Value of Natural Pearls

Good Afternoon!

I have a strand of "real", matched pearls (not cultured), close to 100 years old, but have been stored and cared for carefully. Are they worth anything?
I am trying to pull funds together to open a museum and will sell them (but don't tell my mother) if they're worth something, to help with the museum effort. Thanks for any information!

Anna
www.paleopelagicamuseum.com