Assessing the Value of a Vintage WWII Black Pearl Necklace

Question
While in WWII my father sent home a necklace.  On the box it says  "Handmade black pearl necklace, purchased while he was in Italy.  It is black with orange beads between pearls shapes.  It looks more like mother of pearl to me, but the black color throws me off. Could you tell me what the value would be?  Thank  you Sandy

Answer
Hello Sandy - My original answer was on 11/16. The pearls could be genuine, but to be sure you really need to get a professional evaluation either by an estate jewelry appraiser or gemologist. Another way to tell if they are genuine is to rub a pearl against your teeth. If it is smooth, it is not genuine. Pearls will always have a roughness that you can't detect visually. The orange beads could be coral. If they are genuine black pearls, their value would depend on size, quality and color. Something only someone with a "hands-on" examination could determine.
Hope this helps.