[twice nice]

Hello.
My father gave this pink pearl, choker length necklace to my mother in the late 1950s. The clasp is hallmarked 9k gold.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls050.jpg

I would like to know what type of pearls it is comprised of, please.

I have used the 'zoom' feature on my camera. And, unfortunately, the reflection from the ceiling lights was unavoidable.

The pearls vary from 5-7mm, in size. Some are almost a complete circle.
They display a high lustre.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls035.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r.../PinkPearls052.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls042.jpg

Only one is 'faulty'.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls046.jpg

They are all evenly smooth to touch but this zoomed image, below, shows that the surface may not be smooth. I have no idea why.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls060.jpg

Thank you, in advance.
twice nice

[jshepherd]

The strand looks like a freshwater strand of pearls, slightly button. The date would fit a natural strand a bit closer, but the color is very much Cockscomb, Ikecho, or Triangle shell, producers of cultured. The clasp, if of 9kt, would likely indicate that the strand was purchased in Europe most likely...

[twice nice]

Hello.
Yes. I forgot to mention that they were purchased in Italy.
I have been reading the information in this site and one minute I thought they were natural, thn button then I became totally confused when I read about Mabe pearls.

[twice nice]

Here is an image of the 9k
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls023.jpg

[jshepherd]

Based on the year they could be naturals, it is hard to say. The are definitely not mabe pearls, they are button. If cultured they are undoubtedly freshwater.

[twice nice]

Thank you, Jeremy Shepherd, for your assistance.
I have one further question. Would you be able to give me an approximate value? The sentimental value is not important. My mother has instructed me to sell this necklace and, another one (regarding which, I shall post a new thread).

[twice nice]

I just came back from mum's. I took more photos outside, in the morning light.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls044.jpg

There are five much lighter coloured pearls extending from the clasp.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls020.jpg
They are almost white in comparison to the pink.

The last one of these five 'light' ones and, the first pink, after it, both seem 'faulty'.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls046.jpg

Here's the last 'light' one:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls033.jpg

and here's the pink one:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls045.jpg

Here's another pink one with tiny black spots:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls028.jpg

and another pink one:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls029.jpg

I have used the macro digital zoom, on my camera.

My personal observation:
the 'faulty' white/light one looks as if it has split open and this white hard material (also shiny) has splurted out.
the 'faulty' pink one looks as if it didn't close smoothly on one side. There's an opening there but the outer layer has folded over it - similar to a skin healing after a wound
I held both this pink necklace and the other white necklace (no images yet) and noticed the difference in weight and hardness This pink is definitely heavier, the pearls are harder and shinier.

My mother's comments:
It was bought as a 'natural'. It was dad's gift when mum gave birth to me. Dad could afford it. The necklace broke at some stage. It was re-strung here in Australia. Mum has always supected that the two rings around the clasp were changed by the jeweller. She distinctly remembers them being gold, also:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...kPearls022.jpg
The necklace was re-strung approx five years. It is safely kept away from other jewellery and she has looked after it always taking care to wear it last after she applied her make-up and, hairspray.

I'm sorry for such a scroller. It's difficult when one's mother insists that all be told.

[jshepherd]

If the strand is indeed a natural, it would be worth a bit of money. But you would need to have it certified by a laboratory before selling it as a natural, and valuating the strand. Unfortunately no jeweler will be able to help you there, you really need to take it to a lab.
If the strand is cultured freshwater, it has very little value, unfortunately.

[twice nice]

Many thanks, for all your help, Jeremy Shepherd. I shall take your advice.