Are my pearls freshwater or saltwater?

[averrall]

I wonder if the experts in this forum would mind taking a quick peek at the images below? I bought this recently (my first pearl necklace) at an estate sale and have had it restrung. 19 inches in length, pearls 3mm-7mm in size. 10k clasp, possibly original, but I am not sure. They are definitely cultured pearls. I decided not to have knots put between the smaller pearls near the end (see first pic). The original strand was double-knotted and looked hideous!

They are not very well matched, and some of the pearls are somewhat off-round. In fact, really quite quirky, but somehow it works. The colour is hard to capture on camera, sort of pinkish cream, like the first photo, not so much like the other two.

Thanks!

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/averrall/IMG_1123.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/averrall/IMG_1155.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/averrall/IMG_1120.jpg.

 

[Zeide Erskine]

Hi,

They look bead nucleated and are thus probably akoyas. Freshwater pearls would be the better value, though, for reasons of durability.

Zeide

 

[averrall]

Hi Zeide,

Thanks for your speedy reply!

I appreciate the info. very much! I am glad I joined this forum as I am learning so much.

Regards,

Arlene

 

[purepearls]

Yes, they do appear to be saltwater Akoya pearls. You can tell because of the perfectly round shape and the really high luster. Until very recently, 99% of Freshwater pearls in the retail environment would not be that perfectly round. However, times are changing!