I would like to learn more about these pearls.

[yiyas44]

I bought these at a thrift store because I thought they were pretty. I love pearls and costume jewelry fits my budget. But these are different from the others that I own. Might they be real?

They came caked with a white substance which I assumed was soap. When I cleaned them off (with water) I found that the clasp was 14 kt. They do feel gritty when I rub two of the pearls together. I always heard about that "test" but having no real pearls I never experienced what that might feel like. These are obviously different from what I have.

The strand is 25 inches long with 73 pearls. The holes are drilled clean and appear flat with the exception of two that are damaged. I took closeup photos of each of these.

Are these real? What kind of pearls are they? What era might they be from? I appreciate any help you can give me.
[/ATTACH]

The pearls are roughly 8mm but there is quite some variation in size and shape so a few may be closer to 7mm. I weighed the entire strand on my postal scale and it weighs 54 grams. (my scale doesn't go to decimal points in grams.) Does this information help in determining what they are or when they were created?

 

[Caitlin]

They are likely cultured akoya pearls. That clasp is value added. A really lucky find!

 

[CowPrincess]

I want to go thrifting with YOU

 

[yiyas44]

Thank you! Now I need to read up on akoya pearls. I am finding out how very little I actually know about pearls, and it is fascinating.

 

[yiyas44]

I wish I could say this happens often.

 

[GemGeek]

Me too! That's a great catch.

 

[Amrita]

Wow that's a beautiful find! And I love the clasp. Congratulations!

 

[jshepherd]

Sheesh! Were they sold as (presumed) costume? That's a nice, extremely rare find.

 

[Amanda]

What is a thrift store?

 

[pattye]

They came caked with a white substance which I assumed was soap. When I cleaned them off (with water) I found that the clasp was 14 kt.

Fortunate find, lovely pearls! Someone certainly had a unique hiding place for their valuables!

 

[CowPrincess]

What is a thrift store?

Charity shop, used-goods shop. Places that re-sell (usually) castoff and donated items, at (usually) low prices.

(also where I purchase my vintage evening bags, and most of my clothing )

 

[yiyas44]

I paid two dollars because their prices are firm, no haggling.

 

[Caitlin]

Charity shop, used-goods shop. Places that re-sell (usually) castoff and donated items, at (usually) low prices.

(also where I purchase my vintage evening bags, and most of my clothing )

That is so 'me too'!

This necklace has got to take the prize for $2- pearls!!!!

 

[Amanda]

Ah! Charity Shop - with you now (-:

OP, nice find!

 

[CowPrincess]

yiyas44 way to go

 

[CowPrincess]

Caitlin, maybe we should start a thead in the "misc" forum about thrift shop jewelry (and other) finds.

 

[Caitlin]

You are welcome to do so. Not only great finds, but the ones that got away! Ebay is actually my new thrift store. I find it easy to get tops, jackets, esp. and some vintage purses. I got several vintage items for my girls right before xmas!

 

[Lulu]

$2 for that incredible strand?! I will admit I swing between hot and cold on vintage shopping and ebay. I'll hit something fantastic and then will have a series of misses and disappointments or just end up spending way too much time pawing through way too many piles that smell "interesting". But I've never come across a find as beautiful as that. Bravo! Almost inspires me to go trawling for treasures again....

 

[LouiseH]

Oo, what a bargain! That beats my latest find of a butter soft leather jacket for $15

 

[Adeline Leigh]

Deal of the century! Good on you.

Must tell self to persevere and dig through the bin buckets. I give up far too easily. Lol.