Japanese Cultured Pearl
Mid-20th Century More Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Band Rings
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Contemporary Retro Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s European Cocktail Rings
Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century Japanese Brooches
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s European Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Hoop Earrings
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Dome Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Bracelets
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver
2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dome Rings
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary More Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dome Rings
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Chain Bracelets
2010s Indian Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sap...
Vintage 1970s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Retro Beaded Bracelets
Cultured Pearl, Moonstone, Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Metalwork
Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Metalwork
Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Metalwork
Gold
Early 2000s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Japanese Link Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
1990s Japanese Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Brooches
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Brooches
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Charm Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Steel
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
2010s American Modern Fashion Rings
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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Japanese Cultured Pearl For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Japanese Cultured Pearl?
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.
- Are cultured pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, cultured pearls are real pearls. However, they're not naturally occurring pearls. Instead, they come from oysters raised on farms and are the product of human intervention that encourages the development of pearls. Most pearls available on the market are cultured rather than natural. Shop a wide range of pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What are Akoya cultured pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Akoya cultured pearls are pearls that come from Pinctada fucata martensii oysters. These molluscs are commonly referred to as Akoya oysters, accounting for the name of the pearls. The word “cultured” means that the pearls are real but were produced by oysters with the help of human intervention. Cultured pearls are very common, as naturally occurring pearls are extremely rare. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pearl jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Paspaley pearls are cultured — that is, the pearl-growing process is initiated by pearl farmers. Paspaley is known today as one of the finest suppliers of cultured pearls in the world. Shop a collection of genuine Paspaley pearl jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024Yes, cultured pearls may be worth money. Although they tend to be worth less than natural pearls, cultured pearls are still real pearls and can be worth hundreds to even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Potential selling prices depend on the color, size and quality of loose pearls, and ones set in jewelry may be worth more due to the pieces' ages, makers, types and styles. A certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can provide you with an estimated value for your pearls. Find a large selection of pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Yes, cultured pearls are often worth something. Values for loose pearls can be less than $100 or priced in the thousands, depending on their color, size, type and quality. Pearl jewelry may also have value beyond that of its materials due to its age, maker and other characteristics. To get an estimated value for your pearls, consult a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pearl jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024To tell if Japanese pearls are real, first feel their surfaces carefully. Cultured and natural pearls will be slightly gritty, while imitations will usually feel smooth. Next, look at the pearls side by side. Real pearls will show slight variations in shape and size. If your pearls look entirely uniform, they are less likely to be real. A certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can evaluate your pearls if you need further assistance. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of pearl jewelry.