Jamelle Fine Pearls?

[Sarah3011]

Good Morning!

I was hoping for a bit of mystery solving for a strand of pearls that belonged to my Husband's Grandmother (we think).

The box is marked 'Jamelle Fine Pearls" but I cannot find any information at all on this company on the internet.

The pearls pass the tooth test, and has a silver clasp with some tiny stones (not sure if they're diamonds or not) with 'Sterling' marked on the back of the clasp.

I have uploaded some images in the hopes that someone may have information on it.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[CortezPearls]

Good morning Sarah, and welcome to our pearl loving forum
Interesting find. Let's wait and see what our forum members have to share with you

 

[Sarah3011]

Thanks Douglas- I look forward to seeing if any of the wonderfully experienced members can shed some light on them.

 

[pattye]

Hi Sarah,
What a treasure to have from a family member! And very cool to have the box also. What size are the pearls and how long is the necklace? It looks like a slightly smaller and shinier pearl was added next to the clasp, to lengthen perhaps?
In the first photo the pearls look graduated, but much less graduated in the 2nd photo; how do they look to you?
Time to look closely at the drill holes. They are difficult to examine without having knots between. Check for signs of peeling surface where pearls may have rubbed together, very large holes, changes in the texture of the surface around the drill hole.
The consistent color and size of these make me think these may be high quality imitation pearls from the 40's or 50's.

 

[Sarah3011]

Hi Sarah,
What a treasure to have from a family member! And very cool to have the box also. What size are the pearls and how long is the necklace? It looks like a slightly smaller and shinier pearl was added next to the clasp, to lengthen perhaps?
In the first photo the pearls look graduated, but much less graduated in the 2nd photo; how do they look to you?
Time to look closely at the drill holes. They are difficult to examine without having knots between. Check for signs of peeling surface where pearls may have rubbed together, very large holes, changes in the texture of the surface around the drill hole.
The consistent color and size of these make me think these may be high quality imitation pearls from the 40's or 50's.

Hi Pattye!

Thanks so much for your response and questions - I'm hoping I can provide more relevant info.

The strand measures 47cm (17.5") excluding the clasp. The pearls don't seem to graduate in the way they are laid out but there are certainly differences in their sizes. They range from 6mm to just over 8mm. (not including that strange little one that may of been used as an extension) The weight of the strand (if it's of benefit) is 43gms or 1.5 ounces. I've given my best shot at trying to get a reasonable shot of the drill holes which I have uploaded. I would love your opinion on it. I did end up taking them to local antique jewellery store who thought they are real, but I'm not sure and would need to take them to more of a specialist. Before I do that though, I'd like opinions on if it might be worthwhile doing before spending a lot of money on a valuation.

Thank you so much for all your comments, it's most appreciated.

 

[CortezPearls]

It's a nice shot of the drill holes, yet -due to the nacre's color- I still find it hard to see all that well. I kind of "see" a "ring" around the drill hole (which would mean it imitation pearls) but it could also be some damaged nacre.
Question: Was the necklace recently restrung???
Why? Because it seems to me that the thread looks like translucent plastic thread and not silk (which would have been the norm) and I also do not see any knots in between pearls. That would be common on pearl necklaces of that time, but not on imitations.

 

[Sarah3011]

It's a nice shot of the drill holes, yet -due to the nacre's color- I still find it hard to see all that well. I kind of "see" a "ring" around the drill hole (which would mean it imitation pearls) but it could also be some damaged nacre.
Question: Was the necklace recently restrung???
Why? Because it seems to me that the thread looks like translucent plastic thread and not silk (which would have been the norm) and I also do not see any knots in between pearls. That would be common on pearl necklaces of that time, but not on imitations.

