Malaysian Pearls???

[TallyPearls]

Hello everyone,
I recently attended a jewelry fair and met some dealers from Malaysia. Am I correct to assume that all pearls form Malaysia can also be qualified as South Sea Pearls? I have included pics below of some of the strands they offered and was surprised by the colors. I am definitely a newbie to the pearl world, but was not thinking they would have this range of colors in a SSP. I typically think of shades of golden, silver, and maybe some pinkish in the SSP, but they had more variety and even deep purple. Anyone familiar with the Malay pearls? Have a look if you have a moment and thanks for any insight!

 

[pearlescence]

They're all freshwater from China (with the proviso that the golds might be SS but unlikely given the others are all bead nucleated Chinese freshwaters)

 

[pattye]

Completely agree with Wendy. From the photo seem to be nice quality cultured Chinese pearls. The black pearls are dyed and probably the golden strand. The purple. peach, pinks are typical freshwater colors. So the sellers were asking South Sea prices for these? Do you want to share what was the cost of the golden pearls?

 

[Cees]

the only Malaysian South Sea pearl farm belongs to Edward Kong in Kuala Lumpur.

 

[pattye]

Thank you for that information, Cees.

Is it a very productive farm? Do his lots go to auction, HK, or are they already contracted to some companies?

 

[Cees]

Dear Pattye, have a look at http://www.edwardkong.com//2_1.php?PHPSESSID=cl4vd5f1sdtcvb5loqchtbq6g7
it is a small farm I understand.

 

[pattye]

Very interesting, Cees, thank you. Uniquely beautiful jewelry designs on the website, and Mr. Kong seems committed to producing high quality SS. Commendable that he's had the farm just over 20 years.

 

[TallyPearls]

Thank you all for you comments and insight. Pattye, no they weren't asking South Sea prices for all as there were other sellers offering gold strands that were legit and were higher. This particular strand was the cheapest of this seller’s golden strands and were being offered around $250. 13-15mm. The seller had others that I could not really tell the difference in size and quality that were double the price. I will go back and drill them about the pearls further for the fun of it and see why they are insisting they are from Malaysia. Maybe she was just not knowledgable, but maybe they are scamming, who knows. I would have thought at International Jewlery Fair they would be more legit vendors. But this is the first one I have ever been, so more just feeling it all out and try to learn a little bit. Thanks again all.

 

[TallyPearls]

Oh, and I also asked about the deep purple/black ones if they were dyed and she pulled out some wire cutters and scrapped the surface of one of them to show they had not been dyed. How deep will the dye penetrate the nacre usually? Thanks!

 

[KarinK]

Oh, and I also asked about the deep purple/black ones if they were dyed and she pulled out some wire cutters and scrapped the surface of one of them to show they had not been dyed. How deep will the dye penetrate the nacre usually? Thanks!

This fact alone tells me they are inexpensive, dyed Chinese FW. No one in their right mind would damage an expensive Tahitian.

As for the price of the golden ones, it's a dead give away too. Try to look at some websites like Pearl Paradise and see what they're asking for their SSP.

- Karin

 

[Katbran]

I agree with everyone else...all freshwater nucleated pearls. Look around for the larger companies - they will probably be more legitimate.