Identity Please

[r.davison]

I wonder if someone out there could identify and guessimate the value of my pearls. They were purchased new in 1998 in Indonesia from a reputable pearl shop in Jakarta called Fandiasta.

I have a matching set of a single string 18 inch necklace, a double string 9 inch bracelet and single pearl earrings. The pearls measure 10-11mm in diameter. The clasps are stamped.

I do love them and always wonder about them so I would be thrilled and thankful if you can throw in some idea of what they are.

Thanks.

 

[BWeaves]

They look like circled freshwater pearls from China. They are 100% pearl nacre. They are not worth very much, but they are very pretty. Enjoy wearing them.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I am not sure. They could possibly be circled south sea pearls, with a bead nucleus. There is something about the luster and surface that makes me think that, and my own circled SSP are not so very different.

Also, circled SSP tend to be strung with the rings perpendicular to the thread while circled FWP tend to be strung with the circles parallel with the drill holes and thread (but not always; I have some dyed FWP string the other way).

Additionally, these have a 14K clasp and French wire where the thread meets the clasp, which is a more professional stringing method.

May I ask, do you recall what you paid for them?

 

[r.davison]

I am not sure. They could possibly be circled south sea pearls, with a bead nucleus. There is something about the luster and surface that makes me think that, and my own circled SSP are not so very different.

Also, circled SSP tend to be strung with the rings perpendicular to the thread while circled FWP tend to be strung with the circles parallel with the drill holes and thread (but not always; I have some dyed FWP string the other way).

Additionally, these have a 14K clasp and French wire where the thread meets the clasp, which is a more professional stringing method.

May I ask, do you recall what you paid for them?

They were a gift and at that time I had the feeling from hints they were not cheap or fakes. The shop I mention had a good reputation for pearls but I'm under no illusions about the value....just curious.

 

[r.davison]

They look like circled freshwater pearls from China. They are 100% pearl nacre. They are not worth very much, but they are very pretty. Enjoy wearing them.

Many thanks for your information.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

If they are SSP then their value is definitely higher than if they are FWP. However, circled SSP are the least expensive kind of SSP because they are the most common.

The same goes if they are FWP. Baroque shaped FWP are less valuable than round ones because they are so common.

I am still leaning toward your pearls being SSP. The luster looks rich and "heavy", if that makes sense. My circled FWP don't have that quality of luster.

 

[pattye]

Lovely pearls, r.davidson. I'm with Pearl Dreams on this set being SSP, given the known place and date of purchase, plus my feeling that fwp in this size and luster were probably not being produced yet. In the mid 90's I was with Nordstrom Fine Jewelry and saw my first strand of small white nugget shape fwp.
Hopefully Jeremy will weigh in on this one.