Thank you, Caitlin, for the research reference. I am making a collection of them, including photos of Mikimoto hallmarks with reference to Edwardian, art deco, antique, vintage, pre and post war . . using fairly reliable sources as I find them . . which I hope to share soon here at Pearl-Guide for those pearl lovers who are interested in various historical details regarding pearls.
Also, Caitlin and all, I agree with you that my pearls are no more likely to be natural than you or I holding a winning lottery ticket. What I was thinking is that if they were cultured for 3 years (or 5 years. . see below) the nacre would be unusual and very different compared to most pearls we know from 1960 forward and the antique genuine natural SW pearls.
And, Ashley, I very much appreciate your advice about supposed 1910 Mikimoto jewelry. I was sort of thinking the same thing in a cautionary mode, rather than pearl educated thoughts as yours, simply because I was unable to find 1910 Mikimoto Edwardian pearl jewelry advertised or referenced anywhere on the WWW (in my very time-limited experience).
However, when I emailed the seller about the MM 1910 Edw jewelry, he did tell me that he really meant to say, 1910 to 1920 Edwardian; that he was just guessing. I checked out his other seller items and, basically, I sensed a total lack of knowledge, and other items were not numerous and basic $5 or less garage sale items.
So, I don't know, but for a lousy $580
(I know it's not pocket change, but don't think it's enough to bankrupt the house, right?),
I feel enormous regret and totally whimpiness (as well as: unadventurous, overly conservative, much like a very old, fragile, and vulnerable person . . . Yikes . . don't want to go there) 
because I did not have the guts and believe in my own intuition to increase my bid to double the $580 amount during the last 10 minutes . . . which I could have handled even if using a little credit card help for 30 days.
Everywhere on Ebay and other antique jewelry websites (including . . . very well respected, long-time, and top end jewelry stores),
I see far less quality, unsigned Edwardian pearl jewelry guaranteed to be 1910 or before, priced in the range of $5K to $15K. Dammit, dammit, dammit.
Hey, on a lighter note, where are the posted comments about the photos I posted of my pearl purchases and contemplated purchases. 
Well, if any of you are not bored to death by now with this thread or so aggravated by my continued quest for knowledge, I am pasting in some quotes from a little booklet I purchased, just for the sake of pearl education, resources to look up if you haven't seen them before, etc.
- - NOT intended to go anywhere in terms of my personal pearl problem (PPP . . . huh? that sounds kinda funny) - - just sharing for those who are interested.
Mikimoto Cultivated Pearls - The Gem of the Ocean
Copyrighted 1934
How Pearls Are Cultivated
. . . Even more wonderful than the Mt. Vernon replica itself is the modern art of pearl cultivation by Mikimoto. Imagine, if you can, a giant Japanese colony of 41,000 sea acres where oysters are helped by man to create pearls. This Kingdom of Gems comprises eight pearl cultivating farms between the Bay of Gokasho and the Isle of Palao.
The Scientific Secret
. . . The covetable value of Mikimoto Cultivated Pearls has been described by the late authority Dr. David Starr Jordan of Stanford University in these words: "As they (Mikimoto Pearls) are of exactly the same substance and color as the natural or 'uncultured' pearl, there is no real reason why they should not have the same value . . . Each sort has the same lustre and sheen, in quality which cannot be imitated by any form of 'Paste' or 'Artificial' pearls. The best method . . . has been carefully studied and patents of this process have been taken by Mikimoto."
Milton F. Gravender celebrated gemologist, in his book, "Fascinating Facts about Gems," published by the Gemological Institute of America, says: "Pearl culture has become an important science today, due to the vision, patience, and perseverance of K. Mikimoto, who has execute and perfected pearl cultivation. "
Importance of the Irritant
. . . After about five years of cultivation, necessitating almost daily surveillance of the oyster cages, the oysters are raised for the last time and opened.
Man's Conquest
. . . Among eminent scientists who have acclaimed Mikimoto Cultivated Pearls are: Dr. Charles A. Kofoid , University of California; the late Dr. Lyster Jameson; Dr. Herdman, Professor Sir Arthur Shipley of England; Professors Boutan, Joubin, and Dollfus of France; and countless Japanese biologists.
Well, I'm off to the WWW to use some of bolded text for a Google search. Love you guys, and thanks for your support.
PearlPoor   |