I Fell in Love with an Old Dirty Cobalt Necklace--Can Someone Appraise?

Jewelery really needs to be physically examined to appraise it, there are just too many things that need to be checked that you can't do from an image.

Unfortunately Lovejoy is correct, there are simply a LOT  of different types of materials used in an item like this. Without having it available to do tests one has to prett;y much guess.  But if that's all you want, a guess, then here goes:

The clasp style started being used in the 1900's so it's no older than that. The type of chain link style used is typical of the 1960/70's and a bit into the 80's. I see what appears to be pitting in the beads, so I suspect them to be glass. Copper was a typical low cost medium for the arts and crafts type movement focused in those dacades, and yes, the bluing does appear to indicate a high copper content.  Sometimes the color is painted on however, and plastic beads have been used in later forms of jewelry as they were cheaper.  The painted style is more likely found with blue and green stones, which is what you have, so look at it closely before trying to remove.

Look things over very carefully before cleaning. A quick search for "How do I clean copper jewelry" pulls up a number of methods, I personally prefer the mild soapy water and soft toothbrush as the least invasive. I find that chemcials for the most times should be avoided, they may damage the 'stones' and usually work by stripping off layers of the metal. Practice first (a piece of copper pipe is a good stand in!)  and ALWAYS work with a small portion of your item first. For example try it on ONE  of the single flowers Only, Rince well, dry well and  once cleaned only use a jewelr's cloth to maintain.

Look very closely at all the parts, including the clasp, for maker marks. They can be well hidden.

 I agree it's a pretty looking piece. If you get a chance, have a jeweler look at it to tell you what the parts are made of. But making a lot of assumptions about the condition and construction that simply are not seeable in your photos, I would suggest that you have a nice folk art artisan style of necklace constructed out of simple materials by a skilled amature at home. I can see it selling for between (again working from assumptions - a lot of assumptions!) $20-$40, especially when cleaned up. If you could find the history of the piece (who owned etc.) you may find it more likely worth towards the higher end of that range.

So I think you bought at the retail price of the piece once cleaned up. As you treasure it, the price was right. Take care and avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning and it should give you years of pleasure!

250chief.

You are very welcome! You are starting off correctly, in my opinion, by buying what YOU  like. Win, lose, or draw, you are the one it has to please first and you are the one that has to look at it even if it's only until it sells later!

Try and restrict yourself to a theme, until you learn what it's all about, and listen carefully to the sellers (abet with a grain of salt, some simply don't know, some decieve either intentionally or unintentionally) most do know what they are selling! I still learn things.

For example, you might consider restricting yourself to blue glass jewelry of the 1960's and 70's. Or you might decide to try and collect interesting jewelry representing each of the clasp styles used for the last 150 years. That way your research has a focus and (hopefully) you don't get too distracted by other things. You can always expand later!

I would tend to avoid 'antiquities' or Ancient type articles - unless you are very knowledgeable and have the gear to test, it's very hard to tell the fakes from the real. If you do choose that route though, stick with reputable (will buy back if fake) dealers and insist on provinance.  If I am selling something I dug up, I better be able to prove I had the right to do so, and where and when it came from.

Whatever you choose though, enjoy! It's a hands on way to learn some interesting history!