Help Indentifying Pearls

[Cory1234]

I believe they are akoya saltwater pearls with a 14k gold clasp, but I'm not 100% positive. Any information based off these pictures would be great. The photos were taken in a low light environment, and turning on flash blurred out the pictures.

http://i41.tinypic.com/nq3e61.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/do8mko.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/10ihumu.jpg

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Do you have a 10x loupe (magnifier?) It would be good for you to be able to see if the surface is very smooth (nacre) or a bit rougher looking (man-made). It might help to compare the surface with a strand that you know to be cultured or imitation. With magnification you would also be able to see if the clasp states that it is gold.

I want to say they look man made due to the very consistent tones, surface and color, but there seems to be a bit of size graduation and I would not have expected that in an inexpensive strand of manmade pearls. Can you photograph them in natural light?

 

[Cory1234]

Do you have a 10x loupe (magnifier?) It would be good for you to be able to see if the surface is very smooth (nacre) or a bit rougher looking (man-made). It might help to compare the surface with a strand that you know to be cultured or imitation. With magnification you would also be able to see if the clasp states that it is gold.

I want to say they look man made due to the very consistent tones, surface and color, but there seems to be a bit of size graduation and I would not have expected that in an inexpensive strand of manmade pearls. Can you photograph them in natural light?

I'll take some more pictures later today. I've already taken them to a couple jewelers asking about their appraisers and qualifications. The first place I went to was pretty high end; the jeweler took the pearls in the back for examination and they said the pearls were real. They are stamped 14k on the clasp.

 

[CortezPearls]

They look like Akoya to me.

 

[pattye]

Hi Cory,

Welcome! What is the length of the strand? And about what size are the pearls? You can rub 2 pearls lightly together and feel a slight grittiness through your fingers if they are genuine pearls; I prefer this over the "tooth test."

They look like excellent quality well matched, cultured Akoya to me. Also please give approximate size-most rulers have mm-just lay the strand over and give us an idea.

Do you know when and where the pearls were purchased?

 

[Cory1234]

Hi Cory,

Welcome! What is the length of the strand? And about what size are the pearls? You can rub 2 pearls lightly together and feel a slight grittiness through your fingers if they are genuine pearls; I prefer this over the "tooth test."

They look like excellent quality well matched, cultured Akoya to me. Also please give approximate size-most rulers have mm-just lay the strand over and give us an idea.

Do you know when and where the pearls were purchased?

I just rubbed them together and did the tooth test; definitely gritty. My fiancee had a fake pair before as well, and there is a huge difference. I'm positive they are real because I've taken them to some jewelry stores.

I bought them on eBay (seller had 100% positive feedback and Chinese akoya labeled) and the length is 18" and the size I was told was 7.5-7.0mm, can't find a ruler right now. From what I've read so far, it's impossible to tell the difference between Japanese and Chinese akoyas?

Is it worth it to get these pearls appraised?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Well there you go-- you had them looked at by several jewelers, the clasp is stamped, they are gritty and well matched. Looks like you have a winner!

 

[Cory1234]

Well there you go-- you had them looked at by several jewelers, the clasp is stamped, they are gritty and well matched. Looks like you have a winner!

Thank you . I joined this site to get some expert opinions, as well as to learn more about pearls in general. I appreciate everyone's opinion.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The important thing is that you like them! Stick around, you will learn a lot here.

More photos would be nice; I'm sure we will all enjoy them-- try diffuse indirect natural light (I like to photograph indoors near an open door). Different lighting (diffuse vs. single source; natural vs. artificial) shows luster and overtones differently too. Pearls are notoriously hard to photograph.

 

[Alex]

Tell me about the photographing...... soooo difficult

but at first glance - maybe Akoyas by the luster.......maybe Chinese by the size........

hope you enjoy them

 

[Cory1234]

Tell me about the photographing...... soooo difficult

but at first glance - maybe Akoyas.......maybe Chinese by the size........

hope you enjoy them

Missed out on taking more pictures in sunlight today, but I definitely will tomorrow. Had them appraised today. 7mm average. Triple AAA akoya. He said they were flawless.

 

[Cory1234]

Additional pictures: I had a really hard time with them. It's really hard to get the pictures to show what they look like in person, and they look better in your hands than on a screen ;p.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2zya1oh.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/rs4qyh.jpg

The back of the case makes pearls near the clasp appear smaller, but in person they look very close as you can see in the top down picture on my original post.

 

[pattye]

Cory,

Glad you got such good news about these beautiful pearls! Appreciate the great photos, too.