Is this an Ayoka pearl??

[motnasus]

I was given this necklace with one single pearl when I was a teacher in Japan. Being young and not very interested, I put it away and didn't even bother to give it a second look till now. I have a little girl who loves pearls and I want to pass this on to her with some information. What can you tell me about it? Is it even real?? It is on a gold chain marked K18 750... I figure you wouldn't put a solid gold chain on a fake pearl. Is it a good pearl that she needs to take care of, or just something she can "play" with? She is 7 years old!

I know you guys are all experienced and I am asking a very elementary question. I appreciate your expertise!

 

[jshepherd]

It certainly looks like an akoya pearl!

 

[Mikeyy]

What is the size? It almost looks large enough to be SS.

 

[motnasus]

it is btw 7 to 8mm in diameter. I have no idea SS is. What does that mean? I am curious and would love to be educated!

 

[Daddys Little Pearl]

Sure looks like an Akoya from Japan to me

 

[perlinda]

I second Mikeyy's question about the size. I have a SS pearl with strong rose overtone that looks exactly like that, which I'm planning to make into similar style necklace.

It's beautiful pearl nonetheless. However if it's indeed Akoya, it does need extra care compared to other pearls. I don't know a lot about Akoya but you can read more about Akoya pearl in this forum, and then you may decide yourself if it's suitable for your little girl.

 

[motnasus]

I just read up on SS pearl because it's my first exposure to any of this language. No it's not a big pearl and probably not an SS pearl, then? It's a tad shy of 8mm.

 

[pattye]

Motnasus, welcome,

The stated size would indicate an Akoya pearl. Certainly your girl could wear the necklace for special occasions and times she is dressed up, but with the price of gold as it is now, the highest value is in the 18k gold chain, not the pearl itself.

Akoya pearls are formed over a mother of pearl bead center. One can't really tell how thick the nacre is, and sometimes the nacre will wear off down to the bead. But with your solitaire necklace, the pearl could easily be replaced.

Avoid chemicals like perfumes, hairspray, lotions, and store the necklace so the pearl will not be scratched by other jewelry. There is a whole care section here on the forum.

What a lovely gift you received and how wonderful you can share it with your special little girl.

 

[dkan 168]

It is more likely to be an Akoya pearl if it is around 8mm.

It is still a lovely first pearl necklace for a 7yo girl though. How about adding more pearls to it to make it more substantial for her as she grow up?

DK

 

[pattye]

DK,

do you mean the pearl is more likely to be Akoya if it is 8mm than if it was a much larger size?

 

[dkan 168]

DK,

do you mean the pearl is more likely to be Akoya if it is 8mm than if it was a much larger size?

Yes. If it is 10mm or more then I would guess it could be a SSP and not CWFP due to its age.

DK

 

[Mikeyy]

It just looked big next to the chain to me. I would agree it is Akoya if that's the size.