Recent content by ennui

I think it's something pretty to have on your desk. I can't tell if the pearl formed attached to the shell or if it was glued on later. In any case, I don't think the pearl itself is valuable.

I'd be afraid to use hydrogen peroxide, even diluted. I'd just accept them as is.

Fireballs come in the same colors are regular freshwater, which would include peach and lavender tones. I have a natural orange fireball from Pearl Paradise that I call my "goldfish." The dyed fireballs I've seen at TJMaxx are black; or supposed to be black. They can look questionable, but they...

I have two of the pearl/chain necklaces, one 18" and one 20" and I layer them. The other necklace is four stick pearls that I rescued from a $10 bracelet at TJMaxx, and strung with my grandmother's Hawaiian souvenir pearls; it's casual and beachy.

I've seen fireballs at TJMaxx, and on their website. You need to be careful because some are better quality than others. Occasionally see dyed fireballs, too. I'm often tempted by the earrings but I convince myself they'd be too heavy for me.

I have long pearls strung with chain, like a tin cup. I think it's 20", though.

I kind of like the clasp (is it magnetic?), but I agree, it looks like something I could find at a craft store.

Gold was once much cheaper. I think in the 1990s it was around $400/oz, and silver was $3. Gold can create more intricate designs. Back to the OP, the clasp is very pretty even without the pearl.

The stones in the clasp remind me of marcasite.

Me, too.

Stop washing them? If the original "gook" is gone, there's no need to keep going. Maybe your soap is too harsh.

Lapis Lazuli is frequently dyed, unfortunately. There's a test you can do with a cotton ball, but I forget the details. I'm wondering about these freshwater pearls .... have you let them dry completely, and then rub with a cloth to see if the dye transfers? How is the lustre on the pearls now...

If you want the option of using the bracelet as an extender, you'll want to mimic the pattern of the necklace.

I'm sorry for your loss. I love baroque Akoyas, and those are very pretty.

For me, it was Newberry and LillieFuzzySocks ... and it was down the rabbit hole! :giggle: