Pearl necklace clasp identification

I inherited these from my great grandma and was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what they are. My grandma said they're real, but I'm pretty sure they're fake. Either way though I'd love to learn more about them since they were special to great grandma. Any help appreciated! Thank you <3

 

Sorry to say I agree with you as it looks like some of the coating is coming off the beads especially next to the clasp.
Sometimes the clasps are silver and marked on the other side.
My Grandmother was also convinced her pearls were real and I didn’t enlighten her

 

Hi, @brb218 , and welcome to Antiquers. Please post a photo of the whole necklace. That might help.

And I also see that the coating is coming off some of the beads, so don't think they are real pearls. But if we see the design of the whole necklace maybe more information will come to light.

Are there any markings on the clasp? Just curious.

 

I dont think they're real either. Now that I'm looking closer though the coating isnt coming off they're just really dirty I honestly haven't touched them since I got them so I thought it was the coating too. I'll try to upload better pics. No markings on the other side of the clasp just it's possible there were at some time and they're worn off.

 

Take a good look at the first pearl bead to the left of the clasp. I agree that it seems like the pearl looking luster or finish is completely gone and you can see glass.

Necklaces mimicking pearls were made in a couple of ways. The least expensive would be plastic ones, a bit fancier were glass beads that were coated. Those glass ones can feel like the real deal because they have good weight.

That's my guess of what this is. But more photos can't hurt. Also when you post the pictures, please click on "FULL IMAGE" so the photos post larger. Also, welcome!

 

As has been said many times on this site ,you can test pearls by scraping against your teeth .real pearls feel gritty.

 

Do the 'tooth test' recommended by Lark. Rub the pearls against your teeth. If they feel like glass, they probably are. Also, it would be unusual for fine pearls not to be knotted, & these don't look like they are. Guessing grandma is same generation as my mother. I have a number of strands of artificial pearls that were hers from the period approx. 1942 - 1956. Clasps are often silver.

 

My phone is having issues trying to post pictures. I'll try to add more later

 

I see it now on that one

 

Just brightened and cropped the bottom off.....and WELCOME to ANTIQUERS, @brb218!!

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Looking at the photo so perfectly enhanced by @Aquitaine , I am not sure the clasp is silver. I also agree with the others regarding the pearls.

Most grandmothers are truly lovely, but they are not the most reliable source on jewellery.

 

Thanks AJ, can't take much credit....discovered it's just fully enlarged & cropped of OP'S original with a little brightening image!!

 

They are unfortunately not real. I’m not even sure the clasp is real silver or white gold. Real pearls, even inexpensive fresh water pearls are strung on silk (usually) and knitted between each Pearl. I string pearls and worked for high end jewelers for 12 years. The other indication is that holes seem rather large, like they would on plastic beads. However, given that they were your grandmothers, they could be restrung and have a real sterling silver clasp added. You could even try finding a really ornate clasp that would look pretty if worn in the front (depending on how long the strand is (knitting the pearls also lengthens the strand, but you would need to use all of them, or, you could create a matching bracelet). You’ll spend more than the pearls are worth, but if it’s the personal value, that’s important, it would be worth it. If you live in Columbus Ohio, I’d do it for you. In the long run, you have them and they are pretty. Pearls have come a long way since your grandmother wore them, too. They look awesome with jeans, a t-shirt and jacket and are much more popularly worn with casual clothing nowadays. They can be fun and really add to an outfit!

 

The person who asked the question at the top of the thread and whose
pearls they are or were has not been back since the day she started the thread - over a year ago.