Vintage Smaller Pearl Strand

[mausketeer]

Yes, it's ME again! Hi guys! Sorry to bug you all...... any chance these are natural, or a mix of natural and cultured perhaps? (smallest are just under 4mm - the big pearl in the middle is around 8mm). I'm used to seeing cultured baroque Akoyas looking mainly round with a bit of "stuff" off to one side (I can't help thinking they look like poached eggs!)

thanks for any input!!!!

- Jodie -

(um, I guess I should include the PHOTOS - duh.....)

 

[mausketeer]

Bumping thread....... anyone want to chime in on these? I assume they're cultured then if nobody has replied?

- Jodie -

 

[KarinK]

Hi Jodie,

Are they knotted between the pearls? I can't quite see from the pictures. Is the clasp stamped? My gut feeling is freshwater pearls but I don't know enough to be sure.

- Karin

 

[Bodecia]

Hi Jodie,

Yes, it's ME again! Hi guys! Sorry to bug you all...... any chance these are natural, or a mix of natural and cultured perhaps? (smallest are just under 4mm - the big pearl in the middle is around 8mm). I'm used to seeing cultured baroque Akoyas looking mainly round with a bit of "stuff" off to one side (I can't help thinking they look like poached eggs!)

They look like Baroque Akoyas to me. But you need to look at the drill holes to see if there is any worn nacre and if you can spot any mother of pearl beads hiding inside to ascertain if there is a possibility of naturals. From these photos I am not seeing naturals but it is hard from a distance.

I think your question asking would it be possible if part were cutured and part naturals is a very GOOD one. I think mixtures happens far more than we ever realise. Not on purpose but when someone does have a natural strand and is restringing or even having it restrung accidents can happen. Sometimes even natural pearls can look a bit dull or just dirty and the owner might decide to replace said pearl or pearls with "better ones" - big mistake but I am sure it has happened in the past.

I have a necklace at the moment which is confusing the heck out of me because I know there are some cultured pearls in it but some of the pearls do look natural at the drill holes. I have been pulling it out and examining it every now and again and comparing it against some necklaces I know are naturals.

As the necklace is not knotted and will need it why don't you consider breaking it and just threading it on one strand of silk at the moment so you can have a good view down the drill holes and can spot any wear around same. Always worth making sure of what you have or do not have. Try taking some more close ups then.

I have a reasonable collection now and am always looking and dreaming of more.

Good luck,
Dawn - Bodecia
http://stores.ebay.com/Dawns-Designer-Collections
with my own Web Site getting closer and closer
Natural pearl collector and all round pearl lover.

 

[pattye]

Thesese look vintage akoya to me. If I recall correctly, that size and range of graduation is typical of early akoya, mentioned previously by others. Luster looks good!

 

[mausketeer]

Thanks guys! Dawn, thanks for your answer - I don't have them, these are the photos the seller had posted. Was thinking of buying them if they may have been natural (I'm developing a love for them as I learn more about pearls).

I wondered if they may have been a mix because I just imagined that when cultured pearls came onto the market, they probably mixed them in with the naturals on the same strand - don't you think? Like, if they had a quantity of small natural pearls but no large ones, they could fill in with cultured. Not in a "deceiving" way of course - they probably looked at cultured as better than naturals when they first came out........

I do like the shapes - AND the lustre. And the price was good (I think they were $60?) I should just buy them - right?

- Jodie -

 

[Bodecia]

Hi Jodie,

At $60 you can't go wrong and if you like the lustre and shapes go for it. I like baroque pearls too. Seem to have more character to them.

I wondered if they may have been a mix because I just imagined that when cultured pearls came onto the market, they probably mixed them in with the naturals on the same strand - don't you think? Like, if they had a quantity of small natural pearls but no large ones, they could fill in with cultured. Not in a "deceiving" way of course - they probably looked at cultured as better than naturals when they first came out........

But they would be an early Cultured Strand so don't buy them hoping that they are naturals or that there are naturals in there. They don't look like naturals. Culltured and naturals would not normally have been mixed. As I said earlier I believe it has happened at times when owners needed the odd fill in but then
that would have been a cultured pearl in amongst naturals and not the other way around.

When they were orginally strung up it would have been very dishonest of a seller to mix cultured pearls with naturals. Very unlikely it would have happened anyway.

I like them as you do and I would suggest you get them re-threaded and knotted between the pearls. Have any with mother of pearl beads worn through removed or pearls that are effected by perfumes or such. Check the ones that would lay on the neck. That is where they wear the most from perfumes and rubbing.

Enjoy your pearls. You are officially now hooked on pearls. Learn to live with and love your addiction like we all do Good luck.

Dawn - Bodecia
http://stores.ebay.com/Dawns-Designer-Collections
Natural pearl collector and all round pearl lover.

 

[mausketeer]

Thanks Dawn for all the info! I think I have let's see.......... nine strands now? Oh-oh! I had a photo I meant to post in the "Show us your Pearls" section...... I actually left a few out that were still in my jewelry box........

- Jodie -


(and I am looking at some large baroque freshwater Chinese pearls right now too!)