Need help with a maker’s mark!

[sonic_ice]

I recently inherited a string of pearls that belonged to my great-grandmother and I’m trying to find out more about them. Overall, it’s in good condition, but we don’t have the original box and I’m having trouble finding the maker.

The word “sterling” is stamped on the clasp in two places, and a single “M” is stamped on the clasp hook. I know Mikimoto is the “gold standard” (sorry about the pun) but this “M” is standalone, without a clamshell frame.

I’ve been searching around for awhile, but can’t seem to find any other jewelers with similar makers marks.

Oddly enough, I did find an almost identical necklace for sale on eBay, but the listing was pulled down before I could see if they mentioned anything about the maker.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[CortezPearls]

They look like vintage Akoya pearls to me...the clasp seems unremarkable, one of many "findings" available some time ago.

 

[KarinK]

There aren't really 'makers' when it comes to pearls - with a very few exceptions. Marking on a clasp will usually show information only about the clasp and have nothing to do with the pearls. For the pearls, most people are interested in the type of pearl and the quality. Some are interested in value but pearls have low resale value. This clasp looks like a generic fish hook clasp.