Without seeing a picture of the pearls as a quality indicator and knowing their size it is hard to determine the value.
If the pearls are indeed natural pearls, we can direct you to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America, which is actually right next door to AmericanPearl.com in New York on Fifth Avenue) where you can get a Pearl Identification Report or Cultured Pearl Classification Report that will identify the pearls. They will do an x-ray of them among other tests. American Pearl can also give you a complimentary appraisal for insurance purposes.
If you find your pearls to come back from the GIA with either of the reports with a natural pearl grade you will now have (1) an appraisal form American Pearl and (2) an official report from a reputable lab. You can then visit any of the auction houses: Sotheby's, Christies and Phillips and speak with a Pearl Specialist. Once at the auction house, you can offer your pearls for sale. A natural pearl necklace is very rare, deserves to be sold at auction and is worth what the highest bidder is willing to pay. Alternatively, Pearl-Education.com offers you the ability to post your pearls here on our forum to our community for sale with the free appraisal we give you and the GIA Report for sale to the community.
Without seeing the pearls (btw you can submit a photo of the pearls by filling out the form above), it's difficult to state what they are worth. But from what we are reading in your pearl question, a small size natural pearl necklace of good quality is much more valuable than an equivalent sized cultured pearl necklace.
Here is an excerpt on of the
Pearl Identification Report from the GIA:
"This report details the quantity, weight, size, shape, color, origin (natural or cultured and type of nucleation), mollusk (if determinable), environment (saltwater or freshwater), and any detectable treatments. A digital image of the item submitted is also included on the report. This report may be issued on loose, mounted or strung natural or cultured pearls of any size, shape or color."
Here is an excerpt about the
Pearl Classification Report:
"The classification report includes all of the Identification Report information as well as classifications for luster, surface, nacre thickness and matching (if applicable). This report may be issued on loose, mounted or strung natural or cultured pearls of any size, shape or color."
Here is a link to the
Pearl Reports
If you make an appointment to visit American Pearl, we would be more than happy to meet with you, appraise your pearls for you and process a GIA Pearl Report for you.
