| Majorcan pearls are made of many layers of powdered fish scales and have a beautiful, but artificial looking luster. I once had a 30" or so strand with graduated sizes from 7mm to 14-15mm. I had the box, clasp and some paperwork, so it was an easy sell on eBay. It bid up to the mid-300's, if I recall correctly. I think replacement value would be about $1,000 for a new one.
(Now there's a case of Mystique with a Capital M!) Just think of the freshies I could get with that amount!
If the wear is around the bead hole, esp., it is most likely not a Majorca, but an akoya- or even faux pearls.
There have been quite a few people with faux pearls (or old akoyas) that have come over here and say they are "natural" pearls from an ancestor.......
You can buy replacement akoyas at bead stores here in the US, but the color is never a perfect match. ( I think those pearls are carried especially to replace old worn akoyas. My sister in law has had to replace many, many pearls on her ropes, from the 30's and 40's, which all show considerable wear.)
__________________
Caitlin  potamilus purpuratus American Pearl Mussel Where can I get a pearl from this mussel? |