Pearls bought in the Philippines

[mimiruff]

Hey all, I am new to anything about pearls. My mother bought me these while she was in the Philippines. I would like to know if any of you know if they are South Sea and what they are worth. They are not strung (I currently have them on fishing line ) but they are drilled to be strung. I know that they are real because they are pretty gritty when I rub them on my front teeth. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[jshepherd]

No, they are Chinese freshwater pearls, not South Sea pearls. The strand is only worth a couple dollars, unfortunately.

 

[pattye]

Mimiruff,

Welcome to P-G. Jeremy is correct about your pearls having a low monetary value, however they do have sentimental value as your Mother bought them for you, shiny luster and will make a pretty necklace, or a couple of bracelets.

If you are a little bit crafty you might like to string them yourself. We have a tutorial under the Lowly Beaders thread below if you want to knot them. They can also be strung on wire. If you have a bead store in your town they can help you also.

Because of the flattened shape, these are called button pearls. These would be pretty combined with a favorite gemstone or crystals spaced every few pearls, or a pendant.

I hope you are able to find a way to wear and enjoy them, even though they are not South Sea.

 

[pearlescence]

Sometimes I want to go to the airport and hand out leaftlets saying 'don't buy the pearls, they aren't local, they aren't south sea/akoya and they are not a bargain'

 

[JerseyPearl]

I think the "value" in these pearls comes from within...meaning that as a gift, they are priceless! I would absolutely have them strung and wear them proudly. To me, they look like a rondel shape...which would look very cool with spacer beads scattered throughout, or with gemstone beads as spacers. I think there is a lot you can do with them and if you cannot make a necklace and bracelet maybe you can make a lovely pair of drop earrings to go with! Enjoy them, they are fun and meant to be worn close to the heart.

 

[cyndayco]

Mimiruff, was your mother told they were South Sea Pearls?

 

[mimiruff]

Thank you all for your responses! Yes, my mother was told that they were from the Philippines. But that's okay, I think I will get them strung and just have them for myself! Thank you!

 

[cyndayco]

Mimiruff, I have a modest collection of freshwater, Akoya, and South Sea pearls, and with the exception of six pieces, they were all bought in the Philippines.

For the most part, the local vendors were all upfront and honest about the types and sources of their inventory. Of course, I am also a local and by now, a familiar face, so they are transparent with me. But you can also ask jmd, who lives in the US, about her experience with the Philippine pearl market.

In my experience, the ones that are consistently misrepresented are sold on eBay; almost all, by China-based merchants. The warnings on this forum are, sadly, justified.

But you have the right attitude towards pearls. Pearls are like children; we all want ours to be the best and most valuable. Thankfully, each pearl is beautiful in its own way. I still love and wear my first chunky, egg-shaped freshwater pearls, even though I now own better pieces. Likewise, I can tell that you will take pleasure in yours. Enjoy!

 

[CathyKeshi]

Mimiruff, your pearls will always have a glow about them like no others; the glow of a mother's love

 

[JerseyPearl]

Mimiruff, your pearls will always have a glow about them like no others; the glow of a mother's love

What an absolutely lovely thing to say!