167 Natural Pearls

[Canterbury7]

I am a novice and inherited a pearl necklace from relatives of Austrian and German heritage. A 2006 GIA report I had done says they are natural pearls. I am interested in anything you experts might be able to tell me here in Colorado about their origin, quality, characteristics, and value. Thank you!

Attachments are four pix including GIA report.

 

[GemGeek]

Well now, that is a beautiful little necklace. The pearls are very round, but extremely dainty. Smaller pearls are less valuable. If you are looking for value, you should contact an auction house, like Bonhams, which deals in items like these. Outside of that, it can be hard to say exactly what they are worth.

You would need an appraisal to insure them, but an appraisal deals in what it would cost to replace them. In an actual sale, the price may be much lower that you might expect. It's best to wear them if you can, or pass them on to a loved one who knows what they are and appreciates their beauty.

Absolutely lovely!

 

[BWeaves]

I'm confused by the GIA report. They don't specify what the metal is or what the rose cut stones are. Am I wrong to expect a bit more detail from GIA? That is why the necklace was sent there, right? I would have expected a bit of X-ray and maybe a discussion of where the pearls might be from, or whether they are salt water or fresh? And have them test the metal and the stones. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have written that GIA report from looking at the photo of the pearls.

Oh, and it's a lovely petite necklace with beautiful well matched natural pearls. Enjoy it with the knowledge you have real natural pearls.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

You have a strand of pearls which appears to originate from the Persian Gulf. Atlantic Pearl Oysters (Pinctada radiata).

Graduated sizes are more common because identical sizing would require a much larger pool for selection.

Likewise, these pearls are graded for shape color and luster.

Very often older strands would need restringing and a good wash, this appears in good condition and clean.

As Blaire (GemGeek) suggested, we are reluctant to appraise value, but suffice it to say this strand has value. At a distant glance, I'd suggest medium value because the pearls are extraordinary for the size grade, but small compared to other premium strands.

It's a very nice strand. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

I'm confused by the GIA report. They don't specify what the metal is or what the rose cut stones are. Am I wrong to expect a bit more detail from GIA? That is why the necklace was sent there, right? I would have expected a bit of X-ray and maybe a discussion of where the pearls might be from, or whether they are salt water or fresh? And have them test the metal and the stones. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have written that GIA report from looking at the photo of the pearls.

My thoughts too in some ways. Although information is missing from the report, it does have a file number and bar code for reference. It may be suggested to revisit the lab for confirmation. The cost would be negligible compared to value of the strand itself.

 

[GemGeek]

The report is only to render an opinion on the nature of the pearls - cultured or natural. You can also get a report that rates the quality factors on pearls and whether they show signs of treatment.

GIA does not do appraisals, so they do not evaluate the jewelry. They focus on the gemstones that are getting the report.

 

[Canterbury7]

Thank you all for your help and insights. And yes, Gem Geek, you have reminded me of the nature of the GIA report. At that time (2006), I was advised simply to determine if the pearls were natural or cultured by a jewelry dealer. That is what I requested and received about the gemstones.

 

[GemGeek]

They really are lovely natural pearls, high quality and in good condition and valuable - just quite small.

What do you want to do with them?

 

[CathyKeshi]

Canterbury7, thank you for sharing your necklace with us; very very lovely pearls!

 

[pattye]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful necklace. Truly a special piece, and beautifully matched pearls. Some women prefer exquisite tiny pearls. Do you wear this or are you planning to sell it?

 

[MSC]

what a beautiful necklace, thank you for sharing. I'm with Pattye in the small but exquisite preference, and these really fit that bill!