Can these pearls maker be identified please
- Thread starter Ashley
- Start date
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Cultured baroque akoya pearls and a mabe pearl on the clasp. On my computer the pear shaped stones are the color of garnets. I can't tell if the round stones are black or if that's just a patina of grime.
I don't see any gold marks and would have expected to see them on the back of the clasp or the tongue, but you should also check the safety catch; a mark could be there. I think you may just have to have the gold tested.
If the clasp isn't original, it could be non-precious metal and imitation stones.
I don't see any gold marks and would have expected to see them on the back of the clasp or the tongue, but you should also check the safety catch; a mark could be there. I think you may just have to have the gold tested.
If the clasp isn't original, it could be non-precious metal and imitation stones.
BWeaves
Well-known member
The clasp and the pearls may not have originally been together, or they might have been. If the clasp is antique, it might be silver over gold, which would explain the tarnish / oxidation around the white stones.
I'm kinda getting an Indian vibe off the clasp. I wonder if it was made in India. I agree with Pearl Dreams on the pearls.
I'm kinda getting an Indian vibe off the clasp. I wonder if it was made in India. I agree with Pearl Dreams on the pearls.
I checked a chart of London gold marks. To me, the marks look like a leopard (London) with the head of a woman wearing a crown. That’s the year Queen Victoria was inaugurated, 1837. Google London gold marks to find a chart and check it out.
If this is the case and I were you, I’d find a jeweler that deals in historic jewelry and get her opinion. If the pearls are original to the clasp, they’ll be natural, non-cultured pearls unless they are coated glass.
If this is the case and I were you, I’d find a jeweler that deals in historic jewelry and get her opinion. If the pearls are original to the clasp, they’ll be natural, non-cultured pearls unless they are coated glass.
Welcome! What a fascinating triple strand, Ashley. Please do let us know what you find out.
CindyW, welcome to the forum! We are fortunate to have members share "mystery" strands like this with unusual, beautiful clasps. Sounds like you know how to research vintage and antique jewelry.
CindyW, welcome to the forum! We are fortunate to have members share "mystery" strands like this with unusual, beautiful clasps. Sounds like you know how to research vintage and antique jewelry.
Thanks everyone! They were my Grandmother's, who was a Londoner. So the London mark might fit haha. I will have to go to someone reputable but in my small town that will be a challenge. Firstly though I will follow advice on this forum and clean them. Will I need to get them restrung or repaired?
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
I would definitely restring them. Silk becomes weak when i is old and grimy, and can break.
The clasp can be cleaned while it is off the strand. You can clean it with a small, soft brush (like an eyebrow brush-- or the brush that comes with jars of liquid jewelry cleaner--but don't use the cleaner on the mabe pearl). Another small brush that could work in tight spots is an end-tuft toothbrush (see google for images.)
Many of us restring our own pearls. It's not hard, and it saves money. It also gives you creative freedom to make changes in your necklace if you wish. If this idea interests you, see my tutorial:
The clasp can be cleaned while it is off the strand. You can clean it with a small, soft brush (like an eyebrow brush-- or the brush that comes with jars of liquid jewelry cleaner--but don't use the cleaner on the mabe pearl). Another small brush that could work in tight spots is an end-tuft toothbrush (see google for images.)
Many of us restring our own pearls. It's not hard, and it saves money. It also gives you creative freedom to make changes in your necklace if you wish. If this idea interests you, see my tutorial:
My suggestion...get a restringing kit from Pattye. In a small town... it is going to be better & safer to learn restring. On one of you broken strands...take off 1 pearl at a time & practice restringing. See how you like the process & the final look. You will get better! I find it good therapy. The tricky part is the ends with the gimp. If you like your first attempt reasonably well... you are going to take it apart...one pearl at a time & restring with the gimp ends this time. (You can even practice this technique on other beaded necklaces.) The other option...there are several people & businesses that are on this pearl forum that I would trust to send the necklace to for restringing.