| In closed settings, half-pearls might have been propped up to look larger (i.e. higher cabochon as it were) and defects on the back side treated in weird ways. Matching otherwise not very similar pearls could have been one goal of the assemblage (say, matching a flat half pearl with a more rounded cousin etc.). But that would have likely happened to natural pearls earlier on. Now, this note is based on sum total two examples of Austrian jewelry, not very close to the geographical target. The 1920s date tallies, but jewelry things were a bit behind the times in the region. The description reminded of them.
Just a thought.
Sorry to hear about the disappointing purchase... I hope those were not too damaging cash-wise and would at the very least make a interesting piece of pear-tampering history. |