Did CINER use real pearls?

Yes, CINER did use real pearls to create pieces during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, World War I and the Great Depression caused purse strings to tighten and materials to become scarce. Rather than try to weather the economic downturn, which shuttered many other American jewelers, CINER transitioned from fine jewelry to costume jewelry. As a result, later jewelry tends to feature Japanese glass beads instead of genuine pearls. Find a variety of CINER jewelry on 1stDibs.