FWP or SSP?

[Jeangrey1]

Hi again!

I was given 2 pairs of pearl earrings one pair 16mm and the other pair nearly 17mm converted to one ring and 1 extra stud. Your thoughts please? I am attaching a photo with the gray 11mm strand pearls that was identified earlier. Thank you so much in advance!!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It is not as easy to tell the difference between SSP and bead-nucleated FWP as it used to be, especially based solely on photos.

What is the metal marked? SSP would not tend to be set into silver.

 

[Jeangrey1]

It is not as easy to tell the difference between SSP and bead-nucleated FWP as it used to be, especially based solely on photos.

What is the metal marked? SSP would not tend to be set into silver.

The earrings on the left were set in14kt gold. The extra earring and ring is on silver afaik. I will tey to attach more photos.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The studs set in gold may be SSP, then. They have a bit more of a satin luster (typical of SSP.)

They are also a bit button shaped, I notice. Button shapes are great for large pearl earrings-- they droop less than round pearls. And button shapes cost less than rounds.

 

[Jeangrey1]

Hi Pearl Dreams!

These are the close up photos of the 17mm pearls .

 

[Jeangrey1]

And these are the photos of the 16mm pearl earrings set in 14kt gold : I hope the photos will help!

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thanks for the photos. I am leaning toward the 17mm ring and single stud being FWP and the 16mm studs set in 14K gold being SSP. The nacre of the 16mm pair looks smoother, the luster more satin-like.
But I cannot be sure.

 

[BWeaves]

The earring backs are quite popular in Asia for large pearl earrings, as they help keep the pearl from drooping. I wish those earring backs were available in the USA. I think the earrings are SS pearls, but I can't tell on the other two pearls.