family pearls

[Billow]

New member here...I have a string of old pearls that I believe have been restrung. 60 pearls, 7mm average size on a nylon string. Do these look like a set that I should have professionally appraised?


I also have a bracelet that looks like costume jewelry, but I am confused as to the stringing--with a knot between each pearl, that leads me to wonder if perhaps they are real? All opinions appreciated!

 

[pattye]

Welcome, Billow,

Your photos are good, and you've answered some of our questions, but please help us out with some additional answers:

1. Do the pearls feel slightly gritty or smooth when rubbed gently against your tooth or against another pearl?
If they are gritty, they are likely to be real nacre (genuine pearls.) If they feel smooth, they are likely imitation pearls.

2. Please provide clear, in-focus photos without flash against a white background (a paper towel works nicely.)
Include close-ups of the clasp (front and back) and a few of the pearls. If there are flaws, include a photo of those. Also the box they came in, and tags if you have them.

3. Any history you can give us about the pearls. Where/when you or your relative got them, any documentation you have (receipts, appraisals), their price range if you know it, etc.

4. Describe any marks on the clasp. These may be numbers (14K, 585, 750, 925 etc.) or brand names or even pictures.

5. Measure the pearls, with a millimeter ruler if possible. If they are graduated, measure the largest and smallest pearls.

Thank you!

That said, the white strand looks more like imitation pearls or mother of pearl bead?; what are the results of the question #1? What sort of a clasp does it have?

Good quality imitation pearls are often individually knotted. So the dark strand may be imitation as well.

Looking forward to more information about your jewelry.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

My first thought was that the white beads are mother of pearl. Those white patches-- are they iridescent or look like cat's eye? That is typical of MOP beads.

As to the black bracelet, do try rubbing one pearl against another to check for grittiness. But they are so uniform that they look fake to me. I have a number of fake strands that are knotted, even cheap ones.

 

[Billow]

Not knowing anything about pearls--other than being able to tell fresh-water pearls---I've never heard of mother of pearl beads before. After looking at them closely, I do think you must be right! And I originally thought the black ones were fake, but wanted you all's expert opinion on them as well. The white ones feel 'gritty' but the black ones are smooth. I'll post another attempt of a clearer photo. I've no information on these other than they were brought to a family gathering in the deceased member's jewelry box and we were all told to pick something.
Thanks so much for your opinions!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

There's no question they are MOP after seeing the additional photos.

Some MOP beads are bleached, but I prefer the ones like yours which are the natural color.

 

[Billow]

Thanks so much for the identification! Is there a special way to care for them? They appear to be chipping....

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Mine aren't all a perfect shape, either. I'm not so sure they chipped-- they may just have been carved from irregularly shaped material.

I you restring them, put a knot between them. Treat them with the same care you would do for nacreous pearls. They ought to be okay.