Possible Authentic Biwa Pearl?

[bfgnum10]

This was my grandmothers and it was a gift from my grandfather in the 1960s. He travelled often as he was in the Airforce

 

[A Breaker]

It is possible. Looks like a Biwa set in gold. But If it was in the 1960's...from Japan, I would guess it would be set in Sterling or Silver. It looks later or not from Japan? BUT....many vendors from around the world set up in the Airforce Base Exchanges and it could have been originally another country with a stand at the Base Exchange. Also a jeweler using Japanese Pearls could have made it for your grandfather...at the Base exchange, that happens too. (This was happening even during WWII.)

 

[bfgnum10]

It is possible. Looks like a Biwa set in gold. But If it was in the 1960's...from Japan, I would guess it would be set in Sterling or Silver. It looks later or not from Japan? BUT....many vendors from around the world set up in the Airforce Base Exchanges and it could have been originally another country with a stand at the Base Exchange. Also a jeweler using Japanese Pearls could have made it for your grandfather...at the Base exchange, that happens too. (This was happening even during WWII.)

Wow thank you so much for this information! I have a little update. I talked to my grandmother and she informed me that this piece was actually created in Vancouver Canada as a custom pieces for her from my Grandfather. The date was late 60s or early 70s. I'm guessing like you said Biwa pearls make their way around so I'm still thinking that's what it could be!

 

[A Breaker]

Yes...I am often surprised by the amount of custom jewelers near or on military bases... often because the military need to be gone & jewelry helps soften the time away... I reminded my husband of that several times...