Carved Mother-of-Pearl Marquise Bead Necklace

This jewelry piece consists of a single-strand necklace featuring carved mother-of-pearl beads. Each bead is approximately 10-12mm in length, shaped into a stylized marquise or pointed oval form. The beads exhibit the characteristic iridescent, nacreous luster of natural shell, displaying a range of creamy white, soft silver, and subtle pink undertones. The overall aesthetic suggests a mid-20th-century origins, likely between the 1940s and 1970s. The necklace is assembled with a gold-tone spring ring clasp, which shows some minor surface oxidation consistent with age. Notable features include the uniformity of the carving across the strand, though natural variations in shell texture and color can be seen upon close inspection. The condition appears fair to good; there are no immediate signs of bead fragmentation or severe nacre loss, but the stringing material may have slightly stretched over time, creating small gaps between the beads. This style was a popular staple in vintage costume jewelry, often produced in regions like Japan or the Philippines for the Western market. The craftsmanship is evidenced by the smooth polishing of the shell material and the consistent orientation of the bead points.