$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
Very rare 18k White Gold MIKIMOTO Large Tahitian Pearl Solitaire Pendant. Pendant is 18k WG Mikimoto and Necklace chain 18k Gold Mikimoto Details: 16in length chain 15mm by 11.5mm ...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold “Mikimoto” Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.3 grams Diamond: Weight: .70ct, total weight Cut: Round Brilliant Color: E-F Clarity: VS Pearl: Size: 9.2mm each Type: Tahitian Pear...
Diamond, White Gold
MIKIMOTO Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 9.33 Ctw Rubies & Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Tahitian pearls Tahitian pearls are some of the rarest, most valuable, and most expensive, pearls on the planet.
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Rhod...
MIKIMOTO Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.29 Ctw Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Often pearl buyers are puzzled by Tahitian pearl prices.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$5,200
H 0.67 in W 0.22 in L 15.01 in
Mikimoto Pendant. Genuine 18k Gold Mikimoto Baroque Tahitian Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Very rare 18k White Gold MIKIMOTO Large Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace Large Blister Baroque Tahitian Pearls. 18k Slide Lock Clasp encrusted with natural diamonds.
Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Large Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Large 12mm Tahitian Pearl Ring by Mikimoto. With 2x Trillion cut VS1 clarity, E color diamonds total weight approx. .50ct 1 x 12mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl Color G...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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.
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Whi...
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 One ladies 18K white gold diamond and pearl accented cocktail ring with a half-rou...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 18K White Gold 0.30ct Diamond and Tahitian Pearl Ring MK28-052026
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This Mikimoto ring is instantly captivating. At the center of a detailed Platinum setting, a 12.2mm Tahitian Pearl center stone serves as a stunning focal point.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
$3,890
H 1 in W 0.42 in L 18 in
Mikimoto 18k White Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Pendant 18" Wheat Link Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Genuine Cultured Tahitian Pearl - Round Shape - AAA - Gray Color - 10.7mm (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,330
H 0.67 in W 0.22 in L 15.01 in
Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k White Gold Mikimoto Blister Pearl Flower Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Very rare 18k White Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl Flower Pendant. Tahitian Baroque Blister Pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k 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 as the center stone surrounded by brilliantly set pave diamonds in the band.
Black Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Tahitian Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
Mikimoto designed 18 karat white gold 8.8 mm Tahitian pearl pendant on 18" cable chain.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Cultured Black Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings PEA1008BDW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
The Mikimoto PEA1008BDW pearl and diamond Earrings embodies 10 mm black South Sea (Tahitian) cultured pearls on 18 karat white gold to create stunning black pearl and diamond drop ea...
5A+Tahitian Pearl Bracelet in White Gold 18kt and Oval Links by Mikimoto
By Mikimoto
Located in Firenze, FI
5A+ Tahitian pearl bracelet in white gold 18kt and oval links, from our stock since 2006.
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
A pair of 5+ plus Tahitian dark pearl 18kt Rose gold and diamonds earring
By Mikimoto
Located in Firenze, FI
A beautiful pair of Tahitian dark pearl in 18kt rose gold with diamond earring by Mikimoto.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Pink Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring centers a 9.7 mm round Tahitian pearl Dark gray in body color with strong violetish overtones and very good luster Flanked by channel set sapphires that gradient from ver...
Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Cultured Pearl Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
11 mm, Tahitian cultured pearls in post settings with friction backs.
Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Cultured Pearl Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Tahitian Cultured Pearl Pendant Necklace by Mikimoto.
Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Estate Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18 Karat Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18kt 12mm 18.25" Certified $16,975 016629 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Pearl, 18k Gold
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.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Large Tahitian Pearl Platinum Flower Brooch Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond and Large Tahitian Pearl Flower Pin Brooch by Mikimoto. With 60 Round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 Clarity, G color total weight approximate 1.50ct 1 High Luster Bla...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
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.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Large Tahitian South Sea Pearl Strand White Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Large Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace by Mikimoto.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 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.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Sold
H 2.52 in L 1.9 in
GIA Ruby No Heat Platinum Diamond Necklace 18K Antique Pendant Old Mine 5.04 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
THANKS Specializing in Fine Vintage Antique Designer Jewelry, Mikimoto Pearls, Fine Tahitian Pearls, Black Opals, Natural Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapp...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 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.
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Important Estate 18KT Gold Original Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful Rare Important 18KT Gold Fancy Gray Tahitian Pearl Necklace. Necklace is comprised of graduating Gray cultured pearls measuring a...
Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace 11.5 to 12mm 18k White Gold Diamond
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
The necklace features lustrous gray Tahitian pearls, each with a unique iridescence, creating a captivating visual effect.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Large Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Large 12mm Tahitian Pearl Ring by Mikimoto. This exquisite Mikimoto Platinum Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring showcases a captivating Tahitian pearl with a deep, iridesc...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Large Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Large 11.5mm Tahitian Pearl Ring by Mikimoto. With 2x round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approx. 0.28ct and one 11.5mm high luster ta...
Black Pearl, Diamond, Platinum
Mikimoto Tahitian South Sea Pearl and Diamond Lariat Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Superb Mikimoto Tahitian South Sea Pearl and diamond lariat style adjustable necklace showcasing 33 Noir Black South Sea Cultured Pearls measuring 11.9 x 11 mm, with Excellent luster...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Estate Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18k Gold 11.6 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Mikimoto Estate Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18k Gold 11.6 mm Certified $19,750 212091 Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls!
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
W 0.63 in L 2.17 in
GIA 18K Ruby No Heat Diamond Earrings Star Natural Vintage VVS Huge 19.94 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
THANKS Specializing in Fine Vintage Antique Designer Jewelry, Mikimoto Pearls, Fine Tahitian Pearls, Black Opals, Natural Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapp...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Black South Sea Cultured 'Tahitian' Pearl Diamond Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Each earring features a stunning 8mm black south sea cultured 'Tahitian' pearl and a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately .20ct.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Vail, CO
Mikimoto graduated Tahitian pearl bracelet, the pearls ranging from 11mm to 13.6mm in diameter, with a round 18k white gold clasp accented by a single small round diamond, signed Mik...
Black Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold pearl necklace, crafted by Mikimoto, featuring 9mm to 10mm Tahitian pearls and a diamond on the clasp.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of platinum earrings, designed by Mikimoto, set with 11mm Tahitian pearls and approximately 0.48ctw in G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Flower Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of platinum earrings set with 3.00-3.30ctw of G/VS diamonds and 9.7mm Tahitian Pearls. The earrings measure 23mm x 23mm and weigh 24.7 grams. Marked: M mark, pt950.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl Yellow Sapphire Gold Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow gold ring set with a 12.5mm Tahitian pearl and yellow sapphires. The ring is a size 6.25 and the shank is 5.2mm wide. The weight of the ring is 12.4 grams. Marked: M...
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Graduated Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful Mikimoto necklace, featuring 10.5mm to 12.2mm graduated Tahitian pearls, set with 18k gold and diamond clasp.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Pearls in Motion Gold Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of 18k white gold drop earrings by Mikimoto for Pearls in Motion collection. Featuring 8mm to 10.5mm Tahitian pearls and approx. 0.16ctw in G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Two Strand Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A platinum and 18k gold necklace set with Tahitian pearl ranging in size from 9mm - 12mm and 3.80ctw of G/VS diamonds. The necklace is 17" long, pendant is 26mm x 30mm. The weight ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mikimoto Gold Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Classic 18k white gold Mikimoto necklace with 8.3mm to 11/2mm Tahitian pearls and diamond on the clasp.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Pearls In Motion Gold Diamond Tahitian Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k white gold necklace adorned with six movable Tahitian pearls 10mm - 10.6mm in diameter and approximately 0.20ctw of G/VS diamonds. The diamond station opens and the pearls mo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Style South Sea Large Faux Pearls Tahitian Colors Necklace
By Magnificent Costume Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Mikimoto Style South Sea Large Faux Pearls Tahitian Colors 14mm Size Necklace Faux Ruby Diamond Sterling Clasp 18inches Long
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$47,500 / set
W 0.83 in L 0.98 in
BVLGARI Clip On Earrings 18Kt Yellow Gold With 8.93 Ctw In Diamonds & Sapphires
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Gems-set earrings designed by Bvlgari. This is a great pair of clips-on earrings, created in Milano Italy by the jewelry house of Bvlgari. These earrings were crafted in solid yello...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Ye...
