Are these south sea pearls?

[Polforos]

Hello! I am new in the pearl world, having one pearl necklace (freshwater of the nice quality) previously. Now I am looking for south sea, and occasionally stumbled upon this necklace. It looks like saltwater by shape of the semi baroque pearls, but is it a south sea and is it dyed? Thank you for your answers in advance

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They could be SSP, based on shapes and size range. But the way they are attached to the clasp is a bit lower end , as is the clasp.
Can you post photos of the entire necklace?
Is the price in the expected range or SSP or for FWP?

What else does the seller list? If you tell us the seller I'll have a look.

 

[Polforos]

They could be SSP, based on shapes. But the way they are attached to the clasp is lower end, as is the clasp.
Can you post photos of the entire necklace?
Is the price in the expected range or SSP or for FWP?

What else does the seller list? If you tell us the seller I'll have a look.

That is the point I am asking in the first place! Seller doesn't specialise on pearls and mostly on vintage findings of other kind. This necklace supposed to be random finding amidst the bundle. Seller didn't bother himself too much to evaluate them, placing an auction with the price lower than the strand of semi baroque SSP, but much more than FWP would cost even without an auction. I do appreciate this necklace very much, especially taking into account that it is my preferred 20 inches length, but I trapped between my affinity towards the piece and risk to buy FWP for way much money than they cost!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They look like SSP to me. There are very minor color differences so I don't think they are dyed.
Are they returnable, in case you don't like them in person?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I edited my previous post to ask if they are returnable in case you don't like them in person.
I say that because golden SSP can be more or less flattering on one's skin tone, depending on their color.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The writing on their box seems to be Gem Shopping Network. So based on that they probably are SSP of a quality range that one would expect from such a venue.

 

[Polforos]

I edited my previous post to ask if they are returnable in case you don't like them in person.
I say that because golden SSP can be more or less flattering on one's skin tone, depending on their color.

They aren't, but I guess I am fine with it, thank you for consideration! My skin is pale ivory neutral colour (thanks to office dwelling), so I almost never have an issue of things too warm/too pinkish for me. If not, I assume, I can regift it to my family member whose B-day close!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

With SSP I avoid GSS that are too greenish! But those look more or less neutral, although they may not be as golden as they appear. The lining of the box seems unnaturally warm colored and may have been affected by the lighting where the photo was taken.
Adjusting one photo to be less warm, this is what I got.

Still like them?

 

[CortezPearls]

It does look like a South Sea pearl necklace...but can't be 100% sure just by looking at the photos. What strikes me odd: a silver clasp on a SSP necklace.

 

[Polforos]

With SSP I avoid GSS that are too greenish! But those look more or less neutral, although they may not be as golden as they appear. The lining of the box seems unnaturally warm colored and may have been affected by the lighting where the photo was taken.
Adjusting one photo to be less warm, this is what I got.

Still like them?

View attachment 473142

Honestly, after I've asked 5+ sellers if they can share with me a real photo of the necklace in daylight (not the studio one) and they appeared more than 50% dull in color and dim in luster, I would be really glad if these are nearly what you suppose they are! But I tend to believe in this lot and, understanding the risks, still want to try! In the worst scenario I can open some dispute on platform I found them and hope for the best!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

IMO a dispute based on color would probably not be successful because generally it's understood that colors can vary based on one's monitor and it does not seem like deliberate fraud. Also because the tag says SSP I don't think you could very well dispute the type of pearl.

I think the sterling silver clasp tracks with a shopping network piece of jewelry (lower value clasp keeps the overall cost down.)

If you like it despite the possibility that it is a lighter gold color than it appears (lighter golden colored SSP being less valuable than deeper gold colored), and if you don't mind the white metal clasp (which is on the back of your neck anyway, so not a big deal), I'd go for it.
But my advice is to bid with the potential lower value in mind so you don't overpay.

 

[Polforos]

IMO a dispute based on color would probably not be successful because generally it's understood that colors can vary based on one's monitor and it does not seem like deliberate fraud. Also because the tag says SSP I don't think you could very well dispute the type of pearl.

I think the sterling silver clasp tracks with a shopping network piece of jewelry (lower value clasp keeps the overall cost down.)

If you like it despite the possibility that it is a lighter gold color than it appears (lighter golden colored SSP being less valuable than deeper gold colored), and if you don't mind the white metal clasp (which is on the back of your neck anyway, so not a big deal), I'd go for it.
But my advice is to bid with the potential lower value in mind so you don't overpay.

Took all the notes, I'll go with the wise approach, thank you very much! It is the case where my personal preferences have nothing against the lighter gold. I realise a lot of people go with deep gold 24k color just because it is the most valuable option, I just not really into black pearls, and I already have one white FWP necklace, so golden hues of all colours can bring both something to my style and a little joy for gem lover!
For my second pearls I'd better go with the natural color even though not entirely round and luxury piece, than more of "a classic flawless look" dyed freshwater or blatant fake ones.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I like your approach.

A thought occurred to me: if you look at his other listings you may be able to tell if he generally photographs in a location in his home with warm lighting. If so, then they are probably a lighter gold color (which you don't mind, but it's good to know.)

I have to add they have cute shapes! I like the fat drop shape (my GSS necklace is fat drops.)
You can always restring later, if you prefer yellow metal to go with the gold colored pearls. But those bean type clasps (the one currently on the necklace) are great-- they are easy to operate.

