Gubein to the rescue

The object of controversy was a smooth, cross-drilled oval non-nucleated Biwa strand, about 7 momme (26g) per 14"strand.  The price of 2 strands was somewhat over US$1,000-in 1975. As we usually did for customers that wanted a bejeweled gold clasp, but found nothing they liked in our stock, we strung the "rope" endless and suggested they shop at home.  Their jeweler was aghast.  "You were robbed" he told the couple, but they reserved judgement and took it to Gübelin in neighboring Switzerland.  The appraisal cost hundreds of francs and took 3 weeks, but the verdict was, they were Biwa pearls, the value (which was disclosed as the price they paid) matched.  But the mature saleslady told them, strictly off the record, "we have never seen one of such quality", which is what they wrote to us.