Search results

It seems to be a generic brand and the little mark on the clasp is likely the manufacturer of the clasp, not of the necklace. Most pearl necklaces are generic. Are you thinking you need to insure it, and looking for replacement value? If so and if the tag doesn't have a price on the reverse...

I had not heard that Mikimoto is now using polyester theread. It's about time! Silk may be traditional but it is not the best material for knotting!

I like it in general but the center seems to be too choppy. It doesn't make a statement. What about: 3 center pearls, then 2 rubies on each side, then 3 pearls, 1 ruby, etc?

Unbranded cultured akoya pearls. Some pearls near the bottom in that 3rd photo, have the egg shaped appearance that is typical of freshwaters, but I think that is just distortion from the camera. The quality is average (I'm looking at surface characteristics and luster). Generic 14K gold clasp...

Not really, but if you like them, you didn't overpay for sure.

Sure!

They are cultured freshwater pearls from China. :)

Obviously it needs to be restrung to be worn, but you can restring it yourself for very little money. Many of us restring our own pearls; it isn't hard! See my tutorial: https://www.pearl-guide.com/threads/stringing-tutorial-with-photos-stringing-on-serafil-beaders-secret-power-pro.6604/ Of...

I would definitely restring them. Silk becomes weak when i is old and grimy, and can break. The clasp can be cleaned while it is off the strand. You can clean it with a small, soft brush (like an eyebrow brush-- or the brush that comes with jars of liquid jewelry cleaner--but don't use the...

Cultured baroque akoya pearls and a mabe pearl on the clasp. On my computer the pear shaped stones are the color of garnets. I can't tell if the round stones are black or if that's just a patina of grime. I don't see any gold marks and would have expected to see them on the back of the clasp or...

Cultured freshwater pearls from China. The colors are natural.

@J.lee, Maybe you could get your hubs some Tahitians too-- convert him! (My DH loves his Tahitians.)

New Mikis are very good quality. Vintage Mikis may or may not still be in very good shape. Not everyone cares for their pearls properly, and even if they do, skin acidity takes its toll on nacre over time. Buying pre-owned pearls is a bit of a crapshoot no matter the brand, unless you can see...

I read on Pricescope that in Japan Mikimoto calls their top grade pearls "Best of the Best", while in the USA the company uses "AAA" for their top grade earrings and "Reserve" for their top grade strands. The brand means something to some people. I think that is clearly the case. And no...

Kamoka has lovely pearls, and they run a sustainable farm. Kudos to them! Like many vendors they use studio lighting / light box which shows the overtone colors more vividly than you are likely to see in ordinary light. I have some Kamoka pieces; I like some more than others. Buying enough...

Perhaps the best Mikis are the best of the best. But not all their lower grades, lovely as they are, or "best" doesn't mean anything. ;)

Akoyas are more likely if that is the size.

The other day I took this shot of my 8mm Majorica necklaces, one is 16" with a vermeil clasp and the other is 18" with a silver clasp. The 16" strand has a slightly pinked look; the other does not. I don't think the camera caught that in this photo. Outdoors, sunny day. As I do not own lustrous...

Grittiness is indeed one test that sometimes fails because it varies between pearls-- even between fake pearls-- and the observation of a feeling of grittiness is somewhat subjective. And yes, grime on the pearl can make it feel not-smooth. Also, real pearls may have been coated with something...

Real pearls, possibly bead nucleated freshwaters. :)