ID Help, if Possible!

Cappy

New Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2024
Messages
1
Hi everybody! This is my first post here, but I've been lurking for maybe a year now? I am very enamored by everyone's pearls!
I would like help IDing this pearl (?)!
I am sure it was once part of a pair, but it is alone now.
The texture is gritty on my teeth.
Not sure of the history or origin of this possible pearl. I found it in a "Treasure box" maybe 7 years ago.
The hook has no marks of any kind. It looks handmade, if I had to guess.
I hope my photos are adequate! I tried my best to get the pearl and markings. There are three little holes along the length of the pearl on one side, if that is not apparent.
Thank you for you help!
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It looks like a dyed freshwater second harvest (or "keshi" as some all them) pearl from China. I have a number of these pearls (although not dyed).
These second harvest pearls occur when a freshwater mussel is placed back into the water after the first pearls were harvested. The pearl sac that formed when the first pearl was grafted is still there, and continued to secrete nacre. There is no bead nucleus, so they grow into these freeform shapes. When they are harvested, some are dyed and some are not. Consumer tastes vary.

The pearl was drilled all the way through and the crafter used a head pin (the head is visible at the bottom) to hold the pearl and to make the loop at the top, attaching it to the ear wire. I've done this myself; it's easy.
It's pretty but I'm afraid it has no commercial value.
 
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