What is this stuff on my pearls and does it make them worthless?

[Catrin]

Vintage Genuine Freshwater Pearls Knotted Sukhmani Necklace. What is this stuff on the pearls and does it make them worthless?​

 

[BWeaves]

Is that gold paint?

The pearls look like circled freshwater pearls from China. So they're very inexpensive before they did whatever that is on them. Did they paint over the blemishes a la Jackson Pollock? I'd say they're kinda worthless, at least to me they would be.

 

[pattye]

Catrin, ahh, this looks like someone's artistic vision to enrich the appearance of the pearls and give them some additional character. Some time back there were Zebra striped (dyed) pearls. And now we facet pearls, carve patterns, create intricate inlay. What is Sukhmani? The company that sells or the designer or? I like funky pearls, too, so I find these a fun conversation piece. Please tell us more!