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10mm Akoya Pearls

Ella Gafter 10mm Akoya Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold & Diamond Clasp
Ella Gafter 10mm Akoya Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold & Diamond Clasp

Ella Gafter 10mm Akoya Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold & Diamond Clasp

By Ella Gafter

Located in New York, NY

The Japanese pearl necklace consists of 43 pearls of splendid nacre, lustre, and iridescence. The Akoya pearls are homogeneous and have the rare size of 10/9.5mm in diameter, for a t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

1990s Akoya Pearl Solitaire Platinum Ring
1990s Akoya Pearl Solitaire Platinum Ring

1990s Akoya Pearl Solitaire Platinum Ring

Located in South Pasadena, CA

1990s 10mm Akoya Pearl Solitaire Platinum Ring. The Akoya Pearl solitaire platinum ring from the 1990s, is set with a 10mm lustrous creamy white pearl.

Category

1990s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Platinum

Akoya Pearl Diamond Necklace 16" 18k Gold 10 mm Certified
Akoya Pearl Diamond Necklace 16" 18k Gold 10 mm Certified

Akoya Pearl Diamond Necklace 16" 18k Gold 10 mm Certified

By Enrico Kassini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl 10/9.5 mm and a length of 16 inch Necklace with a beautiful Diamond 18 kt clasp Certified $8,400 410295 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Pie...

Category

2010s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18" 18k Y Gold 10 mm Certified
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18" 18k Y Gold 10 mm Certified

Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18" 18k Y Gold 10 mm Certified

By Mikimoto

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Magnificent and Very Rare Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18" 18k Y Gold 10 mm Certified $106,000 M106000 Estate Mikimoto 43 Pearls LARGE 10 mm 18 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Cla...

Category

1990s Japanese Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold

【Crown Radiance】Convertible Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Diamond Earrings
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Diamond Earrings

【Crown Radiance】Convertible Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Diamond Earrings

By The Pearl Vogue

Located in New York, NY

Product Information Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearl, 18k White Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Earrings Length 2.2 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 9.5-10 mm Quality: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

Platinum Victorian Akoya Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1980s, USA
Platinum Victorian Akoya Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1980s, USA

Platinum Victorian Akoya Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1980s, USA

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Crafted in enduring platinum, this elegant ring showcases a luminous 10mm white Akoya pearl as its captivating centerpiece.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Timeless Vintage 18k Gold Modernist Necklace with Amethyst and Akoya Pearls
Timeless Vintage 18k Gold Modernist Necklace with Amethyst and Akoya Pearls

Timeless Vintage 18k Gold Modernist Necklace with Amethyst and Akoya Pearls

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A large and rich step cut amethyst weighing approximately 27.50 carats is cradled tastefully and prominently in a bombe centerpiece. Thirty four 10mm to 10.5mm Japanese Akoya culture...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Pearls, Sapphires, Hydro Amethyst, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold, Dangle Earrings
Pearls, Sapphires, Hydro Amethyst, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold, Dangle Earrings

Pearls, Sapphires, Hydro Amethyst, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold, Dangle Earrings

Located in Napoli, Campania

Diamonds 0.25ct, round cut, H color, VS clarity Multicolor sapphires 2.17 ct Hydro Amethyst 5.2g Akoya Pearls 3g, 10mm Total weight 11.40 gr Length 5 cm RF +UHER RK.AUIH102 For any ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Recent Sales

Vintage 14k White Gold Earrings Diamond & 10mm Pearl
Vintage 14k White Gold Earrings Diamond & 10mm Pearl

Vintage 14k White Gold Earrings Diamond & 10mm Pearl

Located in Montreal, QC

14k white gold earring set with 9 1/2-10mm Akoya pearl and 3 diamonds of .10ct each, clarity VVS-VS and color G.

