In the mid to late 1940s and early 1950s pearl necklaces from Japan had rhinestone clasps...but finding one is like looking for a needle in a haystack. These wonderful purple pearls are very special!
We all know the Japanese copied everything from jewelry to Majolica, Italian glass to German pottery, and more. But, did you know that the method by which they perfected their lustrous acrylic pearls, they took from the Spanish? It is called Majorca, a very difficult process of dipping pearls in a liquid metallic powder made of crushed iridescent fish scales and glue. But these are not Majorca pearls, as the Japanese had not copied it yet!
Do you remember or have you ever seen Christmas ball ornaments from the 1940's? They were glass balls sprayed with metallic paint and heated to luster. This is how these pearls were made, only on acrylic, not glass. Look at the close up photos and you can see the silver, light purple, and metallic flashes as when the pearls were heated. The metallic paint yielded different colors : just like old Christmas tree ornaments.
Don't miss the unique original clear and Amethyst rhinestone insert clasp, or the faceted barrel pink crystals. All of the barrel crystals are flanked with gold filigree bell caps and all of the pearls are spaced with small gold metal ball beads.
The necklace is three strands and is 16 3/4" or 42 cm long when clasped on the shortest strand. The pearls range in size from 7.5 mm to 15 mm. You can also wear this necklace with the clasp to the side for a different look.
The entire necklace is in fabulous condition and has been remarkably well cared for and most likely never worn. All of beads and findings are in pristine clean condition with no loss of luster, no scratches or peeling, and no wear or other imperfections. All of the rhinestones on the clasp are original, present, and sparkling. The clasp is signed Japan and is in perfect working order.
Comes gift wrapped and shipped in a new presentation jewelry box.
