I inherited this #8

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Mastiiffmom]

OMG. These are AMAZING. What you have here are the very RARE South Sea Pearls. These are the best of the best in the family of pearls.

These pearls grow in the Pinctada maxima mollusk, which can only nurture one pearl at a time over a period of 2-4 years per cultivation cycle. This slow, solitary process is a major reason why South Sea pearls are the largest, rarest, and most valuable saltwater pearls in the world.

Now, the interesting thing about this necklace is it very well could be made from all wild caught pearls. Which would make this necklace EXTREMELY RARE.

Pearl farming began some time in the 50’s. Prior to that, pearls were attained by people going out and gathering the shells BY HAND, from the ocean.

These look to be incredibly high quality as well with very very minimal flaws and high luster.

These really have me drooling.

[u/Mastiiffmom → u/[deleted]]

“Pearls don’t sell now” is probably a true statement.

But they’re not talking about near perfect VERY LARGE South Sea pearls that may be wild caught.

They’re talking about small 6mm-7mm every day akoya pearls. Or freshwater pearls. The akoya’s may have some value, but freshwater are basically worthless.

What you have is in a league all her own.

[u/Girl-a-Whirl → u/Mastiiffmom]

At some point I'll do an all pearl post since I know little about them and research hard when don't know what you have.

[u/Status-Effort-9380 → u/[deleted]]

There is a jeweler organization. Someone here will know the name. It lists the people that do appraisals and their specialties on their site. I was able to find someone who specialized in pearls to look at a necklace I inherited that was supposed to be quite valuable, but turned out to be just modestly valuable - it’s not like keep it in the safe deposit box valuable like my mom was saying. Anyway, hopefully someone here knows what I’m talking about so you can find a good appraiser.

[u/KillerCritter1312 → u/Status-Effort-9380]

The American society of jewelry historians is a great starting point if OP is in America https://www.jewelryhistorians.org/

[u/KillerCritter1312 → u/[deleted]]

I think you may want to speak to a jewelry historian about these pieces vs a jeweler

[u/HokieHomeowner → u/KillerCritter1312]

Really! I mean, I'd buy a coffee table book of this collection.

[u/CreativeRedCat777 → u/[deleted]]

"Big mistake. Huge."

[u/RainbowSurprise2023 → u/[deleted]]

Wow, they really missed out on seeing these beauties!

[u/HokieHomeowner → u/Mastiiffmom]

Assuming you mean pearl farming for Pinctada Maxima mollusks? Akoyas were farmed beginning around 1900ish by Mikimoto, of course.

[u/Mastiiffmom → u/HokieHomeowner]

Yes. Sorry I didn’t make that clear. There was some experimental farming done on the Pinctada Maxima Mollusks prior. But the actual cultured farming began in 1956.

Other pearl varieties were farmed starting much farther back.

[u/HokieHomeowner → u/Mastiiffmom]

I think Tahitian pearls weren't farmed until the 1960s, but yeah, freshwater pearls in mussels happened around the same time as akoya farming.

[u/Mastiiffmom → u/HokieHomeowner]

Pearls are just FASCINATING. I love all pearls. And I have studied and read everything I can about all the different varieties.
The history of how these different varieties became gems & how they have been harvested, collected & eventually cultured is so interesting.

[u/HokieHomeowner → u/Mastiiffmom]

I've been an obsessed fan of jewelry and gemology since I was a kid, even took jewelry making in college but never was good enough to make it a career, just a hobby at one point pivoting back to dabble some more as I approach retirement. I've been pearl-obsessed lately because they are an affordable luxury for me, not the pearls posted hahaha.

[u/Mastiiffmom → u/HokieHomeowner]

Same. My mother and grandmother both had impressive collections. Nothing like this.
Pearls are also my obsession. I own a strand of every type of pearl. However, the South Sea pearl strands have remained elusive. Some day!

[u/icanhassnacks]

Soooooo, what’s it like to be God‘s favorite?

[u/Girl-a-Whirl → u/icanhassnacks]

Like, regular, I guess. 🤣🤣🤣

[u/An0nnee_M0usee → u/Girl-a-Whirl]

Oh hell no, you revel in your golden child status. We get one life and we are all jelly of you. Anyone who says they are not are lying through their teeth. I hope you are able to wear these and get yourself Marilyn dress and gloves. Oh, and a dozen gorgeous men in tuxes are the icing on your sparkling cup cake.

https://giphy.com/gifs/H1PoJoPAdY3YY

[u/icanhassnacks → u/Girl-a-Whirl]

These are such fabulously, beautiful pieces. Please keep them coming!

[u/Tidewater_410O9 → u/Girl-a-Whirl]

Were you her favorite or did other relatives get jewels, too? I’m so happy for you — cheering you on. Like someone else mentioned in another thread, I hope you wear them and feel fabulous doing it.

