Are these real pearls?

[SharonM]

My father bought this over 50 years ago in Korea. I think it's real silver but the writing is so small I can't read what it says on the back of the pin. The pearls are not perfectly round or similar sizes.

 

[SharonM]

These micro photos look a lot better.

 

[jshepherd]

They definitely appear to be real pearls. You should try to use a magnifier or a loupe to see the etching.

 

[SharonM]

I took 2 more photos using the macro on my camera. Not sure what I'm looking for when you refer to etching.

 

[SharonM]

I was also able to read the back of the pin with a magnifying glass. SILVER is etched on the back of the pin.

 

[Caitlin]

That is a lovely piece. The pearls are charming!

 

[SharonM]

Thanks, Caitlin. Do they look real? Do you know how much something like this would be worth?

 

[Caitlin]

I think they look real. No manufacturer can duplicate those rings and off round shapes! Here is an eBay search for brooch pearl grape cluster. Faux seems around $20. Silver can go up to 100-250 range. Nothing is quite like yours, though.

 

[SharonM]

Thanks so much!

 

[Caitlin]

I took "brooch" off the search and got 141 results! Try it again.

 

[SharonM]

Wow, yes. I think I'm going to start the listing on eBay at $99

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Here are a few completed listings not very unlike yours:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...n1Qt2E%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_2798wt_1398

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...n1Qt2E%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_2087wt_1385

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...n1Qt2E%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_2089wt_1426

Brooches listed as Mikimoto sell quite a bit higher than those that are unsigned.

 

[LouiseH]

The pin is really pretty! Before you list it at $99, you might try clicking the button on the left hand column for "completed listings only." Then look for ones that actually sold. Sold prices show in green.

There are tons of vintage jewelry items on eBay at high prices, but they don't sell. Might be better to start with a lower price and let the buyers bid up to its real market value.

 

[Katbran]

Wow, that listing 1398 looks almost exactly the same! Well done!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Start the auction for the least amount you would be happy to get for the brooch-- no lower, as you may only get one bid.

You can always reduce the price when relisting, if it doesn't sell.

 

[pattye]

Sharon,

Don't forget shipping and ebay fees + paypal fees (if you use it) come to almost 15-20%. Sure is a lovely brooch. You take good photos, a big plus when selling on ebay. Good luck!

 

[SharonM]

Thank you for all the information! One thing I noticed about the other listings is that the pearls all seem to be equal in size and mostly round, whereas the pearls on my piece are irregular in shape and size.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thank you for all the information! One thing I noticed about the other listings is that the pearls all seem to be equal in size and mostly round, whereas the pearls on my piece are irregular in shape and size.

They're baroque; I think that would lower the value a bit.

 

[SharonM]

Which ones are baroque? Mine or the others?