$3,570Sale Price|30% Off
Freshwater Pearl, Emerald and Jadeite Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A White Freshwater Pearl, Emerald Bead and Jadeite Bead Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp Pearls are measuring 8.5 mm to 9 mm The colour of the pearls is White with Greena nd Pink Overto...
Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Torsade Enamel Diamond Ball Clasp
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A classic tornado necklace consisting of 20 rows of cultured pearls with a removable 18 K yellow Gold ball clasp (can be used as a clasp for other necklaces) set with 135 brilliant c...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
【Petite Signature】South Sea Pearl Pendant, Diamond Clasp (Convertible Design)
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Paired with a delicate chain, the pendant sits naturally along the neckline, making it an ideal choice for gifting or personal wear. The enhancer clasp is set in 18K white gold with...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 18k White Gold Diamond Clasp Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage pearl strand necklace featuring a lustrous string of cultured pearls, secured with an elegant 18k white gold clasp accented by sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Lavender Colour Freshwater Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
By Eostre Fine Jewellery
Located in Melbourne, AU
A 9.5 mm to 11 mm Lavender Colour Freshwater Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp The Pearls are deep lavender colour with Multicolour overtone.
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
White South Sea Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of an Impressive White South Sea Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. The size of the pearls are ranging from 13mm-15mm.
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$544Sale Price|20% Off
7-8mm White Round Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our exquisite 18-inch 7-8mm White Round Pearl Necklace with an 18K Gold Clasp, a timeless and elegant accessory that exudes sophistication and grace.
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Multi-Strand Pearl Bracelet 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Queens, NY
Multi-Strand Pearl Bracelet with 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Clasp, featuring twenty strands of cultured white and Tahitian pearls approx. 3.5-4.0 mm, strung on silk cords, joined with ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Authentic Tiffany & Co. Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K Solid Gold Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Necklace of Akoya cultured pearls with an 18k white gold clasp. 16" long. Decorative tag in 18k white gold is inscribed with "Tiffany & Co." in script.
Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 11 Strand Pearl Bracelet with Diamond Clasp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This luxurious bracelet features eleven strands of pearls culminating in an elegant 18k yellow gold clasp, intricately detailed with textured gold and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 9 Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This sophisticated necklace features nine strands of pearls gracefully twisting together, secured by an elegant 18k yellow gold clasp adorned with diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 7mm Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7.25" 18k Yellow Gold Clasp 12.1g
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
This is a 21st-century bracelet by Mikimoto, featuring lustrous pearls as the primary stone. The bracelet is crafted with 18k yellow gold, adding a touch of elegance to its design.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace, 18k Gold Clasp, 58cm, British Colonial
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A classic and elegant strand of Akoya cultured pearls, beautifully graduated and hand-knotted, finished with a refined 18k yellow gold bow-form clasp.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
12mm South sea Pearl 18K Gold Clasp 29 Inches Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
The circular two-tone clasp is crafted in solid 18K White Gold and yellow gold It is secured with an 18K White Gold sphere-shaped button insert clasp.
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Golden Colour South Sea Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. The pearls are of yellow golden colour with Green Overtone.
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Baroque Freshwater Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp, 36" Length
By Assael
Located in Dallas, TX
The colors and shapes of these baroque fresh water compliment each other! They range in measurements from 16.00 mm x 17.00 mm to 18.00 mm x 24.00 mm and the hinged, yellow gold clas...
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Opera Length 78cm (30.7 inches) Necklace 18K Gold & Pearl Clasp
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Magnificent South Sea Pearl Strand is of desirable opera length – 78cm (30.7 inches), comprising 98 South Sea Pearls, of 8.5mm each, of sought- after round shape, of fi...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Diamond Spacers Sections & Clasp Dual Pearl Strand Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: String w/ Solid 18k Yellow Gold Clasp & Spacers Weight: 33.3 Grams Type: 2 Strand Beaded Bracelet w/ 3 Spacers Length: Measures 7.5 Inches Next to a Ruler.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Grey Colour Silver Tone Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of Grey colour Silver tone Tahitian pearl necklace with 18K Yellow Gold Clasp. The length of the necklace is 77cm.
Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,760Sale Price|43% Off
Black Colour Green Tone Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of Black Colour Green Tone Tahitian Pearl necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. The Pearls are showing plays of colour and it will be particularly obvious under natural light.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Multi Colour Green tone Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of Multi Colour Green tone Tahitian pearl necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. Green tone is very sought after in Tahitian pearls and therefore m more valuable.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Baroque Pearl Bracelet with 18K Rose Gold and Vintage Bakelite Clasp
Located in Vannes, FR
Details: Materials: Baroque cultured pearls, 18K rose gold, vintage black Bakelite Length: Approx. 20 cm Clasp: Large Bakelite loop
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1980s Cultured Pearl Necklace with 18k Yellow Gold Clasp, 21"
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The clasp is hallmarked with the 18k gold fineness mark 750.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7-7.5mm 18k White Gold Clasp 7" 13.9g
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
Mikimoto crafted bracelet in 18k white gold featuring lustrous pearl beads. The bracelet showcases a classic design with a refined clasp adorned with intricate detailing.
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Necklace Circa 1970 s Cultured Pearls Gold Clasp
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered is a vintage beautiful pearl necklace with gold clasp. The necklace is decorated with 3 rows of natural freshwater cultured pearls. Pearls of great regularity and very fine...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co 7.5mm Pearl Bracelet Signature 18k White Gold X Clasp Estate
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed estate Tiffany & Co pearl bracelet from the 'Signature' pearls collection, finished with an 18k white gold 'X' clasp.
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gubelin Yellow Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Clasp Pearl Necklace 1980S
By Gubelin
Located in Geneva, CH
Yellow Sapphire Cushion shape estimated approximately 5.50 / 6.50 carats (treated) surrounded by round-cut Diamond on Yellow Gold 18K Clasp Cultured Pearl Necklace (pearl necklace is...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pearls Innovative Clasp Versatile Cosmic Empowering Bold Earrings
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
18K White Gold Pearls Innovative Clasp Versatile Cosmic Empowering Bold Earrings.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
16" Tahitian Pearls & Rock Crystal Strand Necklace w/ 18k Gold Toggle Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: String with Solid 18k Yellow Gold Clasp Weight: 20.16 Grams (gross) Type: Station Cultured Tahitian Gray Pearl & Rock Crystal Strand Length: 16 Inches Clasp: Toggle Cla...
Pearl, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eostre Black Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace with 18k Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of black Colour Green tone Tahitian pearl necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. Green tone is very sought after in Tahitian pearls and therefore more valuable.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Eostre Black Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace with 18K Clasp
Located in Melbourne, AU
A Strand of black Colour Green tone Tahitian pearl necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. Green tone is very sought after in Tahitian pearls and therefore more valuable.
Pearl, 18k Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Golden White South Sea Pearls 18K Gold Adjustable Lariat Clasp Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Yellow Golden White South Sea Pearls 18K Gold Adjustable Lariat Clasp Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold South Sea Pearls *Golden & White AA Quality Adjustable Length From Choker to 24 in...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
$7,184Sale Price|20% Off
Assael Golden South Sea Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Clasp Necklace
By Assael
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and luxurious, this Assael golden South Sea cultured pearl necklace showcases a beautifully graduated strand of luminous pearls. The pearls exhibit a rich natural golden hue ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hakimoto 18K White Gold 13x10 mm Tahitian Pearl Necklace Full Diamonds Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean 18K South Sea Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace 18K White Gold and 1.75 Carts Diamonds Weight (g): 87 Cultured South Sea Tahitian Pearl Pearl Size: 13X10mm...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Sapphire & Ruby Floral Clasp Three Strand Pearl Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: String w/ Solid 18k White Gold Clasp & Spacers Weight: 24.2 Grams Type: 3 Strand Beaded Bracelet Length: Measures 7.0 Inches Next to a Ruler.
Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 3 Strand Pearl Necklace Gold Station Beads and a Diamond Clasp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This three-strand necklace features lustrous round pearls interspersed with delicate gold accents and is secured by a clasp set with a pave of white diamonds. There are 62 diamonds ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French GIA Pearl 5 Strand Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
**See Certifications Details Below** Material: String Solid 18k Yellow Gold Clasp Weight: 29.40 Grams Type: 5 Strand Pearl Bracelet w/ 18k Gold Clasp Length: Measures 6.75 Inches N...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
23" Nice White 9mm Culture Pearl Strand Necklace w/ 18k Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: String w/ Solid 18k Yellow Gold Clasp Weight: 69.32 Grams Gross Type: Long Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace Length: 23 Inches Clasp: Lobster Claw Clasp Condition: Excellent c...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Pearl Strung Necklace with 18k Plated Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring 16.25 inches long, this necklace meets at a high shine 18k Yellow Gold Plated silver Lobster Clasp, marked "Sterling".
