Antique Freshwater Pendant

[hbyrne]

Hello Pearlers...I haven't been around much lately as life has been v busy, but I thought I'd share my latest find.

I don't know, but it looks to me as though it is a US freshwater pearl. The pearl itself is just under 3cm long and 1.5 wide, and the mount custom made and is gold (I haven't tested the carat yet) and rose-cut diamond, circa 1900. It looks just like a fairy wing!!

Helen

 

[MSC]

Lovely find! Definitely looks like an American freshwater to me The setting is so pretty too, it looks a bit like a drooping flower bud.

 

[pattye]

Helen,
That's a beauty! I agree with Andrea, likely American. Very, very nice find!

 

[BrendaPC]

Helen,

beautiful find! i love the organic design, reminds me a bit of an eggplant.. Love it.

 

[hbyrne]

Haha...eggplant it is!!! Thank you for your appreciation...I love the mauvey, greenly iridescence...it's good to know you agree its American. Does thar mean Mississippi? They're pretty rarely seen in jewellery in the UK.

 

[CathyKeshi]

Hbryne, that's LOVELY! It reminds me of a snowdrop in very early spring

 

[MSC]

It could mean Mississippi, but it could also mean any other river system in America that contains pearl bearing mussels. I think most people use Mississippi River Pearl as a general term to mean American Freshwater Pearl or American River Pearl. There is a commercial producer of cultured American River Pearls in Tennessee, but IMO the cultured pearls look very different from the naturals which were harvested a century ago. Besides the setting looks of the very early 1900s period to me!

 

[juliebeth]

oh that is so beautiful and elegantly set! great find!

 

[GemGeek]

What a treasure! Are you going to keep it?

 

[Bailey1856]

It's so unique. I love it.

 

[pkinnew]

Congratulations on your new treasure! I'm no expert so I can't help you there but it is a beautful pearl and the setting is perfect for it!

 

[funky_pearl]

what a beautiful pendant, i really like the little rose cut diamonds in the setting!

 

[hbyrne]

Thanks pearlies!! I thought it looked like a nice quality pearl...I've seen so few American FW in person, so to speak, to compare it to, but I'm definitely keeping this one. Its on a super-long chain, which makes it hang midriff...very Edwardian

 

[newberry]

Love the pearl and the setting. Great find, lucky you, enjoy