 

[Polforos]

I like your approach.

A thought occurred to me: if you look at his other listings you may be able to tell if he generally photographs in a location in his home with warm lighting. If so, then they are probably a lighter gold color (which you don't mind, but it's good to know.)

I have to add they have cute shapes! I like the fat drop shape (my GSS necklace is fat drops.)
You can always restring later, if you prefer yellow metal to go with the gold colored pearls. But those bean type clasps (the one currently on the necklace) are great-- they are easy to operate.

Yeah, he likes to photo everything at his home with warm light, but it is doubtfully done on purpose, since a lot of his pieces has blue color and it supposed to look worse with yellow light by all laws. Yet, I can't imagine these to arrive completely paly gold near the yellowish silver either. This lot appears a great mystery by all meanings, hah!
And yes, the shape of this one quite stands out, most of the deals I saw while looking was either imperfect spheres, or completely abstract circled barrels. Lucky you to have such a unique piece on your own, congrats!
As far as I know average lifetime for a silk thread is nearly year or two with a daily use, so if I win the auction and would be completely happy with the necklace I chose, I see no problem to buy a golden clap! In any case, speaking of SSP golden clasp is the lesser problem. Should look for how to restring pearls though!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I wrote a tutorial for how to restring pearls! I do all my necklaces myself; many of us do.
Here it is:

Thread 'Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro'

Dec 2, 2012

How to string (or restring) your pearls on doubled Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret, and Power Pro​

This is not hard-- really! It is harder to describe it than to do it. Anyone can learn to string their own pearls!
If after reading through this, it sounds too daunting, I suggest making a mini-strand for practice first. Make one 12-15 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or...

• Pearl Dreams
• Replies: 379
• Forum: The Lowly Beaders' Club

• 

My issue with clasps is that my necklaces (even chains) tend to work their way around my neck after a little while so that the clasp is on the right side of my neck, fully visible. If I don't adjust the necklace, eventually the clasp comes all the way around to the front center!
I'm right handed, so maybe that is why they always rotate in the same direction.

 

[Polforos]

I wrote a tutorial for how to restring pearls! I do all my necklaces myself; many of us do.
Here it is:

Thread 'Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro'

Dec 2, 2012

How to string (or restring) your pearls on doubled Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret, and Power Pro​

This is not hard-- really! It is harder to describe it than to do it. Anyone can learn to string their own pearls!
If after reading through this, it sounds too daunting, I suggest making a mini-strand for practice first. Make one 12-15 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or...

• Pearl Dreams
• Replies: 379
• Forum: The Lowly Beaders' Club

• 

My issue with clasps is that my necklaces (even chains) tend to work their way around my neck after a little while so that the clasp is on the right side of my neck, fully visible. If I don't adjust the necklace, eventually the clasp comes all the way around to the front center!
I'm right handed, so maybe that is why they always rotate in the same direction.

Oh, that might be very helpful soon! I had experience with DIY, but not with pearls, with lapis, actually.
I know people sometimes wear necklaces with a clasp on the front side just for aesthetics if the clasp is a masterpiece by itself. But in any other occasion it can be really inconvenient. Strangely, but I don't have this with my FWP necklace, but it has 12mm pearls with lightweight fish clasp, so maybe they are heavier than the clasp and pull the entire construct downward, who knows
It is a way different story with my lapis necklace though, it has 16mm beads and it is literally 300g weight, so poor clasp can't handle it if I move too rapid/sharply. So, with the lack of any possible clasp which can survive this, I chose to wear the clasp on the side, so it basically bears only half of the weight. None of the problems with that, I made the clasp to match the entire piece!
Btw, if I may share my treasures

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Nice!
For your heavier necklaces, you might have a look into interlocking oval clasps and locking carabiner clasps. They come at lower end and higher end price points and larger and smaller sizes. I'll hunt up a few links for examples.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Oval interlocking clasps:
lower end (silver and vermeil): https://www.bellafindings.com/jewelscart2000/store/jewelscart2000_searchItem.asp
edit: oops, you still have to enter the search term: "oval interlock clasp"
higher end (gold): https://www.gempacked.com/product-variants/Interlocking-Oval-Spring-Clasp-Set-1235

Carabiners:
High end: https://marlaaaron.com/collections/locks
Lower end: many-- just google locking (or screw lock) carabiner clasp

 

[Polforos]

Oval interlocking clasps:
lower end (silver and vermeil): https://www.bellafindings.com/jewelscart2000/store/jewelscart2000_searchItem.asp
edit: oops, you still have to enter the search term: "oval interlock clasp"
higher end (gold): https://www.gempacked.com/product-variants/Interlocking-Oval-Spring-Clasp-Set-1235

Carabiners:
High end: https://marlaaaron.com/collections/locks
Lower end: many-- just google locking (or screw lock) carabiner clasp

Oh yes, these are looking much reliable! It seems you save my day twice today
The more I think about restringing, the more I understand it is slightly more far of the simple maintenance, more like personalisation and pleasant handcraft, when you can change pearls in between of their places, choose clasp which is both handy and suits the concept!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Yes! I often rearrange pearl necklaces from the way they were originally strung, even replacing pearls that I don't like as much.
Sometimes a pearl that is closer to the front is less attractive so I move it back.

This is the pearl that struck me immediately, which I would move back a bit so it wasn't so close to the center front where it is noticable: