Real or Fake? What did I buy?

[MintyFresh]

Hello, experts. I bought a strand on EBay that was pretty inexpensive considering the length. They are mismatched and had some odd shapes but overall are so pretty. And I really wanted a long strand. The kind of necklace that’s so long you can fling it over your shoulder and hula hoop it back around. These fit the bill! But what are they? Real, fake, Akoyas or not? They do feel cool and gritty against my teeth. However, they did not come knotted and before I spend money getting them restrung (or spend hours learning to do it myself - lol), I figured I should get some opinions on what they are. If they’re not real, I’m just going to wear them as-is and garden in style. Thanks!

 

[MintyFresh]

Hello, experts. I bought a strand on EBay that was pretty inexpensive considering the length. They are mismatched and had some odd shapes but overall are so pretty. And I really wanted a long strand. The kind of necklace that’s so long you can fling it over your shoulder and hula hoop it back around. These fit the bill! But what are they? Real, fake, Akoyas or not? They do feel cool and gritty against my teeth. However, they did not come knotted and before I spend money getting them restrung (or spend hours learning to do it myself - lol), I figured I should get some opinions on what they are. If they’re not real, I’m just going to wear them as-is and garden in style. Thanks!

Here is the necklace against a strand that I know are real for comparison.

 

[Amoreperla]

Here is the necklace against a strand that I know are real for comparison.

I think they are real, from differences of what I can see in the nacre. If they are fake they are very good imitation ( I have some Majorca’s and they are also very good lol)

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They look real to me, and akoyas-- some baroque. Lovely variety of overtones.

 

[KarinK]

You may want to learn to string yourself. There are guides and lots of advice here.

 

[Merrily]

I see why you wanted them either way, between the luster, colors, and the varied sizes, they are enormous fun!

 

[ennui]

You may want to learn to string yourself. There are guides and lots of advice here.

If you decide to restring yourself, you don't have to knot between each pearl. For a really long rope, maybe knot every fourth or fifth pearl? After each larger pearl?

I wonder if the rope is a mixture of Akoya and freshwater, but I don't know your definition of "inexpensive."

 

[MintyFresh]

Yes, ennui and KarinK, I’m going to try to learn knotting on this sooooo long necklace and ennui’s advice to not string every teeny pearl is a relief. I’m a little “fumble fingers” but I have a trusty magnifying light. Will check out the Lowly Beader’s club forum for tips.

The necklace was $230. I think that’s a great price for a close to 50 inch vintage necklace, even though the nacre on some of the smaller pearls looks awfully thin. In my imagination, some pearl educator used this strand as a teaching tool. Spot the round to near round ones. Spot the ones with a rose or silver or blue overtone. ID the baroques. I am calling it my “Frankenstrand” because it’s cobbled up of so many weird parts.

 

[jeg]

MintyFresh, this is just a suggestion, but if it’s your first attempt at knotting, I would start with something shorter like a bracelet or short necklace. For me, ropes are more difficult because of the length of the string you have to manage.

 

[Amoreperla]

MintyFresh, this is just a suggestion, but if it’s your first attempt at knotting, I would start with something shorter like a bracelet or short necklace. For me, ropes are more difficult because of the length of the string you have to manage.

I second this. Plus you will often find that you are able to get better tension the longer you are learning to do so. Some of my early projects you can see in uneven spacing. As they are for me it doesn’t bother me, but as this strand is so long you might end up with a much longer strand than you thought.

 

[ennui]

I am calling it my “Frankenstrand” because it’s cobbled up of so many weird parts.

A kinder term is "harvest strand." A sampling of a pearl harvest.

I don't have the courage to knot a rope, and I think practicing on a bracelet might be a good start. I have strung a couple of necklaces and my knots aren't very tight. You won't see anything I've done that needs to relax.