are these melo - i hope

[bitterbarb]

how to tell if they are genuine
belonged to my mother--purchased in early 70's

 

[jshepherd]

They are some sort of bead, but not Melo, unfortunately.

 

[CLICLASP]

IMO can be either amber or bakelite-like, because of the color and the closure so typical of these material, for sure not melo melo.
I rather think amber imitation/bakelite or galalithe because the beads are too regular in color,

Sorry

 

[pattye]

Don't think they are genuine amber, not translucent enough. Very cool beads, though, Pantone color of the year is "tangerine tango"! Love the bold graduated style!!

Welcome to Pearl-Guide!

 

[Caitlin]

I have seen clasps like that before. From the color, I think it is original bakelite- very valuable/collectable in itself.

 

[Unusual Pearls]

That would be one extremely valuable necklace if it were melo pearls.

Such is the allure of melo pearls, I have often dreamed of taking a few weeks and chartering a fishing boat and go up and down Ha Long Bay Vietnam looking for just 1 melo pearl! I afraid that my adventure would turn into either Apocalypse Now or Rambo 4...

 

[bitterbarb]

closeup of center bead

closeup of center bead

thank you for the responses--hope this picture shows it's not bakelite

 

[jshepherd]

I don't think the photo came through ...

 

[bitterbarb]

retry on picture

retry on picture

hope this works

 

[jshepherd]

It definitely isn't any sort of pearl, but I have no idea what it might be. Here is a good photo of a melo pearl.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisdotson/4394074081/in/photostream/

 

[GemGeek]

I was thinking Bakelite, but it could be celluloid. That is definitely not a naturally occuring stone or pearl, whatever it is. Love the color.

 

[DerekJ]

The picture confirms its a plastic. Most likely bakelite. Unfortunately the bakelite craze is over, but it is still worth more than regular plastic.

 

[bitterbarb]

thank you for the responses