[BRITEGEM]

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to get some expert opinions on this natural pearl collection I saw on ebay (Item #: 270249356850).
Thanks!

[pattye]

Hi There,

Although the photos are not so good, much closer would be better, the pearls do indeed look to me like what he sez they are. But for example it is very difficult to see the quality of even the largest abalone pearls by the photo. What the other side looks like is very important. Also the light colored one--not sure what that is about. Have only seen one other cluster of oyster pearls like that one--it had been made into a pendant. You could request some more detailed and closer photos, and see if you can find out just how he got the pearls. Not sure how much he expects to get--sometimes the seller will list the reserve price in the details. Keep us posted, please, and if you are truly interested, the seller should put up some better photos, or at least email you some.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[pattye]

Hey All,

Did you somehow miss BRITEGEM's post? some pretty interesting pearls on ebay----

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[smetzler]

The value of the entire lot would be determined by a handful of exceptional pearls that could only be confirmed by first hand inspection. The oyster pearl cluster is my first such—thanks to Pattye for the precedent. It does have interesting pendant possibilities (grape bunch for a wine importer, anyone?).

[J Marcus]

Re: the "oyster" pearls--ask him what mullosc(s) they came from. I think that their value can vary with species. They could be from any of several.

Marc

[BRITEGEM]

Thank you.

[jshepherd]

Oyster pearls will rarely have a species attached to them. I really doubt he will know as they are traded as just "oyster pearls."

I think you should ask what the reserve price is. It may be much higher than the starting bid. This seems to be the case with nearly all of the seller's auctions.

[J Marcus]

Originally Posted by jshepherd

Oyster pearls will rarely have a species attached to them. I really doubt he will know as they are traded as just "oyster pearls.".

I know that's true of cultured pearls, but is that usually the case with natural pearls as well?

Marc
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com/home.html

[jshepherd]

Originally Posted by J Marcus

I know that's true of cultured pearls, but is that usually the case with natural pearls as well?

As far as I know. I have asked Jeremy Norris about his "oyster" pearls in the past. Those that he knows specifically are sold as such. Those that he does not are sold as "oyster pearls". They usually look like the bunch in the photo on the auction.

[pattye]

Update: There was only one bid at the end, and it was still under the reserve price.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time