Posted 9 years ago
JoyB
(33 items)
These, I am guessing, were my great grandmother's favorite pieces, only because they are the only ones that were boxed to keep anything from happening to them.
I tried to figure out if they are glass or real. In the sun, they seem to be too perfect in color and uniformity (is that a word, lol) They are both pretty heavy and knotted between each pearl. I tried the tooth test, the darker necklace on the left it did not phase them at all, the lighter set on the right it seemed to scratch and change the color. The necklace on the left has no markings, but a really odd rhinestone in the clasp. All the rhinestones are clear, except for 1 green one on the very tip....a clue to anyone? The necklace on the right has JAPAN on the clasp. I know the clasp was first introduced in the 1700's and used until 1900? Can anyone maybe help with getting a closer date and/or a good test for faux vs. real?
That time range would fit my great grandmother, she was born in 1900. Thanks so much nutsabotas6! I started out just trying to learn about vintage jewelry :) because I have inherited it so much, but the more I research it, the more I am loving it! :) Thanks so much for your feedback!
Thanks for the loves nutsabotas6 & aghcollect!
Because of the weight....I am thinking they are glass....too heavy for plastic
Hey Joy,
There is a special process used to create the simulated pearl necklaces. The maker starts with a glass bead (usually a neutral color such as white, alabaster). They take fish scales, macerate them, and some other binding agents and then dip the glass beads into the mixture. Let them dry, then dip again, etc. The number of times they are dipped would indicate the quality of the "pearls." The pearls could be round, or rolled in a metal mold creating the baroque look. Or, the manufacturer could use a different shaped glass piece to create oblong, button-shaped or whatever it wanted.
After WWII, Japan struggled to rebuild and create an economy. Manufacturing of simulated pearls was one of the areas they built, especially since they could use child labor for the fine work. Miriam Haskell exclusively bought its famous pearls from the Niki company starting in 1959. Here is an example of one of her splendid pearl necklaces using Niki pearls:
http://photos.imageevent.com/bluboi/haskellsignedpieces/websize/Haskell%20pearl%20collar.jpg
Japan also copied much of the popular jewelry, so you will see pieces marked Japan (as well as many unmarked ones).
WOW! That is more than a necklace, it's a full collar lol. Gorgeous piece! Thank you for all the information! I am guessing that is what I was seeing with my tooth test. Some of the scale and binding agents coming off. Thank you so much for all the helpful information Blueboi! So the unmarked necklace could also be Japan I guess. Would you guess the 40's to 50's would be correct, or could it even be a little newer?
Joy, if not marked, it is hard to tell whether Japan or not. Many of the simulated pearls were sent unstrung to the US and other countries and were made into necklaces by jewelry houses. I suspect 50s-60s, as Japan was destroyed in the 40s and rebuilding.
These pearls are delicate. The dipped nacre can flake, they can be damaged by lotions, perfumes, etc.. If they are in contact with base metals, there is a chemical reaction which causes them to deteriorate. Here are two examples, neither of which can be repaired:
Earring with the "greenies" (i.e., verdigris):
http://photos.imageevent.com/bluboi/haskelldamage/websize/Haskell_greenies3.jpg
Damaged pearls on necklace:
http://photos.imageevent.com/bluboi/haskelldamage/websize/Haskell_damaged%20pearls1.jpg
This dress clip used to be pearls and red beads. I suspect the pearls were damaged so someone removed all of the coating (there is an example of the base bead for the pearls):
http://photos.imageevent.com/bluboi/haskelldamage/small/Haskell%20missing%20pearl%20clip.jpg
Bluboi thank you so much for your great information! Maybe that explains why my great grandmother always kept them in a cushioned necklace box that had a silk type lining. As far as perfumes & lotions the only thing I can ever remember her having was Noxema & Ivory soap lol. She faithfully washed her face with Noxema. Both necklaces look almost new with a slight greening where the stringing attaches to the clasp and a missing rhinestone or 2. :)
The greening on the clasp may get work (it is essentially like rust). You may want to gently brush it with a soft toothbrush to remove it as best as you can.
I will! Thank you! Is there a good way for me to store it after it's cleaned? Tissue paper or something?
I think the storage was probably fine. Keep it away from moisture. Sometimes I get those desiccant packs that come in shoe boxes and put them on top of the jewelry.
Thank you so much for all your help! They meant so much to her, not having much, that it means a lot to me to keep them as best I can. I really appreciate your help!
Great information, Bluboi. These are lovely necklaces, JoyB. :)
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