$2,560Sale Price|40% Off
4.01ct Oval Cut Emerald Forget Me Knot ring with Emeralds in 18ct yellow gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Glamorously bold and unabashedly seductive. This showstopper ring features an intense green oval cut Emerald embraced North, South, East, West by gold talons and embraced by diamon...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 5.85 ctw Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Illuminate your elegance with these 5.85 ctw Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings, a masterpiece that captures the ethereal glow of moonlight. Featuring luminous moons...
Sapphire, Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring, 18K
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring size is US 8. The total weight of the ring is 6.49 grams.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman 1.68ct Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, USA, 1990
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Houston, TX
Oscar Heyman ring composed of 18K yellow gold, rubies, and diamonds. The featured oval shaped ruby is 1.68 carats, and is accented by calibré cut rubies that total 2.41 carats. Add...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari Diamond Burma Ruby Bombe Earrings GIA Certified in 18 Karat Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional and highly collectible 1980s Bulgari earrings of bombe design, each centering on a vivid-red Burma ruby (approximately 2.5 carats each) and showcasing another 6 carats of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,514 / item
H 0.6 in W 0.2 in L 0.2 in
14k White Gold 1.00 Carat Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings with Screw Backs
Located in New York, NY
Two gorgeous white diamonds sit in a prong setting on these sparkling stud earrings. Crafted in 14k white gold, these diamond stud earrings feature a high polish finish. These stunni...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
David Webb Turquoise Diamond Platinum Wrap Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous David Webb platinum wrap coil ring with two turquoise cabochons (measuring 15mm x 10mm and 20mm x 13.5mm), surrounded with a total of approx. 7.00ctw H-SI1 diamonds. Ring si...
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Necklace.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k yellow gold necklace with diamond accents. The necklace features square motif links. Front of the necklace accented with 6 square links, encrusted with total ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Steel 18k Gold Cuff Ring Vintage Sz 6 Band Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels steel & 18k yellow gold cuff ring (circa 1990s). The stylish cuff ring highlights a steel center bordered with an undulating 18k yellow gold design. The...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
French Invisibly-Set Ruby and Diamond Bombé Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bombé ring, made in Paris circa 1980, features rubies and diamonds. The voluminous domed form is invisibly-set with calibré-cut rubies edged with diamond baguettes, the shoulder...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
PERY ET FILS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 7.22 Ctw In Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
A French bombe cocktail ring with gemstones designed by Pery Et Fils This is a very beautiful classic cocktail ring, created in Paris France, back in the late 20th century. The ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Roberto Cavalli Sheer Gold Sequin Evening Gown Spring 2017 Size 40IT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli - Gold sequin evening gown with feathers. Beautiful deep V neckline, Leather Laces. Zips on the side. Spring/Summer 2017 Size 40IT
Longines Curvex Platinum Cal. 9L Collectors Wrist Watch
By Longines
Located in Antwerp, BE
Longines Curvex Platinum, Movement Caliber 9L Extremely Rare Collectors Wrist Watch Case : Platinum, Curvex, Wide 20 mm and 44.2 mm Length Including lugs Movement : Mechanical M...
Platinum
MODERNIST Cluster Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold 5.46 Ctw Diamonds & Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring with a vivid yellow sapphire. This is a beautiful classic cluster cocktail ring, carefully crafted in white and yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. T...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yel...
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 7.35 Carat Natural Unheated Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified 7.35 Carat Natural Unheated Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Ring features a large Cushion Cut Purplish Pink Sapphire surrounded by 22 R...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 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.
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.