Does nice diamond clasp ensure I have natural pearls?

[kandi]

I have a 2 straded choker pearl necklace around 9mm with a 14kt white gold clasp w/ safety catch with 4-ribbon bow design and 7 diamonds and tiny diamonds along perimeter of each bow. I bought the necklace second hand so I know nothing about it except the pearls have a lovely luster and ivory color. they were very dirty and some near clasp were discolored yellowish-green. I used a damp cloth to clean pearls and remove discoloration. There are no maker's marks on the clasp. I'm not sure what kind of pearls I have. How can I tell?

 

[Caitlin]

Please post some photos. A full view and some closeups. Please include a closeup of where the discoloration was. We really enjoy looking at what you are describing and will happily offer opinions.

 

[KAC]

By the sounds of it the pearls are round and uniform in size, if that is the case then there is a 99% probability they are cultured pearls. To find a double strand of round well matched natural pearls second hand would be like winning the lottery several weeks in a row.

If you can the pearls across your teeth and they feel gritty then you'll at least know they are real pearls - but as Caitlin said, close up pictures are going to be the only way we can ID.

 

[pearl-man]

If lyou dont wish to putto your teeth. Take a simulated strand, at macys if you have to, rub two beads together, note smoothness, now do with cultured and
you should notice a difference. Do with out gloves. Capitals dont mean anything.

 

[pattye]

Yes, I prefer the pearl-man's method for testing pearls of gently rubbing the pearls together, too. I feel it is easier to tell the difference with finger tips only.