Has anyone got an idea about what these are?

[RidleyRumpus]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea as to wht theses are, thanks.

 

[KAC]

those would be cultured chinese freshwater pearls.

 

[pearlescence]

Yup. Chinese freshwaters..sometimes called screw pearls because the rings look like screw threading. They were the only big pearls available a few years ago but now would not be worth much at all, although some still like them for their eccentric variety and non-symmetry.

 

[pattye]

Also called "ringed pearls" with "rings of love"

 

[pearlescence]

You poet Pattye!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

As a point of interest, these pearls, though inexpensive, are nacre all the way through. The mussels were implanted with a bit of mantle tissue only (rather than a round bead).
This makes them very durable, highly suited for daily wear.