Pearl necklace

[MrGray]

Hello again!
I purchased this necklace a few days ago, it is still on it's way from Germany.
It is also a part of a lot of different pearl necklaces.
Photos are not mine, I will sure update this post as soon as it arrives, but I would still like to hear your opinions based on the photos I got.
According to the clasp, the smallest pearls are approximately 2 mm in size.
Pictures are in the attachment.
Thanks a lot

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I assume you think they could be natural pearls?
Paging Dave @Lagoon Island Pearls

 

[MrGray]

Thank you PD.
That was my first thought when I saw it, for sure.
Of course, nothing without testing, but I had to ask for your opinions.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

That strand has the kind of appearance that raises my hopes that they may be naturals.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

An interesting strand. A cursory glance may suggest natural origin, but any other information is absent thus difficult to say without further investigation.

I would like to see the seller's description, price point and other sales. Once arrived, additional photo arrays from different axis and better light. Please include all parts and pieces from the set.

 

[MrGray]

Thank you for your responce.
I bought it online, with a lot of different necklaces which included several akoya, and two imitation pearl necklaces.
It was sold as is, for repurpose, some of the necklaces are broken.
I paid 35€ for the lot.
Looking at other jewellery and pieces from the seller, it is obvious they sell fine and antique stuff, mostly from art deco period.
The clasp on this particular necklace is silver (not sure of the quality since there is no photo of the mark), I have seen clasp like that on vintage akoya pearl necklaces from the middle of the 20th century. It has akoya pearl on it, and I guess the clasp is not an original for this necklace, whether it is natural or freshwater kind.

 

[MrGray]

The necklace came yesterday.
In the attachment you can find new photos.
The pearls measure 3-6.5 mm.
Without the clasp, the lenght is 36.2 cm (14.2 inch), the weight is 9.6 grams.

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Thank you for the additional array of images.

When viewing a strand presenting with natural characteristics, we need to consider some things we don't see as well.

Pearl strands are almost never comprised from every pearl in the lot. Instead they are usually selected from a much larger pool based upon subjective criteria and the overall appearance of the collection. In other words, what are the matches? The finest strands may use up to eight points of matching. Natural strands are generally created around one or more match, then rely upon match by mismatch to achieve a desirable symmetry and balance.

I get the impression this strand is from two lots. While there's a distinct graduation, there is an abrupt change in symmetry on the smaller pearls. A middle size range is absent between them (albeit subtle). There are no knots between the pieces. While knots are not conclusive, they are greatly suggestive. After all nobody enjoys watching expensive pearls topple off onto the floor, needlessly.

I see a lot of flat spots and other indentations where these formed in close proximity to other pearls. This is highly suggestive of mussels as opposed to pearl oysters. Keishi pearls rarely do this as those tend to be more singular (and finer) in their formation.

The colours don't match perfectly, but they are within a range of tones. Again, this is where match by mismatch can be applied.

The lustre is somewhat uniform. When combined with the graduated sizes and overall shapes, this is how the strand came to be.

These pearls have translucency revealing nuclear materials. Appearing random, asymmetrical and varied in colour. Cultured pearls tend to be more uniform, but not always.

There is no provenance suggesting natural origin as the items were marketed. Even if these were suggested to be natural, I would still be skeptical because strands like these are not difficult reproduce from a greater pool of freshwater cultural pearls. Having examined elaborate fakes, I see no intentions to that end in this piece. It's quite acceptable to create a piece to give a natural impression.

For those reasons, I suggest cultural freshwater origin with approx 70-80% certainty. That said, there remains a plausibility these could be natural and as such merit a trip to the lab.

It's a pretty strand and I enjoy viewing these types as much as others all the same.

You've asked the right questions. Thank you for sharing them with us.

 

[MrGray]

Thank you very much for your elaborate response.
It is great pleasure to read so detailed and well argumented answer. It shows your great knowledge, experience, expertise and passion.
Thank you again.

 

[MrGray]

Not sure if this would be helpful, I am totally aware that this is not adequate method, but there was a possibility, so...
If anyone has any experience regarding the x-ray examination of the pearls, I would greatly appreciate their opinion.
Thanks in advance

 

[Lagoon Island Pearls]

Not sure if this would be helpful, I am totally aware that this is not adequate method, but there was a possibility, so...
If anyone has any experience regarding the x-ray examination of the pearls, I would greatly appreciate their opinion.
Thanks in advance

Thank you for the additional views. Xrays are always helpful although the resolution of these are not stellar. Despite that, from what I am able to discern the signature of each pearl in these views are mainly uniform with a scroll-like geometry within. Had these been of natural origin, there would be considerable differences. Namely, large, small and irregular inclusions. Some would no have no visible nucleus at all.

For these and previously stated reasons, I am certain these are cultured freshwater pearls. It's an attractive strand nonetheless and trust you'll enjoy them all the same. You would do well to consider restringing these for strength and longevity.

 

[MrGray]

Thank you. This is fluoroscopy, with much stronger radiation, I was expecting it would be much worst result.
I must say I was pretty surprised and of course delighted because (for my totally amateur eye) they do not appear to be uniform, and was even more convinced they could be natural.
I already restringed them, now they have knots and different, for me, more suitable white gold clasp.
Thanks again!