Category

20th Century Canadian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Akoya Pearl Opera Necklace with Tassel 10 - 9 MM AAA- Peacock
Akoya Pearl Opera Necklace with Tassel 10 - 9 MM AAA- Peacock

Akoya Pearl Opera Necklace with Tassel 10 - 9 MM AAA- Peacock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Origin: Japan Pearl Type: Saltwater Japanese Akoya Pearls Pearl Size: 10.0 - 9.0 MM Pearl Color: Black Peacock Pearl Shape: Baroque Pearl Surface: AAA- Pearl Luster: AAA Gem Pe...

Category

2010s Beaded Necklaces

10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Flower Clip-on Sterling Silver Earrings
10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Flower Clip-on Sterling Silver Earrings

10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Flower Clip-on Sterling Silver Earrings

By Bijoux Num

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning 10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Simulated Diamond Flower Sterling Silver Earrings.

Category

2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

"Hanadama" Akoya 9.5mm - 10mm Pearl Strand 18"
"Hanadama" Akoya 9.5mm - 10mm Pearl Strand 18"

"Hanadama" Akoya 9.5mm - 10mm Pearl Strand 18"

By Fourtané Workshop

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

On this strand you encompass all of the above factors, a strand of 9.5mm to 10mm cultured Akoya pearls including a Pearl Science Laboratory certificate of an aurora "Hanadama" and re...

Category

2010s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Mikimoto Cultured Akoya 10mm Pearl Gold 40 inch Long Necklace
Mikimoto Cultured Akoya 10mm Pearl Gold 40 inch Long Necklace

Mikimoto Cultured Akoya 10mm Pearl Gold 40 inch Long Necklace

By Mikimoto

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold 10mm 99 Cultured Akoya Pearl 40" Long Necklace by Mikimoto.

Category

1990s Japanese Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Cultured Graduated Akoya Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
Mikimoto Cultured Graduated Akoya Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace

Mikimoto Cultured Graduated Akoya Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace

By Mikimoto

Located in Southampton, PA

With 36 Total AKOYA pearls from 10mm - 8.5mm in diameter on a 14" Strand + 6 round diamonds on the clasp.

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 9k Gold

1960s Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace
1960s Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace

1960s Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace

Located in Miami, FL

This eye-catching estate pearl necklace incorporates two strands of silk-strung 10mm lustrous Akoya pearls of excellent nacre, and of enchanting white with a very subtle hue of pink ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Platinum

Japanese 1950s Akoya Pearl and Diamond Lever-Back Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
Japanese 1950s Akoya Pearl and Diamond Lever-Back Earrings in 18 Karat Gold

Japanese 1950s Akoya Pearl and Diamond Lever-Back Earrings in 18 Karat Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Classic and elegant, this clip-on earrings features a 10mm round Japanese Akoya cultured pearl with great luster, surrounded by two concentric rings of full cut round shape Diamonds ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bespoke Pearl & Diamond Brooch 0.45ct
Bespoke Pearl & Diamond Brooch 0.45ct

Bespoke Pearl & Diamond Brooch 0.45ct

Located in SYDNEY, NSW

A Pearl And Diamond Brooch, with two 10mm semi-baroque Akoya cultured pearls, 22 single cut diamonds and 4 baguette cut diamonds set in platinum.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Bulgari Blue Topaz Amethyst Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
Bulgari Blue Topaz Amethyst Pearl Yellow Gold Ring

Bulgari Blue Topaz Amethyst Pearl Yellow Gold Ring

By Bulgari

Located in Southampton, PA

18k Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Amethyst & Pearl Ring by Bulgari. With 2 Blue Topaz stones 10mm x 5mm 2 Amethyst stones 10mm x 5mm 2 Akoya Pearls 7mm each Description: Ring Size: 6 ...

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, 18k Gold

Marina B. Milano Cardan Drop Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Six Gemstones
Marina B. Milano Cardan Drop Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Six Gemstones

Marina B. Milano Cardan Drop Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Six Gemstones

By Marina B

Located in Miami, FL

The mountings are fully movable and are holding six spheres of different sizes and colors carved from natural gemstones such; green chalcedony (2) of 10 mm, pink quartz (2) of 10 mm ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Pearl, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Flower Black Rhodium Sterling Silver Earrings
10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Flower Black Rhodium Sterling Silver Earrings

10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Flower Black Rhodium Sterling Silver Earrings

By Bijoux Num

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning 10mm Akoya Pearl and Pave Simulated Diamond Flower Sterling Silver Earrings.

Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

South Sea Pearl, Akoya Pearl Earrings in 18K Solid Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl, Akoya Pearl Earrings in 18K Solid Yellow Gold

South Sea Pearl, Akoya Pearl Earrings in 18K Solid Yellow Gold

By Renate Exclusive

Located in Naples, NY

White South Sea Cultured Pearl ( 10mm ), Akoya pearl (9mm) with lovely cute 18K Solid Yellow Gold flower charm.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace
Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace

Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Top quality 9.5mm-10mm round Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace fastened by an 18K white gold clasp.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Akoya Pearl Double Strand Necklace Midcentury
Akoya Pearl Double Strand Necklace Midcentury

Akoya Pearl Double Strand Necklace Midcentury

Located in Northampton, MA

While today we are accustomed to ginormous, perfectly spherical 10mm cultured Akoya pearls that look like metallic spheres 3D printed by men in white lab coats, these far smaller pea...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Silver

Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace
Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace

Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace

Located in Miami, FL

This eye-catching estate pearl necklace incorporates two strands of silk-strung 10mm lustrous Akoya pearls of excellent nacre, and of enchanting white with a very subtle hue of pin...

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

David Yurman Pearl Bracelet w Signature Diamond Sterling Silver Buckle Clasp
David Yurman Pearl Bracelet w Signature Diamond Sterling Silver Buckle Clasp

David Yurman Pearl Bracelet w Signature Diamond Sterling Silver Buckle Clasp

By David Yurman

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

A total of seventeen 10mm round AA cultured Akoya pearls create this versatile piece.

Category

Early 2000s American Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver

Certified Akoya Pearl Necklace Set with Diamonds and Sapphire
Certified Akoya Pearl Necklace Set with Diamonds and Sapphire

Certified Akoya Pearl Necklace Set with Diamonds and Sapphire

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Certified Akoya Pearls = 6-10mm Sapphire = 1.60 Carats Diamonds = 10.50 Carats Metal: 14K Gold

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

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By Diamond Scene New York

Located in New York, NY

A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Eostre Round Australian South Sea Pearls Strand
Eostre Round Australian South Sea Pearls Strand

Eostre Round Australian South Sea Pearls Strand

By Eostre Fine Jewellery

Located in Melbourne, AU

Shape: Round Complexion: Flawless Nacre: Tight Lustre: AAA/AA Colour: White / Pink overtone Type: Cultured Australian South Sea pearls Size: 15 - 18 mm Pieces: 27 Momme: 43.50 GUAR...

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Akoya Pearl Necklace, Diamond Clasp, 9mm Luxury Size Pearls, circa 1980s, Iconic
Akoya Pearl Necklace, Diamond Clasp, 9mm Luxury Size Pearls, circa 1980s, Iconic

Akoya Pearl Necklace, Diamond Clasp, 9mm Luxury Size Pearls, circa 1980s, Iconic

Located in Northampton, MA

This is a stunning vintage pearl necklace measuring 18 inches in length and composed of 55 9mm-9.4mm round cultured Akoya pearls and finished with an 18K white gold beaded ball clasp...

Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

South Sea Pearl Necklace
South Sea Pearl Necklace

South Sea Pearl Necklace

$11,658Sale Price|20% Off

L 18.51 in

South Sea Pearl Necklace

Located in Bad Kissingen, DE

closure 18 k white gold diameter 13 mm diamonds 27 south sea pearls diameter from 12 to 15 mm 47 cm long 160,65 grams

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Beaded Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 14K White Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Vintage 14K White Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring

Vintage 14K White Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine vintage white gold, sapphire, and diamond ring. In 14 karat white gold. With a central bezel-set rectangular ca. 2.80± ct. modified brilliant cut lab-created sapphire surrou...

