Mikimoto but not sure what type and value of each

[Mjc89240]

I know they are Mikimoto but not sure what type and value. Any ideas?

 

[MotherOfPearlTrumpet]

I'll be interested in seeing what the other "experts" think. I've never seen any like this, they look vintage. The Mabe pearl clasp and necklace is especially lovely. What size are the pearls?

 

[Mjc89240]

Thank you! I believe they are 6 mm. I will probably visit the jeweler today to get more information.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They both appear to be imitation pearl necklaces. The second one is Majorica brand for sure (high quality imitations)

Here are two of my imitation Majorica necklaces with the mabe type clasp and the M. Note also the little cone shapes beads at the end near the clasp.

Since we know the second necklace is Majorica and thus imitation, you can easily do 2 simple tests and compare what you find with both strands.

1. Gently rub two of the Majorica pearls against each other or against the edge of your front tooth. I recommend using pearls near the clasp for this. Feel how smoothly they glide? That is typical of imitation pearls. Real pearls feel gritty when rubbed this way.

2. Assuming both necklaces have been in the same ambient temperature for a time, first hold the Majorica strand against your lip and feel the temperature. (Lips are very sensitive to temperature.) Then do the same with the other necklace. Good imitation pearls are made of glass, which is warmer than real pearls.

 

[Mjc89240]

Thank you so much for your help! Saves the embarrassment of taking them to the jeweler

 

[Mjc89240]

I do notice that the 3 strand is colder on my lip then the Majorica

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Are they gritty?

If you have a 10x loupe, examine the surface of both. Imitation pearls have a coarser looking surface than real pearls do.

 

[Mjc89240]

Not as smooth as the other one

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Here is what I see with the first strand that makes it look imitation:
1. A lack of French wire (a high quality professional finish) at the clasp.
2. Colors, size and surface are too uniform for real pearls.
3. The knots are large, which is often the case with imitations because many imitation pearls have larger drill holes than real pearls. (This is because real pearls are sold by weight and smaller drill holes preserve weight.) However high end imitations may also have small drill holes; my Majoricas do.
4. I don't see blemishes. Real pearl strands have some blemishes.

Examine the 3-strand necklace closely. Photograph any blemishes you see, close up and in focus.

Examine the drill holes. Imitation pearls sometimes have these qualities near drill holes (although less likely with good fakes. I never see these with my Majoricas).
• swirls of extra coating
• peeling/flaking of the coating
• beveled surface near the drill hole

Examine the clasp. Are there any metal marks indicating the metal?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Also the 3 strand lacks overtones as one usually sees with akoyas.

You said they don't feel as smooth as the Majorica strand. This can come from having a patina of grime. The necklace is clearly vintage and has been worn, and if it has not been cleaned the surface would have accumulated some skin oils, pollution etc. Wipe it clean with a damp soft microfiber cloth and test again.

By the way the tag with the M is nothing I've ever seen for Mikimoto.

 

[Mjc89240]

Here is what I see with the first strand that makes it look imitation:
1. A lack of French wire (a high quality professional finish) at the clasp.
2. Colors, size and surface are too uniform for real pearls.
3. The knots are large, which is often the case with imitations because many imitation pearls have larger drill holes than real pearls. (This is because real pearls are sold by weight and smaller drill holes preserve weight.) However high end imitations may also have small drill holes; my Majoricas do.
4. I don't see blemishes. Real pearl strands have some blemishes.

Examine the 3-strand necklace closely. Photograph any blemishes you see, close up and in focus.

Examine the drill holes. Imitation pearls sometimes have these qualities near drill holes (although less likely with good fakes. I never see these with my Majoricas).
• swirls of extra coating
• peeling/flaking of the coating
• beveled surface near the drill hole

Examine the clasp. Are there any metal marks indicating the metal?

It looks like FM on Back of clasp. I’m starting to think it’s the Franklin Mint Jackie O replica

 

[Pearl Dreams]

That would make sense. Jackie Kennedy's famous 3 strand pearls were imitations made by Kenneth Jay Lane!
So were Barbara Bush's pearls.
Edited to add: You are right about these being the Jackie pearls-- eBay has multiple listings of these.
It's a little funny if you think about it-- they are imitations of imitations!

So, you asked about value. There are different kinds of value.
• Sentimental value, for inherited or gifted items. If you feel sentimental about these, or even if you just like them, by all means wear them!
• Replacement value, for insurance purposes.
• Resale value, which is lower than replacement value. Pre-owned pearls tend not to sell for much unless they are a famous strand or a famous brand! Pre-owned imitations sell for even less.
BUT-- Majorica pearls specifically do sell nicely on eBay. They are the best imitations and very durable and lustrous. If you plan to sell them, do a little research to see what similar items sold for recently.

 

[MotherOfPearlTrumpet]

@PearlDreams you always teach us to much! Thank you for all this wonderful information.
My Mikimoto "cham" that is on my strand is a different "font" than these.

 

[Mjc89240]

Thank you! A wealth of information for sure! I appreciate it!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

@PearlDreams you always teach us to much! Thank you for all this wonderful information.
My Mikimoto "cham" that is on my strand is a different "font" than these.

Have you posted a photo of that charm? I'd love to see it.

 

[MotherOfPearlTrumpet]

Have you posted a photo of that charm? I'd love to see it.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thank you! It is styled differently, especially the way the M attaches to the necklace.
It's good to have that photo in this thread, for all readers who come across pearl necklaces with an M charm.

 

[BWeaves]

I'm a little late, but I don't see the Mikimoto trademark anywhere, only a different M trademark, which could be the brand Majorica (faux pearls). Also, the clasps aren't any of the Mikimoto clasps.

 

[MotherOfPearlTrumpet]

I'm a little late, but I don't see the Mikimoto trademark anywhere, only a different M trademark, which could be the brand Majorica (faux pearls). Also, the clasps aren't any of the Mikimoto clasps.

@BWeaves, I'm assuming you are talking about the original posted photos above.
Regarding my strand, the "M" shell/shield is printed on the inside of that round ball clasp and the words "Mikimoto 1893" appear on the outside of the clasp just past the little diamond push button. Here is a stock photo of what my 14K yellow gold clasp looks like. You can start to see the writing just past the diamond push button.