Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Appraisal

Freshwater Pearl Necklace with Lobster Clasp

This is a 16-inch necklace composed of a single strand of freshwater pearls. The pearls exhibit an irregular, 'potato' or 'rice grain' shape, indicating their freshwater origin as opposed to the more perfectly spherical cultured or natural saltwater pearls. Their color appears to be a creamy white to very light pinkish-peach, with some individual pearls showing subtle iridescent overtones, particularly a hint of lavender-grey in at least one visible pearl. The pearls' surfaces show natural variations and minor blemishes typical of freshwater pearls, contributing to their organic aesthetic. They are strung on what appears to be a white or very light-colored thread, with individual knots visible between each pearl, a common practice to prevent loss if the strand breaks and to protect the pearls from rubbing. The size of the pearls appears to be relatively uniform along the strand, likely ranging from approximately 5-7mm in diameter. The necklace is secured with a silver-toned metal lobster clasp, a common and durable finding for jewelry. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures on the pearls or the clasp from the provided images. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of breakage or significant wear on the pearls themselves, though a closer inspection would be needed to assess the integrity of the stringing and the functionality of the clasp. The slightly irregular shapes and natural surface characteristics indicate a modern style often associated with accessible, everyday pearl jewelry, likely from the late 20th or 21st century.