Natural pearls value

[Zel]

Hi I have a set of perals and they are believed to be non cultured.
They were bought in France around 1940-1950's and passed to me through the family.
I'm not really sure how much they are worth but i can say some of them are very small, rounded and with good lusture.
I would like to know more about it if someone could help.
Thanks

 

[SteveM]

Good pictures would be nice.

An appraisal would require certification as natural by a gem lab, fortunately for you older pearls are less problematic than new ones, assuming your piece has easily identifiable vintage characteristics.

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Zel
We love to look at photos. They often help us decide if it is worth it to get something certified as natural by a gem lab. The value on a piece goes up more than the cost of the certification, for naturals.

 

[Mikeyy]

They are probably worthless. Send them to me and I will dispose of them for you. No charge.

 

[Zel]

Ok my profile picture is showing the necklace from the set.
Picture taken by me.
I had 2 professionals confirming they are non cutured and will have them certified.
Currently in touch with gemologist working for Victoria and Albert museum in London.
I'm not really sure weather they are worth a lot but i'll try
Mikeyy lol nice try
I have to resize other pictures and as soon as i do i'll add more on.
Thanks for your replies guys

 

[Caitlin]

Thanks for the pix. I eagerly await the certification results. If they are natural, their sizes and shapes are remarkable, better than many Royal necklaces. Unfortunately your photos almost look black and white and the luster doesn't show well.

Please add the photos in the thread as well as your album, if you can. Also I would like to know the size range of the pearl in the strand.

 

[pattye]

Hi Zel and welcome,

I looked at the photos on your profile page. The pearls are lovely and very well matched. You are doing the right thing, to have them certified, and if indeed they are not cultured, they will be worth quite a bit. Please let us know how it turns out!

 

[Caitlin]

Would it be too much to ask for a super close up of your pearls? I want to see the skins. I just can't see any blemishes or bumps or irregularities at all. Do they have any?

Try a white cloth or dull white paper background. Are you using a copier?

 

[pattye]

Are these pearls from someone in your family? Is there a story that goes with the pearls?

 

[Zel]

Ok I will take better pictures and post them soon , thanks for the info.
I'm just amazed and proud of this beautiful set, spent days and days studying pearls and i just want to know more
Size of the pearls are as follow. Smallest ones are 3 mm and largest is roughly 1 cm.
Luster is very good and pearls are in good condition

 

[Zel]

Ok Caitlin I will try to take close up picture tomorrow thanks for the advise. Wasnt sure what background to use. When I had them looked at by professionals they said they are in excellent condition with perfect luster and perfectly rounded. That is all i can say so far as I myself am not really advanced enough to give more details, hope close ups help tho.

 

[Zel]

The pearls do have history. They were given to me as a wedding present from my mother in law. They were bought in France in 1940 by her mother.
She was a wealthy lady and aslo the first woman who became solicitor in France.
They were bought in a jewellery shop in south of France.
The ring could be cultured pearl but earings and the necklace are believed to be non cultured.

 

[Caitlin]

When these pearls are certified, I think we will be glad to have your photographic record. Thanks for your work.

O yeah. That's a remarkable clasp and chain. A photo featuring that? and one showing any markings? This is work, but it makes a fantastic record.

 

[Zel]

Do u think the smallest pearls are woth anything? I was told the big pearls have bigger value.
I really cant wait to have them certified and hope it will happen soon as in London we dont have many labs to Xray them.
I'm trying to combine this with my work

 

[Caitlin]

If this necklace certifies as natural, you should keep it exactly as it was certified. If the earrings are natural- is that what you meant? Such cute puffy buttons so well matched would be valuable either on their own or as part of the set with the necklace. (One of them looks like it could need a bit of a repair.) Even if this set is cultured, it is very high quality. A 1cm perfectly round, natural unblemished high luster center pearl would be worth a fortune on its own. Very, very rare and your whole necklace is like that. If it is not cultured, it is very, vert valuable.

What makes you think the ring may be cultured? It doesn't match?

 

[Zel]

I was told the pearl on the ring might have been replaced and therefore does not match the rest of the set. The colour is not the same, looks very white comparing to the rest of the pearls. I love the ring and been wearing it for about 8 years.
One earing is not in the best shape, needs repair but the pearl seems to be a bit damaged.
This set was given to my mother in law when she was 18 as a tradition to be past from woman to woman in the family. She did ware it a lot but also took great care with it. thats why it is in a perfect shape.

 

[Nerida]

Gorgeous pearls Zel, just beautiful! Keep up informed as to the results of the certification!

 

[Zel]

Thanks I'm awaiting appointment for sometime this week.
Cant wait
Hopefuly I will be able to say more then

 

[Zel]

Do any of you know who Stephen Kennedy is? Think he wrote some book but not sure.
Let me know if you've heard of him pls

 

[Orient]

Yes.... He used to work at the Gem Testing Laboratory of GB when it was part of the Gemmological Association of GB (FGA), which later became known as Gem-A and for a time Steve used to work as an independent gemmologist who tested the pearls for Gem-A. He now has his own laboratory and knows a lot about pearls. He wrote an article on pearl testing for the Australian Journal of Gemmology some years ago.

Hope that helps a little.