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rGimmus,
Cultured akoya pearls do not tend to be strung that way (unknotted with bead tips and what looks like a base metal clasp with a glued-on pearl) but remember pearls are often restrung. ...

If pearls are grimy, this can make them a bit gummy or resistant when rubbed together. I'd clean them and then try your rubbing test again. Use bottled water (to avoid chlorine and hard water...

Ooh, good catch GemGeek. They are also finished in an inexpensive manner and the clasp does look like it had a pearl glued in.

Hi gRimmus and welcome to Pearl Guie!

The pearls are cultured akoya pearls. The surface characteristics help identify them as real pearls.