Angelic Coral and Mabe Pearl Pendant Necklace

This elegant necklace features a single strand of small, polished spherical beads made from what appears to be natural salmon-toned coral, commonly referred to as 'angel skin' coral. The beads are uniform in size and color, displaying a delicate peach-pink hue with a smooth, semi-translucent finish. At the focal point is a large, disc-shaped blister or Mabe pearl pendant. This pearl exhibits a strong silvery-white orient with soft iridescent overtones of blue and pink. The pearl is mounted with a simple silver-toned metal bail, and a matching metal decorative bead cap sits at the bottom of the pearl. The necklace is secured with a large, ornate lobster claw style clasp in a white metal alloy, likely sterling silver based on the design, though no hallmark is visible in the photograph. The construction appears to be high-quality silk or nylon stringing, possibly knotted between beads for security. The condition appears excellent with no visible cracks in the coral or peeling of the nacre on the pearl. The style is contemporary yet classic, likely dating from the late 20th century to the present. The contrast between the matte-like warmth of the coral and the cool luster of the pearl indicates thoughtful jewelry craftsmanship.

I have virtually examined this pendant necklace featuring a single strand of salmon-toned beads and a large Mabe pearl. The beads exhibit the characteristic soft, peachy hue and semi-translucent luster indicative of 'Angel Skin' coral (Corallium elatius). The focal point is a sizeable Mabe pearl displaying strong silvery orient and blue-pink iridescence, signifying high-quality nacre deposition. Both the coral and pearl appear in excellent condition, showing no signs of desiccation or peeling. The hardware is assumed to be Sterling Silver, though the absence of a visible hallmark in the photograph suggests a contemporary artisan origin. This aesthetic—pairing a marine organic with a gem-grade pearl—is currently in moderate demand among collectors of 'Boho-Chic' and classic estate jewelry. Comparable sales for Mabe pearl pendants on genuine coral strands typically range from $400 to $800 depending on the weight and metal purity. The primary value drivers are the uniformity of the coral beads and the diameter of the pearl. However, definitive authentication is limited by digital inspection. A physical examination is required to confirm the coral is not dyed or synthetic (reconstituted) through microscopic inspection of growth structures. Furthermore, a scratch or acid test is necessary to verify the metal's fineness as .925 silver. Any future valuation would be significantly bolstered by provenance documentation or GIA certification confirming the species and origin of the coral and the natural vs. cultured status of the Mabe pearl.