What are my pearls worth

[tonya728]

Hi everyone I have recently inherited my grandmother's pearl jewelry. I have done a lot of Internet research on them and have found some good information but I would like to get more verification from someone who knows more.

Where I live I haven't been able to find any jewelers that can give me any information so this is where I am now. I hope someone can help me in truly verifying what I have and a possible value.

The first two came in a green mikimoto box. One with the m inside the oyster shell and the other is just marked 14kg.

Second set is a very heavy set marked with a 14km which In some research I have found that the m alone is also known to be mikimoto.

Third piece is a silver wishbone marked again with the single m.

Fourth piece is a bracelet it appears to be white gold and it passes the grit test however there are no markings that I can find at all.

Fifth piece is another necklace of pink pearls with the only marking is japan. I know my grandfather was in Japan during his time in the service and I am assuming that he brought these back with him.

Last piece is a broche marked as sterling but no other markings also passes the grit test. I appreciate anyone taking the time to help me with all of these and am looking forward to getting any kind of information on them. Every piece is unique and beautiful in their own way.

Thank you
Tonya

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The necklace with the clasp with Mikimoto M in shell is likely Mikimoto.
The other graduated akoya necklace seems to be an unbranded strand of akoya pearls from the same era. I have a strand with the same clasp.

Photo 6, necklace needing restringing, appear to be imitation pearls.
I can't see the markings on the wishbone. Someone who knows more about Mikimoto will likely comment on that.
The bracelet also appears to be imitation pearls, based on shape and general appearance as well as the likely base metal clasp.
The pink pearls appear to be imitation.
I don't see the last piece you mentioned-- did you upload a photo?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I'll come back later to comment more but we are sitting down to supper now.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

As to the wishbone-- can you take a couple of better photos? The presence of an M does not necessariy indicate Mikimoto. I see a number of wishbones with a pearl in images online (but have not come across one like that, yet.)

Ok, so--first let me tell you something about the first 2 necklaces, which are graduated akoyas. These necklaces were produced by Japan during the WWII / Korean war era, and were known as momme strands or 3.5 momme strands (momme being a unit of weight). A typical graduation was from 3mm-7mm. Pearls are sold by weight, and as these strands have many smaller pearls and only a few larger ones, that made them more affordable. Many servicemen and others employed in the region during wartime bought the necklaces to send home to their wives and sweethearts.

In my opinion, that makes these momme necklaces very sentimental objects, and I think that is their greatest value.

As to what they may be worth on resale, that is not as much as one might think. Pre-owned pearls don't sell for a lot of money, although Mikimoto pieces tend to achieve higher sale prices than unbranded pieces. You can do a search on eBay for SOLD similar necklaces to get an idea of what people are paying for these necklaces at the current time. Gold vs. silver clasp matters now that gold is so expensive.

If you wish to wear them, I recommend restringing. Silk becomes weak with age and the accumulated patina of grime that all pearls eventually acquire (from skin oil, cosmetics, lotions and pollution.) You can have that professionally done, but if you would like to gain a useful skill and save money, have a look at my restringing tutorial:

Thread 'Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro'

Dec 2, 2012

How to string (or restring) your pearls on doubled Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret, and Power Pro​

This is not hard-- really! It is harder to describe it than to do it. Anyone can learn to string their own pearls!
If after reading through this, it sounds too daunting, I suggest making a mini-strand for practice first. Make one 12-15 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or...

• Pearl Dreams
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• Forum: The Lowly Beaders' Club

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