What do I have and what are they worth, please?

[bethnicol]

These belonged to my mother. I do not have a box or any information on them. The clasp is marked 14K (white gold, I assume) and the only other mark is the number "769" etched on the clasp. It is 18" long. I do not want to sell them but I have no choice. I have verified with two jewelers that they are authentic pearls. The graduated pearls range from about 5-7.5. I want to present them honestly to a buyer. What do the experts say? Is the number engraved on the clasp significant? Thank you so much!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I saw your listing on eBay (where I searched to find something similar to see if the number 769 meant anything other than perhaps an item number.) You are selling a graduated, vintage strand of akoya pearls.

For anyone interested, the item number is 261117269928 and there are lots more photos.

Looking at the eBay photos, I see nice luster and overall good surface, but I also see a few off-round pearls and some flaws. Some of the pearls in the eBay photos show a bit of grime near the drill holes, especially near the clasp end, and of course it needs to be restrung.

I think you ought to add close-up photos of the flaws so that the buyer doesn't have unhappy surprises. This is pretty standard advice for people selling vintage china and I think I'd want to do it for pearls too, especially as you are not taking returns. Personally I think $1000 is an optimistic asking price, but you are taking offers, and you can always relist lower if you find it to be necessary.

Good luck! It's too bad it has to be sold. The clasp is pretty!

Edit: I found a completed listing of a double strand with a similar 14K while gold pearl clasp, but there is no mention of the number 769: item number 130758074025

 

[Caitlin]

That necklace is really dirty. A good wash with a mild detergent or castile soap would probably liven them up. And a restringing. You need to make them look perfect to get top dollar.

 

[bethnicol]

Gosh now I am embarrassed! But I wanted experts to look at it before I did anything. So, washed and restrung-what would be a fair price? I don't want to overinflate but also want to be fair to myself. Thank you very much!!

 

[Caitlin]

OOPs! I sure didn't mean to embarrass you! Who would know but another avid pearl person! And, it might be better to just wipe them with a damp cloth and let us know if there is any difference with just that much. I belatedly remembered I don't know how to care for an akoya. properly.

Please examine those holes. Is there any chipping around any of the holes or is that buildup?

 

[bethnicol]

Too late! I washed them. Take a look.

 

[bethnicol]

I don't think there is chipping, I think that was just gunk. I have posted new pics on ebay post cleaning. If anyone cares to give me an idea what to ask for them-restrung or not-let me know. God Bless you all for your help. I am a single mom and just need guidance.

 

[pattye]

They look terrific after cleaning. I looked at your listing, and I would recommend you put Akoya in the title. The color seems unusual, perhaps pinkish? in person?? Not the white with pink overtones we usually see, or ivory? That could be of interest to a buyer, that the color is more rare. How does the color appear in person? Deep ivory?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Don't be embarrassed! We are here to help, and seeing the eBay listing here gives the pearls more exposure to potential buyers.

They look significantly better cleaned up. I agree with putting Akoya i the title.
Is it just my monitor, or are the pearls in the clasp whiter than the strand itself?

 

[bethnicol]

I agree that the clasp appears lighter in the pics. When I really look, I guess I can say the clasp pearls are very subtle shade lighter than the strand pearls. I agree the pearls are more ivory than pink. Here's a pic on white paper-please everyone feel free to comment!

 

[bethnicol]

Could the number etched on the clasp signify that only a certain number of these strands were produced? What significance is the number 769? I love a mystery!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I think it's more likely to be a part number, especially since the clasp pearls do not match the strand precisely.

One more thing-- your eBay listing says "insurance is required." This is not allowed by eBay-- sellers cannot overtly require buyers to pay for insurance.
But you can (and should) build the insurance cost into the total cost of your shipping, as well as the cost of signature confirmation. Just don't state that you are doing so.

 

[bethnicol]

Thank you for everyone's input. I have lowered the price on Ebay and am willing to negoiate. Is anyone willing to give an opinion on the least amount I should accept? Again bless you all for your help

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I saw the relist and for the purposes of P-G knowledge about values, this strand finally sold for $100.00.