14K Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
These elegant stud earrings highlight the timeless beauty of Mabe pearls, bezel set in warm 14 karat yellow gold.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earclips
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Each earclip features two magnificent 17.0 mm Mabe pearls, sourced from the warm waters of the South Pacific.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Rosy Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl w/ Pearl Halo Screw On Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - Milgrain Bezel Set - White Color w/ Nice Overtone - 12.5mm each (approx.) (40) Genuine Cultured Small Pearls - Round Sh...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Heart Enhancer Pendant - 14k Love
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Style: Enhancer Theme: Heart, Love Measurements Tall (from stationary bail): 1 5/32" (29.2mm) Wide: 13/16" (20.4mm) T...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Earrings Mabé Pearl and Diamond 'Rope Coil' Ear Clip
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Pearl Earrings Mabé Pearl and Diamond 'Rope Coil' Ear Clip Made from 18k Gold and Platinum Approx wieght: 21 grams Size: approx 20mm in diameter Mabe'...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mabé Pearl 14 Karat Gold and Sterling Silver Two-Tone Flower Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Mabé Pearl is 15mm across and 6mm in height. Ring band is 12mm wide.
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling S...
Elizabeth Locke Mabe Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elizabeth Locke Mabe Pearl Brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring three luminous mabe pearls arranged in an elegant elongated design, with two additional pearls forming decorat...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabé Pearl, Black Onyx and Diamond 18K YG WG Earclips
Located in New York, NY
These unique and beautifully designed earrings feature mabé pearls, 14.0mm each, encircled with yellow gold, 44 round diamonds, weighing approximately 2.50 carats, and black onyx, al...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Mabe Pearl Gold Carved Bezel Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Style: Large Mabe Pearl Gold Carved Bezel Earrings Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 16.3 Grams Pearl: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.50 m...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Mabe Pearl & 1.08tcw Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Cord Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This estate necklace showcases a luminous Mabe pearl bezel-set in rich 18K yellow gold, surrounded by approximately 1.08 carats total weight of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lagos Mabe Pearls .60ct Diamonds Clip Earrings 18kt Gold*
By Lagos
Located in New York, NY
Designer Lagos Statement mabe Pearl clip earrings. 11 mm Pearl Excellent AAA luster and Sheen. .60 carat natural diamonds flush bezel set.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl, Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Measurement: 1 inch x 1 inch Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & White Gold Back [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 33 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds, .70c...
Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Pendant, Enhancer, as Heart, with Mabé Pearl and Sapphire
Located in Berlin, DE
14 Karat Gold Pendant Enhancer, as Heart. With Mabé Pearl and Sapphire. Hallmarked.
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Amethyst Long Necklace
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular estate Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold Mabe pearl round large amethyst bead 36 inch long statement necklace 20th Century 1981 Exquisite long statemen...
Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl & Briolette Rhodolite Drop 14K Gold Earrings Levered Hinge Backs
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Olivia B. 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Dangle Earrings with Rhodolite Briolettes.
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold, Cultured Pearl, Mabé Pearl, Onyx and Diamond Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
14 Karat Gold, Cultured Pearl, Mabé Pearl, Onyx and Diamond Necklace The single-strand composed of cultured pearls measuring approximately 4.2 to 10 mm., completed by a gold clasp ...
Diamond, Onyx, Cultured Pearl, Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Cushion Mabe Pearl and Diamond Lever Back Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A classic combination of diamonds and pearls. Faye Kim's mabe pearl earrings with triple diamonds are bezel set in 18k gold with lever backs.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k 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
Contemporary 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Solitaire Ring, 14mm, USA
Located in Jupiter, FL
Steadily put, the mabe pearl is held in a secure 14K yellow gold bezel creating a modern and sleek look.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 14k Round Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Cut: Round Color: White Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Tall: 3/4" (18.4mm) Wide: 3...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mabe Pearl and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Mabe Pearl and Diamond 14K Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Mabe Pearl and Diamond Halo Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 0.87" x 0.87" Total Weight: 18.8 Grams Pearl Type: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.5 mm Total Diamond Count: 60 diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 15.7mm White Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings, Vintage Style
Located in New York, NY
Details Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone: White Mabe Pearls Pearl Size: Approx. 15.7mm round Measurements: 0.75 inch diameter Approx.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl and Peridot 18K Yellow Gold Braid Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
These earrings focus on the prismatic glow of the Mabe pearl, a jewel that grew against its shell in the water.
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold Mabé Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.00ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At its center rests a luminous Mabé pearl, admired for its smooth domed surface and soft, glowing luster.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Earrings with Mabe Pearl Centers
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold earclips with blue and green enamel and mabe pearl centers. The earrings measure 1.25" in diameter .
