My Great Grandmother's Pearls

[dolphin1]

I was going through my old jewelry box and came across an old string of pearls that were given to me twenty years ago. The story goes that they are natural pearls, given to my great-grandmother by my great-grandfather back in Germany likely before WWII. The back of the clasp says 18 ct. I can see no other stamps on it. There are what appear to be very small diamonds and sapphires in it. Some of the diamonds look like they're uncut diamond "chips." They are knotted and the largest pearl is 6 mm (I'm pretty sure, eyes aren't that great anymore). I counted 109 pearls in total, again eyesight permitting Does anyone know what these might be worth? I'm thinking of having them appraised by the GIA. Thanks so much!

 

[Caitlin]

The GIA does not do appraisals, they can certify if pearls are natural or cultured.

It is hard to see those pearls. We need them on a flat white background with some closeups of two-three pearls at a time. Get one of the center pearls and of the end pearls.

Lots of times people called cultured pearls, natural pearls, esp akoyas, to differentiate them from faux pearls. From what I can see, it looks like an akoya necklace. Natural pearls were hard to find before WWII, it has been mostly cultured pearls since after WWI.

So please give us the close ups and if you can, photos in focus. they do look high quality and the clasp is an added value.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It does look like the sort of graduated akoya strand sold during the WWII and Korean War era, with a more attractive clasp than many.

Are you inclined to wear it? These strands clean up very nicely and are not hard to restring. (See my tutorial on the Lowly Beaders' Club forum.)

As to current resale value, check similar sold items on eBay-- search for graduated vintage strands.

 

[dolphin1]

Thanks for your reply, Caitlin. I appreciate your input! I've taken another photo, this time on a paper towel using a handheld light. Not optimal, but I've only got my iPhone, not a real camera with a macro lens. The information is fascinating. I'm not sure if these pearls were actually my great-great-grandmother's, given to my great-grandfather. It's hard to know how long they have been in my family. It is interesting to note that it was very difficult to find natural pearls prior to WWII. I hope this photo helps. Thanks again!

 

[dolphin1]

Magnified Photos

Magnified Photos

Thanks for your reply, Caitlin. I appreciate your input! I've taken another photo, this time on a paper towel using a handheld light. Not optimal, but I've only got my iPhone, not a real camera with a macro lens. The information is fascinating. I'm not sure if these pearls were actually my great-great-grandmother's, given to my great-grandfather. It's hard to know how long they have been in my family. It is interesting to note that it was very difficult to find natural pearls prior to WWII. I hope this photo helps. Thanks again!

Hi Caitlin,

Here are some more photos that I have magnified for (hopefully) a better view. Thanks again.

 

[Caitlin]

It looks like a stunnig akoya!

Yes, by WWI, natural pearls had been in a severe decline since the 1890's, but Mikimoto to the rescue. He began fill the gap left by the lack of natural with his cultured pearls. Once he did, several others jumped in, so by WWII, cultured akoyas were bountiful and natural pearls were practically invisible. They had always been worn by people who could afford them, anyway, and rarely came on the public market except at the top drawer jewelers like Cartier where the prices were astronomical, a middle/upperclass man's salary for a year. But the cultured pearls made pearls available to the middle class for the first time in history.