Hi Douglas,

Thanks for your feedback. I agree with you about the re-stringing, due to the nylon/plastic threading and it's extremely clean and very tight (it was difficult to separate the pearls to get the shot). The necklace hasn't been handled in years so may of been restrung a few years ago and popped away in the box? (just speculating of course )

Is there any other pics/info I can provide? The only other history about it is that the family member who it belonged to lived in Queensland, Australia, was from a well to do family that owned a lot of tobacco plantations back in the day. It's a shame I can't find any records on the seller/brand which makes me think they were a short-lived company. If anything, it's an intriguing piece.

Thank you again for taking the time to help me out with these.

 

[CortezPearls]

It is indeed an intriguing piece, and it has its story...which makes it all the more valuable (even if only sentimentally, if it is an imitation strand).
Have you tried the UV test?
Have a look at the UV test video I made years ago. It is meant for Cortez pearls -with their unique pink-red fluorescence- but it will show you the fluorescence of white pearls too. Just be sure to sit/place the pearls in a dark cloth (non-reflective surface) in a darkened room to fully enjoy the "glow".

 

[Sarah3011]

It is indeed an intriguing piece, and it has its story...which makes it all the more valuable (even if only sentimentally, if it is an imitation strand).
Have you tried the UV test?
Have a look at the UV test video I made years ago. It is meant for Cortez pearls -with their unique pink-red fluorescence- but it will show you the fluorescence of white pearls too. Just be sure to sit/place the pearls in a dark cloth (non-reflective surface) in a darkened room to fully enjoy the "glow".

Hi Douglas,

It's often the history of these items that makes them more precious that's for sure. Thank you for including your UV test video, I will watch it (better make sure I have everything needed) and update on the results.

I just wanted to say a big thank you for giving your time to help me with these.

 

[CortezPearls]

Our Pleasure Sarah3011 this is what our community is all about: Sharing & Helping each other...binding provided by our common LOVE for this amazing, living Gem!

 

[KarinK]

Have you tried with a loupe? I have heard that fake pearls will look smooth and real pearls will look uneven under a loupe. If you have one, you can also use it to take a closer look at the drill holes. I haven't heard of real pearls strung on nylon - but then I haven't heard everything

 

[Readsa]

Just came across this forum in my own search. I also have a necklace from Jamelle Fine Pears (my mums family from Queensland as well. This has a different clasp on it however. There were 3 necklaces in there in total and a few broches. I assume they are dress jewellery but thought I'd share.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Have you tried with a loupe? I have heard that fake pearls will look smooth and real pearls will look uneven under a loupe. If you have one, you can also use it to take a closer look at the drill holes. I haven't heard of real pearls strung on nylon - but then I haven't heard everything

It's the other way around...real nacre looks smooth at 10x magnification (but feels gritty with the tooth test --i.e. when rubbed against the edge of one's tooth or another real pearl) while imitation pearl coating looks more coarse (but feels smooth with the tooth test).

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Just came across this forum in my own search. I also have a necklace from Jamelle Fine Pears (my mums family from Queensland as well. This has a different clasp on it however. There were 3 necklaces in there in total and a few broches. I assume they are dress jewellery but thought I'd share.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[CortezPearls]

Just came across this forum in my own search. I also have a necklace from Jamelle Fine Pears (my mums family from Queensland as well. This has a different clasp on it however. There were 3 necklaces in there in total and a few broches. I assume they are dress jewellery but thought I'd share.

Welcome to our Pearl Loving Forum @Readsa

 

[jshepherd]

It's really difficult to tell from the photos if you've got imitation, old akoya, or a combination of both. I am leaning toward a combination of both. Some of the pieces look like old akoya with the nacre worn off or cracking off, others have the distinct patina of older imitation pearls.

 

[Happy Huku]

Vintage Jamelle Pearl Necklace, Vintage Sarah Coventry Faux Pearl Necklace, Vintage Foil Back and Paste Jewellery and More

Vintage Jamelle Pearl Necklace, Vintage Sarah Coventry Faux Pearl Necklace, Vintage Foil Back no reserve auction bid now

www.allbids.com.au

Perhaps this auction house might know a little more about Jamelle?

 

[86Corvettegirl]

The stones in the clasp look like marcasite.