We used a vintage 14K white gold stickpin as the bale for a gorgeous Tahitian pearl to create an eye-catching pendant.  A long strand of sparkly black and red spinel beads completes the look -- truly one-of-a-kind!

We got the pearl at a trade show from Continental Pearls, founded in the 1960s and still family-owned and operated.  The blue-gray pearl is 15.8mm and has good luster, pink overtones and a graceful drop shape (except for a messy lump which is happily hidden behind the bale).  Natural flaws include faint circles, and some shallow pitting, mostly oriented to the back. 

The Deco-style stickpin bale is 14 karat white gold, which means it's not more than 100 years old since white gold didn't come into general use until the mid-1920's.  We think 1930's or 1940's is more likely.  The "diamond" doesn't test as a diamond and we frankly have no idea what it is.  It's not quite round -- more of a squat oval -- and has a nice old-style full cut:  small table, visible culet.  

The black stones in the corners are probably dyed agate.

The chain, strung professionally to our specifications, is a 26" long strand of sparkly faceted 2.5mm black spinel with some vivid red spinel added to the front (because we didn't have enough red spinel to go all the way around!)  The clasp is a recycled 14K white gold pearl clasp.

The pendant can be removed from the necklace, but should be done carefully.

The clasp is stamped "14K."  The bale is not stamped but passes 14K acid test.

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