Featured MOP and Coral? Jewelry Set

This set belongs to my mother, she got it from my grandmother (her MIL) she thinks it is mother of pearl and coral. The back of the pin was black so she sat there while I cleaned it. Turns out it is not silver but maybe copper. There are no marks that I can see. Would anyone have info on this set? Can anyone tell age according to the closure on the pin?

 

The coral is more probably conch shell. The MoP may be synthetic or real - doesn't matter much really. Nice looking necklace either way.

 

Thank you Evelyb.

 

In the closeup that shows the pink beads on the brooch, the color of the beads suggests they are conch shell. However, in all the other photos the beads on all pieces have a color consistent with coral. So I'm going with coral.

There is no reason to think the MOP is artificial. It is not an expensive material & the pieces are clearly hand cut, not uniform in size & shape the way molded pieces would be. So I vote MOP.

The pin stem is brass. The other metal...? Is a magnet attracted to it?

 

Vinegar! Vinegar!

 

Bron, not magnetic.

Owned I will remember that for the next time.

 

I have vinegar question. It is a pretty strong acid, @Ownedbybear do you use it diluted, or how? Do you soak the piece? Would there be any concern of it dissolving glue for example on the pin?

The most I've tried is putting a little ketchup on verdigris -- ketchup of course having vinegar in it. But I've just used in very small amounts.

Kraftblue, I like the pin best! Cool set!

 

Straight up for testing and gunk removal. For a piece like the pin I'd dunk a q-tip/cotton swab and rub. Lemon juice and vinegar will bubble when they come into contact with coral. Not sure about conch shell.

 

I wouldn't risk even a weak acid in cleaning calcium carbonate-based materials such as shell & coral. The interaction that causes the bubbling is not a beneficial one.

 

One would guess not. It might eat the old glue too if left to sit. I usually can eyeball coral in person.