Looking for help identifying SS (?) pearls

[Girlwithpearl]

Hi everyone

We recently purchased some pearls on holiday (India) and I was hoping for some help in identifying them. The certificate states South Sea pearls, but we are a little confused as we had initially thought they were freshwater (but language barrier and trying on many options of both saltwater and freshwater mean this could have easily not been the case). I am assured they are SS but was hoping for some external verification to put my mind at rest! I do believe the top pearls near the clasp were different.

Thanks

 

[Pearl Dreams]

They look like baroque south sea pearls, not freshwaters.
The shapes and surface characteristics help keep the cost more affordable.

I have baroque SSP also and love them.

 

[Girlwithpearl]

They look like baroque south sea pearls, not freshwaters.
The shapes and surface characteristics help keep the cost more affordable.

I have baroque SSP also and love them.

Thank you so much! We paid about $750 but I’m not sure if that is reasonable or not. Either way I love them and they will be a cherished gift and memory of the holiday

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I would consider that reasonable, yes. Enjoy them in good health for years to come!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

If you are interested in learning more about pearls, you may enjoy taking the Pearl Association of America's "Pearls As One" course.
I'll DM you a code to take it for free.

Then when you are ready to buy your next pearls (it's hard to stop at one!) you will be a well-informed buyer.
Here is the website:
www.pearlsasone.org

 

[BWeaves]

They look like baroque SS pearls to me, too. Great price. Cute clasp. Enjoy!

 

[De Blancas]

By Pictures, they are either fake pearls or genuine South Sea Pearls, for plastic fake pearls it is easy to tell by doing a scratch test. If they are not fake, very likely you got a strand of real SSP! BTW $750 is a really good price, hard to find strand with this place from US shops! Congrats!!!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Fake strands always have some repeating shapes. I don't see that in your strand.
The surface blemishes in that strand are also those of real pearls.
Those aren't fake.

And please don't try to scratch the pearls!!! My goodness!

For future reference, here are a few simple tests to tell real pearls from fake:
• Real pearls generally feel a little gritty when rubbed gently together, while fakes generally feel smooth. Coatings or a grimy surface can alter the results of that test.
• Real pearls feel cooler than fake pearls made of glass or plastic.

 

[A Breaker]

Pearl Dreams has pointed out that the surface of real and fake pearls looks very different. Use you phone or loupe 10X and you will see what looks like spray paint on faux...real show minor blemish variations. The drill holes also show paint build up of loss on faux, while real have layers and even the bead nucleation. That phone is helpful!!!