp clean look.

Black Pearl Ring

The fact is that the Perluna collection is so reasonably priced that their most expensive pearl engagement ring is a mere $376, and for that you can have a 10 mm black Tahitian pearl, set in white or yellow gold, accented by a few baguette cut diamonds. Being a greenish black, it may not be every ladies ideal engagement ring, however, there are similarly priced designs in pink and lavender pearl rings that are delicate and finely crafted.

Another great thing about Perluna, is that if you need accessories to match your rings, they have a wide selection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants that are very affordable, so even if you opt to buy a more expensive ring elsewhere, the matching pieces need not cost you a fortune.

Pearl Drop Earrings under $100

For example a pair of luxuriously crafted pearl drop earrings can be had for just over $90, and necklaces and bracelets for under $50. And yes, they are all genuine cultured pearls – freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian!

Heavenly Treasures Pearls

At the start of this article we promised to offer some suggestions on where to buy the cheapest possible pearl engagement rings, even some that are imitation, or mother of pearl, or button or mabe pearl. So we have scoured the world and come up with a piece from Heavenly Treasures.

Mabe Pearl Ring

The ring we feature is a 14k gold mabe pearl ring, which means the pearl is not a whole round one, but a blister pearl that has one side flat which allows it to sit flat against the ring’s shank instead of being elevated, or floating like many round pearl ring designs. This particular piece is simple, but very elegant as an alternative engagement ring with a large 14 mm mabe pearl for just $198.00.

Mabe Pearl Earrings & Pendant

The mabe ring can be delicately paired with a pearl pendant and matching mabe pearl earrings to have a complete bridal look.

These are real pearl rings and jewelry, not manmade imitations, so the prices are incredibly reasonable, not to mention they have some crazy wild designs using baroque pearls and diamonds for just under $350 that could be priced many times that from some exclusive designer house.

For example have a look at the fantastical creation with a long baguette style pearl wrapped with slender bands of shimmering diamonds in a 14k gold setting. If you want to have a pearl engagement ring with personality this is one piece to seriously consider. Matching earrings and bracelets will be no problem at all, since Heavenly Treasures also has some wild and wonderful pieces to compliment your bridal wear.

Pearl Costume Jewelry Engagement Rings by Emitations

If we still haven’t hit upon the perfect pearl engagement ring that fits your budget, then consider going for an imitation by Emitations.

Pearl Rings Under 100 dollars

Pearl rings under 100 dollars are possible, but the pearls will be of lesser quality, probably freshwater pearls like the beautiful one Emitations has designed in a vintage replica style with cubic zirconia accents set in sterling silver. This particular bargain costs only $65 and makes a gorgeous engagement ring, which perhaps at a later time, you can replace with a higher quality one. But for starters, it’s a great choice for anyone on a tight budget who loves a bit of sparkle and pearl.

Costume Pearl Jewelry Earrings & Bracelets

Finding the perfect complimentary pieces to go with your faux pearl ring is easy at Emitations. Choose from a selection of costume pearl jewelry earrings, bracelets and other items to accent you and your entire bridal party for under $100. If you’re looking for inexpensive elegance in faux pearl engagement rings, wedding rings and bridal jewelry, Emitations is the perfect place to get value and selection with many accessory items being priced at $20 – $30 or less, some with genuine cultured pearls.

Emitations Imitation Black Pearl Rings

Emitations also has a small selection of black pearl rings and jewelry items to match, if you need something genuinely unique as an engagement piece. For example they have a piece called Arabella’s, which is in fact an 8mm round black pearl ring, which uses a lesser quality greenish black pearl, set in a silver band for just under $30. This may not be a piece to keep in a bank vault as an investment, but it certainly will be a practical and fun ring to get from your honey if you have your heart set on a black pearl even if you have a very limited budget.

And pair your ring with a set of black pearl earrings and a black pearl bracelet for under $25. Your whole set, including your engagement ring could all be less than $100. Now how’s that for cheap pearl jewelry?

Still not cheap enough? Then continue reading….there’s more.

Really Cheap Pearl Engagement Rings by Bling

The very least expensive pearl designs that still look the part of an engagement ring are a few that are for sale at Bling Jewelry.

Real Peal Ring Under $35

We feature this one particular ring because it’s a 5 mm genuine freshwater pearl with cubic zirconia accents set in fine sterling silver and is as elegant a ring as you’ll ever want for under $35. This ring is available in sizes 6 through 8.

Just a little more expensive is the second Bling piece we feature for just under $60 that has a genuine button pearl as the central gem and delicate cubic zirconia encrusted starfish adding detail to either side. The great thing about this piece is that the button pearl is 10 mm, so it will never be a small pearl ring to be ashamed of even if it is your engagement ring. It is elegant yet unique and set in solid sterling silver, and the original design was inspired a designer piece that is similar. Bling makes some very masterful replicas of designer pearl rings so that everyone who wants pearl can have it!

South Sea Shell Accessories under $30

And matching earrings and bracelets are also no problem, because Bling has some unique pearl jewelry designs for under $30, and complete all inclusive sets for between $50 and $100 made from South Sea shell, not synthetic materials.

Some extra perks for shopping with Bling Jewelery is that all their cheap costume jewelry has a 30-Day Money back Guarantee. And it doesn’t matter where you live in the USA, they offer free shipping on any order of $50, and international shipping around the world for a flat fee of $25. All their jewelry also comes in little velvet jewelry bags, perfect for giving as a gift, or so you can store your pearl jewelry pieces protected in your jewelry boxes. Which brings us to the subject of how to care for your pearl rings.

Caring For and Cleaning Pearl Jewelry

It doesn’t matter if you have an investment quality South Sea or black Tahitian pearl engagement rings or $300 freshwater pearls, they still require a little attention to keep them looking like new.

Pearl Sensitivity

First of all you should know that pearls are sensitive to almost everything such as cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, hairspray, even soap and chlorinated swimming pool water. So it is advisable to put your cosmetics and perfumes on before wearing your rings or pearl jewelry.

Wearing Pearls in a Lady-like Manner

Pearls also scratch easily, even certain kinds of fabric, especially wool, can damage pearl nacre and reduce their shine, so take off your rings when working or before you dress and put them on after. Pearls are delicate items worn by ladies; there’s nothing wrong with being delicate and lady-like when wearing pearls, and they are certainly not the kind of jewelry you wear to wash dishes, clean house or tend the garden.

Cleaning Pearls

Cleaning pearls is less complicated than you might think. They come from water, therefore wiping them with a soft cloth and cool water is all that’s required. Don’t scrub them with a brush or use soaps or chemical laden detergents because that might harm the delicate layers of nacre. Just pure distilled water is the very best.

Pearl Jewelry Storage

Since pearls come from lakes and the sea, it is not hard to understand that they consist of between 2 to 4 % moisture, and so they naturally like humidity. If your house is very dry or heated with a furnace that dehydrates the air, we suggest you keep your pearls in dark colored cloth jewelry bags and then in jewelry boxes away from heating ducts or areas where dehydration may occur. It’s also good to keep your pearl rings out of direct sunlight or artificial lighting since pearl colors will fade in prolonged exposure to any kind of light.

Pearl Grading System:

Freshwater Pearls

Akoya Pearls

South Sea Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

Related posts:

1. Pearl Rings (Part I) – Pearls Before Rings
2. Freshwater Pearl Rings (Part IX)
3. White Gold Pearl Ring (Part XI)
4. Cultured Pearl Ring (Part VIII)
5. Black Pearl Rings (Part XVI)