New Member, New Inherited Pear Necklace!

[InheritedPearl]

I think i will just go to Birks next week and see what they suggest. As nice as it is, i don't think this necklace will ever be worn by me, so it's probably just best to find out what exactly it is, then find a new owner for it that will take good care of it.

 

[GemGeek]

Sorry Lisa. I got confused by the first post and thought it was the other way around.

 

[GemGeek]

Inherited Pearl, I would be careful to have more than one person look at it before you let it go. Did you say where you are in Canada?

 

[lisa c]

Hi Blaire! No worries, as you know it's hard to buck the stream (makes me nervous) but I'm here to learn and revel in this great pearl family, so I thought it was time to take a risk. To learn, I'm willing to take my lumps.

Karin pointed out I was also feeling militantly protective of 'OUR playground'. That was very insightful of her, and correct. I feel angry when scammers want to abuse the generosity of you guys.

Caitlin! That's a stroke of genius! I never would've thought of money laundering, and I even just read a book about money laundering using the antiquities world.

Blaire, InheritedP has only said there's a Birks nearby her location.

 

[GemGeek]

If IP is near Vancouver, I know the person in charge of the college gemmology program there. Just a thought.

 

[lisa c]

Ever helpful, that's what's so wonderful about you guys!

 

[Caitlin]

Alison, you are probably right, but there was one bid, so the money has to go to paypal or the sale cancelled after the item was won. Money laundering is a scam and would give rise to some confusing stories, if queried. If queried, play dumb.

 

[InheritedPearl]

I am on the east coast of Canada (Quebec). I will start with Birks, just to see what they might know about this necklace. There are lots of jewelry stores in my area, but i'm not sure they would be familiar with pearls. Are there any other 3 row necklace photos similar to mine in the database...i can't seem to find any. I must say, whether my necklace is real or not, it is very pretty to look at!

 

[lisa c]

Hey, isn't Pierrette near Quebec? She KNOWS pearls, InheritedP, as opposed to using store clerks who might be full of Hooey.

As far as the data base on three strand pearl necklaces, there's a big search bar on top of this page you can use, and you've already accessed photos of strands that aren't yours.
Really, you'd be doing yourself a BIG favor to get good photos of YOUR strand ready. Clean your necklace, then follow the guidelines, put the pearls in good light but not in direct sunlight (you want to avoid strong shadows), and get a legitimate appraisal ready for sale.

Taking shortcuts is counter-productive to what you want.

 

[InheritedPearl]

I will try and get some good pictures taken next week...i won't attempt to clean the necklace in case i ruin it. I found someone locally that knows pearls really well, i will schedule an appointment sometime soon. All the pictures in this thread are of my actual necklace, nobody else's. Thanks.

 

[Bacca]

I must say, whether my necklace is real or not, it is very pretty to look at!

I agree. I think it's gorgeous and I've very much enjoyed the pictures you've posted. Thank you!

I'm glad you've found someone with expertise to look at the necklace. I'm looking forward to the results of the assessment.

In the meantime, although these aren't three strands, Alison has shared some great pictures of natural pearls she's found.

 

[lisa c]

Well, then you're already a better photographer than you think, and with the proper lighting you'll be just fine! I'm glad you found someone good for your evaluation.

I know times are tight in this day and age, but when you decide whether to sell or not, ask yourself will I ever be able to replace this necklace? Will I care if I can't?

I think that's the question nowadays with luxury items, sell in a tight market? Keep for a better market? Keep because I'll never be able to afford anything as nice ( but that mainly applies to us pearl lovers) If you need money to survive, it's no question... My own sister has a sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet she's contemplating selling, with these questions. I voted on the keep it side until I found out she doesn't even like tennis bracelets! So, there you have it, why keep it?!?

Good luck with your appraisal, hope you let us know the results!

P.S. maybe your appraiser will recommend someone to clean and restring if necessary.

