Conch Pearls: Shanghai Gems S.A. Explain the Factors that Impact their Price

July 1, 2019

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

The conch pearl is one of the rarest marine minerals that exists in nature. It is impossible to mistake its pinkish-white, sometimes yellow, brown or red surface colour with traditional pearls. The main aesthetic point of difference between conch pearls and all other species of pearls is that they are porcelanous or non-nacreous pearls, with different lustre than nacreous pearls are known for. The conch pearl is also found in a completely different shell to other pearls: the Strombus gigas known as the Gastropod mollusc – or also – the Queen Conch shell. I spoke about this natural treasure with Luciano Policicchio, managing director of Shanghai Gems S.A., a company which specialises in sourcing and selling exquisite conch pearls as well as many others natural pearls species.

Since establishing Shanghai Gems S.A. in 1989 in Geneva, the goal of the company has been to work closely with pearl farms. This way they cut out the middleman in order to acquire expert knowledge of rare pearls and their variations, as well as offering the best prices to their clients. After over 30 years of hard work, Shanghai Gems S.A. has achieved great success, and is now considered one of the market leaders for rare pearls. They can source the rarest and most valuable specimens of this particular maritime nonpareil, for example a perfect 15mm x17mm oval conch (22 carats) with this precious material’s distinctive ‘flames’ on the surface, or a 9,9mm x14,4mm (7.26 carats) teardrop-shaped pearl, whose colour transitions resemble the shell it comes from and of course, ‘flames’ on its surface.

Shanghai Gems conch pearls

Shanghai Gems conch pearls

Presumably, you have already deduced that this effect is innate to the conch pearl, and it creates the illusion of firework flashes on the pearl’s surface – which is what makes the conch especially valuable. “Nowadays, customers often look for ‘flames’ at the surface of the pearl. This effect appears due to a crosswise array of bundles of aragonite laths or fibres, and when light strikes, the length of the bundle is reflected, as light falling in the section of the bundle is absorbed,” explains Luciano. 

Shanghai Gems conch pearls

Shanghai Gems conch pearls

Colour in conch pearls is also very important. We find that pearls with strong pink, almost red colour are very much in demand as well as smooth pink with its lighter shades. Tastes differ so, for example, in Asia, people prefer deep red colours. – Luciano Policicchio

Shanghai Gems necklace and earrings with Cassis pearls and diamonds in yellow gold

Shanghai Gems necklace and earrings with Cassis pearls and diamonds in yellow gold

During the conversation with Luciano, I realised how much you need to know about this pearl in order to understand it — and to make the right purchase. As it turns out, in addition to the colour of the conch pearl and its ‘flames’, the shape of pearls can greatly affect the price. “If the shape of a pearl is regular oval, drop or round, price will be higher than for an irregular pearl. From my experience, I have noticed that most conch pearls are oval and the perfectly round is particularly rare.” Of course, as is the case with any valuable mineral, the cost of this particular pearl increases in correlation with its diameter – specimens over 3mm are a rarity.

Shanghai Gems necklace with conch pearls and diamonds designed by Mauro Felter for Shanghai Gems SA

Shanghai Gems necklace with conch pearls and diamonds designed by Mauro Felter for Shanghai Gems SA

“During the last 20 years, conch pearls have increased dramatically in value mostly because of their scarcity and overfishing of this mollusc. These days, it is much harder to source new gem-quality conch pearls: only one can be found in every 10,000 shells, and only 10% of what is discovered is of high quality. The Queen conch pearl will undoubtedly become even more and more exceptional with the rising prices,” says Luciano. Some more facts I discovered about the conch pearl from my conversation with the Managing Director of Shanghai Gems S.A. included that they are mined south of Florida, near the Bahamas and offshore in the Caribbean Sea at a depth of 30m.

Shanghai Gems conch pearl

Shanghai Gems conch pearl

A mature shell is around four years old, has a diameter between 25mm and 30mm, and weighs anywhere between 3kg to 5kg. However, the chances of a pearl surviving to such an age in a shell are as slim as 1 in 2 billion. In 1992, C.I.T.E.S. (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and the ‘Washington Convention’ decided to include these marine creatures in a list of endangered species, and the effect on the price of the conch pearl was that it increased dramatically!

Shanghai Gems necklace and earrings with Cassis pearls and diamonds in yellow gold

Shanghai Gems necklace and earrings with Cassis pearls and diamonds in yellow gold

 Shanghai Gems necklace and earrings with Cassis pearls and diamonds in yellow gold

Shanghai Gems necklace and earrings with Cassis pearls and diamonds in yellow gold

The last thing to say is that a high-quality conch pearl will always be accompanied by SSEF or GGTL certification. So remember to ask for your certificate when making your purchase.

Assael: Multihued Pearls and Gemstones are Inseparable in This 2020 Collection

continue reading

Jewellery Manifesto: Tracing Three Pivotal Decades with Pomellato Collezione 1967

With Collezione 1967, Pomellato is presenting its ‘Jewellery Manifesto’ through 75 pieces, each inspired by one of three revolutionary decades in its creative history: the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Let’s take a closer look at the Maison’s artistic signatures, reinvented for a new generation of high jewellery lovers… 

by Sarah Jordan

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.