Vintage bracelet—Akoya or freshwater?

[multichrome]

It’s a sweet simple bracelet with clasp marked IWI and 14K. I believe they are from the 1980s, given the IWI (Imperial World Inc.) mark. The pearls pass the grit/rub test and are about 5mm. It’s hard for me to tell how truly round they are. There’s gimp on each end, but the string is not knotted—they are strung on nylon line, as far as I can tell. I’m confident they’re real, not sure about their origin. I have another bracelet from this company, but those pearls are clearly freshwater. Would love y’all to take a look at them.

Also they are very lightweight.

Thanks for looking, and have a good day!

Cece

 

[Pearl Dreams]

There weren't truly round fwp in the 1980s, so it's safe to assume they are akoyas.

 

[multichrome]

They do look quite round to me, but another set of eyes is very welcome. Thank you!

 

[lisa c]

Multichrome, this is fun! Did you go wild, or what? I see more packages in the baaaaackgroooound...

 

[multichrome]

lisa c, I did kinda go wild, but the packages in the background are all from Pattye! I now have a lot of colors of Beader’s Secret to play with. I’ve been restoring vintage jewelry for a while, and now I’ve discovered pearls, so what I’ve gone wild on is generally inexpensive vintage strands from eBay to rehab or restore or restyle. Also in the beginning I wrecked a few needles so Pattye had to send me more, haha! They were beyond help, even when I tried to straighten them with my nylon pliers!

I’ve had quite a bit of “pearl mail” from eBay, and would gladly post more projects if people are interested.

<3

Here are a couple of completed projects, and one to come. I’m going to replace the pearls on the little feather brooch. The most I spent on any original piece here was $8, and the pink-toned freshies were $1.99.

 

[lisa c]

Hehehe we have fun! Thank you for sharing your goodies, a bargain makes it even more fun.

 

[Charlotta]

I love pearl redos. I use to save pearls on ebay as well. Once I got a vintage graduated akoya strand in great condition for 10 $. I think I made a pearl tassel out of that strand. My vintage akoyas are mostly used up in projects. But then I found tahitians, and south seas and I haven't saved pearls in years. It was fun buying them though and I have gotten some beautiful clasps out of it as well. I love to see more of your pearl finds. I hsve wrecked some needles on tiny drillholes as well. I am forever buying needles and tread from Pattye...

 

[multichrome]

Hehehe we have fun! Thank you for sharing your goodies, a bargain makes it even more fun.

It really is fun to talk to others about my vintage, um, preoccupation. I am ALL ABOUT vintage bargains. Also I love the sustainability aspect of reviving vintage jewelry and other items. I joke that my workroom is The Island of Misfit Toys from the old Rudolph cartoon. It’s very satisfying, though! And my daughter and nieces get some pretty pieces to wear!

Charlotta, I am definitely in that phase of sourcing older pearls. Also I really really really love stringing pearls. It’s kind of meditative. I’ve admired things in your collection in other posts!

I’ll gladly share pearl mail again soon. I’ll be on the road a bit this week, then back home with my little vintage pals, giving them baths, gluing their rhinestone eyes back on, and generally giving them some TLC.

Cece

Attached: owl and kittycat brooches I’ve restored—both British and mid-century

View attachment 69912

 

[alice Chan]

It seems akoya, bright luster than freshwater pearl.

 

[2thdktr]

Love the brooch! I have a thing for vintage/antique jewelry, mostly art deco and Edwardian. I think it's great that you are re purposing old jewelry and giving as gifts. keep the pictures coming!