Mikimoto Pearl Necklace Pearl Bracelet Set Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace Pearl Bracelet Set Sterling Silver You will treasure this outstanding
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Sixties Mod Pearl-Set Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
pop art brooch is set with perfectly matched Akoya pearls, varying in size for a chic, dimensional
Pearl, 14k 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
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
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
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto, White Gold and Cultured Pearl Necklace and Earring Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
A classic pearl necklace and matching stud earrings by the renowned Mikimoto. The pearls slightly
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cufflinks + Tie Pin Set Sterling Silver 7.20 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cufflinks + Tie Pin Set Sterling Silver 7.20 mm M384 These elegant
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 0.26 in
18kt Gold Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Set, 32" Necklace & 9.25" Bracelet, 6.6mm, Box
By Mikimoto
Located in San Diego, CA
18kt Gold Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Set, 32-inch pearl Necklace & 9.25-inch pearl Bracelet, 6.6mm pearls
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cufflinks + Tie Pin Set Sterling Silver 6.75 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cufflinks + Tie Pin Set Sterling Silver 6.75 mm M378 These elegant
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto rose gold Pearl & Diamond ring PRH5473Z2
By Mikimoto
Located in Addlestone, GB
Mikimoto 'Dandelion' collection pearl & diamond ring set in 18k rose gold. The ring features a
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto White Akoya Cultured Pearl Spray Brooch Set in 14 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This lovely Mikimoto brooch features exquisite akoya cultured pearls set in lustrous 14 karat white
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Tokyo Wreath Spray, 14K Yellow Gold Set With 15 Round Akoya Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in valatie, NY
Mikimoto Tokyo Wreath Spray, 14K Yellow Gold Set With 15 Round Graduated Akoya Pearls Ranging in
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,093 / set
W 0.39 in L 0.79 in
Vintage Mikimoto Set of 3 Pearl Cufflinks and Tie Pin in 18 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your formal wardrobe with this exquisite 3-piece set from Mikimoto, featuring two cufflinks
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Mikimoto .5 Carat Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold French Horn Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic 18k Mikimoto French Horn Brooch. 14 round Akoya Pearls are Mikimoto’s set in 18k yellow
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three-Piece Set UN70118VS1W3
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three Piece Set with 18K White Gold Clasp. This 18 inch Akoya
Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Two-Piece Gift Set UN70118VS1K2
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
This 18” Akoya cultured pearl strand A1 Quality features 7x6mm Akoya cultured pearls with a
Cultured Pearl
Unavailable
Mikimoto Pink Sapphire and Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
A Mikimoto pearl and pink sapphire necklace set in 18k rose gold. The necklace features a pendant
Cultured Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mikimoto South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in La Jolla, CA
These Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond earrings are set in 18K White Gold, weighing 17.65 grams, and
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Set Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
set with gorgeous natural cultured pearls. Tailored and feminine, the look is finished with gamine
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabulous Sixties Mikimoto Pearl-Set Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 14k, by Mikimoto, Japan. Stylish, elegant, and very sixties, these earrings have a
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Mother of Pearl and Pearl Cufflink Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Narberth, PA
international company. The epitome of classic beauty and feminine elegance, Mikimoto cultured pearls set the
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Gold Akoya Pearl-Set Drop Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, Mikimoto, Japan. Mikimoto combines the natural beauty of superb Akoya pearls
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond-Set Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Mikimoto, Japan. These elegant earrings are the very definition of well
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Set Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Mikimoto, Japan. These earrings are bright and fresh combining pearls diamonds
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond-Set Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
& two 7mm cultured pearls HALLMARKS: 750 for 18k and M in a clam shell for Mikimoto STOCK NUMBER
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tuxedo Cufflinks Set Silver 10.364g
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tuxedo Cufflinks Set Sterling Silver 5.5 mm 10.364g M222 Please look
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto 2 Pearl & Diamond Ring Set In 18ct Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
This elegant Mikimoto ring features two lustrous pearls and sparkling diamonds, set in 18ct yellow
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Eight Strand Pearl White Gold Bracelet and Necklace Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Eight Strand Pearl Bracelet And Necklace Set by Mikimoto. With Necklace
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Bracelet Full Set– 6.5mm Pearls, 7 1/2”
By Mikimoto
Located in Media, PA
This exquisite Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Bracelet is a timeless piece of fine jewelry, featuring
