Natural or cutured

[datsik13]

Hey everyone!
I seek any of your knowledge about my 75 pearl strand.. They are aproximately 6.5 mm.
The fishhook closure is broken and I need to replace it..
Any and all thoughts, nuggets of wisdom, guesses, and comments are very much appreciated

 

[Katbran]

They definitely need to be restrung and knotted ! It's quite stretched out. It would help if you could take a few close ups on a white background ( like a paper towel). Thanks

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Also, don't use flash. Then we can see more detail.

 

[datsik13]

Hey pearl people!!
These are them
I have a fractured thumb that is immobilized, typing is a pita
The nacre is flaking off in spots..
Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

[Pearl Dreams]

My guess is it's a well-worn strand of akoya cultured pearls.

Clean them gently with a warm soapy water bath (for 5-10 minutes) to remove any grime build-up, rinse and pat dry. Then roll them gently on a paper towel so you can see if any pearls seem to "wink" at you. The wink is caused by an area of thin nacre-- the bead nucleus shows through the thin nacre. I would eliminate any winking pearls or peeling pearls when restringing. The strand is long enough to do that.

If you want to try your hand at restringing (when your thumb heals) see the stickied threads on the Lowly Beaders Forum.

 

[pattye]

Do your pearls have a sentimental value? Please tell us your pearls' story. Datsik13, hope your thumb heals quickly, no fun!