Need to know what these pearls are before it drives me crazy!

[Bluestar]

I lurk here a lot and have learned that I know nothing about pearls except they are gorgeous treasures that could drive a person insane!

I have a strand (or some pearls on a string now ) of pearls that are gorgeous. I live way way out in the country with not many options for jewelry advice. The closest local store gave a guess, and said they were sorry they don't know much about pearls.

I am going to post 3 pictures. One is the necklace before I couldn't take it anymore, (Forgive me pearl lovers!) on is a partially smashed pearl, and one is under UV light. The UV light picture does not show the intensity of the glow and makes it look purple when to the naked eye it is more of a pinkish redish color.

Can anyone tell me what I have?

Thank you!

 

[Bluestar]

In case anyone is curious, here is one more picture. There was layer after layer after layer of nacre (hoping that is the correct word!). Does this mean they are a natural pearl?

 

[pattye]

Welcome, Bluestar,

And kudos for joining the pearl smashers already, lol! How long is your pretty pearl strand, and approx what mm size are the pearls? How long have you had your necklace?

I'm seeing some off round shapes, which lead me to think tissue nucleated cultured freshwater pearls (China), and ones that have been color treated. Looks like some really pretty overtones and variation in the colors.

I'm glad you are having fun here!

 

[Bluestar]

The strand was 18" long. The pearls are 7mm on average (keeping in mind that I'm holding them to a ruler, so I could be a little off!). Some are a little bigger, some a little smaller. I have only had it for a few months. I bought it at an estate sale. The estate belonged to an olser couple who had traveled a lot through their lives. These were tucked into a little pottery trinket box.

You all amaze me with your knowledge!

How does the color treating work? Does it soak through the whole pearl?

 

[Bluestar]

Here are a few more pictures I took a few minutes ago in natural light.

 

[waimeamomi]

They definitely look like Chinese Freshwaters that have been colored. The shapes and the size are consistent with that type, and also the large silver-colored clasp makes me lean towards that. The colors look nice, and you should wear them and enjoy them.

 

[Bluestar]

So I do not get my hopes up in the future and I understand better when I find more pearls (Going to be on the lookout for them now as I had no idea how fascinating they are!) I would like to ask two questions please.

From what I had read, color treating pearls only colors the first few layers but it actually colors the pearl completely?
Do all pearls fluoresce under UV light?

I was hoping to be able to date these and I know that pearls can be re-strung and different clasps used, but thought I would attach a picture of the mark on the clasp and see if anyone recognizes it. I have not been able to find it.

Thank you both so much for your help with these! I am looking forward to turning this strand into a necklace and earring set!

 

[pearlescence]

It looks like it is pretending to be a hallmark, but, having enlarged it and peered at it closely it isn't one, just three squiggly shapes in three boxes. Might be a trademark which someone in usa might recognise

 

[KarinK]

So I do not get my hopes up in the future and I understand better when I find more pearls (Going to be on the lookout for them now as I had no idea how fascinating they are!) I would like to ask two questions please.

From what I had read, color treating pearls only colors the first few layers but it actually colors the pearl completely?
Do all pearls fluoresce under UV light?

I was hoping to be able to date these and I know that pearls can be re-strung and different clasps used, but thought I would attach a picture of the mark on the clasp and see if anyone recognizes it. I have not been able to find it.

Thank you both so much for your help with these! I am looking forward to turning this strand into a necklace and earring set!

Hi and welcome to our favorite addiction

It is unlikely that these pearls have been restrung. But they are prettier than my first attempt at buying Tahitians at $75 - dull, grey, dyed freshwater pearls.

In one of the first posts you used the term 'natural' pearls. It is worth reading back a bit and see some of the talks about common pearl terms. You probably wouldn't know, but 'natural' pearls means pearls that are not cultured (a bead inserted in the oyster) and they are very rare. A pearl is not fake because it has been cultured. It has still grown in water in a living organism it just got a bit of help.

- Karin

 

[lilliefuzzysocks]

The clasp is silver, the numbers are on the lever of the claw.

 

[KAC]

no question they're dyed chinese freshwater pearls.

 

[Bluestar]

I don't want anyone to think I am not agreeing with what has been said. I ask a lot of questions so I completely understand and sometimes it takes a bit for me to understand!!

I know natural means they have not had the bead inserted to force a pearl. Are the beads that are used then made of a cheaper small pearl sometimes? Or would a mother of pearl bead be layer after layer as you smash it?

With them being dyed, do I need to set them so they do not come into contact with the skin so the dye doesn't fade? Would it hurt them to be in contact with copper?

I'm putting a better close-up of the clasp. Still a little fuzzy (sorry!) but you can see the mark a little better. The circle has dots in it in a pattern. They almost look like they are in a cone shape. The middle square has what looks to me like an M, and the last I think is an O. The lever has the 925 on it. It's not that big of a deal because I will just use the clasp for something else, it just bothers me when I can't find something!

Technically I got the pearls free. I paid $6.00 for the trinket box they were in and did not know they were in there so it doesn't bother me if they are fancy or cheap because they are beautiful in person. I just enjoy learning!

 

[Caitlin]

Do not worry about the dye. It will not come off or fade. The dyes are very stable and nonreactive.

Most cultured pearls, except Freshwaters have nuclei. Cultured pearls have mother of pearl beads made from mussel shell, usually. Rarely do they use smaller pearls, though it has been done. They are now also using MoP beads in very large freshwaters, but the ones you have are solid nacre and very, very tough little guys. They will probably not wear out if worn for generations, every single day.

I don't think pearls react to dry copper. Wet copper could leave deposits though probably rather slowly. Not 100% sure about that though.

 

[Bluestar]

Thank you! I will probably stay away from the copper then.

Strands of pearls do not look right on me. I want to set a few of these as a pendant in a unique design and make another simple but elegant pendant. I will then have to make earrings to match!

Thank you all for being so patient and helping me learn!