Jewelry Appraisal CenterThe question came in to Ask The Appraiser and I thought it would be very relevant, so I have added it here.
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Pearl Necklace Question:
I am trying to get an idea on the value of a pearl necklace that has been handed down to me from my grandmother.
It was purchased around 1905 in New York City, USA. It is of very good quality, 18 inches long with each white pearl being approximately 7mm in width.
I very much appreciate your time.
Thank you, Eileen
Here's My Answer:
G'day Eileen and many thanks for your query.
The Valuation of Pearls is generally considered to be MORE complex then the appraisal of ANY OTHER TYPE of jewelry - including Diamonds.
This is one of the MOST asked about subjects, and is also one of the few items we CANNOT do at the Jewelry Appraisal Center.
NOT YET ANYWAY - BUT IT'S COMING... 
We have had a special online appraisal form under beta testing for some time, but like Opals, Pearls are not standardized in the same sort of way other gemstones are calculated.
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The reason become quite clear when you think about peals. Not only do they have to be classified by size, but the SHAPE, COLOR, LUSTRE, any blemishes on the surface, and finally (especially for strings of pearls) there is the question of EACH pearl having to match.
Phew! No wonder they are hard to evaluate.
I won't go into the way Gemologist/Valuers like myself go through a Pearl Appraisal, but just let me confirm - IT'S REALLY REALLY HARD!
I would suggest you take it to your local FRIENDLY jeweler and have them do a full gemological and written appraisal for you, and while they are at it, maybe do a complete check on the stringing, clasps and general condition and treatment of your necklace.
Yes, I know it's going to cost, but at least then you will have WRITTEN PROOF of what you have in the event of them being lost or stolen, together with a full check over of the gems too.
It's easy to forget that we have our cars serviced each year, but forget to have our jewelry checked over. Pearls in particular are VERY susceptible to all sorts of damage over time, so need a good examination and restringing etc - at least every five to ten years or so. Don't become a 'Victim of Loss' and leave it too late.
Sorry I can't be more helpful. The best you can do is a comparison shop by looking in your Shopping Mall Jewelers window or even browsing through eBay and the like. The Antique Jewelry Fair at http://www.antique-jewelry-fair.com/ occasionally has Vintage jewelry on offer.
Remember though, that the second-hand price has NOTHING to do with the Appraisal value, which is quite a different thing. It is much better to use our Jewelry Appraisals Online software system to get an accurate description and even a photo if possible to help identify your jewelry.
If you have any other problems or queries, please don't hesitate to contact me personally at this website.
Kind regards. David
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I get similar questions on forums and ‘expert’ websites, together with my own members discussion group. They are usually in the following format, and in general the same questions get asked over and over again. They go… Continue reading Jewelry Hallmarks And What They Mean...
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Most people when they imagine a pearl are picturing perfect large round spherical gems, creamy white in colour with a shimmery iridescent surface. The reality is that pearls are usually irregular in shape, each one is different and to find one that is completely round is almost unheard of, not to mention trying to make a whole necklace of pearls that are all more or less the same. Natural pearls are the rarest and most highly valued variety, but nowadays most pearl jewellery is made from cultured or farmed pearls, which are grown on pearl farms… Continue reading What are the Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?...
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I have a pearl necklace that I had purchased about 15-20 years ago from an elderly lady. It is strung on what appears to be a metal necklace and not strung on string so to speak, the clasp is older and appears to belong with the necklace. The necklace because of this is heavy, all the pearls are still shinny and are not peeling, so I think they are real. I think it is about 50 plus years old. Have you ever heard of pearls being strung on anything other than string or whatever they use?
G’day Gail and the simple answer is YES!
Over the years we have seen Pearls strung on Silver, Gold and even leather.
I suggest you get them to your local friendly jeweler, gemologist, appraiser and have them confirm if they are genuine. Some may charge – others no. Shop around until you find one you trust.
Hope that helps, but please let us know how you went.
Dave