SLS! SAVE $1200! VERY RARE Antique NATURAL & Cultured South Sea Pearl & Diamond Double-Strand Necklace - GIA Report

Incredibly RARE find!! We are beyond THRILLED to offer to you today this absolutely rare collector's GIA-Graded Natural (Wild) Pearl, Cultured Pearl & Diamond antique late Victorian to Edwardian period necklace! THE PERFECT 'wedding' necklace for the traditional bride-to-be!

Per Wikipedia, "The most valuable pearls occur spontaneously in the wild, but they are extremely rare. These wild pearls are referred to as natural pearls"..."Quality natural pearls are very rare jewels. The actual value of a natural pearl is determined in the same way as it would be for other "precious" gems. The valuation factors include size, shape, color, quality of surface, orient and luster. Single, natural pearls are often sold as a collector's item, or set as centerpieces in unique jewelry. Very few matched strands of natural pearls exist, and those that do often sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars".

In November 2010, we attended one of Canada's most prestigious auctions, where a pair of natural, wild/natural pearl earrings sold for an astonishing & unexpected $80,000. Their estimate was a mere $4000-$5000... the bidding action left the room speechless, followed by an eruption of applause & heart-pounding excitement!

This stunning antique necklace (circa 1895-1905) offers 2 strands of gorgeous GIA-Graded Pearls, one strand reported as predominately natural pearls, the 2nd, predominately bead cultured. To find natural WILD pearls today is truly like finding a needle in a haystack - they are just so rare, and very few are found in the ocean today. When located in jewelry, most are set in jewelry dating from the Art Deco period or older, with Victorian & Edwardian jewelry featuring these fine gems, which is what we luckily have here!!

Weighing 21.10 grams (quite heavy for antique pearl necklaces which tend to range between 4-10 grams), this beautiful necklace falls so elegantly upon the neck, with the shorter strand measuring approximately 16 inches, and the 2nd strand falling longer at about 17.25 inches.

As per the detailed GIA Pearl Report, there are a total of 171 pearls in a graduated necklace with a white metal clasp set with 3 transparent near colorless round brilliants (diamonds):

STRAND 1: 93 Pearls; Predominately Natural Pearls; Saltwater Environment; Pinctada Species; Measurements: 7.10 x 6.70mm to 1.50mm.

STRAND 2: 78 Pearls; Predominately Bead Cultured Pearls; Saltwater Environment; Pinctada Fucata (Akoya Pearl Oyster); Thin Nacre; Measurements: 7.77mm to 3.30mm.

The pearls are variously shaped, with a cream bodycolor, no overtone and a moderately spotted surface. Obviously, the pearls are not matched being a graduated 2 strand necklace. The luster (the intensity of light reflected from the surface of the pearl) is noted as 'poor', but this is by GIA standards, as these babies sure smile for the camera as our pictures show!

Of all the pearls in the necklace (both the wild & cultured) there is only one that we truly notice any obvious blemishes on, which we've photographed for you. Only one side of the pearl is blemished, and when sitting on the neck, can be hidden from view. Given the crazy rarity of this piece, it's very easy to 'forgive' mother nature here!

The Clasp: Unmarked for its gold/metal content, we've acid-tested both pieces of the white-colored clasp. The section decorated with diamonds tests at no less than 14kt gold, and did give readings up to 18kt. There are 3 Old European Cut diamonds set into this marquise shaped clasp, with the central diamond measuring 4.60mm, and the 2 smaller diamonds about 2.10mm each. They average eye-clean I1 clarity and H-I color.

The hook-clasp however does not register as gold, and likely is comprised of silver, possibly platinum-topped. Its luster is also different than that of the diamond-clasp, suggesting a different metal. Though it seems to be original to the piece, perhaps this part of the clasp has been replaced at some time.

Naturally, several of the pearls show 'wear' and some loss of nacre, given its age, but again, as a whole, they're just not noticeable with all the pearls in this fine necklace.

It's truly difficult to put a price or value on this incredible double-strand necklace. With its age, rarity & the ever-increasing demand for REAL 'Natural' pearls, even appraising this piece likely wouldn't supply appropriate value. So, after some research of the industry, we've applied a price we feel is fair in the 'retail online' market for the age & rarity of the necklace, while taking into account the natural small flaws/aging of the piece, and the 2nd predominately cultured strand.

LAYAWAY AVAILABLE - INTEREST FREE up to 6 months.

GIA Pearl Report will be included with the purchase of the necklace.

Item ID: GIANaturalPearlNecklace