Yes, that is what I use too. BUT-- beware-- if you use Bronners' you really must use distilled water for the wash and the rinse, if you want to play it safe. Here is why:
Dr. Bronner's is an actual soap. Most liquid "soaps" (so called) /shower gels/ baby wash/ shampoos are actually detergents...
By all means wash and restring them. That will give you the chance to remove any pearls that do not match the rest in quality.
Wash them in a bowl with some distilled water (to avoid chlorine and hard water minerals) with a bit of mild soap swished in. Soak about 15 minutes, wiping grime off...
As to the wishbone-- can you take a couple of better photos? The presence of an M does not necessariy indicate Mikimoto. I see a number of wishbones with a pearl in images online (but have not come across one like that, yet.)
Ok, so--first let me tell you something about the first 2 necklaces...
The necklace with the clasp with Mikimoto M in shell is likely Mikimoto.
The other graduated akoya necklace seems to be an unbranded strand of akoya pearls from the same era. I have a strand with the same clasp.
Photo 6, necklace needing restringing, appear to be imitation pearls.
I can't see...
They are cultured freshwater pearls from China. The colors are natural. The shape, luster and size are great!
Is that 14K that I see on the clasp?
They are finished professionally, with gimp (French wire) to protect the thread where it meets the clasp.
All in all, a nice necklace!
They are definitely akoyas, take my word for it. That is what Mikimoto does best and what they are primarily known for.
Used (pre-owned) pearls unfortunately don't sell for a lot of money. But many people value the Mikimoto brand name and will pay more for their pearls than they might for an...
The clasp does appear to be Mikimoto and yes,they are akoyas.
Mikimoto's pearl jewelry comes in lower (but still good) grades and higher grades.
I dont know anything about the cufflinks. Do they have the "M in a shell" mark also?
Same shirt, "color shifting" pearls from the sale in August 2011. It was when Hurricane Irene hit CT. I was on my daughter's laptop in the lobby of my mothers CCRC-- we had lost power.
I need to wear these more often.
I don't wear these very often as most cream colored pearls don't look great on me, or go with the cool-toned clothes I tend to wear. Today I wore these to shop for groceries. They go well enough with this top.
This is a 6.2mm-9.0mm graduated akoya strand with a 14K white gold clasp with 3...