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Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace

About the Item

This double strand of cultured Akoya pearls was created in the 1950s and features exceptionally large —9.00-9.40mm— pearls with thick, luscious nacre. The pearls are light cream with rose overtones. The silver clasp features an 8.5mm pearl surrounded by a halo of 10 4mm pearls and has a safety catch. The total length inclusive of clasp for the inner strand is 15 ½" and 17" for the outer strand. Akoya pearls 8mm and over are the rarest and most valuable. This double strand features 80 9.00-9.40mm vintage cultured Akoya pearls with magnificent luster and orient, the prismatic display of color exhibited by pearls with thick nacre. There are surface blemishes to be sure but this is one of the reasons why pearls from this era are so exceptionally impressive: the meddlesome hand of man had not yet removed all evidence of imperfection from the pearl. The pearls were restrung when I acquired them and have not been worn. If you have been searching a double strand of sizeable Akoya pearls, you know how scarce they are. Like fine jade jewelry, such pearl necklaces tend to remain in families, passed from mother to daughter. As I write these words, the only light in my office comes from the large computer monitor in front of me. The necklace you see in these pictures lays on a velvet pad off to my right. They are, impossibly, fully illuminated: each precious pearl shining wet with light. It seems impossible because the room is so dark and these pearls appear to belong to another scene, in another room. They look not quite real, like they have slipped out of a painting by Johannes Vermeer. You know how he could create actual particles of light with his paintbrush? These pearls look like his creation. A truly spectacular and luxurious necklace.
  • Stone:
  • Stone Cut:
  • Weight:
    93.1 g
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1950s
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: The pearls were restrung on silk and knotted between each pearl. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Southbury, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1589110978962
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