Meredith,
Sorry to tell you, these are imitation pearls, often called South Sea Shell Pearls to confuse the buyer. They are a bead covered with pearlized paint of some sort. Some women enjoy wearing necklaces like this and some imitation pearls can be attractive. It is difficult to see the actual colors in the photo.
No genuine cultured South Sea pearls would sell for $75. Well, you might be able to find a single baroque South Sea Pearl for $75. Thank you for asking this question!