switched mikimoto pearls

[gcausey]

I recently found out by an estate jewerly broker that the mikimoto pearls I inherited 35 years ago were probably switched by the jeweler when I had them restrung by a local jeweler in bloomington Minn. I was 20 years old didint know anything about pearls,my mother said they were genuinely round pearls. The clasp doesnt have the M brand and there's no knot in between each pearl. was told the quality was very poor. I did have another jeweler offer me $500 for them several years ago,but he didn;t even check the clasp to see if it was mikimoto, I did have them in the original box. red velvet with blue velvet on the bottom and yellow silk on top. I am completely sick about this. My only hope is that possiblythese pearls were purchase prior to 1949 and the clasp wasn't branded. My gut tells me they were switched. The estate broker told me the box was worth more then the pearls. Gina

 

[Pearl Dreams]

If you were offered $500 for the pearls a few years ago, then the box is not worth more than the pearls!

I find myself wondering about the estate broker. If he seems interested in buying the pearls after downgrading them, watch out!

How about posting some photos of the pearls and the clasp? A few closeups would be good, of the pearls and the clasp.
Lay the pearls on a white paper towel and take a photo in daylight (say, indoors near an open door) and under a lamp if possible, but don't use flash.

 

[pearlescence]

I would be more suspicious of the estate broker myself..sounds like he is trying to pull a bargain for himself.
Switching of pearls is extremely unlikely - can you think of the damage to a local jewellery shop's reputation if they were found out?
Who is the person who is going to make money from this story?

 

[pattye]

That is very sad to hear. Looking forward to the photos.

 

[Daddys Little Pearl]

Do not sell those pearls under any circumstances until you get a second opinion. Something sounds fishy here. There are a lot of pearl experts on this forum that can help you if you send some good photos without flash, white background, good lighting. Use the close up on your camera too (little flower icon to find it)

Daddys Little Pearl

 

[pearl-man]

AMEN ! Folks have been buying braclets with mikimoto clasps for years and restringing them onto necklaces. For what purpose?

 

[pearl-man]

I am pretty well acquainted with Minneapolis area. so if you send me a e-mail I will try and guide you. Put Minneapolis in the subject line.