How do you determine the wealth of a pearl?

Pearls are not legal entities to which our society allocates wealth.

The value of a pearl has two forms, monetary and sentimental. Monetary value is determined at point of exchange, based on market supply and demand for pearl products of various types. The best way to determine market value is to take your pearl to a number of jewelers who routinely determine the value of pearls, and who will likely make you an offer. Sentiment has no monetary value, is often highly prized by the owner, and will in almost all cases inflate the sellers expectations of monetary value at the point of exchange.

Qualities of pearls that add value in a monetary transaction are size, shape, quality of surface, orient and luster, and the origin of the pearl. Natural pearls are more highly valued and are differentiated from cultured pearls by examining growth rings using gemological xray.