18” Imperial Deltah Cultured Freshwater Pearl Necklace

I must confess that I have absolutely no knowledge of jewelry/gems/stones. Based on the paperwork that accompanied this beautiful pearl necklace, it states that these are a set of Imperial-Deltah Cultured Freshwater Pearls. Imperial-Deltah has been around for a very long time. The difference between Cultured Freshwater Pearls and Natural Pearls is explained best in the following: Natural Pearls This type of pearl is truly a rare find. It is a pearl that hasn't been created by man. These are rare because most sources of natural pearls have already been harvested. Natural pearls have a stunning luminosity that makes them desirable. Since they are created without any help from humans, the pearls are often not as uniformed in appearance. They may be perfectly round or more oval in shape. The sizes and colors will also vary greatly as well. Natural pearls are found in both freshwater and saltwater. Cultured Pearls Most pearls are cultured. This means they were created under specific conditions in pearl farms. The pearls are created by a technician implanting a pearl bead nucleus into a mollusk. The mollusk is returned to the water and carefully tended to during the rest of development to make sure a pearl is formed. It should be mentioned that not all mollusks will develop a pearl, and not all pearls that are developed are up to the standards of the jewelry industry. Cultured pearls can be created in both saltwater and freshwater. Many people incorrectly think that cultured pearls are fake. They are real pearls just like the naturally occurring ones. They are just created under human supervision. The necklace is all that I have any information on. The Pearl earrings are a bonus for whomever buys this necklace. The earrings could be natural or cultured pearls – either way they are included with the sale of the necklace. [I would assume that they are NOT natural pearls.]

Condition

Used (normal wear)