Edwardian Pearl Tassle Belt

by ANN MCINTYRE
(UNITED KINGDOM)

I have a very old Edwardian pearl tassel belt.
It's beautiful, but needs a bit of repair to some beads however this does not retract from its beauty. It is over 4 ft long and amazing for its age. I would love to know how to tell real pearls from cultured pearls as I have noticed some peeling on just one of the pearls. Does this detract from its value? Thanks