Could the valuation be wrong?

[LongBeach]

I inherited a few lovely pearl necklaces and a pearl ring recently. One of the necklaces was revalued today as being of "no value" by my jeweller's gemologist, despite being originally valued in 1993 at $3,500 for insurance purposes. When I first took it to them they seemed quite excited about it and thought they might be Keshi pearls. However, when I picked them up today they advised they were imitation and of no value at all!

The original 1993 valuation read as follows:

"Natural Pearl Graduated 2 Row Necklet (83 Pearls 3-8.7mm, 80 Pearls 2.8-9.15mm., Knotted, 38 & 36cm.) & 18ct. Y.G. & Plat. 9 Diamond (OSC., By Spread Cente 0.015ct., 4x0.025ct., 4x0.01ct.) Grain set Circular Snap."

You can see the "PLAT" hallmark clearly on the back of the snap; I believe that indicates low value mixed metal according to one site I went to. The pearls don't look quite as discoloured as my photographs and the diamonds are done no justice at all in my photos either. I'd be interested in your thoughts/opinions.

If anyone is interested I will post the other pearl jewellery on here too. There is one spectacular necklace which I hope to be able to wear somewhere one day!

 

[Caitlin]

Well, It is not imitation. What an idiot that evaluator is! However, there are probably less than 100 people in this country qualified to evaluate natural pearls. Maybe half that number outside of a lab. I am glad you came here!!!

What do you mean by first valued in 1993? What were the circumstances of that? If a natural, it is much older than 1993, so I wonder how long you or family have owned them?

It does look natural to me, but I have said that before and been wrong. I don't think so on this one. I would like to see all the photos you can put up. Of this and other stuff.

What is stopping you from wearing it right now? Oh, that seems to refer to something else. Natural pearls can take a beating as few cultured pearls can and can be worn everyday.

It looks like it was reknotted maybe in 1993 and is in need of a cleaning and a reknot to look its best. It is the thread that is so funky.

l Please put up all the photos you want! I can hardly wait.

Sorry to delay posting this- I will keep an eye out for your next post. We monitor the first two posts of new people to eliminate the the spammers that get through the registration process. After that you will not have to wait to see your posts.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The pearls have a lovely iridescence and look real-- where on earth did that gemologist come up with "imitation"?

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

These appear natural and the 1993 evaluation is correct.

 

[pattye]

Welcome, Long Beach,

That is a gorgeous genuine pearl necklace! Would love to know more of its story also, please share that with us, too. The markings on the clasp would mean 18 karat gold (solid) and platinum, a high end, valuable clasp, diamonds are small, but certainly add some value and of course, beauty to the clasp.
The person who evaluated your pearls doesn't know squat; or, did they then offer to purchase them for cheap? That jeweler is ignorant and very possibly not trustworthy.

Who did the original certification as naturals? If you need to have the pearls evaluated again as naturals, you may be fairly close to the GIA lab at Carlsbad, CA.

Looking forward to seeing your other pearls and jewelry photos, btw, your photos are very good!

I do feel comfortable in saying that if ALL the pearls are natural and not cultured, because of the size and roundness, the necklace would be valued considerably higher than $3,500 today.

 

[dkan 168]

My first reaction when I opened the thread and saw the pics was, wow, a double strand of real pearls with a nice clasp that needs cleaning and re-stringing, highly likely to be naturals and not cultured.

Then I read it has been evaluated as imitation pearls, and I thought WTF???!!!

Time for another evaluation by those who know pearls as the others have suggested.

DK

 

[pearlescence]

Certainly not keishi so the appraiser is has no pearl knowledge

 

[lilliefuzzysocks]

The clasp may be platinum also. This art deco filigree diamond pin/ pendant is marked 18k PLAT It was checked and it's platinum on top with a 18k pinback.

 

[pattye]

LFS,

A gorgeous piece! Platinum and 18K are great combos, imo.

 

[Happy Huku]

My first reaction when I opened the thread and saw the pics was, wow, a double strand of real pearls with a nice clasp that needs cleaning and re-stringing, highly likely to be naturals and not cultured.
DK

I felt the same! Except that I am a complete novice and would not have known the difference between naturals and cultured.
Enjoy your beautiful treasure, Longbeach, and I too would urge you to have them cleaned and re-strung - and post the after photos for us to admire...

 

[Isoquest]

I purchased at the Imperial Hotel from Asahi Shoten, a single pearl undrilled, 8 mm for Yen 167,000 or about $780 at the existing exchange rate in 1980.

I had it mounted on a ring without drilling but it would not hold well. Accordingly, I would like to sell it. I now live in the South of france but cannot find an appropriate appraiser. Could you suggest someone in Paris, Geneva or Monaco?

Thank you,

M. Mottier

 

[Lulu]

LongBeach, these are beautiful pieces. Thank you so much for sharing.

 

[LongBeach]

Thank you for your kind words. I called the valuer and it appears this piece "slipped through the gaps!" so I'm returning to them with it to get it valued again. The original valuation was done by my cousin in 1993 when she owned the pearls. See below.

I think all my grandmother's jewellery were gifts from my grandfather, so perhaps given to her (Marie), in the 30's or 40's. I was not the favoured grandchild, and my cousin who prefers semi precious jewellery generously gifted me the lot! I think she felt guilty that I missed out on all the attention when we were children. I'm not complaining. My grandmother loved opera - Tristan & Isolde was her favourite - and she would travel to England and Ireland from Australia every year specifically to ride horses in various events like fox hunting and the point-to-point. She published a children's book but other than that I think she was a lady of leisure. I'll quiz my cousin on more for you.

 

[LongBeach]

Here is the necklace I was telling you about. I think the clasp really enhances a pearl necklace and this one is no exception. The emerald cabachon gives it an exotic feel. I can imagine my grandmother wearing it to the opera. Here are the details.

Cultured Pearl, Semi Baroque 3 Row Necklet (51, 47, 44 pearls) 8-8.5mm. Cleanish Skins, Light Pink) & 18ct. Y.G. Oval Cabachon Natural Pale Emerald (15 x 12 x 6.8mm. By Spread 3ct., Native Cut, Flower Motif, Probably Indian) Rubbed in setting & 6 Brilliant-cut Diamond (by Spread 6 x 0.25ct.) 4 Claw Set Snap (Note Box & Clasp of Snap are 9ct).

Interestingly these pearls have not changed much in value since they 1993. The clasp makes this necklace so beautiful and unique to wear and not just another pearl necklace. I also like the way it feels, snugly sitting on my neck and not with strands overlapping which I find uncomfortable on longer strings.

 

[LongBeach]

Thank you for your thoughts. Since I found this forum I've learned a lot and started to really appreciate my pearls much more. There is so much to this little gem! And you have some real experts here: Caitlin, Pat, Dave, DK, Graham et. al. Thanks! I've posted photos of the 'spectacular' necklace. The clasp is meant to be worn to the side not the back as it's worth seeing! I will try to have a friend wear it so I can get a better shot of how it looks on. I love it because the pearls have a pink glow.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Now that is really a treat to see, especially this photo! Look at the beautiful luster-- I see some orient as well (the rainbow play of colors on the pearl's surface.)

!

 

[pattye]

Wow, a truly gorgeous piece! Love that you can wear the clasp at the side, too. Very high quality pearls. Gives me goose bumps!

 

[Happy Huku]

Wow, wow and wow, quite stunning. Love the clasp.
Wear and enjoy and keep postings pictures - what about the ring?

 

[Lulu]

Wow, stunning! Literally speechless... Thank you so much for sharing ;-)

 

[GemGeek]

What a treat to see such a fabulous necklace!