Mings Hawaii Two Jade Sphere Akoya Pearl Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Stones: Akoya Pearl and Jade Jade Count: 2 round pale green jade spheres Jade Diameter: ~10.9 mm Total Jade Carat Weight: ~18...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bird on a Plum Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearls: Akoya Pearls Total Weight: 5.1 Grams Brooch Measurements: 1.5" x 1.10" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Conditio...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Sphere Jade and Akoya Pearl Strand Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Akoya Pearls and Jade Total Weight: 17.5 Grams Bracelet Length: Stamped: this bracelet is not stamped but is...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Purple Amethyst and Akoya Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8 Grams Stones: Amethyst & akoya pearl Brooch Measurements: 2.10" x 0.75" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" C...
Pearl, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Round Jade Leaf and Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 13.0 Grams Stones: Jade and akoya pearls Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condi...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Oval Jade Leaf and Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12 Grams Stones: Jade and akoya pearls Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.10" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Cond...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Silver Pearl and Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearls: Cultured Silver Pearls Jade: green, brown, white and black Total Weight: 13.7 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resi...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings White Jade and Pearl Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12.6 Grams Stones: Jade and akoya pearls Brooch Measurements: 2.3" x 1.30" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" ...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Jade and Pearl Leaf Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Akoya Pearls and green jade Total Weight: 39.1 Grams Bracelet Length: 7" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: P...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Double Jade and Pearl Ring in 14Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Akoya Pearl and Jade Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Measurements: 1.10" x 0.65" Total Weight: 8.2 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (resizable) ...
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Marquise Shaped Akoya Pearl Cluster Leaf Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 13.4 Grams Stones: Akoya Pearls Ring Size: 7.5 (resizable) Ring Measurements: ~34 mm x 20 mm Stamped...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Pearl and Jade Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearls: Akoya Jade: green, brown, white and black Total Weight: 15 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Stamped...
Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Sphere Jade and Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 20.8 Grams Gemstones: Akoya Pearl and Jade Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Marquise Cabochon Double Jade and Akoya Pearl Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.3 Grams Stones: Akoya Pearls and Cabochon Jade Jade Measurements: 17 mm x 7.5 mm x 5 mm Ring Size: ...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Akoya Pearl and Leaf Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.7 Grams Brooch Measurements: 1.65" x 0.75" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authe...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Akoya Pearl and Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12.7 Grams Ring Size: 3.75 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authentic...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bird on a Plum Akoya Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearls: Akoya Pearls Total Weight: 5.1 Grams Brooch Measurements: 1.5" x 1.10" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Conditio...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Mabe Pearl Gold Carved Bezel Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Style: Large Mabe Pearl Gold Carved Bezel Earrings Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 16.3 Grams Pearl: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.50 m...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Pearl and Leaf Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold with Chain
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearls: Akoya Pearls Total Weight: 8.5 Grams Chain Length: 18" Chain Style: chain link Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Conditio...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Jade and Pearl Leaf Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.8 Grams Gemstones: Akoya Pearl and Jade Brooch Measurements: 2.80" x 1.4" Stamped: "Mings" "14...
Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Gold Carved Phoenix Clip on Earrings with Dangly Pearl in 14k
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Pearl: Akoya Pearls Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authentic.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mings Pale Oval Jade and Pearls Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.5 Grams Stones: Jade & akoya pearl Brooch Measurements: 1.9" x 1.25" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Con...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Gold Branch Brooch with Jade and Pearls in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.3 Grams Stones: Jade & akoya pearl Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condit...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Baroque Pearl and Leaf Clip on Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K White Gold Total Weight: 8 Grams Pearls: Baroque Pearls Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Backs: Clip-ons Condition: Preowned
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Oval Jade Droplets Leaf and Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 18.6 Grams Stones: Jade and akoya pearls Brooch Measurements: 2.25" x 1.50" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" ...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Oval Cabochon White Jade Pearl Leaf Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Akoya Pearl and Jade Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.4 Grams Ring Size: 7 (resizable) please message us for resizing BEFORE p...
Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Round Green Jade and Pearl Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Pearl and Jade Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.3 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Eggplant Shaped Jade and Pearl Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Pearl and Jade Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.3 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Multi Color Oval Cabochon Jade and Pearl Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 21.1 Grams Brooch Measurements: 2.65" x 1.40" Gemstones: Akoya Pearl and Cabochon Jade St...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Light Jade Leaf and Pearl Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 16.3 Grams Stones: Jade and akoya pearls Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.30" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Co...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Cabochon Jade and Pearl Halo Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Pearl and Jade Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.25 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Oval Cabochon Mottled Jade and Akoya Pearl Leaf Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.2 Grams Stones: Akoya Pearls and Cabochon Jade Jade Measurements: 18 mm x 14.1 mm x 17.1 mm R...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,044
Ming Dynasty Lacquer Box
Located in Camarate, PT
A very similar box (No. 64.32a,b) dated to the Ming Dynasty is preserved at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Mings Silver Blue Pearl Leaf Clip on Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12.8 Grams Earring Diameter: 1.25" x 0.75" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Two Baroque Pearl and Leaf Design Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.8 Grams Ring Size: 5.25 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Measurements: 14 mm x 20 mm Condition: ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Cabochon Jade and Pearl Clip on Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 13.8 Grams Earring Diameter: 25 mm x 19 mm Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Pale Green Jade Pearl and Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Ring Size: 5.25 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Measurements: 26 mm x 15 mm Condition: ...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Cabochon Pear Shaped Jade and Pearl Leaf Branch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.3 Grams Gemstones: Akoya Pearl and Jade Jade Measurement: 24 mm x 9 mm Pearl Measurement: ~4....
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Akoya Pearl and Green Jade Leaf Clip on Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Pearls: Akoya Pearls Total Weight: 25.3 Grams Earring Measurements: ~2" x 1.4" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condit...
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Carved Nephrite Jade & Pearl Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold with Chain
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: Nephrite Jade Color: Light blue Cut: Carved Jade Measurements: 1.00" x 0.75" Pearls: Akoya Pea...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bird on a Blossom Large Brooch with Pearls in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12.2 Grams Brooch Measurements: 2.5" x 1.70" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authe...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Akoya Pearl and Angelskin Coral Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 14.7 Grams Ring Size: 7 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Measurements: 1.25" X 1" Condition...
Pearl, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Double Jade Ball and Pearl Leaf Design Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.6 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Measurements: 30 mm x 20 mm Condition: Pr...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Round Green Jade and Akoya Pearl Clip on Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Pearls: 4.9 mm -5.4 mm Akoya Pearls Jade: 10 mm Green jade spheres Total Weight: 9.4 Grams Earring Measurements...
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Double Cabochon Pear Shaped Jade and Pearl Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Pearl and Jade Jade Measurements: ~12.6 mm x 10 mm x 6 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.2 Grams Ring Height: 1.2" tall R...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Green Pear Shaped Jade and Pearl Leaf Design Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.3 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Measurements: 21 mm x 21 mm Condition: Pre...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18th Century Set of 8 Chinese Silver Lacquer Bowls with Mother of Pearl Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
A fine set of 8 pieces Chinese lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid bowls with silvered interiors from the 18th century Qing Dynasty, The faces each of a thin sheet of distressed sil...
Lacquer
Trifari Red Pearl Belly Dragon, Alfred Phillipe
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Rare Series Trifari Ming Dragon Pearl Belly by Alfred Phillipe from the 1960's.
Gilt Metal
Late 19th Century Rosewood Chinese Carved And Inlaid Low Tea Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Chinese carved low table with mother of pearl inlaid base, diamond form pierced top and covered with glass. The table with carved, scalloped and pierced frieze running all around the...
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Rosewood
18K White Gold Pendant with Coin, Tourmaline & Kunzite, 11 Ct, beautiful Colors
Located in Viena, Viena
fresh and excitingly beautiful, a coin with luminous blue-green cabochon-cut tourmalines and a faceted kunzite, total approx. 11 ct, with a matching Ming cultured pearl, diameter 13....
Kunzite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,872Sale Price|24% Off
Pendant Cross with Coin and Blue-Green Tourmaline Kunzite 11 Ct White Gold 18 Kt
Located in Viena, Viena
fresh and excitingly beautiful, a coin with luminous blue-green cabochon-cut tourmalines and a faceted kunzite, total approx. 11 ct, with a matching Ming cultured pearl, diameter 13....
Kunzite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chinese Export 'Blue Fitzhugh' Platters from the Cabot-Perkins Service, c. 1812
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Made for the 1812 wedding of Doctor Samuel Cabot and Elizabeth Perkins of Boston, Massachusetts and believed to have been ordered by Thomas Perkins, the bride's father and prominent ...
Porcelain
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Beneath the inky blackness, the painter’s irrepressible energy electrifies this pair of intaglio prints.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.
From cherry-blossom-adorned walls paired with glamorous lighting to wood-paneled ceilings above checkerboard-patterned chairs, these 12 spaces seamlessly blend Eastern and Western aesthetics.
Decades after her death, appreciation for the legendary designer and architect's work continues to flourish.
The forward-thinking designer is finally getting his due.