Pearls 2nd hand

[Graasspp]

I'm looking to replace jewellery from a burglary. Have about £1k to replace a pair of studs and a necklace with a single pearl and tiny diamond.

I'm getting into looking at South Sea and akoya pearls now.... never looked at them before. Price wise, I might need to get preloved in these.

My q is - how can you know its not just a normal pearl (freshwater) being sold as a South sea etc. Eg from ebay or auctioneers?

Perhaps I could put another £500 towards it - so could I get it all new?

Advice from pearly Queens welcomed!

I would just go to a reputable jeweler. I think it's fairly easy to be fooled with pearls.

Do you think a reputable auction house would be OK?

Eg Fellows.....

I'd trust Fellows but feel free to question them on the authenticity of any lots, they should be happy to respond.