Genuine Japanese Lake Biwa pearl necklace. Natural lustrous pearls 14kt gold clasp, 18 inches. nlgm006

This necklace features rare, genuine Japanese Lake Biwa pearls. Unlike the wrinkled rice crispy pearls, these are authentic Biwa pearls, measuring 7-8mm with a unique popcorn shape and natural, unbleached colors. They were collected by a discerning collector in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, before the environmental decline of Lake Biwa. The necklace has been re-strung and knotted on silk cord, complete with a 14k gold clasp. It measures 18 inches in length and weighs 22 grams.

In the early twentieth century, pearl farmers began cultivating freshwater pearls, with the Biwa Pearl recognized as one of the finest. Unfortunately, these exquisite pearls became extinct in the 1980s due to pollution in Lake Biwa. Today, "Biwa" pearls are named for their shape and are mostly cultivated in China.