You are likely to find exactly the belle epoque pearl you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of
Gold,
18k Gold and
Platinum, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 278 vintage or 12 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a belle epoque pearl may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing belle epoque pearl — no matter the origin — is easy, but
Esther Eyre,
Cartier and
Fabergé each produced a popular version that is worth a look. While most can agree that any belle epoque pearl from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a
Pearl version from the 188 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a
rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes
old european cut and
round cut alternatives. Finding a belle epoque pearl for sale for
women should be easy, but there are 66 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as
men, too.
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.