Vintage South Sea Pearl Necklace with Interchangeable Clasp in Gold

South Sea pearls are among the more recent developments in pearl cultivation. For a long time, Akoya pearls cultivated in Japan were considered virtually unrivaled and were the only cultured pearls that could rival natural pearls in luster and quality. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that it became possible to successfully cultivate large, high-quality pearls south of Japan as well. Japanese specialists applied their expertise to the previously underutilized oyster species Pinctada maxima , which is capable of producing exceptionally large pearls. Thus, the South Sea pearl was born. This necklace, too, derives its beauty entirely from these special pearls. A total of 33 large South Sea pearls are individually knotted and strung together in a gently graduated pattern. The pearls exhibit subtle natural surface characteristics and a nearly perfectly round shape. The pearls have good luster and a warm, golden-white colour. The 42-centimeter-long necklace is fastened with a so-called interchangeable clasp in the shape of a golden sphere. Small brilliant-cut diamonds of varying sizes cover its surface, making it look like a small starry sky. This clasp can be opened on either side and, depending on your preference, can also be exchanged for another clasp from the same system. The necklace is in very good condition. It was purchased in 1998 from Fochtmann in Munich, when South Sea pearls were still relatively new on the German market. The original certificate is included with the necklace, as is a newly prepared appraisal report from the German Society for Gemstone Appraisal.

Estimate:£6,833.17

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