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Does it have an M in a shell ? I could not see it well enough.

What you need is a loupe! Compare the surface appearance with that of pearls you know are real. Smooth under 10x magnification - real. Coarse looking = fake

Yes, that worked when I clicked on it. I am not on Instagram but I could see it. :) It's cold and windy, but sunny here today and perfect for these Tahitians (stepped outside very briefly, brrr!)

I'm sorry for your loss, Douglas.

They are dyed freshwater pearls from China. The dye is permanent.

No health risks at all! And the dye is permanent. If you like you can even change the clasp, although those "bean" type clasps are quite easy to use and it looks fine for now. Eventually the gold overlay may tarnish-- I find vermeil does that-- and polishing tarnish from plated metal may reduce...

I'm not sure they are south sea pearls at all. In fact I don't think they are. Here is why: 1. To me the surface looks more like that of bead nucleated freshwater pearls. 2. The color is too uniform and looks dyed (which they would have to be if freshwaters.) Real GSS necklaces would have a...

It lacks the "M in a shell" Mikimoto mark. I would assume it is not Mikimoto unless you have documentation to say otherwise.

I'm not seeing whatever you are seeing, but yes, I have dropped my pearls and they are fine. They have never cracked from a fall. Your FWP are solid nacre and very sturdy. A wooden floor is also more forgiving than, say, concrete, as far as risk of scratching. I think the pearls are ok. :)

I didn't realize these would layer so well until today. Baroque mixed colors SSP with baroque Rikitea Tahitians-- outside on overcast day.

Welcome to Pearl Guide! You are in good company as we are all pearl lovers here! There is nothing silly about your desire, but operating a pearl farm is a huge and difficult venture, financially and otherwise. I'm going to tag @CortezPearls, of the Sea of Cortez pearl farm, to reply. In the...

Yes: https://www.pearl-guide.com/threads/restringing-mother-in-laws-best-clasps-for-elderly.462999/#post-479731

I need to run an errand. Try shining a light through it. Anyone else have ideas?

Pattye will give you the best advice! If you do try your hand at stringing (I hope you do!) start with a single strand necklace.

Okay, I thought that was a buildup of grime. It's small for a south sea pearl, and more off round than akoyas are generally. And the color and luster are not that of akoyas anyway. Is there any nacre on the sides? The photo makes it look as though that is an exposed bead with nacre only on the...

Semi baroque akoyas, with blemishes.

Have you tried cleaning it? It might help to see what it looks like under the accumulated grime. I would let it soak for 15 mnutes or so in warm distilled water (to avoid both chlorine and hard water minerals that could dull it) with some mild soap swished into it (I like to use Dr. Bronner's...

I myself would not be able to guess the age of the pearls, no. But perhaps someone else will have seen a strand with a similar clasp with that mark and may have an idea of the age or brand.

Pearl Paradise ships to the UK, just saying.

How nice to have inherited pearls! Those are akoyas and yes, the bead that is showing is the bead nucleus that was implanted originally. The pearls themselves show a lot of fine scratches and surface marks in general. All I can find on the stamp 380S is that maybe it's 380 silver, a low grade...