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MIKIMOTO 18k Gold Pearl Necklace. Rice Pearls Multi Strand Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Triple strand 16inch Rice pearls high quality. Amazing Lustre. 18k Yellow gold Mikimoto Clasp This is
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto 18K Gold Akoya Pearl and Diamond Angel Pin Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the brooch features a stylized angel design with flowing lines. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18K Gold Clasp Akoya Pearl Necklace 17” 5–5.5mm 15.37g
By Mikimoto
Located in Media, PA
of enduring beauty and craftsmanship. Details: Brand: Mikimoto Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (hallmarked
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Diamond Wings ring. Mikimoto Diamond
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamond solitaire MIKIMOTO Double wing design. Details
Category

1990s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Solitaire Pearl ring. Mikimoto Pearl
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Pearl solitaire MIKIMOTO hallmarked accordingly Original
Category

1990s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Dainty Diamond Ring.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold with a diamond. MIKIMOTO Details: Size 5
Category

1990s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl and Diamond Drop
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Ruby Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl and Ruby Drop
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Necklace wreath
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl Wreath Pendant
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. 18k Gold Mikimoto Triangle Pyramid graduated Pearl Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl Pyramid Pendant
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto Diamond Ruby Solitaire Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Diamond and Ruby
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Moon Earrings. 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Dainty Stud Earrings.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
: hallmark M for Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold 4mm round saltwater Pearls 1.4grams total
Category

1990s Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Earrings. 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Dangle Earrings. Unpierced Clip on
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
: hallmark M for Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold 7mm Akoya Pearl 3.2grams total weight 27mm drop
Category

1990s Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Mikimoto Abstract Pearl
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Necklace Pendant is Sterling Silver and the Chain is 18k White Gold. Includes Original Mikimoto Box
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Mikimoto pearl 18k yellow gold stud earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pearls measuring approximately 8.10mm each, set in radiant 18k yellow gold. Hallmarked with the Mikimoto
Category

20th Century Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto pearl 18k yellow gold stud earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pearls measuring approximately 8.10mm each, set in radiant 18k yellow gold. Hallmarked with the Mikimoto
Category

20th Century Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto diamond pearl 18k yellow gold necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamond of F-G color and VS clarity. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and hallmarked with Mikimoto’s signature
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pearl Exquisite Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
beautifully. Set in luxurious 18k white gold, the bracelet weighs a delicate 3.8 grams and measures 7.5 inches
Category

Vintage 1960s Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Coral Double Post bypass ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold coral and Pearl MIKIMOTO Double Post Bypass ring Extremely
Category

1990s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Coral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Cluster with Vines and Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearls MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Comes with
Category

1990s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Cluster with Vines and Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearls MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Details: Size 5
Category

1990s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Cluster. Vines Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearls MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Details: Size 6
Category

1990s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Double flower bypass ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl MIKIMOTO Double Flower motif. Extremely
Category

1990s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Cluster. Vines Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Designer ring. World Renowned MIKIMOTO pearl ring. Akoya pearl bypass ring. Pearls have
Category

1990s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearls Stud Dangle Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 0.75 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto diamond pearl 18k white gold butterfly necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
approximately .40 carats, graded E-F color and VS clarity. Crafted in 18k white gold and weighing 45.87 grams
Category

1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold 18k
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Mikimoto Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearls Size: 6.8mm Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Butterfly Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Butterfly Necklace. This necklace features a beautifully
Category

2010s Japanese Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 6.75 5.45 Grams 7.9mm pearl
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k YG and Pt900 Mikimoto Diamond Shield Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum MIKIMOTO Diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Pendant Heart Motif Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 16.00 inches Weight: 7.57 Grams Lady's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring, Diamond 18k White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
brilliant cut diamonds around it and set in 18k white gold. Band width is 2.4 mm. Ring size is 7.25. Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold 0.57ct Diamond and Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18K White Gold pendant measuring 1.0 long by 0.88 wide is suspended from a 16 chain. A singular 13.5mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Three Pearl Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mikimoto Three Pearl Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace. The Mikimoto Three Pearl Diamond 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

MIKIMOTO Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
18K white gold ruby and diamond pendant necklace by the renowned Japanese jeweler MIKIMOTO, this
Category

1990s Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Pearls and Diamonds Horn Pin 18K Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
Mikimoto Pearls and Diamonds Horn Pin 18K Yellow Gold. .04ctw 1.5" X 1" 7 Grams
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This Mikimoto ring will continually capture your imagination. Clean lines and a simple 18K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This striking band ring by Mikimoto crafted in 18K white gold features a modern geometric design
Category

Early 2000s Japanese Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto White Gold 18k South Sea Cultured Pearl Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Geneva, CH
Mikimoto White Gold 18K White South Sea Cultured Pearl Pendant White South Sea Cultured Pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Pearl
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Pearl Rounded shank is 3. 7 mm on top 3.3 mm on the bottom Size: 6 1/2
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold and Pearl Necklace with Tag
By Mikimoto
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 2000s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 25.5g Pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Akoya Pearls Station Necklace & Bracelet Set Yellow Gold 18k
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $6900 Brand: Mikimoto Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Signed 33-Inch Akoya Pearl 18k Gold Bead Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Item Type: Pearl Bead Necklace Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Closure: Box Clasp, Signed Mikimoto Packaging
Category

1990s Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold A+ Akoya Pearl Necklace & Earrings Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Mikimoto 18K White Gold A+ Akoya Pearl Necklace & Earrings Set This elegant Mikimoto jewelry set
Category

