I would Like Your Comments on this Strand

[Diane]

This forum is such a wealth of information! I have spent several evenings recently just reading through various threads and have already learned so much!

A thread I read recently was looking at pearls on auction, which made me wonder what was available in my city (Toronto).

Here is a link to a natural double strand necklace, approximately 22 inches.

http://dupuis.ca/Item.jsp?q=pearls&search=true&auctionid=70&page=0&Item_Id=22480#report

I have tried to post the photo, but the forum website will not let me.


It has a GIA certificate which states that they are predominantly natural pearls, with one cultured pearl identified.

Questions:

why are the descriptions of luster, surface and matching marked "N/A"?

Why, if natural pearls are so relatively scarce, is this strand valued so low?

I looked at the magnified view, and to my highly untrained eye, based on what I know and what I have read here, they do look natural (shapes are not uniform nor round, colour is not uniform etc. The pearls are not necessarily well matched either, although for natural pearls I did not think they looked terrible, given what I have seen.

I would be very interested in hearing your views.

As to whether or not I will bid on them, I am undecided. I have not looked at them in person, but still have a few days to do so.

Diane

 

[Caitlin]

The quality of the pearls is not that high, though the clasp must add value. The color is kind of dirty white. Right now, it is possible to get "average" natural pearls for about the same prices as used Mikimotos.(!!!) I have seen several examples lately. Very round, matched natural pearls are much higher. I would bid on it, but not get into a bidding war. Don't go over the estimated selling price. It is possible it will go much higher because they are rare. I don't think the clasp really goes well with the pearls, though it is a value added.Try to see them in person to see if they "call" you.

 

[GemGeek]

The report was only requested for pearl identification. When the requestor wants a full report, the other areas are included.

 

[Diane]

Thank you both for your quick and informative responses!

I have seen photos of better quality natural pearls, so I am glad that Caitlin confirmed my suspicions.

I will be in the area of the auction house tomorrow, so I will drop in and take a look.

I have learned so much from the members of this forum, including both of you, so thank you!