Need info on a new clasp for a natural necklace?

[revelapearl12]

Hello all,
I happened upon this wonderful forum looking for info about the attached. I?m searching for a diamond clasp to replace the sapphire one. I need something very classy and elaborate. Can you refer me to a professional that can handle this type of service with a natural necklace (7-9mm)? Thank You!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Welcome to Pearl-Guide, revelapearl12!

Can you share some of the history of this necklace with us? Is it certified by a lab as being natural?

The reason I'm asking is because sometimes people use the word "natural" to mean genuine (as opposed to imitation pearls), but in the pearl industry "natural" refers to wild pearls-- pearls that formed entirely without the involvement of humans (as opposed to cultured pearls).

There are not many such natural pearls around today, as the pearl market is essentially a cultured market, and has been for nearly a hundred years.

 

[pattye]

Welcome!! Please do share more information about your necklace; it's very lovely! We always enjoy hearing the stories. Of course, the pearls will benefit from cleaning and restringing with a new clasp.

Something to think about:
What is the length of the necklace now and how does it fit you? It appears to be fairly short (less than 16 inches?) and the silk has obviously stretched. When you choose a clasp, the length it will add to the necklace may be an important consideration. Restringing will shorten the necklace a bit also.

 

[BWeaves]

The sapphire clasp is lovely, and the center pearl matches the pearls in the strand very well. Is it that you want an all white look, or do you truly hate the sapphire clasp itself?

The problem I have with diamond clasps, is that they often have teeny tiny, crappy diamonds with no sparkle. They are very expensive for what you get. I've actually had gold clasps made for me with cubic zirconia instead of diamonds, because they look so much better than the quality of diamonds used in a majority of diamond clasps.

Are you planning on wearing the claps in the front or in the back, or on the side? That makes a difference as to what kind of clasp, too. Do you want one with a definite UP side, or do you want one that looks good if it flips over, or rolls around?

 

[amti]

If you're looking for an older style clasp to fit your necklace, I would try ebay and search vintage pearls and clasps. Then find a local jeweler to restring the pearls. You can also look at online jewelry sites to see if anyone carries a clasp to your liking. I personally, like the clasp that is on it now. Your picture isn't that clear, but usually clasps with colored stones draw more attention than a clasp with just pearls.

 

[revelapearl12]

Pearl Dreams, the necklace was purchased in Europe by my grandmother. It contains no recent official lab certificate but has a document that testifies its natural origin as wild. BWeaves, about the clasp, I like wearing it on the front or on the side. Putting cubic zirconia in a piece like this is a bit informal but I get your point. Amti, you are right, “clasps with colored stones draw more attention,” since it brings out the whole necklace. Therefore, I can look for a bigger clasp with diamond in the center and sapphire and diamond all around it. As Pattye said, it will benefit from cleaning and restringing with a new clasp - which can also elevate the beauty of the necklace. You’re right, Pattye, in your calculation, it’s about 16 inches. However, I hope that I can add to the length a short line built with small diamonds on each side including the larger clasp - that would be excellent. I wilI look for a local jeweler that can do the job and has some good references. I appreciate all the comments. Thank you.

 

[GemGeek]

The pearls are wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished necklace. Be sure to carefully document it with photos before letting anyone take it for stringing.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Since you have reason to believe that it is, in fact, natural, I think that it would be good for insurance purposes to get it appraised. Natural necklaces are valuable.

You will also want to restring it yearly if you wear it often, to ensure that it isn't lost due to the silk breaking (silk gets weaker as it gets dirty, absorbs moisture and body oils etc.)

 

[BWeaves]

That's lovely that you have the history to go along with the necklace. It truly is a lovely necklace.

Please post an after photo with us. We'd love to see how it turns out.

 

[pearlescence]

What is your documentation?