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
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
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Omega Back Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage 14K yellow gold earrings featuring lustrous mabe pearls framed in smooth, rounded bezels. The pearls display a beautiful iridescent sheen that contrasts gracefully wi...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 9k White Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Earrings, Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Mabe (pronounced mah-bay) pearls are large, blister pearls, cultured in South Sea molluscs.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, White Gold
$375Sale Price|20% Off
Oversized Gilt & Mabe Pearl Abstract Brutalist Brooch by Vogue Bijoux, 1980s
By Vogue Bijoux
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 2.5" in diameter - Gold plated - Mabe pearl - By Vogue Bijoux, signed on verso - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
$1,195Sale Price|28% Off
JAS-22-2300 - 24K/SS RING HANDMADE with CHAMPAGNE DIAMONDS & 18X13MM MABE PEARL
By JA Star USA
Located in New York, NY
24K/SS RING HANDMADE with CHAMPAGNE DIAMONDS and 18X13MM MABE PEARL Metal: 24K gold/SS Diamond Info: CHAMPAGNE DIAMONDS 0.45 ct Stone Info: 18X13MM MABE PEARL Total Diamond Weight: 0...
Diamond, Pearl, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver
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
Solid Yellow Gold 14.7mm Mabe Pearl Button Clip On Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - White Color w/ Nice Overtone - 14.7mm (approx.)
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blister Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Bold yet timeless, these 14K yellow gold stud earrings feature a stunning pair of blister Mabe pearls, bezel-set in smooth gold frames. Each pearl measures approximately 23.8mm in di...
Pearl
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ear Clip Earrings Circa 1980's
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Mabé Pearl Ear Clips, circa 1980s. These elegant square-shaped earrings feature luminous mabé pearls beautifully accented by sparkling diamonds,...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Organic Freeform
Located in Wallkill, NY
14k Gold handmade Organic Mabe Pearl Ring Measures, .85 in top to bottom, .50 in wide.
Cultured Pearl, 14k 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
Italian 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings, Circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold, the design centers on a pair of luminous mabe pearls framed by subtly textured gold and accented with bezel-set round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
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:...
Natural Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gol...
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Mabé Pearl 14 Karat Gold and Sterling Silver Two-Tone Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Freshwater Mabé Pearl dome, 14k yellow gold bezel and sterling silver tapered, square band cocktail ring.
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling S...
Unique, Reversible Onyx, Diamond, & Mabe Pearl Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The pair can be worn either as a Mabe Pearl center flanked by panels of black onyx cabochons or, for more formal occasions, as Mabe pearl centers flanked by two panels of modern roun...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver, Mabe Pearl Lever Back Earring, 1970's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in North Miami, FL
These classic and stunning vintage Tiffany and Co. hallmarked sterling silver and Mabe pearl lever back earrings can go day to evening.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Yellow Gold Cultured Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 18k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Mabe Pearls Size: 12mm Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Features: Ribbed Detailing Measurements Tall: 3...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Ragnar 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earrings, Circa 1990s, Canada
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These elegant Ragnar 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earrings showcase timeless design and organic texture.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Gold Platinum Mabe Pearl Earrings, Late 20th Century
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Featuring lustrous 18mm Mabe pearls, their radiant glow is beautifully framed by 18K gold and platinum.
18k Gold, Platinum
Steven Battelle Black Mabe Pearl 18K Gold Sterling Silver Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A lustrous black fresh water ??? 10mm Mabe pearl is set in classic large/small twist wire 18K gold bezel with a handmade sterling twisted wire shank .
Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold 11.6mm Mabe Pearl 1.85ctw Diamond Large Button Omega Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-190218599 Large High Quality Mabe Pearls & Diamonds Button Earrings!
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Mabe Pearl Omega Back Earrings, 18mm, Modern Design, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These elegant 14K gold earrings feature luxurious Mabe pearls, each measuring approximately 18mm in diameter with a soft, cream-white hue that radiates timeless sophistication.
Pearl, 14k 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
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Pendant
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl Pendant with Triple Diamonds will add just the right touch of elegance to any outfit, and can be layered with other necklaces to create a statemen...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 1890s Mabe Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated, quatrefoil design is ornamented with a feature 7mm mabe pearl, claw set to the center of the design.
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
MAZ American 14K Gold Conch Shell, Mabe Pearl &Gemstone Modernist Clip Earrings
By Maz
Located in Miami, FL
Each earring is centered with a luminous mabe pearl, approximately 18 carats, and accented with bezel-set rubies, peridot, and citrine, offering rich color contrast against the natur...
Citrine, Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabé Pearl Ring With Ruby Halo Set in a Filigreed 18K Yellow Gold Mount
Located in valatie, NY
Mabé Pearl Ring With A Ruby Set Halo in a Filigreed 18K Yellow Gold Mount.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt White Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-On Earrings Surrounded with Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18kt White Gold Mabe Pearl Clip - On Earrings Surrounded with Diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960's Mabe Pearl and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in North Miami, FL
This 60's lovely vintage dome cocktail ring has a mabe pearl surrounded by 26 round diamonds. it is 14 K white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Jade Carved Leaf Gold Mabè Pearl 18 Karat Gold Earring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Amazing spinach carved jade leaf, gold color mabè pearl, linked in 18 kt gold gr 12,70, total length 6cm.
Jade, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
22k Gold Mabe Pearl Signature Cocktail Ring by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
Mabe Pearl Signature Cocktail ring is set in 22k gold featuring a double band for added drama.
Pearl, Gold, 22k 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.