I find Pearls and Opals the hardest of the hard to photograph, to get the true-to-life likeness of these gems; the color, luster etc, to come out right is very difficult.
I'm going on a trip to Coober Pedy, the world capital of Opals, outback Australia, next month so I'll see if I can glean any opal photography tips from the opal experts themselves, for our visitors.
On a side note, if there are any photographers out there and this thread resonates and you wouldn't mind sharing some tips in this area of pearl and or opal photography please contact me and I will be happy to add a page on Antique Jewelry Investor on Pearl/Opal Photography with full references and links on the page, of course.
Back to photographing the pearl, I see that Jeremy Shepherd, President and Founder of PearlParadise.com, Inc. says the following:
"Use a camera with a macro lens. Use a single 'natural' light source, but not directly. Take the photo in a room with one window, turn off all other lights, and choose a time of day when the light is not coming in directly, but reflecting into the room. "
He also says to "stay away from flourescent light as this apparently will produce yellow overtones." I guess, Yellow discolored pearls are not on many peoples favorite color pearl list.
I prefer to look at pearls against a white background, even an A4 piece of plain white paper should do the job, as simple as it sounds, a white background, with little texture provides a good background for looking at pearls. The color of the pearls are more true to real life on a white background as it reduces background reflection. Lisa you can send images too: yvonnehammoudaaATmacDOTcom
or attach in a follow-up-submission on this page. Please type "Selling a strand of real pearls" in the subject field.
Also send images of gemological report.
You mention the original clasp has been replaced? Are the pearls in the original box? Lisa could you also add the url link to the thread you mention earlier with the pearls similar to your own. It will take me forever to go through all the threads.
Thank you for your kind comments. I agree completely. I have other strands of antique pearls, including one that is identical- but it really isn't. Even laymen can easily point to the real one in blind tests!
I will be happy to send photos, including the xrays and GIA certificate. I need to get the pearls out of my safe deposit. Do you have any hints for the pictures, lighting and so on? I have a v. good camera, but don't know what is most useful to you.
In the meantime, the necklace seems to be almost a duplicate of the one mentioned by Anonymous. Same size of pearls, same number. Even the clasp, although mh original clasp was sold for the value of the oval diamond, and replaced by a white-gold one with safety chain (I did not sell it). I was really excited to see that post, and sorry not to see the writer back...
Photos soonest, and if you can find anything on the Tiffany link, I would be quite excited. Looks like this was a standard offering way back then. I am guessing a debutante must-have gift for the wealthy launching daughters.
Best, Lisa
Natural Pearls & Duchess of Windsor by: Anonymous
Hi Lisa, I can understand your reluctance in selling natural pearls, but look on the bright side - how priceless then in comparison is life itself, and this is the beauty of antique jewelry and pearls, for each little object, each exquisite work of art, are tangible assets in their own right, which we can de-invest of in times of hardship which we all face at times.
We are the custodians of jewelry and pearls, no matter how much or how little money we might have spent on them, whether we have acquired a simple stick pin or a royal collection and I feel each piece is a treasure borrowed to us only for safe-keeping; jewelry and pearls give joy and pleasure to so many over the course of earth's history.
For instance, the Duke of Windsor was so obsessed with the jewels he gifted to the Duchess of Windsor, he wanted them dismantled after Wallis died so that nobody else could wear them. He was not to have his wish thank goodness as Wallis outlived him and obviously didn't agree, the Duchess of Windsor's foresight and incredible jewelry collection has given immense pleasure and enjoyment to so many since.
Could you provide a bit more info. The largest pearl- the size, the color of the pearls. Are you able to send in images of the pearls? I may know someone interested.