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Clasp Inlaid Mother Of Pearl Multi Strand Bead Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
Numerous Mother Of Pearls - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set Material: String w/ 18k Yellow Gold Clasp Weight: 147.49 Grams Length: 17" measured next to ruler, will comfortably fit a16" neck...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Pearls Necklace with Yellow Gold Clasp
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
Precious and Feminine!!! This classic pearl necklace is comprised of 19 inch string of pink with peach overtone pearls and finished with a handmade 18k yellow gold hook style clasp.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14.5" 3 Strand Pearl W/ 18k Gold Chrysoprase Flower Journey Drop Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: String & Solid 18k Yellow Gold Clasp Weight: 73 Grams Type: Triple Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace Length: 14.5 Inches (wearable length ) Clasp: Push Clasp w/ Under Safety L...
Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,995Sale Price|37% Off
18K Gold Full Ball 12.5 mm Pearl Necklace Diamonds Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
18K Gold Full Ball 12.5 mm Pearl Necklace Diamonds Clasp
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Purplish Pearl Necklace with Yellow Gold Clasp
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
The purplish tone 8-8.5mm pearls are featured on knotted silk, 19 inches long and finished with a handmade 18k yellow gold hook style clasp.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$464Sale Price / item|20% Off
7-8mm Candy Pastel Multi-Color Round Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Sample Necklace in Pictures: 53 Freshwater Cultured Pearls: 7-8mm 18K White Gold Smooth Ball Clasp Total Weight: 38.3g Length: 17.5 inches
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Hakimoto 15x13 mm Natural Multi Color Baroque Pearl Necklace 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean 18K Strand Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Weight (g): 86.5 Cultured Golden South Sea and Fresh Water Baroque Pearl Pearl Size: 13X15mm Pearl Shape: Baroque B...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
620 carat Australian South Sea Pearls 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds Clasp Necklace
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
620-Carat Australian South Sea Pearls and 18K Gold Clasp with Diamonds Unlock Your Divine Potential with the Sirio pearls necklace.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
12 - 14mm South Sea Semi-Baroque High Lustre Pearl Necklace, 18K Gold Clasp.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Magnificent South Sea Pearl Knotted Necklet is of desirable length – 42cm (16.5 inches), comprising 27 South Sea Pearls, of semi-baroque & circle shape, of impressively large...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$704Sale Price / item|20% Off
9-10mm Candy Pastel Multi-Color Round Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Sample Necklace in Pictures: 44 Freshwater Cultured Pearls: 9-10mm 18K Yellow Gold Ribbed Clasp Total Weight: 53.6g Length: 17.5 inches
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
18k gold clasp with brilliant cut diamond 2.00ct - on a pearl bead necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp set with brilliant cut diamond 2.00ct F/G VS/SI - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 12 mm wide size of th...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Silver South Sea Pearl 18K White Gold Adjustable Clasp Lariat Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
18 Karat White Gold South Sea Pearls Adjustable Length From Choker to 24 inches lariat
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Vintage 17" 3 Pearl Strand w/ 18k Gold Red Stones & Diamond Clasp Center Piece
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: String & Solid 18k Yellow Gold Clasp Center Piece Weight: 89.2 Grams Type: 3-Row Pearl Strand Necklace w/ Gold Clasp Center Piece Length: 17 Inches (wearable length) Ce...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Poiray Multi Strand Akoya Pearl Bracelet Gold Clasp
By Poiray
Located in Geneva, CH
Elegant and sophisticated torsade bracelet made of 14 strands of Akoya pearls. Features a 18K gold 4-bands clasp with Poiray maker's mark.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl with 18 Karat Gold Clasp
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with 18 Karat Gold Clasp Width: 0.9 cm Length: 47.0 cm (18.5") Total Weight: 50.71 grams South Sea Pearl Size: 8-10 mm Pieces: 37 "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Marina J Woven Pearl Bracelet with 18k Yellow Gold-plated Silver beads and clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Pearl Woven Bracelet by Marina J. This bracelet is made with multi sized Pearls and Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated beads all intricately woven together into a tight column li...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.