Are these pearls real?? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!

[acurran1127]

So i am new to this whole discussion online thing, but it seems to be the only way I can possibly get some information on some pearls I inherited. I recently found a pearl necklace in a box in my basement from a previous owner. I do not know if they are real or fake. I have brought them to a few pawn shops/jewelry stores, every single one of them have told me that they are real but nobody has an answer when I ask the value of them or where I can bring them to get a approx. Price. If they are worth some money I would definitely be interested in selling them, pearls just are not my thing. If aNy one can help me I would GREATLY appreciate it.
Thank You!!!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Hi,

A simple test you can perform that will tell you whether they are real or not involves gently rubbing one of the pearls against another of them. (Before doing this, remove surface dust or grime by wiping them with a soft, slightly damp cloth and the wiping them dry.

If they slide easily against each other when rubbed gently together, they are imitation. If you feel a little bit of resistance, they may be real.

Is there any carat mark on the clasp to indicate it's gold? A real gold clasp is less likely to be used with an imitation strand. Fishhook type clasps like this are quite common and may be real or imitation. But a real gold clasp would more likely be used with a real pearl strand.

The way the strand is finished -- the clamshell crimps-- is often dome with imitation pearls or commercial grade pearls, or a strand that was restrung by the owner. It is not the way better pearl necklaces are finished, typically.

 

[pattye]

Hello acurran,

Before Pearl Dreams replied here, you contacted me and I agreed to look at your photos. She gives an excellent suggestion for cleaning and testing your pearls by gently rubbing together. I was away for the evening so didn't see your post until late last night.

Being able to enlarge your pics helped me to see additional clues to help identify your pearls.


This circle appears more like a imitation pearl.


This scratch appears more like an imitation pearl.


Damage around drill hole appears more like that of imitation pearl. There may be some other slight peeling and damage around drill holes, revealing the bead underneath. Please look closely on your necklace for signs of peeling, buildup of the pearlized coating.



Clasp shows 14k stamp. Bead tips may also be 14k. Bead tips seem to have been more widely used in the past. To my surprise, Stuller still sells bead tips in solid 14k white and yellow gold, in addition to plated and sterling.



The color, shape and size being the same from pearl to pearl also are indicators of imitation pearls intended to replicate cultured akoya pearls. A strand like this may have cost several hundred dollars when new, but now the primary value would be in the clasp.

Your necklace is, in my opinion, imitation pearls.

 

[GemGeek]

Great job, Pearl Dreams and Pattye, and excellent photos, acurran1127!!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Love the close up photos-- yes, I agree with Pattye, those are the sort of marks you see with imitation pearls.

The other thing that I hesitated to mention because I wasn't sure it wasn't an optical illusion (still not sure) is that in some of the photos the pearls appear to be a bit flattened at the drill holes. This is really typical of imitations when the drill holes are beveled. You won't see beveled drill holes with genuine pearls.

 

[pattye]

Pearl Dreams,

I completely agree, some of the pearls seemed slightly flattened to me also. This strand was more difficult to evaluate than many we see. Also disappointing, unable to find any reference to vintage Clermont Pearls or imitation pearl jewelry on the web.

 

[spud195658]

View attachment 32689I am too new to this forum. I have had these pearls since 1997 stashed away since my Step-Mother passed away. I was going through some boxes and there they were. I have no idea what they may be worth. My Father purchased them in Tokyo Japan in 1972. He mentioned something about Mikimoto, but thought nothing of it. If I can get some help identifying them and if they are worth anything, I would appreciate it. The pearls are gritty when rubbed together. They measure approximately 5mm each.
View attachment 32690

View attachment 32687View attachment 32688

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Hi spud195658,

Hang in there, the attachments have to be approved before we can see them.

 

[GemGeek]

I have gone in and approved the attachments, but they still don't show. Please try to post them again. Thanks! Welcome to Pearl Guide.