$8,500 / set
Mikimoto Black Pearl and Diamonds Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning Mikimoto black South Sea pearl earrings with a surround of pear shaped diamonds. The
Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Black Opal Engagement Platinum Ring Baguette Cut Accents ~1.64ct Opal
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Mikimoto Black Opal Engagement Platinum Ring Baguette Cut Accents ~1.64ct Opal This ring features
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl & Natural Diamond 18-Karat Drop Necklace In Stock
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Mikimoto 18k White Gold Black South Sea Pearl & Natural Diamond Drop Necklace This is a very
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Mikimoto 18 inch black Tahitian South Sea cultured pearl necklace. Design #XNB11018NS9397
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Whi...
Mikimoto South Sea Pearl & Natural Diamond 18-Karat Lariat Necklace In Stock
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Mikimoto 18k White Gold Black South Sea Pearl & Natural Diamond Lariat Necklace This is a very
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Japanese Modernist Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, Mikimoto, Japan. Always refined and harmonious, the Mikimoto style is
Black Pearl, 18k Gold
$2,590
H 0.67 in W 0.22 in L 15.01 in
Mikimoto Pendant. Genuine 18k Gold Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k White Gold MIKIMOTO Large Tahitian Pearl
Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Baroque Chain Pearl Bracelet 7 Black South Sea Pearls 18K White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Aventura, FL
Mikimoto Baroque collection chain-pearl bracelet, contains 7 8mm A+ baroque black South Sea pearl
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
MIKIMOTO Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 9.33 Ctw Rubies & Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Mikimoto. This is a fabulous cocktail ring created in Japan by the
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Rhod...
Unavailable
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Stud PES902BW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Stud in 18k White Gold. Quality A+ Pearl Size: 9mm PES902BW
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Pendant PPS902BW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Pendant in 18K White Gold. The chain of this necklace is 18-inches
South Sea Pearl
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl and Diamond Stud PES802BDW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Stud in 18k White Gold. Quality A+ Pearl Size: 8mm Diamonds
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ladies Ring MRA10014BDXP
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring 18k White Gold Pearl 15mm Diamond 0.44 carat
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Cultured Single Pearl Pendant MPQ10059BXXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Black South Sea cultured pearl 10mm 18K White Gold A+ 18" MPQ10059BXXW
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace PPS902BDW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
A simple Mikimoto pendant featuring a single Akoya cultured pearl and diamond, set on an adjustable
MIKIMOTO GIA Certified Pearl Ring with Diamonds in White Gold 18k
By Mikimoto
Located in Forest Hills, NY
MIKIMOTO black pearl ring, made in white gold 18k. with 4 diamonds (0.28 ct) Pesrl diameter: 15.6
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Cultured Black Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings PEA1008BDW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
design. The Mikimoto PEA1008BDW pearl and diamond Earrings embodies 10 mm black South Sea (Tahitian
Mikimoto Morning Dew Black South Sea Cultured Pearl Earrings MEA10328BDXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
18 Karat White Gold Black South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings. Pearls cultured from Japan
Mikimoto Morning Dew Black South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant MPA10383BDXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
18kt. white gold Black Southsea pearl and diamond pendant from Mikimoto’s Morning Dew Collection
Unavailable
W 3.94 in L 4.34 in
5A+Thaitian Black Pearl Bracelet in 18kt White&Rose Gold & Diamonds by Mikimoto
By Mikimoto
Located in Firenze, FI
timeless bracelet made by Mikimoto in our stock since 2008. The bracelet is made with black pearls from
Black Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Stunning Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning signed ring is made in 18k white gold by Mikimoto. It features an 8.3mm Tahitian
Black Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Petit Soleil Akoya and Black South Sea Cultured Pearl Earrings MEA10400ZDXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto has set the style standard since 1893, when our founder Kokichi Mikimoto successfully
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl & Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl & Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring, "Morning Dew Collection" Metal
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl & Natural Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl & Natural Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings Metal: 18k white gold
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Black Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Simple and elegant Mikimoto design boasting a gorgeous subtle chain made of 18K white gold, onto
Black Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Graduated Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Authentic Ladies Mikimoto 18k White Gold & Black South Sea Graduated Pearl Necklace. This beautiful
White Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Strand Pearl Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite necklace by designer Mikimoto* displays 47 of the finest and lustrous graduated
Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Gold and Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this Authentic Mikimoto 18k White Gold, Diamond & Black South Sea Pearl
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings 18k White Gold 4.9g
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
These are the Classic Elegance Black South Sea Cultured Pearl Sea Lever Back earrings, currently
Diamond
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearls & Diamond Dangle Earrings, 18k White Gold, 2 In.