2010s Japanese Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

MIKIMOTO Pave Diamond Pearl Double Flower 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
These timeless Mikimoto earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with cultured pearls and
Category

Early 2000s Asian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold 6.5mm Akoya Pearl Solitaire Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Length: 18.00 inches Weight: 2.84
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Margarita 18K White Gold Black South Sea Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
coveted in the world, desired for their edgy and enduring beauty.This brand new Mikimoto Margarita 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold Tahitian Pearl Accented Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto  Gender: Ladies  Metal Type: 18K White Gold Ring Size: 6.5  Weight: 5.00 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Tanzanite, Diamond & Pearl Choker Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in La Jolla, CA
Mikimoto Tanzanite, Diamond & Pearl Choker Necklace in 18k White Gold Pearl and Tanzanite Choker
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 14k Gold Mikimoto BOW Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl BOW Drop Pendant
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Diamond Akoya Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Ring - Size 4
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Ring in size 4 is a luxurious fine jewelry piece crafted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto A+ 6.5mm Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Mikimoto A+ 6.5mm Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold A symbol of timeless elegance
Category

2010s Japanese Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Akoya Pearls Christian Cross Pendant Yellow Gold 18k Religious Symbol
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Mikimoto Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearls Theme: Christian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold Graduated South Sea Pearl Strand Diamond Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Mikimoto 18K White Gold Graduated South Sea Pearl Strand Diamond Necklace A rare and important
Category

2010s Japanese Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Placomos 18K Yellow Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Golden Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
design that feels both bold and refined.This brand new Mikimoto Placomos 18K Yellow Gold 1.0 ct Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch, 3.13 Inches
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
A graceful vintage brooch by Mikimoto, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold in the form of an elegant
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace 18K
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Mikimoto Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Type: Akoya Cultured Chain Length: 18 inches
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Mikimoto 18k Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate piece of mikimoto 18k gold for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 160 vintage or 292 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect item from our selection of mikimoto 18k gold may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of mikimoto 18k gold of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Pearl, from our inventory of 287, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also uncut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an object in our assortment of mikimoto 18k gold, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Mikimoto 18k Gold?

Prices for a piece of mikimoto 18k gold can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $270 and can go as high as $458,193, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,990.

Mikimoto for sale on 1stDibs

Born to a noodle-shop owner, Japanese jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto (1858–1954) worked in the seafood business before shifting his focus to pearl cultivation. In 1893, he successfully developed the world’s first cultured pearls with a semispherical specimen. His further experimentation would include black and white South Sea pearls. This development gave Mikimoto a supply of what had once been a notoriously rare natural element and earned him the nickname “The Pearl King.” As he once said, “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.”

In 1899 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Mikimoto opened his first, eponymous store in a white-stone building reminiscent of the color of pearls. He quickly earned a reputation for dazzling designs that blended Japanese craftsmanship and European influence. Mikimoto sent his jewelers to Europe to study the latest trends in jewelry and design; they brought back knowledge of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, which were incorporated into designs featuring Mikimoto’s pearls.

But Mikimoto’s creations were not met with enthusiasm by all. In 1921, a London newspaper called the designer’s jewelry “only imitations of real pearls” and claimed the company was “misleading” its customers. It developed into a lawsuit in the French courts, which ruled in Mikimoto’s favor, and raised the jeweler’s global profile.

He also brought his work international acclaim through exhibitions and world’s fairs, including the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia where he unveiled a replica of the Liberty Bell covered with pearls. In 1927, Mikimoto met with Thomas Edison, who gave the jeweler’s invention probably its best compliment: “It is one of the wonders of the world that you were able to culture pearls. . . . This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl.”

Following World War II, Mikimoto opened stores around the world, with locations now in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles and Shanghai. Though its founder died in 1954, the Mikimoto company has continued to build on the legacy he established, producing collections of pearl necklaces and other pearl-centric jewelry that span a wide range of styles.

In 2017, the brand reopened its flagship Tokyo store, tapping architect Hiroshi Naito to design a new glittering facade whose 40,000 tiny glass plates are meant to evoke the movement of the ocean as they catch the light. The place where Mikimoto had his legendary success over a century ago is now known as Mikimoto Pearl Island and includes a museum on his life and pearls. A highlight is the “Boss’s Necklace,” which was the first made by Mikimoto and is the model for all the brand’s classic strands that have followed.

Find Mikimoto pendant necklaces, choker necklaces and a range of other jewelry on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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 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.

Questions About Mikimoto
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Mikimoto pearls tend to at least hold their value over time. In some cases, the value of the brand's pearl jewelry increases over time due to demand and the effects of inflation. Keep in mind that the value of any piece of jewelry depends on its condition. Properly storing and caring for your pieces can help to ensure that they retain their value for years to come. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    No, not all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya. Mikimoto also uses Black South Sea cultured pearls, White South Sea cultured pearls, Golden South Sea cultured pearls, and Conch pearls to create their jewelry. Shop Mikimoto Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, Mikimoto pearls are Akoya, meaning they come from Akoya oysters. The brand largely pioneered the production of cultured pearls, which are genuine pearls developed with human assistance. Mikimoto creates Akoya pearl necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings and brooches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    How much a Mikimoto pearl necklace is worth will depend on the size of the strand, the number of pearls used and the design. It could range from $920 to $21,000, with a wide variety of price points in between. From pendant and choker to multi-strand and rope versions, find Mikimoto pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.