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No it's more than that. The eggy shapes, sizes and the colors and overall appearance all point to their being freshwaters. There is no question about it.

Could it be dyed, carved abalone shell? Or some other species' shell? I have a carved shell leaf that I bought from Agustus Collection a few years back-- it's not that garish color but it is a light golden yellow. Edited to add, I just checked and Agustus Collection has some pendants with a...

There seems to be a bead nucleus judging from that 3rd photo where a patch of nacre is missing. Too big for akoyas. Maybe FWP?

What can you tell us about their source (or your source)?

Are they very lightweight? If so they could be soufflé pearls, which are hollow.

You can tell if they're plastic or glass by their weight. Plastic beads feel light. Glass beads feel heavier, more like the weight of real pearls, but they are still imitation. I don't actually see that many plastic pearls around; usually they are glass.

Exactly-- they are cultured Chinese freshwater pearls.

An important distinction!

Not illegal, no, but knowledgeable buyers will want a GIA certificate (or another reputable lab that can certify pearls) before paying natural pearl prices. Especially since many sellers do not understand what "natural" refers to when it comes to pearls. Have a look at what some natural pearls...

I'm not Linda, but some years ago -- the early 2000s--I bought several of these watermelon tourmaline slice bead strands at an Intergem show, and made jewelry for myself with them. They're about 10 mm. They are cross section slices of tourmaline crystals. The pink center is caused by the...

Some terms to clarify: Real pearls can be natural or cultured. Natural pearls = wild pearls, formed in nature without any intervention from humans. These are rare and very valuable. Cultured pearls = farmed pearls, which come about through human intervention, but they are still formed by...

Since you like pearls, consider taking the CPAA's "Pearls As One" course. It's free with a code I will message you, and you will learn a great deal about pearls! CPAA Pearls As One course

I have never been in the jewelry business-- I've just always loved pearls! So interesting about your mom's antique glass beads! Glass is a wonderful material and can be really beautiful. I had several "aquamarine" rings from my grandmother and mother that turned out to be synthetic spinel...

The coin pearls and other shapes (stars, crosses etc.) are second harvest cultured freshwater pearls (not natural). The freshwater mollusk used is a cross between the Biwa mussel (Hyriopsis schlegelli) and the triangle sail mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii). The first time it's cultured, the mussel...

That's really interesting, but I don't know of any cases like what you mentioned. I suppose anything is possible, but it seems the likelihood is that they are the very common rice krispies. But let's see if @Lagoon Island Pearls has any insights to offer. He's an expert on natural pearls...

Honestly, they really look like old freshwater "rice krispie" pearls from the 1970s. Gold cost less then so an 18K clasp is not such a stretch. My grandmother had earrings that were 18K but the "aquamarines", when tested, were glass! I assume you meant 6.7mm, not 67mm. ;) See this thrread...

She should call Pearl Paradise. They may be able to match the pearl and fix the ring.

It occurs to me to point out that the natural white hanadamas cost 4x what the AAAs do. You could buy a lot more pearls for her with the difference. Just saying. Also: while the difference in luster between the 2 grades will be evident when they are viewed side by side, she will never be wearing...

Interesting-- I didn't know that.

I'm wondering if she also addresses the change to bead nucleating all (most?) freshwaters in China.