Swoon!

[pearlescence]

Generally I dissemble a bit to see the general feelings involved then usually aim to be honest. After all if I say nothing and can't identify non-reals I'm not much of a pearl person. I usually emphasise that real pearls cost huge money back when these were purchased and even good fakes were a stretch for a doting dad, so should still be valued.

[Alison]

Gorgeous pearls! I agree with those who say Red Sea. The clasp has got to be platinum, and is Edwardian (1900-1920) in style rather than 1920s, although of course older styles can always continue to be made in a later period.

Everything about them indicates natural pearls. I would add one thing to the comments of others -- if the length allows it, I would have these pearls restrung without knots between the smallest pearls (except of course for a few near the clasp). Also, if there are any badly decayed or damaged small ones, I would have them removed.

I have found through experience that knotting between every tiny pearl accentuates the color and shape differences between them. They are more pleasing to the eye without knots.

I would keep that clasp with the necklace. Its value is commensurate with the original value of the pearls, and the historical accuracy remains.

Please post photos once the necklace is cleaned and restrung (and I assume certified), as it will be spectacular!

[knotty panda]

I mentioned these family pearls before in a strand about should we tell or not (that they are not real)

The "real or not real" question is always a prelude to how much are they worth. I am very honest. I am not an appraiser. My sole purpose is to string them, real or faux. I might comment on the shape, but that's as far as I go. Regardless, they are always beautiful, no matter what. If the customer is interested in having them restrung, then they have value to them and that is all that matters.

[pattye]

I would not want faux pearls passing through my hands, when someone feels they are real, then the owner later finding out from someone else they are not real--wondering if I had switched pearls--we've heard the "switched pearls" story before--so gently pointing out to a person what we are seeing that indicates they're faux pearls, (often back in the 60's and 70's costing hundreds of dollars at a good jewelry store) and showing them at the time they are leaving the pearls for restringing is appropriate and honest.

Might add--it is easy for me to be vague when talking about genuine pearls' worth.

[Caitlin]

I have never had anyone ask me to restring plastic or glass bead pearls, so far, when they didn't know what they had. Just lucky I guess.

[purlgurl]

Just to tease you all, the same customer brought in more of his loot, which I quickly photographed, & will post tomorrow. There are some incredible pearls, alongside some truly amazing diamonds, with some lacklustre strands as well.

[purlgurl]

Ok, quite a few pics here, so I'll divide them into a few posts. The jewellery is from his great grandmother, who lived in the goldfields. Im learning to guess their possible age and origins. Any expert opinions encouraged!

[purlgurl]

More, one with an interesting clasp, with gorgeous microscopic pearls, and another, with a silver clasp, similar to one my Nana wore in the 60's.

[purlgurl]

I love the little bow. The Amethyst is set in rose gold, and the back of the bail. Most of the rest seems to be yellower, so perhaps a piece composed of collected elements. The chain has the prettiest grey/lavender pearls, with a bigger central one, suggesting it could be worn without the bow.
What do you think?

[Caitlin]

Thanks for sharing such a lovely collection. It really adds to our treasure trove of natural pearls! What an education!

[pattye]

Those are really special--thanks for the photos, Carolyn! The pearls are so creamy! The rectangular clasp looks almost like it has peach moonstones in it. Do you feel the green stones are emeralds? What a treat to see and examine these in person!

[purlgurl]

Pattye, they did look like some of the paler emeralds I have seen. The smaller keshis were somewhat translucent in parts, with a few obvious dots of dark brown (shell?), maybe thats exactly what they were: carved shell? The front one certainly looked more like pearl. The seed pearls varied quite a lot in colour & luster.
The 3 strand Mikis were interesting. They seem to have been 'well loved', and the tiny ones at the ends were quite "blinky".
The ones like my Nana's, seemed to be similar to bead quality freshwaters, with quite a lot of surface blemishes. They were quite a lot whiter (maybe newer, and not worn so often), with a pretty basic silver clasp.

[GemGeek]

Thanks for the terrific photos. It's funny that you said "swoon" because I think that's just how I felt when I scrolled to the first necklace!

[lisa c]

Thread bump, with pearl necklaces, a couple of lovely clasps and mag pic of Caitlin's naturals unstrung.