Antique Brooch With Odd "Pearls?"

[Kimberly22]

Hi Group,

This little piece came with a grouping. Are those white things pearls? They look like bad teeth! The clasp is marked 14k and it's evident that it's old. Thank you for any thoughts.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They look to me like natural freshwater river pearls.

 

[CathyKeshi]

Oh, that's lovely! I agree, they look like natural FW river pearls, maybe US, especially with the turquoise center.

 

[Katbran]

Yes - the Turquoise swayed me as well Cathy. Unless the stone was changed out at some point that would be my thought.

 

[BWeaves]

My first thought was that they were natural freshwater pearls from the USA. Very popular in Art Nouveau jewelry back in the day.

 

[lilliefuzzysocks]

Wow! You found another winner? Love this Kimberbly22

 

[Kimberly22]

Thank you all for the feedback.

 

[Kimberly22]

Wow! You found another winner? Love this Kimberbly22

I'm just wondering how many of these similar "winners" I may have overlooked over the years.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I doubt the stone was swapped. The turquoise is somewhat irregular and requires a bezel made for it. Opening a bezel to remove a stone usually requires rebuilding the bezel, as well.

The swirls look to be die struck.

 

[Simply adorned]

Kimberley22, you do find interesting pieces

 

[pattye]

Fascinating! My first thought, natural American River Pearls. Cool with the turquoise!

 

[GemGeek]

Natural pearls! Their charm may have to grow on you. Great piece.

 

[parfaitelumiere]

American river freshwater pearl, most of them had this shape, and used for jewelry, I have about a hundred of them.

 

[Kimberly22]

Hmmm. A lot of pieces I acquire are difficult to let go, but this one not so much.

 

[CathyKeshi]

I would have NO problem acquiring that piece lol But I can see it could be something that would not appeal to all