Featured Sterling, Pearl and Marcasite Necklace - Age\Cleaning?

Before the crisis and everything shut down on March 16, I was able to get a few things. The best is this necklace that has a large sterling, marcasite, and pearl piece with six, 36 inch strands of pearl-colored beads attached to it. I've never seen anything like it before, so I'm hoping for some ideas from all of you. At first, I couldn't figure out how to wear it, as the weight of the sterling piece is so great it just flops at the bottom. The volunteer suggested I wear it on the side which worked.

It was so dirty that it languished on the resale shop's shelf for days before I asked to see it and turned it over to see the word "Sterling" with a mark above and a circle below. After several days of cleaning, the real beauty is starting to come forward though more challenge lies ahead. I really need some help especially what to do with the beads, which are stiff with dirt. I have used about a third of a sunshine cloth to reveal the silver and to get the marcasite to sparkle a bit, but this could take forever.

So, as usual, I have questions:

1. The way it has to be worn on the side seems to point to some age - is that true?
2. Are the small beads pearls? I have veneers on all my front teeth, so I can't do the grittiness test.
3. Is there a faster way to clean the silver?
4. How do I clean the strands of beads?

As always any comments would be appreciated.

 

Gorgeous necklace! I believe that mark is for Judith Jack, but I am not 100% certain.

 

Oh. How exciting. A Name to explore. Thank you

 

They all have flat spots so I'm wondering if they are "seed" pearls.

 

I was wondering about the flat spots. Seed pearls - hmmmm. I’ll have to look that up. Real pearls then you think, but small.

 

It's a JJ mark - I think it's Jonette Jewels instead of Judith Jack. The latter is crossed Js instead of two in a diamond. I've seen this mark listed as Judith Jack before, but I don't think that's right.

 

Thank you. This is so fun seeing all this gorgeous jewelry.

 

Clean with a damp cloth only as needed.
If your pearls are visibly stained, you can mix a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap, dip a soft cleaning cloth in it and wipe the pearls. Do NOT submerge a pearl necklace in water, as it will weaken the silk thread

 

They aren't stained, but they don't hang right. Rather than hanging smoothly they just kinda chunk up. I will clean them with a damp soft cloth and see it that helps. Thanks for the advice.

 

I think wearing the clasp as part of the jewelry design was something that was done in the mid to late 1980s. Not sure if it carried into the 1990s.

 

That is gorgeous!
What a find
They may need restringing to hang right. Most of the ones I have that I can’t get to hang right I take apart and find that the thread has stretched or is breaking or the wire is kinked. Worth doing as that clasp is wonderful!

 

Thank you so much for tracking this bracelet down. I agree it looks something like the mark on mine. I'm going to have to clean it better, so I can confirm the JJ.

 

I must have missed that trend, but I've never been a trend person. Thank you.

 

Thanks for your kind comments. I want to be able to wear it, but I haven't beaded in years. I hope the cleaning that @flipper recommended will work, as I have a sweater that this would look great with.

 

Beautiful piece! I'm glad you rescued it!

Leslie

 

Leslie

I'm glad too!

 

Wow! That is a most fabulous necklace, I love it, something about the design that speaks nicely. ❤️Maven

 

Thank you Maven. It has sort of a classic feel I think.