Pearl Earrings 14K Yellow Gold Kids 3mm New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
These adorable pearl earrings in 14kt yellow gold for kids feature approximately 3mm pearls, offering a sweet and classic look perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,400Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified Natural Chrysoberyl Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
AGL Certified Natural Chrysoberyl pearl and diamond ring, containing 1 Natural Chrysoberyl (measurements 13.97 x 13.20 x 7.86mm) surrounded by 16 3mm pearls and 20 round full cut ...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
"Gresha" 18 Karat Yellow Gold and South Sea Biwa Pearl Pendant
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k yellow gold and south sea biwa pearl pendant. this piece is created to look like an accorn with a 25mm south sea biwa pearl with diamond accent as dew drops weighing .25pts. on ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jane Taylor 18kt Rose Gold Bracelet with Pearls
By Jane Taylor Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
It is set across the top with 17 3mm Pearls The bracelet has an invisible hinge on one side allowing for easy on and off.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold French Hand Made Link Bracelet with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold French Hand Made Link Bracelet with Diamonds and Pearls - The hand made bracelet contains 6 white gold links with 4 round diamonds in each link with a 3mm pea...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Onyx Opal and Pearl Cabochon cluster ring. Navette Onyx Opal band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Details: 14k Yellow gold 1.9grams 4mm by 7mm navette Onyx 4mm by 8mm opal 3mm pearl
14k Pink Coral Opal and Pearl Cabochon cluster ring. Navette Peach coral Opal
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Details: 14k Yellow gold 2.2grams 4mm by 10mm navette coral 4mm by 10mm opal 3mm pearl
Victorian 10k Turquoise Cabochon and Pearl Pave Ring.10k Victorian ornate flower
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Details: 1.5mm turquoise 3mm pearls Sz5 3.5grams Marked BS tests 10k
Antique Art Nouveau Yellow Gold Citrine, Amethyst, and Pearl Lavalier Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 4.2 grams Stone: 1.67ct Citrine, 1.45ct Amethyst, 3mm Pearls Size: 14.25" Measurements: 34.6 x 19.25 x 4.5mm Hallmark: 14k Metal: Yellow Gold tests between 17k and 20k Ite...
Amethyst, Citrine, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.3 grams Pendant Dimensions: 11mm x 11mm x 6mm (excluding bail) Bail Dimensions: 3mm Pearl Dimensions: 7.5mm x 6.5mm Diamond Dimensions: 14 (2mm ...
Pearl
Victorian Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.9 grams Heart Dimensions: 15.5mm x 14mm x 7mm (excluding bail) Bail Dimensions: 3mm Pearl Dimensions: 1 (2.5mm), 5 (1.5mm) Chain Length: 18 inch...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Synthetic Spinel & Pearl Brooch in 14k
Located in Bloomington, MN
Striking Synthetic Spinel & Pearl Brooch in 14k Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this Mid-Century brooch features a circular design set with 1.00 carat total weight of blue synthetic...
Pearl, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Pearl Ruby and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 7.3 grams Pendant Dimensions: 43mm x 24mm x 3mm Pearl Dimensions: 1 (6mm x 2.5mm), 1 (5mm x 2mm) Ruby Dimensions: 25 (2mm) Rose Cut Diamond Dimens...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
AGL Yogo Montana Deco Kite Shaped Sapphire Natural Pearl Gold Platinum Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certificate#CS44971 2 natural 3mm pearls 2 natural 3.5mm pearls Length: 2.37 inches Width: 1/2 inch Depth: 5mm 7.4 grams Pin tested Platinum and stem tested 14k gold Please Note...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Venus Spinning Ring in 14K Gold & Pearl by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Venus Spinning Ring in 14K Gold & Pearl by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 3 mm.
Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Enameled Leaf Diamond Blue Garnet Necklace #16978
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Meaures: 17 1/2" long. 23mm wide at leaves. 13mm pearl drop. 3mm pearl seed at leaf tip. Marked 14K on back of one leaf.
White Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k...
3MM Cultured Pearl Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Pearl Pearl Size: 3MM Metal Choice: 14K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 20mm x 20mm Weight: 2 grams
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 18-Karat Gold Mythological Beast Chimera Brooch Pendant Pearl
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
At the base, a single genuine 3mm pearl is securely set, adding a touch of elegance to the dramatic composition.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated, elongated frame is accented with a feature 3mm pearl displayed to the centre of the symmetrical, tied bow and leaf design.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3mm Cultured Pearl handmade Heart Pin 14kt Gold 12540
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
3mm Cultured Pearl heart pin handmade high shine crest across 14kt yellow gold 30 x 33mm 5.2 grams
Pearl, 14k Gold
3mm Freshwater Pearl Pin Vintage 14kt 12567
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
0.30ct natural diamonds bar vintage pin g-color vs-2 clarity 3mm freshwater pearl 3.8 grams 14kt yellow gold 2.5 inches long
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14k Gold Pearl & Diamond Pendant, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI 2 Cut Old European Total Diamond Content 0.13 carat Dimensions Total length of drop 4.80cm/1.88" Width across up...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Triple 3mm round Ceylon Sapphire cluster earring with Grey Baroque Pearl Drop
Located in New York, NY
Total carat weight: 0.89ct Push back Freshwater grey baroque pearls Length: 1 inch Width: 9mm
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
10mm Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Flower Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Earrings Information Diamond Type : Natural Diamond Gold : 14k, 18K (Upon Request) Gold Color : White Gold Stone Type : FANCY DIAMONDS,DIAMONDS Dimensions : 29*3MM Pearl Diamond Weig...
14k Gold, White Gold
【Caelmare】Azure Halo Akoya Pearl, Turquoise and Diamond Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearl, Natural Turquoise, Diamond, and 18k Gold Dimensions Earrings Lenght Approx. 1.9 x 1.75 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: Approx. 3...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Aurora Akoya Pearl & Diamond Garland Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Delicate 3–4.5 mm Akoya pearls are arranged like a garland, their Aurora luster glowing with pure round brilliance.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Vine Symphony】Aurora Akoya Pearl & Diamond Garland Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features 3–4.5 mm Akoya pearls arranged in a garland motif, glowing with Aurora luster and flawless round beauty.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Lustre Arc】Modern Aurora South Sea Pearl & Akoya Diamond Cluster Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin South Sea Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond, and Akoya Pearls Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 12...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, White Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Architectural Akoya Pearl 18K Gold Diamond Geometric Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond Dimensions Length Approx. 5.0 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 3-9 mm Quality: AAAA Nacre: Very Thick Co...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Baby Akoya Pearl & Diamond Balance Ring in Platinum
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in PT900 platinum (9.1g), the band curves gracefully to embrace a constellation of AAA Baby Akoya pearls (3–3.5 mm, perfectly round, thick nacre, radiant white luster).
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Pearl & Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver–3mm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate bracelet features a beautiful combination of lustrous white freshwater pearls and vibrant 3mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads.
Silver
18K 2 3/4 Cttw Diamond and 12.5 MM Cultured Freshwater Pearl Floral Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of this botanical wonder lies a lustrous 12.5 mm Chinese cultured freshwater pearl, its creamy hue contrasting splendidly against the icy shimmer of diamonds.
White Diamond, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Transformable Akoya Pearl, Sapphire & Diamond Stackable Ring Set
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
The Aurora Crown Radiance is the ultimate expression of regal artistry, merging the timeless beauty of Baby Akoya pearls (3–4 mm) with the brilliance of natural aquamarine, sapphire,...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
【Lustre Arc】Akoya Rose Overtone Pearl & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in 18K white gold (3.2 g), the ring showcases AAA Akoya pearls (3–4 mm & 7–8 mm), each perfectly round with very thick nacre and a rare rose overtone glow.
Pearl, Diamond, White Gold
Roseate Jewelry TreasureLock Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet 3mm in Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
- 18k Rose Gold - White Mother-of-Pearl, 3mm Disk, 20 Disks - Mother-of-Pearl responsibly farmed in Western Australia - 7.25 inches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1920s Mother of Pearl Fine Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in Poitiers, FR
Diameter of the pearls : 2,5/3 mm approximately. Total weight of the jewel : 11,7 g approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
16mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant with Double Strand Pearl Necklace
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous necklace pairs an impressive, diamond-studded South Sea pearl and yellow gold pendant with a 50-inch double strand of 3mm Akoya saltwater pearls!
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold,...
Gold Diamond Pearl Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14k gold brooch, with 3mm to 4.3mm pearls, and approx. 2.60ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl Star Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 12.5 grams Pendant Dimensions: 20mm x 20mm (excluding bail) Bail Dimensions: 6mm x 4mm Pearl Dimensions: 1 (3mm), 6 (2.5mm), 7 (2mm), 6 (1.5mm), 7...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Graduation Charm 14kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
Graduation charm 3 mm natural akoya pearls Overall: 26 x 13mm 14 karat gold 3.3 grams
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Tanzanite Pearl Alternating Necklace, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
Tanzanite beads, 3mm x 4mm (Brazil) Freshwater pearl, 2mm x 3mm (Hangzhou, China) 14K gold clasp and chain (US) 17" length + 1.5" adjustable extension Designed by Lili Zhang Zhao Ha...
