Are my pearls genuine? (photo)

[MaryFaith]

I have just returned from holiday in Sydney where I have bought several supposedly South Sea pearl necklaces. I bought one to start and took it to a gemologist who confirmed that they are genuine. So I went back and bought several more I will value a second opinion on their authenticity please. Thank you

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Hi MaryFaith, and welcome to Pearl-Guide.

Your pearls are not South Sea pearls. They are genuine cultured Chinese freshwater pearls.

Some have natural colors-- the 1st, 4th, 6th, 7th and the white pearls in the 9th necklace are naturally colored. The rest are dyed.

While they are fun and colorful, none of these is a valuable strand. I hope you didn't pay too much for them.

There are a lot of unscrupulous sellers who palm off freshwater pearls to unsuspecting buyers as saltwater (south sea, akoya, golden south sea and Tahitian.)

 

[jshepherd]

Pearl Dreams is right. Unfortunately none of them are South Sea. They are Chinese freshwater.

One small correction though, it looks like 6 and 7 is actually just 6. There appear to be only eight strands and the last (the 8th) is a combination of white and dyed pearls.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Right you are, Jeremy...that is one long strand.

 

[MaryFaith]

Thank you 'Pearl Dreams' for your reply. I supposed they were 'South Sea' pearls (not told) as I didn't know one pearl from another!! After spending over an hour on this great site - I do now No - I didn't spend a fortune on them! I am happy that they are in fact genuine pearls (of whatever quality) as I had my doubts - they say if something is too good to be true, then it usually is! Thanks again

 

[BWeaves]

Whew! I'm glad that you were not sold these as South Sea pearls. None of us like to see a consumer lied to. They are real cultured freshwater pearls (as opposed to glass or plastic fakes), so enjoy wearing them!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Yes, wear and enjoy them!

One advantage of freshwater pearls like these is that you can wear and wear them without fear of eventually wearing through the nacre to the bead, since there is no bead.