Has this ever happened to you? I would love to hear from anyone with a similar experience with pearls or any other gemstone or jewelry item. As usual - here's a clients query...
QUESTION..?
I have a strand of pearls that I believe were my grandmothers, possibly bought by my father in Japan. There is a marking on the clasp "KIO". Do you know if this would be a metal marking? Or of significance to the pearls origins?
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER..!
The Mark 'KIO' is probably a Makers Mark or Model design stamp, but unfortunately doesn't mean anything to me.
Not that I want to put a damper on your treasure, but there were many soldiers who during the Korean War bought what they were told were Ruby - These gemstones turned out to be nothing more than polished glass, cut from the red tail lights stolen from their jeeps!
The same thing happened throughout Asia, especially Japan, only this time they were told they were Mikimoto Pearls (which they were not) but simply glass simulations.
You firstly need to take the pearls to your local Jeweler who can at least confirm if they are Natural, Cultured or synthetic. Once you know that, you can decide to proceed with a full appraisal by going to your local gemologist appraiser or you might like to try the Online Service at the Jewelry Appraisal Center.
Hope this helps.
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