Have owned these pre-owned pearls for 15 years... now have questions

[Marianne]

There is no such thing as a dumb question..... (If you are a newbie
Akoyas are cultured saltwater pearls... You are quite correct!

[Alison]

The necklace definitely looks like high-quality Akoya pearls, with a really exceptional clasp. It's very rare to see the double hook and extra lock. The stones are almost certainly diamonds (easily tested by a jeweler). The color of the metal, if it has not been cleaned, indicates it may be platinum. It is much more likely to find unmarked platinum than gold, and white gold generally gets a nasty-looking tarnish over the decades.

[CowPrincess]

Marianne, thank you Alison, that's an interesting idea! The metal has not been cleaned while in my possession.

[CowPrincess]

An update -- someone I trust implicitly is going to restring these for me. I'll report back with what she tells me about them.

[pattye]

CP,

Hopefully your friend will look them over closely with you, and be able to point out some details about the pearls in person. My bracelet with the similar clasp is from early 90's, but haven't seen many like that since then, am guessing that type clasp was likely used for at least several decades previous. Looking forward to your report.

[CowPrincess]

Pattye, she isn't a "friend" really, she is a client I asked for a referral for restringing. She offered to do it herself, and I don't really want to impose on her good will too much. But I will ask a few questions and perhaps she will volunteer some additional info. However it works out I will definitely let all the kind people here know what she says.

[Amrita]

There is no such thing as a dumb question..... (If you are a newbie

Even if you are not a newbie, he he..

[CowPrincess]

Took them in today. The restringer is going to test the metal, she suspects it is white gold given the intracacy of the clasp but will test to make sure, and the kt of it. They are definitely Akoya, and definitely overdue for restringing

[CowPrincess]

Got the pearls back today. They are now individually knotted I'm so relieved. The clasp tested as 14 kt white gold. Thought I'd update as you were all so helpful -- you deserved to know too

[pattye]

CP,

So happy for you! Wear and enjoy!