18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring - Size 6.25
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Ring With Mabe Pearl Set in 18k Yellow Gold. Size 6.25. Pearl Size: 19.25-19.45mm.
Pearl, 18k 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
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Mabe Pearl Collar Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large faux mabe pearl demi suite by Kenneth Jay Lane set in gold toned metal.Matching clip earrings.
Gilt Metal
Large Antique 14K Gold & Mabe Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set with a large silver-gray mabe pearl in a deep bezel setting. Supported by a robust shank with split shoulder.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Modernist Mabe Pearl and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mabe Pearl and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Earrings, designed as 14K yellow gold square forms, decorated with two round mabe pearls approx. 13.5 mm., further adorned with eight ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed Boivin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed to Rene Boivin from the 1920's.
Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Enamel
13MM Octagon Shaped Mabe Pearl Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Stone: Mabe Pearl White Pearl Size: 13MM Band Material: 14k White Gold Dimensions: 17MM X 17MM
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-on Earrings #16443
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-on Earrings These gorgeous clip-on earrings are crafted with meticulous detail from 14K yellow gold and feature 2 beautiful Mabe pearls!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring 7.6g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The top of the ring measures 17mm wide. The pearl is a large mabe, silver-gray, pearl. Attractive floral design on the sides.
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
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Date: April 30, 2026 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Style: Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Tall: 21/32" (16.2mm) Wide: 21/32" ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trianon Mabe Pearl Emerald Shell Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
By Trianon
Located in Dallas, TX
Trianon Mabe Pearl Emerald Shell Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold.
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, 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
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Omega Back Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage stud earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature substantial 12mm mabe pearls. The broad domed pearls create a smooth, luminous focal point, while the warm yell...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings Pearls Measure 14.4-14.55 mm and 14.40-14.50 mm in Diameter Total Diamond Weight = Appx 0.90 ct Color = Appx G - I Clarity = Appx SI Diameter...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k 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
Mabé Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14 karat yellow gold mabé pearl and diamond vintage ring featuring a lustrous mabé pearl accented with approximately 0.50 carats total weight of diamonds, graded H–I color and SI cla...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Mabe Pearl Ring, Circa 1970s
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural Mabe pearl ring by Tiffany & Co., crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and dating to the late 1960s–1970s.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabé Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold mabé pearl and diamond earclip earrings, featuring lustrous mabé pearls accented with approximately 0.50 carats total weight of diamonds, graded H–I colo...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Etruscan Revival 14K Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Pin Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Etruscan Revival 14K Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Pin Pendant Professionally polished / Tested and Stamped 14K Mabe Pearl is 11mm piece weights 8.3 dwt / 13 g 2 5/16 x 1 3/16" Elega...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piero Milano Vintage Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Heart Earrings
By PIERO MILANO
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage Piero Milano Beautiful Italian made Heart Earrings clips with post 18k Yellow Gold heart earrings, with Mabe pearls and approx. 0.24ctw G/VS diamonds. Earrings meas...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Elizabeth Locke Mabe Pearl Sapphire Gold Brooch
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in New York, NY
The brooch is made of 18K yellow gold and Large Blue Mabe Pearl finished with two oval cabochon Sapphire.
Blue Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Clip On Earrings- These lovely earrings each feature one Mabe Pearl (14 mm) and six round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 1...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
14mm Mabe Pearl Retro Clip Earrings 14kt Gold 12590*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
diamonds pearl clip earrings 14mm mabe pearl 16ct natural round diamonds h-color vs-2 clarity 14kt yellow gold 18.2 grams earrings: 31 x 20mm comfortable omega clips
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Bangle Bracelet - The two Mabe pearls measure 10mm in diameter.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Lovely 18 Karat Wander, France Mabe Pearl Suite
By Wander
Located in Riverdale, NY
Large scale 18K French necklace, bracelet, ring by Wander. Large mabe pearls set into links which are both shiny and matte finish.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip On Earrings #19661
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip On Earrings- These elegant earrings each feature on Mabe pearl (16 mm) set in classic 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearls 4ct Diamonds Clip Earrings 14kt Gold*
Located in New York, NY
Executive Prime Excellence Mabe pearl clip earrings. 17.8 mm Pearl Excellent AAA luster and Sheen. 4.00-carat natural round diamonds F-G color vs2 clarity. 14 karat yellow gold ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k 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
SAJEN Sterling Silver Mabe Pearl With Multicolored Gemstones Bracelet # 17565
Located in Washington Depot, CT
SAJEN Sterling Silver Mabe Pearl With Multicolored Gemstones Bracelet- This gorgeous detailed sterling silver bracelet by SAJEN features 3 mabe pearls (13.12 mm) and is surrounded b...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mabe Pearls .80ct Diamonds Clip Earrings 18kt Gold*
Located in New York, NY
Retro Royale rope twist mabe Pearl clip earrings. 16.4 mm Pearl Excellent AAA luster and Sheen. .80 carat natural diamonds pave bead set.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabé Pearl Pink Sapphire White Gold Earrings
By Wagner Preziosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious earings made of 18 carat white gold, large mabé pearls 9,5 x 17 mm / 0.374 x 0,669 inches and 18 red Saphires with a total of 1.33 carats.
Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 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
Tiffany & Company Paloma Picasso Vintage Gold Silver and Mabe Pearl Earrings
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Mabe Pearl of very fine White Luster. Having Omega clip backs and a Gold Post.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
TIFFANY & CO Paloma Picasso Diamond Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold Earrings
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Mabe Pearl Earrings by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Pearl
James Barker Mabe Pearl Peridot Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The brooch is 18K 22K Yellow Gold There are 0.20 Carats in Diamonds F VS There is 1.00 Carat in Peridot The Mabe Pearl is 16.50mmm The brooch measures 3.5" x 1" The brooch weighs 19....
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, 22k ...
.45 Carat Diamond Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
15mm Mabe pearl clip post diamond earrings in 14k yellow gold 18 round brilliant cut diamonds I VS approx. .45cts 2 Mabe rose hue pearls .15mm 14k yellow gold Stamped: 14k 13.8 gr...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Textured Antique "Brutalist" Style Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Accent
Located in Austin, TX
A striking, grey-blue mabe pearl is nestled within a highly textured, organic yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage 12mm Mabe Pearl Pendant Enhancer 9ct Yellow Gold Bezel Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful 9ct gold pendant enhancer with a 12mm lustrous Mabe pearl and a red garnet end. Item Details: – Stones: 1 x Mabe pearl, 12mm diameter 1 x red garnet – Metal: 9ct 9kt...
Pearl, Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow 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
$720Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Framed Mabe Pearl Slider Necklace 18"
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a beautiful and simple Mabe Pearl necklace. It has a 18.5 mm Mabe Pearl on the pendant.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Size 7.5 #15882
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Size 7.5- This elegant ring features one Mabe pearl (13 mm x 13 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Baroque Style 14mm Mabé Pearl Necklace Pendant in Sterling Silver
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our Vintage Baroque Style 14mm Mabé Pearl Necklace Pendant in Sterling Silver, a stunning piece that showcases the timeless elegance of a lustrous Mabé Pearl in a unique ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Wood and Mabe Pearl Earrings
Located in Zurich, CH
Eye-catching pair of 18 karat yellow gold, wood and mabe pearl earrings by Swiss jeweler Devon. Large round earclips each consisting of a dark wood disc, centering upon a mabe pearl ...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$800Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Enhancer Mabe Pearl Slider Necklace 18"
Located in Eagan, MN
It has a 12 mm Mabe Pearl on the pendant. The pearl has great luster to it.
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Mabe Pearl Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Measurements Tall: 15/16" (23.3mm) Wide: 1...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearls .80ct Emerald Clip Earrings 18kt Gold*
Located in New York, NY
Retro Royale rope twist mabe Pearl clip earrings. 18.4 mm Pearl Excellent AAA luster and Sheen. .80-carat natural cabochon emeralds.
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mabe Pearl, Onyx and RBC Diamond Gold Trianon Designer Disc Earrings
By Trianon
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Mabe Pearl, Onyx and RBC Diamond Gold Trianon Designer Gold Disc Clip Back Earrings.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wagner 18ct White Gold Mabé Pearl & Pink Sapphire Ring, Germany
By Wagner Preziosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious ring made of 18 carat white gold, a large mabé pearl 19,40 mm / 0.764 inches surrounded by 26 pink Saphires with a total of 1.92 carats.
Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 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
Square Mabe Pearl Earrings with 22 Karat Gold Granulation
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Stately square Mabe pearl earrings. Delicate 22 karat gold granulation surrounds the 11mm pearls. 20 karat gold earwire.
Pearl, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Mabe Pearl Earrings. 14k White Gold Clip On Un pierced Drop Pear MABE
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Mabe Pearl Clip On earrings These are Un Pierced design.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring, Bezel Set, 22.5mm
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Mabe Pearl Pearl Size: 22.5 mm Round Setting: Bezel Set Weight: 7.0 Grams Ring Size: 7¾
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mid-Century 14K Gold, Mabe Pearl, and Diamond Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With a prong-set mabe pearl set to the center and surrounded by a halo of 16 single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Mixed Metal Silver & Gold Mabe Pearl Clip Earrings 90s
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Pearls display good luster with minor natural surface characteristics typical of mabe pearls.
Pearl, Sterling Silver, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Mixed Metal
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...
White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl Necklace with Thin Rope Bezel 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl Pearl Size: 15mm Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 27mm x 16mm Weight: 3 grams Chain: 18" 14k Yellow Gold
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl Necklace with Braided Bezel Frame 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl Pearl Size: 13mm Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 28mm x 19mm Weight: 4 grams Chain: 18" 14k Yellow Gold
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This lovely pendant features one oval Mabe pearl (11 mm x 9 mm) accented with 21 round brilliant cut diamonds set in be...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Earrings. Genuine CHANEL Mabe Pearl Turquoise Clip on earrings.
By Chanel
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Chanel Earrings Non-Pierced Omega Clip on Earrings. Imitation Large Mabe pearl set into Turquoise Resin Details: 26mm round 15mm pearls Please ask for additional pictures an...
Pearl, Gold Plate
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.