Mabe Pearl & Diamond Accented Necklace
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl & Diamonds Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .16cttw Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Cut: Round Dimensions: 27mm x 20mm Weight: 7 grams Chain...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Elegant 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring Vintage Italian classic large mabe pearl ring crafted of 14k gold features a central 14mm mabe pearl surrounded by a halo of small dia...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl Diamond Halo Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
Main Stone: Mabe Pearl & Diamond Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .75cttw Diamond Color: G/H Diamond Clarity: SI1/SI2 Pearl Size: 13MM Stone Cut: Round Weight: 7 grams Dimensions: 17MM ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Mabe Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Mabe Pearl diamond 18k yellow gold earrings, ca 1990s.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Celtic Style Black & White Mabe Pearl Diamond Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Black & White Mabe Pearl & Diamonds Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .06cttw Diamond Cut: Round Pendant Material: 14k White Gold Dimensions: 40mm x 22mm...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 14k Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring, Circa 1930s, Size 5.75
Located in Houston, TX
Mabe' pearl diamond ring from the 1930's. Features a Mabe' pearl in the center surrounded by twelve (12) rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Mabe Pearl Diamond Gold Ear Clips
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous pair of 18k yellow gold earrings, feature lovely mabe pearls. The pearls are accentuated by sparkling round and baguette cut diamonds that weigh approximately 4.00ct. g...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,075Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring 14K Gold 12.4mm Statement Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Vintage Mabe Pearl & Diamond Statement Ring Circa 1980s Solid 14K Yellow Gold 12.4 mm Round Mabe Pearl Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.80 Carat Top Diameter: ~0.80 Inches Total Weight:...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k ...
Mabé Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold Stud Earclips
Located in New York, NY
These earrings feature slightly creamy mabé pearls, delicately surrounded by 56 round diamonds and set in yellow gold with clip-back closures.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl Diamond Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 10.0 Grams Chain Length: 18" Pendant Length: ~1.50" Diamond Carat Weight: 0.20 carats Diamond Clarity: VS2-I1...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Earrings 1.50ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' vintage, mabe pearl, and diamond earrings in 14k yellow gold settings.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charles Krypell Mabé Pearls Diamond Gold Ear Clips
By Charles Krypell
Located in New York, NY
Charles Krypell 18 karat yellow gold ear clips, marked Krypell / 750 Mabé pearls 14 mm, baguette and round-cut diamonds of approximately 4.50 carats Dimensions: width 1 inch, lengt...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1940s, this stunning cocktail ring features a 12mm Mabe pearl surrounded by ten natural cabochon oval-shaped rubies and accented with a mix of twenty Old European and ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century Pearl Bracelet with Mabe Pearl & Diamond Clasp
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The bracelet comprises of 10 strands of rice pearls which terminate with a diamond and mabe pearl set clasp.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
French 1930s Mabe Pearl Diamonds Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This elegant antique ring features a large, iridescent, pearly-white Mabé pearl, held in a round, openwork setting underneath and set with antique-cut diamonds throughout.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
1960s Mario Buccellati Mabe Pearl Diamond White Gold Brooch
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Roma, RM
At its center, a luminous mabe pearl immediately draws the eye, radiating a soft glow enriched by delicate iridescent reflections that shift beautifully with every gesture.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Piero Milano Vintage Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Heart Earrings
By PIERO MILANO
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage Piero Milano 18k yellow gold heart earrings, with mabe pearls and approx. 0.24ctw G/VS diamonds. Earrings measure 26mm x 28mm.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Group of Mabe Pearl & Diamond Brooches in White Gold
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This group of four diamond and mabe pearl brooches are mounted in white gold and were formerly in the collection of the Counts of Hardenberg.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mabé Pearls, Diamonds, Grey Pearls, Rose Gold and Silver Necklace.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò necklace in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with mabé pearls and, between of them, structure studded with diamonds and, below, a grey pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
14K YellowGold Cultured Mabe Pearl/Diamond Ring Size 8.25 #15081
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cultured Mabe Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 8.25- This stunning ring features one round Mabe pearl (14 mm) surrounded by 28 round brilliant cut diamonds set in cl...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Mabé pearl diamond 18k yellow gold clip on earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding the pearls is a dazzling frame of forty-eight round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.00 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Hidden Halo Ring - 14k .24ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $70 or Down 1 size for $50 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Color: Bluish Purple Diameter: 14.7mm Natural Diamonds Ca...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Mabe Pearl & Diamond Ring - Yellow Gold 18k .60ctw
By David Yurman
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: David Yurman Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .60ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Platinum Mabé Pearl Diamond Halo Clip-On Earrings, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Each pearl is framed by a classic halo of 20 round brilliant-cut diamonds (40 diamonds total), weighing a combined 1.50 carats with H-I color and VS1-SI1 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
HANA 18K White Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, 2.36 Carats
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These 18 karat white gold diamond and mabe pearl earrings present a dimensional, sculptural design centered around luminous domed mabe pearls framed by a tiered halo of round brillia...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Memo Mabe Pearl & Diamond Clip-On Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Previously-owned pair of MEMO Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings. These earrings measure approx. 1.5" x 1.5".
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 9k White Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Earrings, Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The thirty-two diamonds are perfectly color matched. These mabe pearl earrings secure to the reverse with a hinged clip.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold Mabé Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.00ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Encircling the Mabé pearl is a radiant halo of twenty-four round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15mm Mabe Pearl & Diamond 14K Gold Retro Era Lever Back Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
15mm cultured mabe pearl earrings set in 14K yellow gold with 0.48 carat round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Duo Mabé Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Slender, this antique Toi et Moi ring is adorned with two Mabé pearls that overhang a decoration of small leaves each set with rose-cut diamonds.
Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings in Platinum and 18K Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
\n\nExpertly crafted in platinum and 18K gold, the earrings showcase luminous mabe pearls accented by sparkling white diamonds in Schlumberger’s unmistakable sculptural style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 21.8mm Large Mabe Pearl & Diamond Handmade Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearl - Round Shape - White Color w/ Pink Over Tone - 21.8mm (approx.) (34) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette & Round Brilliant Cut - Pr...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Large Mabe Pearl Diamond & Black Onyx Frame Button Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabé Pearls - Round Shape - Bezel Set Nice White Color w/ Soft Pink & Green Overtones - Great Luster - 19.6mm each (approx.) (20) Natural Genuine D...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Large Mabe Pearl & Diamond Lozenge Button Omega Back Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 2 Genuine Cultured MABE Pearls - Round Shape - White Color w/ pink overtone - Excellent Luster - 15.6mm each (approx.) 562 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Clip-On Earrings Etruscan Revival
Located in Miami, FL
Each earring features a luminous 10-carat mabe pearl at the center, framed by a beautifully textured gold surround with scroll motifs and set with five sparkling round brilliant diam...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Mabé Pearl & Diamond Halo Bezel Omega Back Earrings
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
14K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Halo & Mabé Pearl Vintage Bezel-Set Earrings A beautifully refined pair of vintage earrings crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, showcasing the soft, lus...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant & ALA Signed Earrings Set Box
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 15.8 Grams Whole Set Stone: Mabe Pearl (22 x 14 - 22 x 15 mm) & Approx 0.43 TCW (0.02-0.03 ct) Diamonds Pendant: 30.0 x 17.5 mm Earrings: 27.75 x 16.75 mm Hallmark: 14K.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Mabe Pearl Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 14k Rd .72ctw Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Cultured Mabe Pearls Cut: Round Cabochon Color: White Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .72ctw Cut: Single Color: H - I Clarity:...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Large Mabe Pearl Diamond Halo Twisted Wire Work Button Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy :) --Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabé Pearls - Round Shape - Nice White Color w/ Soft Pink Overtones - Great Luster - 15-15.4mm each (approx.) (52) Natural Genuine Diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Ring Size 8-8.25 #21013
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Featuring a luminous 13 mm Mabe pearl, it is accented with 50 round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt. Yellow Gold Triple Heart Shape Dangle Earring With Mabe Pearls & Diamond
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Yellow Gold Triple Heart Shape Dangle Earring With Mabe Pearls and Diamonds. Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds, together approx. 0.38 ct.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ruby & Coin Day Night Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Ancient Coins - Round Shape - Bezel Set - Brownish Gray in Color - 15.5mm (approx.) (2) Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - White Color w/ Pink Overtone - 15.1mm e...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl Flower Diamond Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl & Diamond Pearl Size: 13-14MM Band Material: 14k White Gold
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mabe Pearl Necklace with Diamond Accented Polished Bezel
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl & Diamonds Pearl Size: 12mm Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 26mm x 18mm Weight: 4 grams Chain: 18" 14k Yellow Gold **Enhanced Bail
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,195 / set
11MM Mabe Pearl With Diamond Accent Necklace
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl & Diamonds Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Size: 11MM Dimensions: 30mm x 17mm Weight: 4 grams Enhanced Bail Chain: 18" 14k Yellow Gold Dia...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
AAA quality pearl. Size 6.75 Mabe Pearl Diamonds 6 = .21 carats twt Bezel Width .5 inches Handmade in the USA
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Pearl Clustered Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18K Y/gold mabe pearls diamond earclips, diamonds weighing approx. 2.30 cts, GH VS, stamps POM 18K, measures 3/4 x 3/4 inch, weight 15.6 dwt.
Diamond, Pearl
16 Mm Mabe Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.7 Grams Pearl Diameter: 16 mm Ring Height: 27 mm tall Pearl Count: 1 mabe pearl Diamond Count: 36 round brilliant...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Statement Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 23.4 grams Stone: Mabe Pearls, Diamonds Measurements: 25.8 x 21.8 x 12.9mm Hallmark: 750 Item #: BR-1667-080425-05
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13.5 Mm Mabe Pearl and Heart Shaped Halo Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.6 Grams Ring Height: 20.3 mm tall Pearl Diameter: 13.5 mm Pearl Count: 1 mabe pearl Diamond Count: 16 brilliant cu...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold 15.75mm Mabe Pearl 0.60ctw Diamond Large Twisted Wire Button Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-460158714 Large Round Mabe Pearls & Diamonds Twisted Wire Button Earrings!
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Vintage Diamond Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold & Platinum Large Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
Vintage Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Large Earrings. An opulent silhouette pairs luminous Mabe pearls with a sumptuous gold setting, accentuated by sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Mobe a Pearl and Diamond Earrings White gold earrings set with two mobe pearls accented with marquise and brilliant round cut dimaonds. Total Approximate Diamond Weight: 1.22 cara...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Mabe Pearl 2.00ct Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The earrings feature lovely cabochon mabe pearls. The pearls are accentuated by sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 2.00ct.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,300 / set
Mabe Pearl and Diamond Flower Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Earrings Featuring Two 13mm Round Mabe Pearls Accented by 8 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds of VS Clarity and G Color Totaling 0.16 Carats.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$968Sale Price / set|47% Off
Cultured Mabe pearl, gold and diamond earrings
Located in New Orleans, LA
Subtle but very sophisticated design for classic cultured Mabe pearl earrings. Pearls are encased in an elegant 14kt yellow gold swirling setting accented with a small brilliant whit...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Mabé Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in beverly hills, CA
Graceful pear shaped drops of lustrous Mabé pearl are suspended from three bezel set diamonds to create a lovely and polished pair of earrings.
Diamond, 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.