Our Pearls...

[np2o]

Greetings Everyone,

I am Pat and my Wife is Nancy.

While we were Co-Captains of Yachts in the Bahamas during the 90's we were able to aquire these conch pearls from local out ilsland divers.

We have been looking at these for years, always amazed by their beauty. I recently showed them to a friend that ask how much they were worth. I, could not answer, because I didn't have a clue.

While doing an internet search for an answer to that question, I began to realize there may be some worth to these after all.

So, here I am, neophite pearl person, with eight georgeous conch pearls.

Big Question? What do I do now?

I have been assured this is the place to findd the answers I am looking for.

Thank You for reading this post,
Respectfully,
Pat and Nancy Harris


P.S. My last picture post I believe would be 10,000 words.

 

[np2o]

Sorry Folks, having some problems getting the pictures up. ASAP, I promise...

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Greetings Everyone,
So, here I am, neophite pearl person, with eight georgeous conch pearls.

Big Question? What do I do now?

Hi Pat and Nancy,

Welcome to PG!

Some photos would be a good start. Place them on a white background and use natural light.

As you browse through some of the many posts here about natural pearls, you'll see a pattern of responses.

"In the eye of the beholder" is the usual answer to your first question. There exists little to no criteria when evaluating natural pearls, because the gem labs are unable compile data on the numerous species that create pearls, for the mostpart.

But as a guide, the value of natural pearls can be higher if they have good shape, color, luster and size. Provenance, such as imagery of the pearls in situ at harvest are also factors. Moreover natural pearls can be "value added" when set into pieces with flair and quality of craftsmanship.

Tell us about how and where they were found and if possible, describe size and weight in millimeters and carats.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

It would appear you have some near matched sets. This sometimes makes naturals more desireable to collectors and jewelcrafters.

It would be near to impossible to evaluate these other than to suggest looking around the net for other examples of conch pearls on sale. You would also do well to consider price points over time held inventory and leaving enough room for profitability with brokers or crafters.

All that said, you have a nice little collection of something special. Many contributors to this forum have not even seen a natural pearl, so you are indeed fortunate.

 

[GemGeek]

Sweet little pearls! Conch pearls are truly rare gems, so it might take a while to get enough comparable prices to gain any confidence in what yours are worth. Be sure to check eBay, too, especially the listing for items that have already sold. Good luck!

 

[SteveM]

Provenance is not an issue here, and the pearls look very nice, albeit none with visible flame or intense color. Good surfaces, though. Most remarkable to me, as hinted by Dave, is the matching on the studs, right down to what appears to be bicolored hemispheres.

Just saw your other thread(s) on this same subject (overkill, new posts appear at the top of the list no matter what the forum) with your location and intent to appraise/sell. Good luck!

 

[np2o]

Thanks for your input.
pat

 

[Jen]

This is something new for me. SOmeone that wont get to find any pearls (without going to jewellery shops etc) to purchase them.
I am new n i read about how some pearls undergo treatment to make them nicer etc. is this what they do to such pearls too?

 

[pattye]

Hi Jen,

Welcome to P-G. These pearls would not have had any treatments. The shades of pink are natural colors. Most of us, like you, will never have an opportunity to find a natural pearl!

Pat and Nancy, lovely conch pearls!

 

[Caitlin]

You have quite a collection in size and quality. If they don't have that shimmery under-surface flame, they are not the tippy top quality, and their color may not be the strongest, but their rarity makes them very special, anyway.

Those pictures you will take.. .Please try to do them in indirect light as well. If any of them has flame, try to capture it. Please photo the jewelry in its own picture. A set of conch shells in metal conches,(what metal is that?) Photo the clasps and any karat marks or maker marks. If you can, test what the metal is. If you can, weigh it and deduct the (estimated) weight of the pearls. All this kind of info will educate you properly and help sell it, here or elsewhere.

Are you researching what kind of conch jewelry is for sale online? Look for quality sellers as well as at the eBay scene. Jeremy usually has at least one piece of conch jewelry on his site- do a search at Pearl Paradise.com. Wes & Trish Rankin mostly sell abalone pearls, but they have conch pearls and jewelry with conch pearls in it. (Pacific (or maybe) West Coast Pearls, I think) All this extra work will pay off because you will get to know the conch pearl scene and have access to much more information about conch pearls. It won't take much for you to become a conch pearl expert.

You may have to wait until the Xmas season is over to get full attention....

 

[SteveM]

If they don't have that shimmery under-surface flame, they are not the tippy top quality, and their color may not be the strongest, but their rarity makes them very special, anyway?

You may have to wait until the Xmas season is over to get full attention....

Starting three simultaneous threads on the same subject during a quiet period amounts to a pretty bright spotlight at this point. In any case, LINK to bring over Tom Stern's interesting observations from one of the other two threads. His is the first deep-trade comment I've read regarding any tangible impact from successful Queen Conch pearl culturing.

 

[np2o]

At this point my learning curve is slightly less than straight up. Thanks to all of you for your input and direction. I will post better pics as my photographic capabilities are refined.
Pat