Pearl, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
Victorian Turquoise and Pearl Infinity Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 1.8 grams Ring Size: K (50) - Resizable Turquoise Dimensions: 2 (2mm) Pearl: 1 (3mm) Face Dimensions: 7mm x 17mm Tested As: 9ct Gold Period: Victo...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Domed Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k yellow gold domed shaped earrings, with 3mm to 5mm pearls and total of approx. 0.80ctw H/Si1 diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Pearl Labradorite 14k Gold Necklace
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
1,4 g 14K Gold Baroque Gray Pearl 3 mm Labradorite Stones
Labradorite, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
Marina J. Black and White All Pearl Woven Lariat with Pearl Tassels & 14K Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely piece is made using all Cultured Black and White Pearls (measuring 3mm and 8mm) which all display an amazing iridescent sheen and 'oil spill' look.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victoria Pearl and Diamond Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 10.0 grams Pendant Dimensions: 28mm x 27mm (excluding bail) Bail Dimensions: 6mm x 3mm (length x inside) Pearl Dimensions: 1 (6.5mm x 5.2mm), 10 (...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Birthstone June Pearl Labradorite Alternating Long Necklace, Handcrafted
Located in Westport, CT
Most of the time it reads as soft neutrals, until the labradorite catches light and flashes blue. Freshwater pearl, 3mm × 4mm (Hangzhou, China) Labradorite bead, 3mm × 4mm (US) 14K ...
Pearl, Labradorite, 14k Gold
Georgian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.7 grams Size: P 1/2 (57) Pearls: 6 (3mm) Rubies: 6 (1mm), 1 (2mm x 1mm) Tested As: 15ct Gold Period: Georgian Box: Plain Gift Box Comments: Thi...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Tiny Pearl Gold Station Necklace, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
Turquoise appears near the clasp, a flash of blue you notice when fastening. Freshwater pearl, 3mm x 4mm (Hangzhou, China) Turquoise bead, 3mm x 4mm (US) 22K vermeil bead, 3mm x 4mm...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil, Gold
Mini Pearl Gold Bead Bracelet, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
Classic and stackable. The pearl bracelet, simplified. Pearl, 3mm x 4mm (Hangzhou, China) 14K gold clasp and chain (US) 18K gold bead (US) 6" length + 1.5" adjustable extension De...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Pearl and Diamond Heart Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
Crafted from platinum, the necklace exudes elegance and sophistication with a slim matching pearl set chain completing the piece. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 7.2 grams Pend...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Petal Pearl Half Moon Earrings, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
Each earring clusters differently. Natural petal pearls, 5mm x 3mm (Hangzhou, China) 22K vermeil bead, 1mm (Vietnam) 14K gold hoop (US) 1" drop Designed by Lili Zhang Zhao Handcraf...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian Natural Turquoise & Pearl Necklace, Circa 1860s
Located in Braintree, GB
DIMENSIONS Length: 43 cm Pendant size: 4.2 × 1.5 cm Width: 2.3 cm Weight: 38 grams SPECIFICATIONS • 564 natural turquoise beads, graduated approx 1–3 mm • 120 natural pearls, gradua...
Pearl, Turquoise, Silver
David Yurman Chatelaine Sterling Silver and Pearl Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
DAVID YURMAN CHATELAINE COLLECTION -Material: Sterling Silver -Stone: Pearl, 7.7mm -Thickness: 3mm -Wrist Size: 6 1/2" -Weight: 10.9 Grams
Pearl, Sterling Silver
French 1928 Boucheron Diamonds Fine Pearls Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Poitiers, FR
Presented in an antique case marked Boucheron inside and embossed on the top "Liliane 20-27 May 1928". Diameter of the pearls : from 2/2,5 mm to 2,5/3 mm approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold...
Antique Pearl and Ruby Golf Club Brooch
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.5 grams Dimensions: 45mm x 1.5mm Pearl Dimensions: 1 (3mm) Ruby Dimensions: 21 (1.5mm - 1mm) Fastening: Tubed Hinge Marked: French 18ct Gold Ass...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Amethyst Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Late Victorian-era ring features an oval-shaped amethyst center stone measuring approximately 9.7 x 10.11 mm held in a coronet-style setting with sculpted prongs. It is flanked ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, 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.