Vintage Deltah Pearl Necklace with Original Box & 14KT Gold Clasp

[robbsma]

Hi. I just recently acquired thru an estate sale this set of Deltah pearls with their original presentation box. In reading up on Deltah I've learned they have used both real and imitation pearls. Based on the age and type of presentation box and the 14KT gold clasp with diamond, do you think these pearls are real? Sorry the pictures are in reverse order that I intended them to be in. LOL. Not sure how to fix that? Anyway, you get the idea. Thank you in advance for any help on these.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Imitation.
The color, luster and overall appearance of the pearls are all the same.
There are no color overtones.
The area around the drill holes looks like imitation coating. And the drill holes appear a bit large.
The way the necklace is finished near the clasp is low end.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I'd have the clasp metal tested, but remember, gold used to be inexpensive.
The stone may be a rhinestone. A jeweler can test it.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Here are a few simple tests you can do yourself to distinguish real pearls from fake:

1. Rubbing test: Gently rub one pearl against another. Real pearls feel a bit gritty but fake pearls glide more smoothly.
2. Temperature test. You will need other pearls (that you know to be real or fake) for comparison. After ensuring both have been in the same ambient temperature for a short while, touch each to your lips briefly. Real pearls feel cooler than glass or plastic pearls.
3. Loupe test. Using a 10x jeweler's loupe, examine the surface. Real pearls look very smooth at that magnification, while fake pearls have more texture.

 

[robbsma]

I'd have the clasp metal tested, but remember, gold used to be inexpensive.
The stone may be a rhinestone. A jeweler can test it.

The clasp is marked Deltah and 14KT and it does test as a diamond. That's what perplexes me that they would use a gold clasp with fake pearls. LOL. But as you noted gold used to be alot less expensive. I appreciate the help.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It may not be the original clasp. It's not unusual for clasps to be changed when restringing.
Or maybe it is the original and it is gold. I have 3 imitation pearls items (2 necklaces and one bracelet) with 18K gold clasps.

My grandmother had "aquamarine" stud earrings in 18K gold settings. When I inherited them I had them tested. They were glass.
But do the tests I suggested. I am going by photos-- you have the pearls with you. Tell us what you find.

 

[ennui]

The clasp is marked Deltah and 14KT and it does test as a diamond. That's what perplexes me that they would use a gold clasp with fake pearls. LOL. But as you noted gold used to be alot less expensive. I appreciate the help.

I'm glad you said gold was "less expensive;" I don't think it's ever been "inexpensive," or those people would not have rushed to California and Alaska all those decades ago.

There are also various grades of diamonds, from D-flawless all the way down to industrial.

I think it's a pretty necklace, and I like the royal purple box.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Gold was $30/oz in the 1970s which was fairly inexpensive if you think about it. I was in college then and remember how little it would have cost for me to buy a gold pin for my college's P.T. department. (Being a college student with a budget, I didn't buy it though.)

 

[ennui]

Once upon a time, a $20 gold piece was worth $20, but that was a lot of money.
Minimum wage in 1970 was $1.60. It's all relative.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

True. At my first summer job, 1972, I earned $2/hr. (although minimum wage then was $1.85)-- and I earned the same each summer through 1976.
When I began working as a PT the summer of 1977, I earned $4.85/hour, which was more than my father was making as a tailor.

 

[robbsma]

I'm glad you said gold was "less expensive;" I don't think it's ever been "inexpensive," or those people would not have rushed to California and Alaska all those decades ago.

There are also various grades of diamonds, from D-flawless all the way down to industrial.

I think it's a pretty necklace, and I like the royal purple box.

I love the presentation box/case. They really knew what they were doing back then.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I love the presentation box/case. They really knew what they were doing back then.

The pearls are also pretty.
It used to be very common for women to buy and wear imitation pearls.

 

[robbsma]

It may not be the original clasp. It's not unusual for clasps to be changed when restringing.
Or maybe it is the original and it is gold. I have 3 imitation pearls items (2 necklaces and one bracelet) with 18K gold clasps.

My grandmother had "aquamarine" stud earrings in 18K gold settings. When I inherited them I had them tested. They were glass.
But do the tests I suggested. I am going by photos-- you have the pearls with you. Tell us what you find.

With your three tests listed, I would say now they are imitation. I'm still happy with my purchase but good to know exactly what I have. Thank you for your expertise and information provided. Most helpful.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Would you like to take the Cultured Pearl Association's course on pearls? I'll message you a code to take it for free.
Here is the website:
www.pearlsasone.org

 

[robbsma]

Would you like to take the Cultured Pearl Association's course on pearls? I'll message you a code to take it for free.
Here is the website:
www.pearlsasone.org

Oh thank you! Yes, I will take it.