Old seed pearls?

[AlisonP]

Hello,

This last weekend I was visiting in Globe, AZ. I went to an antique mall while I was there and bought a necklace in a red Deltah box. The box says Deltah and looks similar to other Deltah boxes I have seen, but I am not so sure that the pearls are (in any case I fell in love with the little seed pearl necklace and bought it). Someone strung these little pearls (cultured or faux??) on a thread, maybe silk (but not knotted between the pearls, but I guess that is not done with seed pearls?), however there is no clasp, they were just knotted at the end. They are a pink-beige color. I think they must be older, and look dirty in the drill holes. What I did notice was that after I rinsed them in some mild soapy water and let them dry, I found a few very tiny little iridescent flakes (about the size of pin head) where they were drying. I am just curious if anyone can tell me if they think maybe they are faux or real.

Thanks,
Alison