Photo Credit: Olde-Towne-Jewelers
Retro 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Grape Cluster Akoya Pearl Brooch from Italy
Buy It Now Price: $1,450 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a magnificent retro, 14 karat yellow gold and grape cluster Akoya pearl brooch. It was made in Italy in the mid 20th century, probably in the 1950s, but possibly in the 1960s.
-This sizable pearl cluster brooch measures 1.81 inches (46mm) long by 1.38 inches (35mm) wide by 0.63 inches (16mm) deep. It weighs 24.6 grams (0.79 troy ounces).
-Weight is often a good indicator of jewelry quality, with heavy pieces generally being higher quality than lighter pieces of the same size. This Akoya pearl brooch’s significant heft suggests that it is a very high quality piece of jewelry indeed.
-This grape cluster brooch contains several dozen, 5mm (0.2 inch) diameter, creamy white pearls of excellent luster and roundness. They are almost certainly Japanese Akoya pearls, a mainstay of fine jewelry manufactured during the mid 20th century.
-Japanese Akoya pearls are a variety of cultured, saltwater pearl that was first developed in the early 20th century by Kokichi Mikimoto, the founder of the modern cultured pearl industry. Akoya pearls are valued by jewelry makers for their neutral colors, uniform shape and fine luster.
-Fine pearl jewelry was a necessity for any fashionable woman’s wardrobe during the 1950s and this fabulously retro, Akoya pearl brooch does not disappoint. The goldwork and overall design of the brooch is very well executed, features typical of high quality, mid-century Italian jewelry.
-Although the $1,450 asking price of this Akoya pearl brooch is not low, you would have great difficulty finding a similar quality piece of retro pearl jewelry for less.
Cons:
-Akoya pearls are not as valuable as either South Sea or Tahitian cultured pearls. And they are far less valuable than comparable natural pearls. However, Akoya pearls are worth substantially more than freshwater pearls and are still quite desirable.
-The pearl industry has been going through a period of upheaval over the last 20 years, primarily due to the introduction of large quantities of good quality, low priced, freshwater pearls from China. Given that pearl oysters are extremely sensitive to water pollution, it is an open question whether the Chinese pearl industry will continue to be able to maintain its enormous production rate over the long term.
-All pearls, including Akoya pearls, require special care to prevent damage. Any chemicals, such as those found in hair spray, perfume or even human sweat, can dull pearls and lead to damage over time. It is also recommended that pearls be stored in a place without major swings in relative humidity or temperature. In addition, pearls are softer than other gemstones, and should not be stored loose with other jewelry to avoid scratches.