By Mikimoto
Located in McLeansville, NC
clarity black south sea pearls round bead 8.6 - 10.2 mm Length: 2 in. Weight: 4.9 dwts. / 7.6 grams
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Pearl 8mm Bracelet 18k White Gold Diamond 7" Cert Box
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
This Mikimoto 8mm Black South Sea pearl bracelet is a contemporary treasure; don't miss the
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black Peacock South Sea Pearl Bracelet 8-9mm 18k White Gold Diamond 8"
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
Enhance your collection with this Mikimoto Beaded Bracelet. Featuring lustrous black pearls with
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black Peacock South Sea Pearl Bracelet 8-9mm 18k White Gold Diamond 8"
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
Enhance your collection with this Mikimoto Beaded Bracelet. Featuring lustrous black pearls with
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea 9mm Pearl Pendant .10ct Diamond 18k White Gold 5.3g 18"
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
This is a Mikimoto pendant necklace crafted from 18k white gold. The necklace measures 18 inches in
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea 9mm Pearl Pendant .10ct Diamond 18k White Gold 5.3g 18"
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
This is a Mikimoto pendant necklace crafted from 18k white gold. The necklace measures 18 inches in
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Mikimoto Cultured Black Pearl Diamond Necklace 18k White Gold Jewelry
By Mikimoto
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Mikimoto black cultured pearl & diamond necklace, crafted in 18 karat
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Diamond and Black Pearl Platinum Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
resplendent brilliance of diamonds, the black pearl creates a sublime visual effect in this gorgeous Mikimoto
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Diamond Tahitian Black Pearl White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Tahitian Black Pearl Pendant Necklace by Mikimoto. With 1 round brilliant
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Rose Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
combine the feminine appeal of rose gold with the striking allure of black pearls. Designed by Mikimoto
Diamond, Rose Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl White Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond 10mm Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Earrings by Mikimoto. With 2 round
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold White and Black Diamonds and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
attractive décor then this sublime ring is an excellent choice. Presented by Mikimoto, the ring is crafted
Diamond, Black Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Pearl Rectangle Cushion Pendant Black
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This spectacular necklace is elegantly designed by Mikimoto in classy 18K yellow gold. Its chic
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Black Pearl Lariat Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Sensationally crafted in shimmering 18K white gold, this gorgeous necklace by Mikimoto is a perfect
Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Circle Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Spectacularly made by Mikimoto in classy 18K white gold, this remarkable necklace is a splendid
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto Platinum Diamond and Black Pearl Ring Size 4.75
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
resplendent brilliance of diamonds, the black pearl creates a sublime visual effect in this gorgeous Mikimoto
Diamond, Platinum
Mikimoto Diamond Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Strand White Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto. With 14 Round
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Japanese Akoya Cultured Black Pearl and Diamond Pendant/Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Gorgeous 18k white gold pendant/necklace with three alternating Akoya cultured black pearls and
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 10 Diamond Rondelles Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold 10 Diamond Rondelles Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto. With 10
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Pearl Pendant Cord Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
The attractive design of this splendid necklace by Mikimoto boasts a nifty feel of prestigious
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
allure of black pearls gives a captivatingly offbeat appeal to these exceptional earrings. Splendidly
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
presented by Mikimoto and it is expertly crafted from 18K rose gold, weighing 11 grams. It is decorated with
Diamond, Rose Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
prestigiously gleaming 18K white gold, this gorgeous ring presented by Mikimoto weighs 14.8 grams. The ring is
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
an alluringly imaginative design topped off with attractive décor. Created by Mikimoto, the ring is
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto Contemporary Black South Sea Pearl 18K Gold Pearls In Motion Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
round - black in body color with excellent luster Pearls can be moved along strand - will stay in place
Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Gold and Black Rhodium Diamond and Black Pearl Circle Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This fascinating 18K white gold necklace by Mikimoto is an item of prestigious quality and refined
Diamond, Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamonds and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
incredibly eye-catching design topped off with irresistibly lustrous décor. The ring is presented by Mikimoto
Diamond, Rose Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold White and Black Diamonds and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
attractive décor then this sublime ring is an excellent choice. Presented by Mikimoto, the ring is crafted
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Full Diamond and Black Pearl Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Embellished with 1.35ct of diamonds and a magnificent black pearl, this superb necklace by Mikimoto
Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This remarkable 18K white gold necklace by Mikimoto is exceptionally sublime! Its beautiful pendant
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Sapphires and Black Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Splendidly designed by Mikimoto in shimmering 18K white gold, this breathtaking necklace is a
Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Circle Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Spectacularly made by Mikimoto in classy 18K white gold, this remarkable necklace is a splendid
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Circle Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
look in a most refined, elegant manner. The necklace is presented by Mikimoto and it is masterfully
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Cone Pendant
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
created by Mikimoto and it is exquisitely made of elegant 18K white gold, weighing 12 grams. The pendant
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto Contemporary Black Tahatian South Sea Pearl 18 Karat Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring black South Sea Tahatian pearls graduating in size from 9 mm - 15 mm, with overall good
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Pearl Bypass Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
superb ring that offers a splendidly elegant appearance. The ring is created by Mikimoto and it is
Diamond, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Rose Gold Brown Diamond and Black Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
earrings that offer a splendidly classy look. Created by Mikimoto, the pair is wonderfully crafted from
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...
