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Experts reveal how to tell if your ‘junk’ is worth a fortune

“Freshwater pearls can grow into unusual shapes and colors, and can only be created by nature, but in the 1950s, jeweler Mikimoto Kokichi created ‘cultured’ pearls by inserting mother of pearl beads into a mollusk so they would form perfectly round pearls. Today, these types of pearls are still very popular.

“When assessing their worth, you need a good light to evaluate the depth of color. You want white with slight pink overtones, like this necklace, and to be able to look into the pearl and almost see the layers underneath. Sometimes sellers dye the pearls to make them look more expensive—but it doesn’t increase their value. So pay attention to the drill hole which the pearl is thread through—it will often give away surface coatings of coloring of artificial pearls, where they chip the surface. Shape also adds value. When held up to the naked flame of a candle, you should be able to see the bead inside indicating that it’s a perfectly formed pearl, like ones in this necklace, which has uniformly round pearls about 8 to 9 mm. in size.” —Marc C. Gillings Cert-GA, co-owner of sustainable jewelry store eco925.com