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace Set 24" 18k W Gold 7 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace Set 24" 18k W Gold 7 mm Certified $4,950 217056 Estate
Pearl, Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Hoop Earrings in Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in London, England
A stylish pair of vintage Mikimoto pearl hoop earrings set in 18k yellow gold. Each earring is
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18K White Gold Morning Dew Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Mikimoto Morning Dew Black South Sea Cultured Pearl Earrings These beautiful Mikimoto pearl and
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Ring Size 6- This stunning ring features four Mikimoto pearls
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl-Set Gold Feather Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
sixties feather-motif brooch is set with perfectly matched Akoya pearls. Tailored and feminine, this look
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Set Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, Mikimoto, Japan. A sublime example of Mikimoto Jewelry, this elegant brooch is set
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
MIKIMOTO Art Deco Onyx & Cultured Pearl Cufflink Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Narberth, PA
international company. The epitome of classic beauty and feminine elegance, Mikimoto cultured pearls set the
Onyx, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Baroque Pearl Tension Set 18k White Gold Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in MIAMI, FL
pearl gemstone that is tension set. The pearl appears to be floating in air, although simple, this ring
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Earrings + Brooch Pin Set 14k Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Earrings + Brooch Pin Set 14k Y Gold 6.5 mm M295 With Original
Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto-NY Mabe Pearl and Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Signed Mikimoto NY Mabe Pearl Earrings set in 18kt Yellow Gold swirls and offset by alternating
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Swivel Back Cufflinks in 18k White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in London, England
A unique pair of vintage Mikimoto Tahitian pearl swivel back cufflinks set in 18k white gold. From
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
Mikimoto pearl cluster earrings set in18k yellow gold. The earrings each feature three pearls of
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Ginza Special Edition A Pearl Diamond Necklace Earrings Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
New 18k white gold Ginza special edition necklace and earrings set by Mikimoto, with 8mm to 8.5mm A
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Beautiful Mikimoto Onyx, Pearl and Sterling Silver Dress Set, circa 1940s
By Mikimoto
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Beautiful 1940s Mikimoto Sterling Silver dress set with black onyx and cultured Mikimoto pearl
Cultured Pearl, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto South Sea Pearl Gold Diamond Flower Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k rose gold necklace crafted by Mikimoto. Set with A+ Pearl measuring from 12mm, and 3ctw in VS/G
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three-Piece Set UN70118VS1W3
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three Piece Set with 18K White Gold Clasp. This 18 inch Akoya
Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three-Piece Set UN70118VS1W3
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three Piece Set with 18K White Gold Clasp. This 18 inch Akoya
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three-Piece Set UN70118VS1W3
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three Piece Set with 18K White Gold Clasp. This 18 inch Akoya
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three-Piece Set UN70118VS1W3
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three Piece Set with 18K White Gold Clasp. This 18 inch Akoya
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three-Piece Set UN70118VS1W3
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Three Piece Set with 18K White Gold Clasp. This 18 inch Akoya
Mikimoto South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace Earrings Set Special Edition
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Special Edition earrings and necklace set, designed by Mikimoto, featuring 8.8mm - 11.2mm black
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearls Diamonds Earring PEA824DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearls and Diamonds set in 18k white gold. Akoya Cultured Pearls 7.5mm
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearls Diamonds Earring PEA824DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearls and Diamonds set in 18k white gold. Akoya Cultured Pearls 7.5mm
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Two-Piece Gift Set UN70118VS1W2
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
This 18” Akoya cultured pearl strand A1 Quality features 7x6mm Akoya cultured pearls with a
Mikimoto Multi-Color South Sea Pearl Gold Diamond Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k white gold necklace crafted by Mikimoto. Set with AA+ Pearls ranging from 7-11mm, and 1.12ctw
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Art Deco Silver Mother-of-Pearl Cufflinks and Shirt Stud Set
By Mikimoto
Located in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
Art Deco era Mikimoto gentleman's dress set consists of a pair of cufflinks and 3 shirt studs in
Silver
Mikimoto Black South Sea Stud Earrings with Diamonds Set in 18 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Gainesville, FL
earring features (1) 9mm black south sea cultured pearl with .10ct diamond, set in 18k white gold
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Low Back Silk Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous off white silk dress from Christian Dior 2012 collection. It has a full skirt, waistband and 2 straps crossing the back attaching to the dress with hidden buttons. The dr...
