Pearl value

[Sun_Angel]

Hi I have two necklaces and I am wondering about their value. One is a string of pearls (several strands) and one is a single pearl with a diamond at the top. Any information on nature and worth would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Caitlin]

Hi
We moderate the first two posts to get rid of spammers who make it through the sign-up process.

As for your pearl strand, it is made of Chinese freshwater pearls from the 1980's or so. Those are called "rice pearls" and they are typically wrinkly from that time period. The clasp looks to be base metal, rather worn, and those clam shell attachments are only used on massed produced jewelry.They are not worth a lot and it is easy to replace the strands for a few dollars each.

However, the wrinkles allow a great deal of iridescence or orient to show on the pearls, something I have always liked.

The single pearl is a much later Chinese freshwater pearl where the culturing techniques allow larger, rounder pearls to be produced. It is a color natural to freshwater pearls. That is a sweet setting- looks to be gold. Something like this can sell retail for between 50-100dollars.

Here are two completed listings from eBay with similar items and what they sold for. Rather disappointing...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14KT-Gold-9...49095?pt=US_Fine_Earrings&hash=item1c2dac45e7
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Yellow-G...S_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item51a4afcefc

the second listing looks very much like yours and it sold for $15.00

 

[pattye]

Agree with Caitlin, not a high value for either piece, but they are pretty and genuine cultured freshwater pearls. Look closely at the clasps to see if they are marked as gold, 10k, 14k 18k?

 

[Caitlin]

I found a listing for a 3 strand wrinkly rice pearls. Looks to be quite a bit longer than yours. Asking price $39.00. Whether it sells at that price or not is up for grabs.

So enjoy your pearls, they are very pretty, or make them gifts to others.