Pattye, Caitlin, & GemGeek, thank you sooo much! The pearls in VERY strong light (both natural & lamp) do appear to be chocolate. The appraiser said he was 110% positive that they are nucleated. I just wish one of you could look at them in person. I would love to know the history, but regardless of type of pearl, it really looks dynamite on the neck. I just love these pearls!
GemGeek, yes, I did purchase the strand from the Ruckus! It was a little bit of a stretch for me, but I really wanted something special and could not stop thinking about it, even though I've only seen it in photos! I can't wait to get it. I will be sure to post photos as soon as I get them in!
Douglas sent me over the certificate via email - it sounds very special. The certificate states the following:
These pearls range in quality from “A” grade to “Gem+ grades”, many pearls also belonging to the fabled “NS” subgroup of pearls: pearls with exceptional chroma. Pearls used for this necklace were obtained from the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 pearls harvest.
What is "NS"? I have not heard of this kind of description for pearls before. Thank you all again for your professional opinions!