Emilio Jewelry Certified 83.00 Carat Fancy Diamond Necklace
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue, featuring a hard to come by Gia certified 25.00 carat yellow diamond pear shape drop diamond. The necklace is set with ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
$5,849Sale Price|8% Off
4.17 Carat Cabochon Emerald & Fancy Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A one of a kind, cabochon Zambian Emerald weighing (4.17 carats) with fancy Diamond Fancy Diamond - 0.73 Carat Gold 18K Yellow Gold The ring is currently sized at US 6.5 Ring Ca...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Galliano Demi Buff Mink Fur Coat (Size 16 XL)
By Christian Dior
Located in Montreal, Quebec
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Galliano Demi Buff Mink Fur Coat (Size 16 XL) Condition: New Closure: Hooks & Eyes Color: Demi Buff Material: High quality mink Garment type: long length ...
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. Excellent lustre and nacre thickness. 18k white gold catch with Mikimoto hallmar...
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Whi...
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
1.55 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Three-stone Ring in Platinum 900
Located in Bangkok, TH
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, behold the breathtaking three-stone, Emerald and Diamond Ring, a true marvel in the world of fine jewelry. Crafted with precisio...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$3,312Sale Price / item|20% Off
L 1 in
South Sea Pearl Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings 0.79 Carats 18K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 11-12 mm and four diamond clusters containing 30 diamonds weighing 0.79 carats. Pearl can be changed to Tah...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Radiant Emerald Gold Pendant
Located in רמת גן, IL
14K Yellow Gold 0.45CT Radiant Emerald Pendant ,Bezel Setting Product Description: Unveiling our Radiant Emerald Gold Pendant, a celebration of elegance and timeless beauty capture...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto, 18 Karat White Gold and Cultured Pearl Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
These classic Mikimoto earrings feature a signature twisted design. Each earring is set with a luminous 7.00 mm cultured pearl drop. A timeless blend of classic pearls and Mikimoto's...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
THIERRY MUGLER F/W 1986 Runway "Les Milteuses" Museum-Held Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Thierry Mugler Fall Winter 1986 “Les Milteuses” archival runway dress Brand: Thierry Mugler Designer: Thierry Mugler Collection: Fall Winter 1986 Fabric: Wool Color: Black and red ...
Sold|$2,048
Fendi Vintage Fox Fur
By Fendi
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Fendi vintage fur coat, beige color. Size 44 IT. Condition: Good, note: 1 missing button.
Velvet burgundy Robe with thread embroideries and flower lining Circa 1940's
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Velvet burgundy Robe with thread embroideries and satin flower lining. Button covered with fabric closure on the middle front . Shoulder pad. Top-stitched. SIZE M
Emilio Jewelry Important Diamond Necklace
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum Vault at Emilio Jewelry located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue, A glorious jaw dropping necklace featuring all large important diamonds and a large pear shape at t...
Diamond
$49,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18k Gold Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 34" 18k Gold 9.5 mm Certified $126,000 M126000 Estate Mikimoto 87 Pearls LARGE 9.5 mm 34 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 20...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vivienne Westwood white jersey Conduit Street corset, ss 2002
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood corset top ▪ Spring-Summer 2002 ▪ White cotton jersey ▪ Black text print of a Vivienne Westwood flyer, advertising the Conduit Street store in London ▪ Centre-fr...
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.
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.