collection of Upper Mississippi River basin natural pearls.

[pearl-man]

As I traveled for sales beginning in 1965 I collected assorted natural pearls from jewelers between Burlington, Iowa and Brainerd, Minnesorta along the River.....Yes the blacks are natural Miss. R. basin pearls. None are reworked hinges. Note: in the 1920's this River was a major world source of natural pearls being sold in Europe. No doubt some were labeled from Near East.

 

[CathyKeshi]

Norm, it's fascinating to see these lovely pearls; thank you for posting!

 

[86Corvettegirl]

Thank you for posting your collection. They are lovely!

 

[GemGeek]

Really gorgeous pendant on the bottom left. Reminds me of a labradorite drop pendant I have. Sweet collection!

 

[pattye]

Oh, happy memories of building your amazing collection, Norm; it's a treat to see these! I keep the magazine you gave me with the article "Wisconsin Pearl Craze" in my desk and enjoyed rereading it just a few days ago.

 

[BWeaves]

Wow, great collection.

 

[SydK]

Wow, gorgeous. What a wonderful collection, and a wonderful provenance.

 

[pearl-man]

I have always liked labradorite. I saw some fantastic bowls In Idar-Oberstein.
thanks

 

[Naan]

Lovely pearls!

 

[Gemandpearlover]

You have a beautiful collection. How wonderful to have pearls that are so unique and rare.

 

[parfaitelumiere]

I have about 100 of mississippi teneessee pearls.
I have severalcut wings, probably used to make flower tie pin or pendant, these were very common in early XX, Tiffany made a crazy brooch, really love that design!
My biggest is about 3cm, and another is very heavy.
I would be interested in a trade for a round one!

 

[BrendaKY]

As I traveled for sales beginning in 1965 I collected assorted natural pearls from jewelers between Burlington, Iowa and Brainerd, Minnesorta along the River.....Yes the blacks are natural Miss. R. basin pearls. None are reworked hinges. Note: in the 1920's this River was a major world source of natural pearls being sold in Europe. No doubt some were labeled from Near East.

View attachment 417478

Very interesting to read about your collection. Had no idea pearls like these in your collection were found in the US. I live near the Ohio River in Kentucky. Curious to know if anyone has found pearls in this area?

 

[pattye]

Hopefully linking here the article The American Pearl Rush It's Wisconsin Beginnings by George Johnson. Enjoy. Great pearl photos.

Our forum member, pearl-man, Norm Lange, has an extensive collection of Mississippi River pearls; he and George became friends, shared research and photos for this article. Norm has posted photos of his extraordinary natural pearls on other forum threads.