Featured 14K Gold Pin with Pearls

Trying to see if I can get a maker on this one, and if not, approximate era.

It is about 2.25" tall.

What is with the discoloration on the metal, is this common on 14K gold? It looks almost copper-colored in places. Afraid to clean it up as I did clean up some gold earrings that I guess were only gold-washed and buffed it out! But if it is marked 14K it should be solid gold and not come off, correct?

Also wondering if the "branches" are missing some pearls that may be at the bottom of Mom's jewelry box...thanks.

 

Are there any other marks on this or just the K14?

 

Yes, 14K gold and even 18K can show this black or reddish oxydation, specially when stored together with silver, or on antique pieces with silver stones setting on gold part!
A gentle polish will remove that
You'll have to explore the jewelry box... The stems surely once had pearls too!

 

Just the K14 mark was all I could find, does the K before the 14 indicate this was made in a certain country/or that it is older perhaps?

In my searches I came across several Mokimoto pins similar to this. I looked and looked for the M Mokimoto mark and could not find one.

Also wondering if the tube thingie at the pin's end mechanism could date it or help find a maker?

 

Regarding polishing. I had read dishwashing soap and ammonia may work, so tried it. Did not dip it, used a Q-tip and it still has discoloration, though some areas got a bit better.

Am currently out in the boonies away from a store. Can you suggest something from around the house to polish it with?

 

You may try tooth paste if you have nothing specific for jewelry

 

Soft tooth brush and baking soda made into a paste.

 

Happy, I would add only two words to Hollyblue's comment above:

Soft natural bristle toothbrush.

 

Be sure you wash thoroughly after using ammonia on pearls.

 

Oh kyra, you crack me up sometimes.

 

K is the North American way of marking gold fineness in carats, but some Asian countries have adopted it too. Maybe some others as well, but not Europe.
You can find C on some older British gold, but it mostly has full hallmarks, including assay marks. Other European countries usually have the assay system, some older European gold can have the C as well.

Just an aside, in 1972 a group of European countries signed the 'Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals' (Vienna Convention). Not all European countries are signees, but more countries are joining or aspiring to join, also non-European countries. This will make the whole fineness issue a lot easier in future.
The mark of the Vienna Convention is scales with the fineness number:

 

It is Mikimoto in style, but others may have copied the style. As kyra said, the other stems had pearls as well.
Mikimoto was the first to produce cultured pearls.

This model hinge was used after ca 1930, the ball-shaped safety clasp a little later. I think the brooch is 1950s-60s.

 

Any... I even tought I shoud add this one:

 

The only thing I'd use is a Sunshine cloth, nothing more near pearls. It will work - I've had the same thing on an Ewardian brooch.

 

Keep hearing about this Sunshine cloth, gotta get me one!

 

Hi,
Easy to make your own. 2 cups cold water add !/2 cup ammonia 1'4 cup of liquid silver polish. Mix together Dip cloth or cotton gloves into the mixture and wring out. Hang to dry, when dry fold and put into a large Zip lok bag. Use them until they become really black and grungy. Wash in hot water and detergent. Reuse them by making a new solution.
greg