white pearls..what are they?

[Pearl Dreams]

Thank you.

Did you do any of the tests I described in post 18 to rule out an imitation strand?

Also, having seen post 20, I'm confused...what strand is that in the 2nd and 3rd photos-- is it the strand we are trying to determine? It has that elliptical shaped clasp with the pearl on it?

 

[Jorku2019]

This is the very long akoya baroque pearl necklace

 

[Jorku2019]

Thanks a lot. Yes I did. They all are real pearls - temp, teeth, etc. I also compare the last two with other cultures pearls I have bought in Bangkok when visiting for work. The quality and color of long strands is by far outstanding.

 

[Jorku2019]

A close up look at the fifth strand - big, round pearls more on whitish/ silver hues.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Having looked at all the photos including post #24, the luster and color and surface marks of the outside strand lead me to conclude they are probably bead-nucleated freshwater pearls.

These bead-nuked FW pearls have a bead placed in the body of the mussel-- sometimes in the gonad but not always.

Adding this-- it's a nice strand! Enjoy wearing it! About the baroque akoyas...the thin parts where the nacre extends past the rounded part of the pearl can be brittle. These tend not to be so durable, so take a bit more care in storing them.

 

[Jorku2019]

This is the strand with not so perfect round, goldish/ peach large pearls

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They are baroque freshwaters. Fun to wear! The color is natural.

 

[Jorku2019]

Post 20 pictures 2 and 3 are from my grandmother. I was wondering if they are natural pearls from Bahrain. She used to mentioned that these pearls came from middle east. In fact I have a number of other pearl necklaces from her, with what she called inxhi-river pearls .Picture one is mikimoto with similar clasp.

 

[Jorku2019]

Thanks. I was reading yesterday FWP - Edisons - were introduced somewhere in early 2000. However, these pearls have been with her for over 40 years. Would it be possible to have FWP with that kind of perfect shape that long ago?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thank you, I understand about post 20 now. How lovely to have so many pearls from your grandmother!

If you think they are natural, you might want to send them to the GIA to be x-rayed and examined. If they are natural you'll obtain a certificate stating this.

 

[Jorku2019]

Many thanks! Can I ask what would be the value of akoya baroque pearls - 72 inches with 14K gold clasp?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thanks. I was reading yesterday FWP - Edisons - were introduced somewhere in early 2000. However, these pearls have been with her for over 40 years. Would it be possible to have FWP with that kind of perfect shape that long ago?

Are you sure that particular strand dates back that far? I'm asking because even elderly people buy new things!
If you are certain it is 40+ years old, then no, it would not be FWP.
But SSP were being cultivated back then.

 

[Jorku2019]

That would be great! Thanks a lot. Yes, Grandma came from Southern Europe/Turkey and pearls were used for cloth/custom embroidery, necklaces, etc.

 

[Jorku2019]

I can't tell for sure, but she was very particular about the quality of pearls.

 

[Jorku2019]

thanks a lot for your wise advice. I'll do so.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Many thanks! Can I ask what would be the value of akoya baroque pearls - 72 inches with 14K gold clasp?

Value. There is replacement value, for insurance purposes, and there is resale value. Replacement value is higher and is based on what similar new items are currently selling for.

I saw a very long rope (84" if I recall correctly) of baroque akoyas at Nordstrom around 4-5 years ago that was selling for several hundred dollars. They were smallish pearls, maybe 7-7.5mm. It was a nice rope and I was surprised at how affordable it was. (I didn't buy it.)

Larger akoyas or akoyas with exceptionally thick nacre that is unlikely to chip can go for more, but still less than round akoyas of good quality, just because the market prefers round pearls.

As to resale value, the fact is that pearls do not tend to hold their value, unless they are historic pearls, natural pearls or a famous brand like Mikimoto. Pearls tend to deteriorate over time thanks to wear and tear, body oils and sweat, contact with cosmetics, pollution, poor storage, etc, etc. All of this drives the resale price down. We generally recommend to people who wish to sell their pre-owned pearls that they look at auctions sites and see what similar items sold for recently.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I can't tell for sure, but she was very particular about the quality of pearls.

A true pearl lover, then.

 

[Jorku2019]

Thanks so much! You really open a whole new world to me with such useful information. I'll check out the link and definitely will send the other necklace for GIA evaluation. Very grateful to every single advice and share of knowledge. THANK YOU!

 

[Jorku2019]

Yes indeed. She adored them and gave them good care too. I hope I'll do the same.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Consider taking the CPAA course, PEARLSASONE! Many of us have done so-- you will learn so much more!

There is a code so you can take it for free-- code TAHITIFREE

More on this course: Pearls as One – The New CPAA Pearl Specialist Certification Course