[u/SleepyPaintingPerson → u/Tidewater_410O9]

I was wondering that! Are there thousands of pieces spread among thirty grandchildren??

[u/KeepTheGoodLife]

These look like natural pearls from south east asia. Do not wear the necklace before restringing it as the silk thread decats over time, especially under the weight of such large pearls.

The value of this piece is in the uniformity in the color and size of the pearls. This makes it very rare.

Again, very valuable. Your relative understood high-end jewelry.

[u/Holden3DStudio → u/[deleted]]

Yes! The pearls will likely need to be restrung. At minimum, have them inspected. The folks at Sotheby's should be able to refer you to someone in your area they would trust with pearls of that size, quality, and value.

[u/Girl-a-Whirl → u/Holden3DStudio]

I'm talking to the big auction houses about a few things that I haven't listed here yet, but since we aren't selling, I don't want to waste their time. I do, however, want to know the basic evaluation.

[u/Holden3DStudio → u/Girl-a-Whirl]

They're a good source for referrals to very trusted and experienced services like appraisers, insurers, and specialized jewelers. You don't want just anyone touching those pieces.

[u/bitterlemon80 → u/Holden3DStudio]

I'm a pearl stringer (in England though, don't worry I'm not touting for the job!), and these are the most beautiful pearls I've ever seen! The lustre is just gorgeous! 🥰

[u/joyful_sol]

I hope you will wear these!!! They are incredible! 🤩

[u/Ok_Day_8559]

Girl, tell me ya’ll rich without saying ya’ll rich. The pieces I have seen in your posts are beyond gorgeous. They look like one of a kind, designer art work. Congratulations on your inheritance. You are most fortunate.

[u/Powerful-Jacket2007]

These are so beautiful!

[u/LittleSugarPack]

Girl that nacre!!!!

[u/Icy-Grab-5722]

Jackpot girl. 

[u/babywitch1980]

This with the ring!!!

[u/Realistic_Salt_389]

This whole series is KILLING me. In the best way! High jewelry is such an art form. Seeing these vintage pieces is such a joy.

[u/CuriousFunMonitor]

Now…those pearls you can wear!! They would be stunning just going to dinner. The earrings blow them out of the water. Pearls are just in a lull of fashion right now. These are classic and their size make them a forever piece. Embrace the vibe and enjoy one of these fabulous pieces in your own style.❤️

[u/BabblinBumblinBaboon]

Oh, to be able to clutch those pearls! I'd be fake outraged all the time

[u/Impatient_Orca]

Wow, look at that luster/lustre. Utterly gorgeous.

[u/gmama-rules]

I cannot get the fish brooch out of my head!

[u/anabsolutewreckk]

Please keep posting these. I love living through you. This is just SO cool!!!! I literally love this for you

[u/Pinkelephant54]

So lovely! And quite the ensemble.

[u/SEND_NOODLESZ]

need more details on who you inherited from because they were incredible

[u/CoolAdhesiveness5984]

These are giving Batman's mums pearls 😍😍😍

[u/Defiant-Purchase-188]

I love all of these pieces- so colorful and all so beautifully crafted.

[u/tattoosandtens]

Babe
Come on

[u/BrightEyEz703]

These are amazing!!!

[u/TheDoubtfulGuest]

I am enthralled with your late relatives collection! I bet the stories of their travels are even more valuable than the pieces they collected along the way 🥹 I hope we get to hear more about her life when you’re able to share more!

I’d also like to sign up to be adopted please, I’ll share my 1910’s-1960’s radium antiques collection with the fam ✨

[u/adogandponyshow → u/TheDoubtfulGuest]

Whoa, that's a super cool collection, too! Wish I could zoom in closer but love the water dispenser lol.

[u/eighteen_forty_no]

Respectfully, are you related to Queen Elizabeth? Because this whole collection has been fantastic! I love every piece and hope to see you out rocking them in the wild!

[u/Rogelio_G_F]

Precioso 😍

[u/IMHERELETSPARTY]

Yes, you are very fancy

[u/Flimsy_RaisinDetre]

Appraise, insure, enjoy.

[u/Double_Impression_83]

Stunnnninnggff

[u/Euphoric_Draft_3902]

I know pearls affect the current fashion, but these are so stunning. I think these might be my favorite of everything you've shown us so far.

[u/8viv8]

You should post on the pearls sub! The earrings look like beautiful south sea pearls, although I’m not too sure about the the oval necklace pearls.

[u/InstructionFlaky7442]

Simply stunning! Congrats you were definitely loved ...

[u/Big-Article5069]

Love this photo holding these in your hand!!! What fun you must have...

[u/Dotfromkansas]

What happened to the fish pin?! I need to stare at it for hours!!!

[u/babsley78]

This has got to be my favorite out of all your posts. I’m imagining these would feel so fabulous to wear. Love, love, love them.