Antique Basra Pendant and Strand

[Antique37]

I have an antique pendant which has Baroque Pearls and has a Pearl formation which shows a man in a boat. It has emeralds,ruby's and rose cut diamonds used in it. It has a white metal and yellow gold in it. The loop in the back is broken other wise the piece is in great condition.

Size and dimentions:
1) Pendant: 75mm X 35mm
2) Side pearl drops: A) 7.70mm x 6.70mm
B) 7.20mm x 6.60mm
3) Center Barouque Pearl: 14.60mm x 9mm
4) The beads in the strand are 2.60mm - 2.80mm for the bigger sise pearl and 1.30mm- 1.50mm for the smaller pearl size.
* All are approx. figures.
I would like to know what you think of this and what the value should be. An auction has given an estimate of 10 to 15K after seeing the photos but say if the pearls are basra it might fetch more. Kindly let me know what a good price should be.

 

[Caitlin]

That piece is certainly one of a kind! It looks like a museum piece to me. What else can you tell us about it?

 

[GemGeek]

Very interesting!!! And how would you prove that they are "basra" pearls? I doubt that it would really affect the value in an auction on this piece. The value is in its unusual use of the bubbly pearl and the beautiful treatment. Clearly, they are natural pearls. Is this a family heirloom? If you reach the right people, an auction can bring in amazing results.

 

[pattye]

What a wonderful piece.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

An interesting antique pendant.

The pearls present as near round with one large baroque and a medium teardrop and a conglomeration resembling a man rowing a boat. These are set among twelve amethyst shaded rubies, nine emeralds and various white/gray diamonds. The metal appears milled and formed, although some of the parts may have been cast.

It's difficult to determine the origin of antique pearls, because they could have travelled from anywhere. This piece is unique and appears to have been made by a folk artisan crafter and less likely from a production line. Provenance of creation, origin and ownership goes a long way to add value to items like these. Likewise, to expect five digits for an item merits certification by an accredited lab (pretty much by default).

The reality being, economic times are tough and as it stands, you might find some difficulty fetching what you've suggested unless you're able to dispell a few concerns. An auction house will take a substantial commission as well.

That said, this is a unique piece and I thank you for bringing it to us. Perhaps we may see more images?

 

[Daddys Little Pearl]

Fabulous piece! My experience is mostly in antique and vintage costume and fine jewelry, and the design on this piece is very similar to some fine Hungarian and Austrian pieces I have had or seen in the past. many done with real pearls and real precious gemstones, though often raw cuts. It also reminds me of some pieces created in the Middle Eastern area including India in her era of royal jewelry. Many of those pieces would have had the beautiful rose cut diamonds and almost all of them would include rubies, emeralds and pearls. Has anyone evaluated the gemstones? Or the gold. The use of 22K was especially prevalent in some of the pieces I have seen. I think you have a FABULOUS treasure. Can you provide some more photos? I think it is truly beautiful, I would be proud to own that in my collection for sure! ( everyone repeat three times Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Neighbors Pearls) Nope, does not work, still want it. More photos please?

Daddys Little Pearl

Antiques Jewelry & Sacred Treasures on RubyLane

 

[Johanna1]

This is a very unique item and it is the kind of thing I dream of owning. It looks very much like baroque item which would date to around the Elizabethan era circa 1550. Although I am not an expert. This is most certainly an item fit for a museum. But as stated above you would need to get it certified by the GIA or equivalent, to ensure that you get the best price.

 

[Antique37]

Thanks. The thing has been in the family for a long time. It was bought from a Parsi gentleman who came from Persia.

 

[Antique37]

Soory for replying so late> thanks to all for the feedback. I have not certified the item yet but to all the people I have shown have not asked for the certification as on inspection it is undoubtly natural pearls. I will surely put up some for photos from different angles.

 

[DerekJ]

Hi Antique37,

Natural pearls are a really hot item in Canada. I'd say the estimate is probably in the correct range, you can check the hammer prices in Dupuis last auction in November, although most of the natural pearls that appeared in that are more uniform in shape. At the Canadian auction houses, a GIA cert on the pearls can make a difference. Indeed they look like natural pearls but not all buyers will know that without a certificate. But I guess it depends on your target market.

Do you know the origin of the Emeralds? Are they Indian or Columbian?

 

[Caitlin]

That is a museum piece and if sold, should be by a top auction house who will know what it is and price it accordingly. If you go to an auction house, it would not need certifying.

 

[DerekJ]

I meant the certificate is more for the general public. Public loves certs, even if they are from questionable labs.