Vintage Cartier d’Amour 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Tribute to Love and Refined Elegance Enhance your everyday look or commemorate a special occasion with this Cartier d’Amour Diamond Bracelet, meticulously crafted in 18K r...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.55 Carats 18K White Gold 14-15 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 14-15 mm flanked with numerous diamonds weighing 1.55 carats. Comes in Rose Gold
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
HRD 14K 5.01 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
"HRD 14K 5.01 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 5.01-carat natural black Opal with a color-play effect. It is set on the 14K white gold b...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$14,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 36" 14k Y Gold 9 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Magnificent and Rare Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl 9 mm necklace Necklace 36" 18k Yellow Gold Certified $56,000 M56000 Estate Mikimoto 97 Pearls LARGE 9 mm 36 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gol...
Pearl, Gold
Antique Fernch Floral Diamond Platinum Wedding Tiara
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Floral Design Platinum Diamond Tiara with Detachable Brooch This magnificent French tiara, crafted in luxurious platinum, is a masterpiece of elegance and refinement....
Diamond, Platinum
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Natural French Cut Sapphire Eternity Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant vintage inspired eternity band, beautifully designed to capture the chic style of the Art Deco era! The setting features rich French-cut blue natural sapphires meticulously b...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 30' Inch 6 - 6.5 mm Akoya Pearls Strand Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in San Diego, CA
Mikimoto 30' Inch Pearl Strand Necklace Style: Strand Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Size: 6 - 6.5 mm Akoya Pearls Length: 30' Inches Hallmark: M ( Mikimoto Signature ) 750 on back of Cla...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13' S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen. It skims the body has a scoop neckline and 3 rows of ruffles beginning at knee level in the front and 8 sta...
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Vintage A. Tillander Diamond Platinum Tiara
Located in London, GB
An A. Tillander diamond platinum tiara, circa 1910. This exceptional diamond tiara by A. Tillander is beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The tiara is composed of intertwining, sc...
Diamond, Platinum
Dalben Magnificent Australian Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 10,35 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Coober Pedy Australian crystal opal . This wonderful Australian Opal have a kal...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$66,200
W 1.13 in L 18.9 in
Antique French Ch. Fontana & Cie Diamond Tiara Necklace Silver Upon Gold, c 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, diamond fringe tiara necklace, by Ch. Fontana & Cie, with the front section comprising a fringe of graduating pendants, linked at the top with rose-cut diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Chanel Black Quilted Timeless Clutch
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
- Black - Signature interlocking CC logo - Silver-tone hardware - Diamond quilted lambskin leather - Top bar and kiss lock - Main compartment - Internal zip fastening compartment P...
Mikimoto Akoya Japanese Round Pearl Rope Necklace White Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mikimoto Akoya Japanese round pearl rope necklace with a white gold clasp. Elegant and timeless, this single-strand Akoya pearl rope necklace by Mikimoto is composed of 170 meticulou...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Riviera Diamond GIA Heart Emerald Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning estate diamond and emerald heart necklace is crafted in 18 karat White and yellow gold. Incorporates 84 round-cut and 25 marquise shaped diamonds, prong-set in pairs, c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.
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.