Antique (or maybe just old) Pearls

[ChloeTheGreat]

Good evening!

I recently graduated from college and requested pearls (as a traditional graduation gift) from my mother. We talked about shopping for some, but she decided she wanted to give me a strand that belonged to her mother. (My grandmother, RIP, had quite a FABULOUS jewelry collection.)
I was given a long strand (maybe 18" or so) of nice, heavy, ivory-colored pearls.

What are some ways of evaluating pearl quality so I can understand what I really have? (...and furthermore, how careful I should be with this strand of old pearls!) Thanks!

 

[innerkitten]

Hi, Congrats on your new pearls Tough to say what type of pearls they are. What year do you think they are from. What is the clasp like? Is it a graduated strand going from smaller pearls to large at the center.

 

[pearlie]

Hi Chloe -

It really takes a trained eye to determine the type and quality of the pearls you have. There are way too many variables to try to describe to you.

Antique pearls and ''new'' pearls should be cared for in the same manner. Keep them away from contact with harsh chemicals or anything that can scratch the surface.

You should really have those pearls restrung before wearing. Unless you know for certain that they have been restrung in the past couple of years, get that done first. Preferrably by someone who specializes in pearls. Qualified stringers will do a fine job, but a pearl specialist will better be able to answer your questions as well as restring.

Congrats on your graduation, and I hope you have many years of enjoyment with your Grannie''s pearls.

julie.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Thanks for the advice. I want to be sure I keep them safe!

Is there a price range I should be aware of for having them restrung?

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Inner kitten,

I wish I knew more about them! When my grandmother passed away about 20 years ago, my mother and her siblings split her jewelry collection. There are so many amazing pieces!

Each of the pearls are the same size. They are a rich ivory color and they feel much heavier than new strands I have looked at in stores. They seem to be in good condition (no noticeable scratches and dents) but they could use a good cleaning after many years of being stored in a jewelry box. The clasp is a decorative "fishhook" style in 14k yellow gold.

 

[that_someone_special]

I have been stringing my own pearls but was quoted $30 from a local jeweler to have them restring a specific strand for me.


Can you post any pictures of the pearls?

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Here are some pics of the pearls. I'm having a hard time getting the settings right. Hope the pics are looking ok for now.

...This definitely did not work...LOL...I'll keep trying to get some good pics.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Ugh! Having a hard time with the pics. What''s the easiest way to get photos on the forums? ...I wonder if it''s because I use a Mac.

 

[innerkitten]

Hi Chloe, Try resizing it and renaming it. It might work.

 

[gardengloves]

Date: 12/27/2009 11:18:31 AM
Author: ChloeTheGreat
Ugh! Having a hard time with the pics. What''s the easiest way to get photos on the forums? ...I wonder if it''s because I use a Mac.

I have a mac too. it works fine posting pics to the forum. Resize and give it a unique name.. it won''t taken any previously named pics.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Ok, this is silly...but how do I resize the image? I''ve tried everything I can think of!

Thanks for the help!

 

[gardengloves]

Hi Chloe,

I go to iphotos ( or wherever your photos are), select a photo and select Export ( to desktop or wherever you want the photo to be) . Once I''m in Export it gives menu options to convert to jpg, select sizes, rename. , etc.. I hope this helps. most software has similiar features.

When I get back to ps and try to upload in a post, the photo is sitting on the desktop and I just select the name. Pick a very unique name - ps won''t take duplicates even of my own photos. I have to start all over and rename it.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Thanks for the image help, Gardengloves!

Here are a couple photos of my pearls.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

And this one...

 

[innerkitten]

They look very pretty! Are you sure thats a fish hook? Does the hook part click into the long oval part of the clasp? I can't quite see in the pic.

P.s. They look like they are in great condition.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

Thanks, I love them!
Yes, it''s a fishhook indeed. (I looked up pics of different clasp types to identify it.)

I''m glad to hear they appear to be in good condition. Thanks for the comment!

 

[Kelli]

They do look gorgeous!