In the meantime, since you don't know how old the string is, sure you won't want to wash the necklace except for a damp washcloth. For the sale photos though, or if you keep them, good pearls are not too delicate to wash, but the silk you have to be careful with, making sure it dries thoroughly. FYI there's a pearl care and cleaning thread on PG.

 

[lisa c]

Shoot, will I never be done... Also, IP, IF you decide you love pearls, you have a nice number of pearls that can re-designed to suit you, and you can sell the clasp if it's worth a lot and too fancy for your everyday life. Lots of options for you.

 

[KarinK]

I was just thinking earlier, about a fantasy - IF they were naturals (I know Allison, odds are against, I agree)
can you imagine? I thought, college fund for her son, pay off a mortgage, shoot -take a small vacation...

Lisa, wasn't it on the other thread (Paula's pearls) where the discussion was running about whether one of the strands were Chinese freshwaters or natural pearls?

InheritedPearl - it will be intersting to hear more about them. I can see why you might not want to wear a three stranded pearl necklace with a diamond clasp very often, but if you have taken an interest in pearls because of this necklace, you might consider buying another one for the money. That way you still have your inhritance, so to speak, but maybe in the form of a more useful Tahiti necklace.

- Karin

 

[InheritedPearl]

Thanks again for all the feedback and ideas, i really appreciate it. I need to schedule an appointment to have the pearl necklace looked at by the specialist. After having read all the posts i'm wondering if it's even worth getting the necklace appraised...it appears as though in the posts that these pearls won't be natural pearls...i'm not sure what i should do next. I think the suspense now of not knowing what i have will bother me. Keeping it is a good option, however i will never wear this necklace, and i would rather see it go to someone who will wear it, and care for it properly.

 

[lisa c]

Ok, yes I understand; and sometimes one just can't spare money for 'speculation' in a sense (not that I'm saying that's your situation).

So, 1) you have good feedback here that the clasp has a good substantial look to it
2) even if the pearls are bead-cultured Akoya, they have value (monetary and antique value)
3) these opinions are offered by top notch people in their field

So, start with Birks as you'd planned if you don't want to jump to paying for an appraisal right away. Check out the "candling" posts with the search button above. With just a little practice you might/probably will be able to see if the pearls have a bead inside.

Eventually, to get the best return you will need good photographs of the cleaned strand, and a genuine appraisal. Try the photos again with a different camera, post them here again.

 

[lisa c]

Hi Karin, yes there was that discussion on Paulasbritos thread, but I think it cropped up here as well when InheritedPearl accessed info about how much a triple-strand like this, only of Natural pearls, sold for or was valued at.

I think that is every pearl inheritors hope though, the dazzling Holy Grail find. I love those fantasies too!

 

[InheritedPearl]

I just read up on the "candling" method, pretty neat. I also have these really strong tube lights, if i put the pearls close up to it and take a picture would this work? If anyone is interested i will do a couple of pics that way, or/and i could try the candle method also. Thanks.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

You might also ask if your dental technician will x-ray them when you go for your visit. I've never tried candling, sounds interesting.

 

[lisa c]

Well, actually no, I meant the candling more for your information, so you could get an idea if the pearls were bead cultured Akoya rather than Natural pearls, because that would give you an idea of the value, or price you could realistically hope for. The clasp will add to the total value of the pearls.

It's incredibly difficult to get good pictures "candling". Our posters who did worked long and hard to get to that skill level. They have good cameras, too.

It's tempting to wish to not have to do the things that cost out of pocket, but following the steps to a legitimate appraisal will get a better return. Go back, re-read the posts, you'll see the information the experts gave you.

Shoot, say you only sold them for $2000, wouldn't the cost of an appraisal be worth that? And if I were bidding on that necklace wouldn't I be willing to spend more if I KNEW what I was bidding on, rather than just hoping?

Start here, do the mid-day shade photographs again, borrow a better camera, if you can. Or if you can't, then photograph the pearls in sections, that should counteract an inadequate lens. Understand the patient, step by step way will do better for you.