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French 18K Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Bakelite Virgin Mary Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as an oval representing the Virgin Mary
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French seed pearl and 0.25 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold brooch; part
Category

Antique 1890s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French Coral Garnet Seed Pearl Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This lovely antique French hinged bangle was masterfully handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold. 3
Category

Antique 1870s French Victorian Bangles

Materials

Coral, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Seed Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique seed pearl and 18 karat yellow gold drop
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Antique French Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French seed pearl and 0.20Ct diamond, 18k yellow gold cross
Category

Vintage 1910s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.48 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set
Category

Vintage 1920s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 20th Century 18 Karat White Gold Fine Pearl Seed Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace made of seed pearls on 2x3 twisted rows. The clasp is a pearl pierced with an 18K white
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.30Ct Sapphire, Seed Pearl and Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
sapphires and pearls suspends from a contemporary 18k yellow gold 16.5' chain via two ring loops to the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French Rose 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
white seed pearl. Stamped with the eagle’s head mark for 18 karat gold and French manufacture, and an
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1880s Hardstone and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique carved hardstone and seed pearl cameo pendant in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old gold medallion locket with seed pearl, France, early XX century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A decorative medallion, pendant made of 18 carat gold with a pearl. Elegant form, a beautiful
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Belle Epoqué Diamond and Seed Pearl Choker French, circa 1910
Located in Firenze, IT
The central panels with applied rose-cut diamond to the diamond collet suspending a seed pearl and
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

French Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a medal depicting the Virgin Mary
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a medal depicting the Virgin Mary
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Cabochon Garnet & Seed Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
pretty, natural seed pearls. The band has lovely hand carved, gold shoulders & the French eagles head
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian French diamond pearl 18k yellow gold enamel pendant watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian French 18k yellow gold and green enamel pendant watch features an old European cut
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French Sellier Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
seed pearls. The necklace stamped with the eagle’s head for French manufacture and 18 karat gold
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French Puffy Love Heart Flowers 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a puffy love heart engraved with a
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique French Victorian 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Pearl and Diamond Swan Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
, five rose cut diamonds, and sixty-seven seed pearls, in silver and 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique French 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Pearl Enamel Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Rare Victorian French 18K yellow gold emerald rubellite enamel pearl brooch set with 1 cabochon
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Rubelite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French Carved Citrine Pearl and Diamond Cameo Brooch in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Cameo brooch composed of an 18K rose gold frame with seed pearl and diamond accents, featuring a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Virgin Mary Mother of Pearl Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Medal Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a mother-of-pearl medal depicting the
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Medal Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold pendant designed as a navette or elongated oval medal representing
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Pearl and Diamond and Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French seed pearl and 0.09 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and 18
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Paris and Edmond Jaeger Seed Pearl and Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 1910s, this early platinum, seed pearl and diamond wristwatch was created by
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

La Belle Epoque Antique Seed Pearl and platinum Vanity Case
Located in New York, NY
La Belle Epoque Antique 18k yellow gold and platinum vanity case, with seed pearl, mother of pearl
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Belle Époque Vanity Items

Materials

Pearl, Platinum

Natural Pearl And 18ct Yellow Gold Bracelet - Antique French Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique natural pearl and 18 karat yellow gold bracelet; part of our diverse antique
Category

Antique 1890s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Filigree Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
in France ca 1850. Beautiful azure work and 6 seed pearls embellish this period pendant. French
Category

Antique 1850s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Antique 1920’s Limoges 18ct Gold & Pearl Lady Portrait Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Lady Portrait Pendant 18ct Gold Circa 1920’s A beautiful, French antique piece. The
Category

Early 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

18ct Gold French Hallmarked, Edwardian Ruby & Pearl Ring with Feather shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Rose Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 18ct Gold French Edwardian Ruby Diamond & Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Ring 18ct Gold French Stamped Circa 1900 This stunning 18ct yellow gold daisy ring
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

French Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Comedy Tragedy Vintage Unisex Bar Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and the other is aghast - symbolizing comedy and tragedy Flanked by 2.5 mm round seed pearls - white
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian 1830s 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Pearl Pansy Locket Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
cabochons, in 18 karat yellow gold. This endearing ring is set to the centre with a shimmering seed pearl
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold & Silver French Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Butterfly Brooch 18ct Rose Gold French Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian-era
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

18ct Rose Gold French Stamped Victorian Era Oval Shaped Locket with Pearl Flower
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 18ct Rose Gold French Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian-era
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

FRENCH 1880 Neo Classic Necklace-Brooch 18Kt Gold & Silver With Diamonds & Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
patterns. The main brooch has been crafted in yellow gold of 18 karats with a thin silver layer for the
Category

Antique 1880s French Neoclassical Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver, 18k ...

