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I lost a golden, barogue Akoya necklace from not having a safety catch. The clasp was cool so I used it. And one day the necklace was gone when I got back home.

Wow! This is like a book. THANK you, and also to Jeremy for picking you to come.

You don't have to actually wear them to appreciate them and feel joy :-) I am all about culling what I don't use but not the pearls. Part of the reason is that they are not worth much if you want to sell them, unless you already bought them used. Another reason is that my style change. I have a...

Remember that you also can't trust the pictures. You can see one thing and get another.

The name seems designed to filter people who know about pearls from those who don't :-( Tahitians grow in salt water. You would never find FW pearls naturally in those colours. So, at best, they would be dyed FW and from a seller who either knows nothing about pearls or is intentionally trying...

Look at the price... First check is if it's too good to be true. That will not catch people selling FW at Akoya prices. For that, stick to reputable sellers :-)

Can they have been dyed? This reminds me a bit of what we see on the dark, dyed, FW pearls.

I think you would only buy new Mikimoto if the brand is part of the experience. For some it is. It gives them extra joy to be able to name the pearls they are wearing, it may them feel more happy about the pearls, it will be easier for their friends and family to understand what they are wearing...

There are 'early' FW that are big and round(ish) and have poor luster. One of my first bigger pearl purchase was of that kind. They are not obviously egg-shaped but have a chalky surface. From around 2012.

My mind said "river pearls" but I have no expertise to back that :-) The pearls may once have been part of a piece that was strung.

To check prices on eBay, you should look at what something similar was sold for.

Be sure to ask for photos taken in daylight as well.

Their shape is more typical for Tahitians.

The really large hole in the first picture with the apparent build-up of material makes me think they are imitation, also the way some are peeling and cracked.

Keep in mind that 'blue' is a lot of things. I dreamed of those sky-blue Akoya with pink flashes but what i could afford looks a lot more silver blue-ish and only actually blue in certain light. I tried twice, then gave up, realising I didn't have the money for what I really wanted. I stil have...

If you search for options on Etsy you can filter for country and the price you pay is the final price. If there is anything like duty or VAT it is included in the final price. I live in Denmark where anything from outside of the EU is charged with 25% VAT. Until most online sellers started...

It is what you call a mabe pearl. You should be able to read more if you search for it here. I can't tell if it is genuine. Maybe others can. What is the metal stamped with? Your jeweller can probably test it.

The mark on the clasp is almost always the maker of the clasp. It won't tell you who put together the strand of FW pearls and sold it. Also, it mostly doesn't matter who did.

They may have believed they are. People tend to grossly overestimate the value of pearls and can be easily fooled.

You might be able to find single beads on Etsy. Just be sure to check reviews and gut feeling. Marianne has a very good point. I have worked a lot with semi-precious beads and often the holes are not drilled quite the same and if you have several to choose from, you have a better chance of...