Vintage Akoya?

Very pretty...those are longer than I had thought, and a great length at that! I took another look at the "diamonds" set into the clasp...it appears that they are mounted in the style of finer jewelry...it doesn't look like a costume setting. I also agree that the clasp has more of an art deco design.
 
Awe! Thank you guys, you're all so sweet! Well after 12 hours on the road, I'm no longer glowing, but the pearls sure are!
It's really hard to see Jersey but a couple of the stones are invisibly set.
I did a little image tuning maybe you can see now:
image.jpg

Pattye, you'll be seeing an order from me soon ;)
 
That's a great shot. Thanks! In looking at it's construction, it would be unusual for a costume piece, unless the stones were glued into place...in which case you would be able to see evidence of glue or a silvered backing on the reverse side of the stone. Can you take a shot of the underside of the clasp without the tongue inserted? And maybe a shot from the side of the clasp again without the tongue? It looks like they are set with an open type gallery which is designed to allow maximum light into the stones.
 
So I stopped by an antique jewelry specialist and showed them the necklace. Yes, diamonds!!! The jeweler thought some of the smaller pearls could be natural, so I'm going to find a dentist to X-ray. Happy day!
 
Looks sharp enough to be diamond and I don't think anyone would have done all that work for white sapphires or topaz. :) Good score and the necklace looks great on you. :)
 
Looks sharp enough to be diamond and I don't think anyone would have done all that work for white sapphires or topaz. :) Good score and the necklace looks great on you. :)

Yes, I agree! Good score!! How come I never find stuff like this on eBay? In any regard, once I saw that setting, I thought they might be the real deal...and they look to be of a nice size and clarity too.
 
Also, I didn't think of this before, but you usually don't see a safety chain on imitation jewelry. It's usually there to keep the real stuff from breaking and slipping off your wrist or neck.
 
Wow. Was I wrong about the probably value of the clasp, but I am so glad. That is a great deal for a beautiful strand. Good for you!
 
Lol Caitlin! I had a good feeling when I bought it but the confounding acid test results I got had me worried and I tried that fog test which made me confused and question my own knowledge. I think my acids have expired. Anyways I'm really glad it turned out well! I wish I would have asked the jeweler what her thoughts on grade of diamonds were. All the ladies at the jewelers got really excited and I was made to promise to follow up with them after I get the pearls xrayed. I'll have to find a jeweler in the Raleigh area that specializes in antique jewelry for an appraisal.
 
We already knew it was a beautiful piece, but yippie on being the real deal to boot :)
 
Also, I didn't think of this before, but you usually don't see a safety chain on imitation jewelry. It's usually there to keep the real stuff from breaking and slipping off your wrist or neck.

While I agree generally, I have some Majorica imitation strands that came with safety chains.
 
i'm in love with that clasp, its very art deco looking to me :) congrats on the awesome ebay score! :)
 
Congratulations! What a lovely strand and length. And clasp! Wear it in good health.
 
Back
Top