Black Pearls from Turn of Century

[YHammouda-Eyre]

Hello Pearl Guiders,

it's my understanding that "black" pearls are Tahitian pearls. How does one find out the value (for insurance purposes) of a strand of black pearls from the turn of the century?
Thank you


with regards
Yvonne Hammouda-Eyre
www.antique-jewelry-investor.com

[pattye]

Well, there are also Sea of Cortez black pearls, no doubt very rare.

A regular appraisal would need to be done, at a lab that has the capacity to identify "naturals," since that might be the case with these pearls. Provenance would be important.

[Caitlin]

Pattye is is absolutely correct.

In order to make a claim like that hold water, the owner will have to prove what he says. At the turn of the century the pearls would be natural or faux. Only a lab can determine if they are naturals- a certificate from the GIA would increase the value and give an appraiser something to work with. The lab does not appraise.

As for turn of the century, provenance could help establish that. If they are natural they will be quite valuable, though pearl size and shape and length of the necklace will contribute to the value. And the clasp.

Is it possible for the owner to put them under a florescent light and tell us what happened to the color when he did?