A few years ago, my husband gifted me a stunning pair of pearl earrings for our anniversary. Tucked inside a beautiful blue velvet box, these creamy pearls with gold posts quickly became my favorite accessory. I wear them often, but I can confidently say he didn’t buy them from a Facebook Live pearl party.
Yes, you heard it right—pearl parties are now a thing.
What is a Pearl Party?
For those unfamiliar with this trend, pearl parties feature a hostess, some oysters, and a very sharp knife. Typically attended by an audience of mostly women, these events are all about the thrill of revealing the mystery pearl hidden inside the oyster. Whether in person or streaming live on Facebook, the hostess will excitedly open each oyster, often accompanied by squeals of delight, declaring the discovery of rare pearls. Once revealed, these pearls can be transformed into various jewelry pieces.
A Brief History
The pearl party phenomenon can be traced back to 1987 when Lisa Johnson was vacationing in Hawaii. Captivated by the experience of opening oysters, she decided to create Pearl Wonders, a company that brought this excitement directly into people’s homes. Watching a slimy oyster produce a pearl is akin to a dramatic reveal, and it seems many women have jumped on board with this trend.
The Shift to Online Events
Originally, pearl parties were held in homes, but nowadays, most vendors opt for Facebook Live to showcase their finds, often while keeping the oysters in buckets around their living rooms. It’s truly a spectacle that’s gaining traction.
In my research for this article, I “attended” several live pearl parties, and let me tell you—they’re quite the show. One vendor serenaded the audience with Adele songs while she excitedly opened oysters for nearly two hours. The joy that erupted when someone discovered twin pearls was infectious, as attendees celebrated the potential for new earrings.
Proceed with Caution
However, ladies, let’s have a serious discussion. If you’re considering diving into this pearl party trend, I urge you to be cautious. If you’re expecting to buy high-quality pearls in the middle of the night from someone in a headband with Australian flags, you may want to reconsider.
Unfortunately, the reality is that the pearls being sold at these parties often lack authenticity. There are two main types of pearls: freshwater and saltwater, and naturally occurring pearls are extremely rare. Most pearls sold at these parties are freshwater pearls that can typically be bought for a fraction of the price. In fact, the pearl you just purchased for $78 may very well be a standard freshwater pearl worth around $3.50.
Freshwater pearls are cultivated in lakes and ponds, while saltwater pearls are created in oceanic environments. The pearls you find in these parties are often inserted into oysters just before being packaged for sale. And don’t get any ideas about enjoying the oyster meat; the oysters used for these parties aren’t meant to be eaten.
The Matching Pearl Dilemma
The real trick comes when you find a pearl you love and want a matching one for earrings. Attendees often spend significant amounts of money hoping to find a matching pearl. The hostess will whip everyone into a frenzy, cracking open oyster after oyster to try to satisfy their desires.
Moreover, the valuation tools used by pearl party companies are often questionable. According to pearl industry experts, the National Pearl Association, which these companies claim to use for valuation, does not even exist.
Final Thoughts
In the end, pearls aren’t necessarily expensive in traditional jewelry stores. That $450 you dropped during a Facebook Live event could easily buy you a beautiful necklace without the theatrics and suspense.
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In summary, while pearl parties may seem like an exciting way to acquire unique jewelry, it’s essential to approach them with caution and awareness of the potential for scams.
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