My Natural Pearl Collection

[juliebeth]

oh that is GORGEOUS! the leaves and the pearls and those precious sapphires, love it!

you can click on the sherrif's badge-looking star thing in the lower left of any given post to leave the reputation comment. which i only just figured out this morning.

 

[hbyrne]

MSC...
I used the Moe calipers against the tape measure, normally you would use them on the girdle of a diamond to find the diameter, this gives a number on the caliper gauge which you then look up in the Moe book to find an approximate weight based on the thickness of girdle. In your case the stones look pretty chunky.

I estimated them as 5mm x 5mm at 60-65pts, the six x 2.4mm at 5-7pts each and the four 1.5mm as 2pts each. I also checked these using the Schindler gauge (used to measure modern brilliant-cuts). I dont think method using the Moe would work on other stones as they have different densities, although there might be another way around it...

 

[MSC]

I've seen online calculators, but they are always for newer cuts (i.e. brilliant) and it didn't seem appropriate for older cuts. I was wondering about the differences in densities between stone types, but I know that there are equations out there to deal with that. I'm going to look up that Moe book! So much good information going on here
Thanks for the tip, Julie!

 

[pearl-man]

It's hard to determine genuine or not but the chance is quite good. The one which appears rd with the white stone if genuine could be valuable, depending on the size. Also depending whether or not it's. button shape, flat on one side or round. Some natural pearls have been auctioned for two or more times estimates, especially if there is a provenance. I can only estimate loose Un mounted and in antique appraisal is impossible and subject to different controversial opinions. Follow the auctions will aid you in estimating. I like the ring with two pearls or the real baroque pendant. I guess I see quite a few natural off rd.... so off round 4-6mm are hard to evaluate
at consumer level.

 

[pattye]

Oh, MY!!!! Can it get any better??!! This one steals my heart also! What a treat to see these, Andrea!

 

[MSC]

It stole my heart as well, Pattye! I've only got a few more pieces left to go, should I also include loose natural pearls?

 

[pattye]

Oh, yes please!

 

[Marianne]

Thanks for posting your treasures, Andrea. That leaf setting is out of this world gorgeous!

 

[MSC]

Some loose pearls:
1 abalone pearl - 15mmx6mmx3.5mm
2 quahog pearls - lavender pearl 7.25mmx6mm; dark purple pearl 5.1mmx4mm
also my puppers Porter and Stout

 

[GemGeek]

Gorgeous doggies, BTW! I am mad for anything with a leaf motif, so you know how I feel about the pendant.

If you want to read a good book on hallmarks, I highly recommend this one: http://www.hallmarkresearch.com/index.html

 

[MSC]

My puppers thank you for the complement, GemGeek! And thank you for the hallmark link, another book for the wishlist

I think American Arts and Crafts jewelry is the epitome of beauty - I only wish I could put an artist name to the pendant because whoever made it was truly a master and deserves to be recognized as such. In all my searches and looking through books, I have yet to find another like it so perhaps this was a one and done situation. But either way whoever made it deserves props, even if just on PG

 

[MSC]

Victorian Snake and Heart Locket Pearl Bangle Bracelet
Pearl in the snake head: silvery colored, 6mm
Pearl in the heart locket: silvery colored, 5.75mmx6.26mmx2.5mm
The heart locket measures 10mmx10mm
The snake head measures 8mmx18mm
The bracelet measures 5.25 inches, luckily my wrists are pretty small!
The case is original.

 

[MSC]

2 conch pearls
I traded an older quahog pearl for these 2 conch pearls. Some day I'll add a third much bigger conch to the collection!
red conch pearl: 5mmx3.25mmx2mm
pink conch pearl (has flameish): 4.5mmx3.25mmx2.75mm
We had an ice storm last night, the puppers got snuggly!

 

[MSC]

Loose Mississippi River Pearls
Ranging in size from 3mm to 14mm long

 

[MSC]

Hi Andrea, it is the shape and also the lustre. I just don't think that type of pearl is a River Tay. Tay pearls are special and I am afraid the ones I had in that strange shape and yours just aren't very special. No worries though you have plenty that are very special

I am enjoying seeing all your beautiful pieces. Special is right.

Dawn - Bodecia
http://www.ebay.com/sch/dawncee333/m.html
eBay Seller ID dawncee333 Natural pearl collector & seller. And all round pearl lover.

Dawn, check this out: http://www.abrandtandson.com/products/art-deco-sterling-mississippi-river-pearl-bracelet

 

[CharmedOne]

MSC, what an amazing collection you have there. I love the bracelet and the the pin/ pendant. Just beautiful!!

 

[pattye]

\Let's be sure to give this awesome thread 5 stars, to keep it from being buried~I'll be revisiting it again and again!

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Loose Mississippi River Pearls
Ranging in size from 3mm to 14mm long

Now THAT is how I expect natural pearls present themselves!

Nobody, by any stretch of the imagination could suggest these are anything but.

Even keshis don't look like these.

 

[MSC]

I like having Dave's seal of approval on my loosies!
Thanks, Pattye for rating the thread I've got a few more items and then it's all done!
BTW if anyone is looking to hire a wildlife biologist... just saying, cause I'd like to keep adding to this thread *winkwink*

 

[MSC]

Victorian Basra (?) Pearl Floraform Earrings
Pearls (Basra?), 42 in each earring, ranging from 1mmx1.5mm to 3.5mmx4mm
Unmarked, but appear to be at least 14kt if not more.
The earring length is 1.5 inches and 14mm wide, the earrings are front closing.
These are my favorite of the pearl earrings!