Can someone help identify this pearl please

[Shazza78]

I’ve no idea what this pearl is wrapped in 18k Italian gold , thank you

 

[Shazza78]

It is very gritty and cold to touch

 

[Pearl Dreams]

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 unscented baby soap but any mild soap will do), then wipe it clean with a soft cloth, cotton swabs, or even a very soft brush where the finding is attached. Then rinse in more distilled water.

 

[Shazza78]

I really want to know what type of pearl I’m dealing with first , it was cleaned at a jewellers last year , it’s actually quite clean

 

[Pearl Dreams]

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 bottom and around the top of the pearl. If bead, is it shell or glass? What do you see when you shine a strong light through it?

 

[Shazza78]

There is some on the sides but 1 side has been rubbed off I resume , it’s like golden colour , thanks for your help

 

[Pearl Dreams]

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

 

[BWeaves]

OK! This is my gut feeling. That used to be a cultured pearl, but it's either been through the digestive system of an animal, or submerged in vinegar or the wrong sort of cleaning solution. It looks like all the pearl nacre has been eaten off and all that's left is the shell nucleus, because it's "cut in" from the edge of the gold mounting and not flush with the gold mounting. That pearl is not coming back from the dead. If you like the setting, replace the pearl. At this point, there's no telling what kind of pearl that was because all the nacre is gone.

From Fred Ward's Pearl book.

 

[Shazza78]

The torch does nothing , it’s probably 80% shiny 10% lost its luster x

 

[Shazza78]

OK! This is my gut feeling. That used to be a cultured pearl, but it's either been through the digestive system of an animal, or submerged in vinegar or the wrong sort of cleaning solution. It looks like all the pearl nacre has been eaten off and all that's left is the shell nucleus, because it's "cut in" from the edge of the gold mounting and not flush with the gold mounting. That pearl is not coming back from the dead. If you like the setting, replace the pearl. At this point, there's no telling what kind of pearl that was because all the nacre is gone.

From Fred Ward's Pearl book.

View attachment 477069

Thanks for that , very helpful , I’ve had it for 5 years , it was cleaned last year but was already like that , just thought it was an unusual colour more fool me , glad i never paid much attention, thank you anyway

 

[Shazza78]

Thanks for that , very helpful , I’ve had it for 5 years , it was cleaned last year but was already like that , just thought it was an unusual colour more fool me , glad i never paid much , thank you anyway*

 

[BWeaves]

I'm so sorry. How did you acquire this pearl? That might help us guess how it got into this condition.

 

[Shazza78]

I got it as a present, it was bought at an antique market

 

[Shazza78]

I got it as a present, it was bought at an antique market

I think it’s been rubbed on skin as it’s the back side of it that lost its luster the rest seems ok

 

[BWeaves]

OK. It's been worn to death. Or loved to death. I still think if you like the setting, you should just replace the pearl. I can't tell what kind of pearl it is, but it's not going to get better looking, and the setting looks really nice.