Question?

[Michelle.Avalon]

Hello!

I've been lurking for quite a while as I'm new to admiring pearls and wanted to gain as much knowledge as I can and this community is fantastic!

I have a specific question that I've searched around looking to find an answer, but haven't been able to locate. I'm curious- I've seen some strands of pearls (I personally like vintage cultured pearls, I know, I've read they're not a popular choice, but thier my favorite). Of some that I've seen (vintage strands) and I'm speaking cultured (not faux), I've run across some strands that do not have the knots between the pearls. I've read that the purpose of the knots between them is for protection from rubbing against each other as well as preventing an entire section of pearls from being lost in the event the strand breaks. Yet I'm curious why I've seen numerous vintage strands without the knots? Can anyone indicate why this is?

My thanks in advance!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Welcome, Michelle!

I don't know the answer but I wanted to say "hi"

Someone with more knowledge about that should be along soon....

 

[pattye]

Hi Michelle,

The other big reson for knots is to allow the pearls to curve around the neck! They act as little flexible joints. Perhaps you've purchased a strand that is not finished and you know how tightly they are on the string--they don't bend at all!

Some very small pearls (my oldest strand are probably old American naturals), to be appraised soon, holes of varying sizes, some, even in small pearls, as large as 1mm! They are a double strand, with no knots except at the ends of the last pearl. Given the variation, it would be difficult to knot between and have it look "right."

Some pearls you are finding may have been restrung over the years by someone who didn't know how to knot.

Are you very adept at telling faux from cultured pearls? Lots of nicer faux pearls from the 50's and 60's were knotted, and a fair amount was paid for them. What is the "age" of the vintage pearls you like? We have quite a few members here who collect vintage pieces and will be able to comment also, I'm sure.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[Caitlin]

Smaller pearls rarely have knots in the old strands. Why, I don't know.

I think maybe some lower brands like Mikimoto's Blue Lagoon are not knotted, but I am not sure about it.

Pattye
I can hardly wait to see your old pearls.

 

[Michelle.Avalon]

Thanks for the warm welcome and answers!

This is my first purchase of vintage pearls. I couldn't wait for their arrival. As odd as this might sound, I just had to 'test' by feeling how they are across the teeth, and it's amazing. As smooth as they appear, it's a weird feeling as there really is a kind of 'friction/gritty' feeling.

I did not put out alot of money for them. They're cultured pearls and I did ask questions prior to purchase. They do have a few tiny knots up near the smaller end near the clip, but none throughout the rest. I also examined them under a 10x loupe and again, although they 'look' smooth, I could see little tiny dimpling/grain. Pretty cool.

Under the loupe I could also see that there are three every so tiny strands that make up the string, the drill holes are clean and although they're vintage, they appear to have been taken care of.

So don't beat me up too badly cause they're vintage. I think they're just so pretty and so very dainty! Hopefully the pictures will show correctly. And boy- are they ever difficult to photograph!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/AlysIslandCharm/pearls3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/AlysIslandCharm/pearlstrand2.jpg

 

[kojimapearl]

In my teaching, which appears to be concurrent with your photo, graduated strands were only to be knotted, at the last three or five pearls. The reason being the visual continuity.
This was handed down from the family business in Japan dealing solely (at that time) in what is now "vintage" Akoya. As most Akoya strands were graduated, maybe this answers your question?
I do appreciate the art form that is knotting, but I must say that it does some times ruin the "gracefulness", or the soft curve of an elegant graduated strand. (this part is ofcourse just my opinion).
I still only knot the last few pearls of a graduated strand, maybe just out of loyalty, that is unless I need more length.
Sarah

 

[Sueki]

Hi Michelle,
I, too, like vintage pearls. I have several old necklaces all of which are in lovely condition.
A couple are now yellowing slightly, but the lustre and orient is amazing, and I think these are my favourites among my vintage pearls.
I have re-strung three of the necklaces, and the others look as though they've been re-strung.
And like you I've seen many that aren't knotted.
Your necklace is beautiful, and it appears to be in super condition.

 

[tanakarn1]

Hi Michelle,

Your vintage graduated Akoya are beautiful Are they Mikimoto? Would you tell us how old they are?

Tanakarn

 

[Michelle.Avalon]

Thank you for the informative replies. I am very happy with this strand. There is no makers mark on the clasp. It is stamped Silver. They are in a box that I would estimate to be late 30's-early 40's. It's a blue velvet box made of wood (under the material) with a lining of white silk. It's hinged and has a closure common from that period. It is also in very clean and good condition. My husband collects mechanical watches and is famliar with this type of presentation box.

Kojimapearl: The silk thread appears to be in good condition and I appreciate the information as to the reason why it is there are no knots, and interesting bit of 'history'. I would tend to agree that due to the size of the pearls, and their graduation - placing knots may detract from the flow of the strand.

So is it safe to say that these are Japanese Akoyas by their appearance and description? Thanks!

 

[Caitlin]

From the age, there are only 2 choices: vintage akoya or faux and I think we ruled out faux.

Cultured South Seas and Tahitians didn't hit the market until decades later and they wouldn't be either of those in any case.