French Art Deco 1920 Dangle Tassels Earrings in 18kt Gold with Jade and Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
France during the art deco period, circa 1920. This delicate pieces has been crafted in yellow gold of 18
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Jade, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Art Nouveau Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique French Art Nouveau pearl and 0.24 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique French Neoclassical 18K Gold, Coral, & Diamond Pendant Cross Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French gold, coral, and diamond pendant necklace. In 18 karat yellow gold. The
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Boucheron Pearl Diamond Gold Scroll Design Bangle Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
lines and seed pearls. The bracelet is composed of 2 removable double clip brooches. 18k gold size: 6.5
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Bangles

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 0.96 carat diamond and pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French 18 Karat Enamel, Pearl, Coral, Maltese Cross Flower Brooch Pendant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
is done in 18k yellow Gold and features Coral beads and Seed Pearls all intact with Guilloche enamel
Category

Vintage 1970s French Aesthetic Movement Brooches

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold

Andre Col Ruby Turquoise Pearl Gold Brooch Pin Clip
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
was created by Andre Col in Paris. Made of 18 karat (stamped) yellow gold and decorated with seed
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Pearl, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Set 18k Gold Diamond Interchangeable Gemstone Bead Necklaces
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold and diamond clasp in a braided motif. The clasp, weighing 15.4 grams, is set with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Hematite, Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold

Antique 9.50 Carat Garnet and Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch, circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 9.50 carat garnet, seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold and 18
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15.50 Carat Jade 1 Carat Onyx and Pearl Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive pair of 15.50 carat jade, 1 carat onyx and pearl, 18 karat yellow
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Jade, Onyx, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold French, Victorian Hardstone Lady Cameo Portrait Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cameo Brooch 18ct Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1880 This exquisite antique brooch is a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

French Renaissance Revival "Holbeinesque" Demi-Parure
Located in New York, NY
(approximate total weight 1.20 carats); 23 seed pearls; 18K Gold; Enamel Signed: French assay mark
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Holbeinesque Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Garnet, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

René Lalique Art Nouveau Plique-à-jour Enamel, Opal and Pearl "Thistle of Lorrai
By René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
freshwater pearl thistle of Lorraine bracelet is set in chased 18K gold. The bracelet is composed of
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Link Bracelets

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian French Carnelian, Enamel, Gemstone Native American Chief Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
yellow gold and carnelian piece is French in origin, and displays a bold and colorful design. The pendant
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique Chalcedony 18 Karat Gold Cameo Pendant w Matching Cameo Earring Set
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
in relief carving. Fabulously framed in 18 karat gold, each has achieved a very attractive yellow
Category

Antique 1870s French Artisan Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique 2 Carat Montana Sapphire and 18k Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
sapphire cross pendant suspends from a contemporary 18k yellow gold 18' fine curb chain via a hallmarked
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
consists of elongated enamel links, separated by tiny seed pearls, is attached to two platinum elements
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Antique Guilloche Ruby Enamel, Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Located in New York, NY
from a 14kt gold fleur-de-lis lapel brooch with red striated guilloche enamel and seed pearls. With its
Category

Antique 1860s French Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Enamel Lily Stock Pin Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Enamel Pin Brooch 18ct Gold Fabulous French Made Stock Pin. Features a Pretty Little
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Multigem-Set Pendant/Locket, Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval-shaped locket set to the front with a rose-cut diamond, seed pearls and square-cut
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Falize Reversible Cloisonne Enamel Earrings
Located in New Orleans, LA
the other. The exquisite wire work is rendered in 18K yellow gold, and the opulent design is accented
Category

Antique 19th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Sapphire Diamond and Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
0.50 carats in total, all surrounded by twenty four seed-pearls, all set in platinum to a yellow gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

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18k Gold French Seed Pearl For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k gold french seed pearl you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from 18k Gold, Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. You’re likely to find the perfect 18k gold french seed pearl among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but versions are of considerable interest. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also uncut and bead versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 18k gold french seed pearl, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 18k Gold French Seed Pearl?

The price for a 18k gold french seed pearl starts at $1,956 and tops out at $8,500 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,874.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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 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.