Long Freshwater Baroque Pearl Necklace Appraisal

Long Freshwater Baroque Pearl Necklace

This appears to be a long, single-strand necklace composed of numerous irregularly shaped pearls, commonly known as freshwater Baroque or Keshi pearls. The pearls vary in size along the length of the strand, with smaller pearls appearing towards one end and gradually increasing in size towards the opposite end, although some smaller pearls are interspersed even among the larger ones. The color of the pearls is a consistent creamy white to off-white, exhibiting a natural luster despite their irregular forms. This variation in size and shape is characteristic of natural, uncultivated pearls or those grown without a nucleus, contributing to a unique and organic aesthetic. There are no visible clasps, suggesting it might be an 'endless' necklace designed to be slipped over the head, or a very long strand meant to be doubled or tripled. The stringing appears to be sturdy, and there are no immediate signs of fraying or damage to the string itself. The pearls generally appear to be in good condition with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant abrasions visible from the image. The irregular shapes and natural surface characteristics are part of their charm and not indicative of damage. Given the natural variations and lack of perfect symmetry, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century onwards, coinciding with the popularization of freshwater pearl cultivation. The absence of specific maker's marks or signatures makes precise manufacturing details difficult to ascertain without closer inspection. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard quality for mass-produced pearl jewelry, with pearls individually strung. Its length suggests versatility in wear, allowing it to be draped multiple times around the neck.