Natural Pearl Necklace

Q: I have a natural pearl necklace that was given to me in Japan by my Aunt. The necklace is at least 50 years old. The pearls are fairly large and round, in size about 1/4" in diameter and over 50 in the strand). The length of the necklace is about 16". I had a jeweler look at it in 1984. He told me they were "priceless". I am interested in selling my necklace. Can you help me? If not, do you know who might be able to help me?

A: We do not offer appraisal services ourselves, however I would suggest contacting Sharon Wakefield of NW Gem Labs in Boise Idaho for a valuation of the necklace. A lab like the GIA would be good to determine whether or not a strand is natural (GIA is located in Carlsbad), but this is not necessary. The pearls are indeed cultured, and unfortunately the jeweler was mistaken. This is very common (yet unfortunate), however, as few jewelers in the US have more than a rudimentary knowledge of pearls.

Natural pearls were fished in the Middle East and the Americas, but only up through the early part of the last century. With Mikimoto’s first harvest of round cultured pearls in 1916, the natural pearl industry finally fell apart. Although there were some boats still operating out of Bahrain and Oman until the 40’s, this was strictly local production for local demand. Natural pearls were not marketed in Japan as this was the home of the cultured pearl industry. These Japanese pearls became exceedingly popular in the late 40’s and 50’s after the war. Many GI’s brought strands back to the United States, and these strands were almost universally graduated up to 7mm (larger in the center). These pearls were also round, which is something that natural pearls are not – a full necklace of truly round natural pearls does not exist.

That being said, in order to sell the necklace you should first get an adequate, independent appraisal. I do believe Sharon Wakefield is one of the best in the business. She will also provide you with a retail valuation – something the GIA will not. She can be reached here:
Northwest Gemological laboratoryPO Box 8243 Boise, ID 83707 (208) 362-3938 FAX (208) 362-2889

I am sorry that I do not have better news for you, but I do hope things work out with your necklace.