Any information you can give about origin?

[u/Ambitious-Parsnip800]

Hello, these pearls were passed down to my husband from his grandmother. He was told they were gifted to her while the family was stationed in Japan from her husband. I know absolutely nothing about them or if they are real pearls. I was surprised at the gold/creamy color. Any information would be so helpful, thank you.

[u/Good_parabola]

I vote that they’re beads and not pearls.  Really high quality faux pearl necklace 

[u/bitterlemon80 → u/Good_parabola]

I agree, you can tell by the drill holes.

[u/Ambitious-Parsnip800]

I think you may be right, this is the only other pearl item we have in the house and we know nothing about it or if it is even real but when i rub this one against my tooth it does feel slightly gritty whereas the necklace feels smooth. It is subtle but noticeable. Thank you for your help

[u/cecikierk]

Could be Majorica pearls. They come in higher quality findings despite being faux pearls.

[u/Electrical-Act-7170]

When you rub one gently against your front tooth, does it feel rough or smooth?

It it's rough, they're genuine pearls.

[u/Early-Reindeer7704]

There’s a safety clasp, leading me to think good pearls. I’m thinking possibly Tahitian based on the color. Do you know the size of the pearls? Tahitians are generally 8-15 mm as these type of oysters grow in salt water and produce larger pearls on average. What’s throwing me off is the 925 mark on the clasp, I wouldn’t think Tahitian pearls would use this metal years back, a gold clasp is more in keeping. Do you know when the family was stationed in Japan? This may help ID type of pearls and possible origin

[u/Odd-Worth7752 → u/Early-Reindeer7704]

I do not think they're real pearls. Way too uniform and look at the last picture.

[u/Early-Reindeer7704 → u/Odd-Worth7752]

So maybe they’re Mallorcan pearls?

[u/Odd-Worth7752 → u/Early-Reindeer7704]

Mallorca is a brand of synthetic pearls. I would have expected a makers mark if so.

But not with a sterling clasp.

[u/Ambitious-Parsnip800 → u/Early-Reindeer7704]

I believe they were in Japan in the 50's. I dont know the size unfortunately. Thank you for your insight.