Vintage Pearl Necklace Satin Purple w Pink Crystals 1940s Jewelry My only regret for you is that I don't have the matching earrings to this spectacular necklace, but when was the last time you saw and old Japanese grape purple pearl and faceted barrel crystal necklace with a stunning rhinestone clasp like this one ? Yes, in the mid to late 1940s, pearl necklaces from Japan had rhinestone clasps... but finding one is like looking for a needle in a haystack. But let me talk about the wonderful purple pearls, because these are very special. We all know the Japanese copied everything from jewelry to Majolica, Italian glass to German pottery, and more. But, did you know that the method by which they perfected their lustrous acrylic pearls, they took from the Spanish? It is called Majorca, a very difficult process of dipping pearls in a liquid metallic powder made of crushed iridescent fish scales and glue. But... these are not Majorca pearls as the Japanese had not copied it yet! So, let me ask you another question : Do you remember or have you ever seen Christmas ball ornaments from the 1940's? They were glass balls sprayed with metallic paint and heated to luster. This is the very same method by which these pearls were made, only on acrylic, not glass. Look at the close up photos and you can see the silver, light purple, and metallic flashes as when the pearls were heated, the metallic paint yielded different colors : just like old Christmas tree ornaments. Don't miss the unique original clear and Amethyst rhinestone hidden insert clasp, or the faceted pink barrel crystals. All of the barrel crystals are flanked with gold filigree bell caps and all of the pearls are spaced with small gold metal ball beads. The necklace is three strands and is 16 3/4" or 42 cm long when clasped. The pearls range in size from 7.5 mm to 15 mm. You can also wear this necklace with the clasp facing forward for a much different look. If you would like the necklace to be a little bit longer, you can add a custom made extension chain below. The entire necklace is in fabulous condition and has been remarkably well cared for and most likely never worn. All of beads and findings are in pristine microscopically clean condition with no loss of luster, no scratches or peeling, and no wear or other imperfections. All of the rhinestones on the clasp are original, present, and sparkling. The back of the clasp is signed Japan and the clasp is in perfect working order. As I stated earlier, my only regret is that I don't have the matching earrings to these unique pearls, but I think a pair of light pink or purple crystal earrings, or plain gold earrings would do the trick.