Category

20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring
Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring

Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1960s Step into a world of elegance with this fabulous vintage cocktail ring from the 1960s. At its heart lies a mesmerisin...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Ruby, Platinum

South Sea Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold with Graduated Large White Pear
South Sea Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold with Graduated Large White Pear

South Sea Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold with Graduated Large White Pear

Located in Ramat Gan, IL

This magnificent necklace features a stunning strand of rare, large South Sea pearls, renowned for their luminous glow and exceptional surface quality. Expertly matched and beautiful...

Category

20th Century Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold

Double Drops Pearl Earrings, 18K Gold, by Michelle Massoura
Double Drops Pearl Earrings, 18K Gold, by Michelle Massoura

Double Drops Pearl Earrings, 18K Gold, by Michelle Massoura

By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery

Located in Nicosia, CY

Our double drop pearl earrings, are made in 18Karat Gold and feature a pair of mini pearls with size 6mm that are strung by a pair of oval shaped freshwater pearls, with size 11mm. D...

Category

2010s European Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

David Webb Gold Diamond Platinum Vintage Necklace
David Webb Gold Diamond Platinum Vintage Necklace

David Webb Gold Diamond Platinum Vintage Necklace

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

Diamond, Platinum, Gold Necklace, David Webb The hinged necklace features full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.50 carats, set in platinum and 18k gold, marked Webb ...

Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware

Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag featured in sublime Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, sho...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware

Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 bag featured in fresh Vert Criquet. Stunning Hermes light green that is absolutely neutral. Epsom leather accentuates colours beautiful...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Vert Jade Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Vert Jade Gold Hardware Epsom Leather

Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Vert Jade Gold Hardware Epsom Leather

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in coveted Vert Jade. Lush with Gold hardware. This exquisite bag is modern and minimalist. A sleek pared do...

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21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.

Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.

Located in San Francisco, CA

Well well well. If only this tiara could talk - I'd just love to know the people and outfits this significant piece has graced. Let's start with the tiara. Circa 1900, the theme co...

Category

Early 20th Century English Belle Époque Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Hand-Beaded Silk Embellished Evening Gown
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Hand-Beaded Silk Embellished Evening Gown

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Hand-Beaded Silk Embellished Evening Gown

Located in Leonardo, NJ

wedding / bridal / bride Les Habitudes Couture Vintage 1990's Entirely hand-made in England 100% silk Size Medium but fits like a XS/S Excellent Condition, no flaws Measurements in i...

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1990s Wedding Dresses

Akoya Pearls, Double Strand, Diamond Clasp, French Art Deco; GIA Cert, 16"
Akoya Pearls, Double Strand, Diamond Clasp, French Art Deco; GIA Cert, 16"

Akoya Pearls, Double Strand, Diamond Clasp, French Art Deco; GIA Cert, 16"

Located in Northampton, MA

This late Art Deco era (circa 1939) double strand of cultured Akoya pearls represents the finest, most luxurious pearls of their day. Today, we are accustomed to perfectly spherical ...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold

Double Drop Pearl Earrings, 18k Gold, Baroque pearls
Double Drop Pearl Earrings, 18k Gold, Baroque pearls

Double Drop Pearl Earrings, 18k Gold, Baroque pearls

By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery

Located in Nicosia, CY

Our Pearl Duo Earrings are made by hand in 18Karat Yellow Gold and feature a pair of round mini freshwater pearls that are strung with unique freshwater baroque shaped pearls. Due to...

Category

2010s European Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

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10mm Akoya Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of 10mm akoya pearls for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and 14k gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 146 vintage examples as well as 118 contemporary versions. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of 10mm akoya pearls made by contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with modern — are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Mikimoto, Okura Coral and Ella Gafter are often thought to be among the most beautiful. There are many round cut, bead and brilliant cut 10mm akoya pearls for sale. Most of our 10mm akoya pearls for sale are for women, but there are 58 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are 10mm Akoya Pearls?

On average, 10mm akoya pearls at 1stDibs sell for $1,950, while they’re typically $86 on the low end and $144,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design

The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.

Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.

It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.

On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.