Featured What is this pearl - ish stone in 14k earrings

These are 14k with small diamonds. What is the center stone? From the back it looks kind of like abalone or even glass. Thanks!

 

I'd say good quality dichroic glass. Those are super.

 

Could be. Seems odd to have glass with gold and diamonds, but it is a great look.

 

It's typical of good sixties ish cocktail jewellery. The design is what matters rather than neccessarily the stones. And that would be good art glass, so not cheap.

 

Can you see any bubbles in them in order to confirm glass? I see what looks like bubbles, but I'm not sure from your pic.
Are they glued in? Are the bubbles in the glue?
The bumpy texture is interesting.
Could they be abalone pearls?
Or Sea of Cortez pearls? Just guessing here

 

There are little bubble looking things on the back, but it's hard to tell if they are air bubbles, or a surface texture, or bubbles in the glue. They do look glued in as well as held with a post. Photo below is best I can get of the back.
The front of the stone/glass looks very different from the back, which I find puzzling.

 

Are they stamped 14K? Just curious.

I would hang on to these for a bit while you do additional research. First thought was they look like glass... but why the surface texture? If they were mine, I'd keep researching a bit. They are amazing!

 

Looks like Loetz glass

 

I don't think glass would be drilled and glued into a post. That is the way pearls are typically mounted.
I think you might have Mabe abalone or paua pearls there.

Try rubbing the stone on your teeth. Glass should be real smooth, and pearl will feel gritty.

Here are some NZ paua pearls that are bumpy.

 

very nice !!!!

 

Good find Stracci, thank you! I've just been searching paua pearl and seen quite a few that look like mine in terms of coloration. Haven't seen one with a bumpy texture other than the one you found, but will keep looking.
It does feel gritty like pearls do.

To answer a previous question, they are stamped 14k, and I've also tested.

 

The centre of a paua shell is bumpy, but I don't know if the paua snail will also shape a pearl like that if it forms in the centre of the shell. Presumably that is where it holds on to the shell?

 

Here is a pic I found showing some naturally occurring blisters on paua shell. I guess anything is possible!


And here is the Mabe process

 

Usually when the metal isn't soldered, i.e. "sealed" on the back, as the OP's aren't, it indicates costume. Are you sure these aren't gold-filled?

 

Can't help in any way but just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying reading this thread.

Debora

 

Mysterious jewelry is so much fun!

 

Glass with a frit overlay won't feel smooth. Does it feel cool?

 

When the forum is at its best. Members sharing their individual knowledge and expertise to solve a problem for another. The power of the collective "we."

Debora

 

Thanks to all for your ideas.
To answer a few questions, marked and tested 14K, I feel sure it is not gold filled.
It does not feel cool.
it does feel gritty like pearls do, and this is near the edge where it is barely bumpy.
The back does look like abalone, so this being from that source makes sense.

 

Fascinating and beautiful!
@Any Jewelry if these are shell of some sort, would a small drop of lemon juice on the back bubble? Or is there a chance of damaging them by trying that?