What do I have here?

[Happy Huku]

I'm a newbie to posting threads so hope this works! Have also discovered how hard it is to take decent photos of pearls!

These were bought in Cape Town, South Africa in 1989 and the clasp made for them.
At the time I was thrilled with the colour and never really asked much about them, or, if I was told, I cannot remember.
Now, after hours of browsing this wonderful forum, I am curious to know what they are.

Length of string 40cm excluding clasp.
Size of pearls approx 6mm

 

[dkan 168]

Can't really tell as some of the pearls show signs of being cultured freshwater pearls to my untrained eyes, however, I believe it is unlikely for CFWPs to be so round and smooth in the late 80s.

The clasp looks expensive, in that it can be real gold with diamonds and sapphires. Has it got any markings on the back?

They look kind of grey to me in the photos.

I *suspect* they are cultured akoyas, round to semi-round in shape, with good lustre and surfaces, and well-matched.

I read on here recently that grey cultured akoyas are becoming quite rare.

If the experts on here confirm they are indeed cultured akoyas, then consider yourself lucky to have a very nice strand of pearls.

DK

 

[pattye]

Wow, that is a beautiful color! Quite unusual. You can help us with this evaluation by answering these questions:

1. Do you see any blemishes on the pearls? Near the drill holes? Do they look like pin pricks?

2. When you gently rub 2 pearls together from opposite sides of the strand, do they feel slightly gritty or smooth?

3. In person, do you see any slight differences in roundness, color and size between the pearls?

4. Was this a necklace already when you bought it, then upgraded the clasp and roundels?

5. What kind of store was this purchased in?

6. Do you remember how much you paid? You don't have to say exact amount, but alot, over $1000 or a little $100 or less?

Thanks for sharing~

 

[Nerida]

Hi, and welcome, Happy Huku,

The pearls are beautiful, thank you for showing us. Looking forward to your answers to Pattye's questions... they will certainly tell us a lot more about your pearls. 1989 is very early for CFWP to be so even, but they do indeed look like real pearls...

 

[Happy Huku]

Thank you all for your replies. Will try and answer Pattye's questions as carefully as possible:

1. I think there are a few blemishes near the drill holes, something a bit like a pin prick. Hard to see and know exactly what I am looking for. Otherwise the pearls are pretty smooth.

2. Yes, they are gritty, on the teeth too.

3. I can hardly see any difference in colour, size and roundness. The photo does not do the colours justice. They shimmer.

4. Seem to remember a string, unknotted and no clasp and I had that clasp and roundels made for the pearls.

5. It was a reputable jeweler, Swiss I think. They made some pearl earings to match and reset a ring for me. I have no paperwork, my Aunt took me there.

6. What did I pay for them? Again I can't remember, for me the bill was pretty high especially as I was a student at the time. Nearer $1000 than $100.

I was actually wanting some white pearls, the jeweler showed me some strings then I saw those ones and guess what happened?
I have always thought of them as my grey cultured pearls and until I started browsing, had never heard of the word akoya, let alone dyed pearls! I never wore them as much as I thought I would until recently so they are in reasonable condition.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I'm guessing natural colored akoyas. The color is pretty uniform, which makes it seem they could be dyed, but I do see one bluer looking pearl in the center of the top strand in the right hand photo.

 

[pattye]

Happy Huku,

Your answers confirm my thought, too, that you have a natural color akoya strand. Extremely well matched and very fine quality. These must be spectacular in person-ah, shimmer!!! Guarantee I'm not the only one drooling, lol!!! You have a great eye for pearls! I'm certain you must receive many compliments. Thank you for sharing the story and photos of your beauties!

 

[KarinK]

You really should wear this treasure!

- Karin

 

[KarinK]

You really should wear this treasure!

- Karin

 

[lisa c]

Karin, got your bib on? Aren't they lovely?

 

[KarinK]

Green with envy! At least green suits my reddish blond complection

- Karin

 

[Happy Huku]

Thank you for all your replies and information.
Sounds silly but I'm so glad they are natural not dyed, makes one appreciate the wonders of pearls all over again.
I am wearing them much more now, perhaps because I am getting older and enjoy shimmering things more!
Also they have recently been re-strung and are hanging well, pooling properly as I have just learnt!
Sadly, I have worn my first string almost to death, have had to add beads - a totally different look but still much loved.
Meanwhile, I'll enjoy admiring all your creations and knowledge.
Cheers

 

[Happy Huku]

Don't know if it is 'proper' to bump up my own thread but there seem to be so many more threads about blue akoyas these days...
I might have to try some better photos, possibly even a neck shot!

 

[Sanippy]

These are gorgeous!! What a unique colour. I'd love to see more photos!

 

[lisa c]

I'm glad you gave your thread a bump!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Yes, a neck shot, please!

I like revisiting older threads, particularly when they have photos.

 

[Happy Huku]

Neck shots??!! Even though I am having fun playing with DH's new iPad and my pearls, my neck shots are ghastly under close scrutiny...

But as requested...

 

[Happy Huku]

However, these photos should be much more interesting...

I also found the matching earrings and some left over pearls, I think the drill holes were too big but I took a photo for 'educational purposes' as they really show the inside of the pearls.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Not ghastly at all! Thank you for the neck shots!

 

[Sanippy]

They are gorgeous on you!