[junenicholls]

i have a string of pearls (171) that i inherited 30 years ago. i dont know anything about them. am having problems posting a picture of them on this page. If anybody could give me some help and advice i will email you a photo of them. thanks.

[Caitlin]

The photo is up. To put up more photos just do a new post for each one

[Valeria101]

That must be quite a heavy strand then! And quite long...

A couple of question might just help with the ID:
- are the pearls of about the same size or graduated
- how round are they
- is there any particular damage around the drill holes (pealing or erosion)
- any variations of color between pearls
- when were they purchased and where
- what does the original clasp look like

[Admin]

Hi June
Those are good questions. Each one answered will help members give opinions.

30 years ago would be about the 1970's- Can you give a closer date when the first owner got them?

[junenicholls]

in answer to your questions:-the pearls are all the same size. 2 - they seem to be perfectly round. 3 - no damage that i can see. 4 -the colour seems very uniform. 5 - i dont know when and where they were purchased, i inherited about 30 years ago. 6 - there is no clasp, they are one continuous string, very 1920's. 7 - they are not very heavy 3.9 oz or 110 gramms. 8 - the length is approx 144 cms

[junenicholls]

at the same time of inheriting my long strand of pearls i also got these pair of earrings

[junenicholls]

srry i seem to have problems posting pics on this

[Valeria101]

Wel, I would think that they could either be cultured akoya or costume.

However, the density seems low for cultured pearls. My reasoning is, that if cultured pearls have a specific gravity of about 2.7 (HERE), given the weight and numbers you gave the pearls of the strand should be tiny seed pearls which they aren't.

It is possible that the top-of-the-head math is wrong ...

[jerin]

Hi junenicholls,

if the pearls are that uniform in shape and colour and size I think it could be imitation pearls. And Valeria is ríght about the density as well. They should be much heavier if they are larger than 2 mm/pearl.

[junenicholls]

how can i tell if they r imitation or not - and also how can i measure the size

[pearlescence]

While it is not entirely accurate, simply rubbing the pearls on your teeth will give a clue-
real pearls feel slightly gritty, while imitations are often smooth.
The problem with pearls of this age is that real pearls then were very expensive and parents - wanting to give a classic and lovely present for a 21st birthday or a wedding, often scraped together enough to buy some of the imitations which were then expensive and available - Ciro and Majorcan are two types. They probably cost more than a very good real pearl necklace does now, and were rightly treasured by the recipient. Some of the imitation pearls have more of a tendency to yellow over the years too, while real pearls will stay white/ivory

[junenicholls]

thank you - i think the picture i gave u might have given u the impression that they are larger than they actually are - theseare the size of small peas are are gritty when rubbed againt my teeth

[jerin]

How good for you! That could mean they are real after all!

[junenicholls]

if they r real - could yu put a rough value on them as i would like to sell these - i realise that this would only be a rough guide - and that it wouldnt count as a valuation etc - i really appreciate your help - thankyou

[jerin]

Well it all depends on size and look - so a photo with a close up and size would be necessary. In your picture the pearls look as if they had different size.

In general it is always the buyer who decides in the end what he/she is willing to pay, so it is difficult but if they are Akoyas it would be important to have the original packaging and papers to go with. Also a picture of the clasp, hallmarks and such thing help to put a prie on your strand. In case they should be Mikimoto pearls You might get a good price but it is very hard to put a price on them without seeing them. All depends on how much the pearls have perhaps yellowed, is the nacre tight, no cracking at the drillholes and many other small factors that together will eventually give you some kind of guide line.

But photos are needed - otherwise it is just guessing without really knowing.