Edwardian Mississippi Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Mississippi Pearl Flower Brooch from the early 1900's. Natural river pearls are used as
Antique Early 1900s German Edwardian Brooches
Pearl, Silver
Edwardian Mississippi Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Mississippi Pearl Flower Brooch from the early 1900's. Natural river pearls are used as
Pearl, Silver
Modern Mississippi Pearl, Diamond, Enamel, Gold And Silver Flower Brooch
By Moira
Located in London, GB
A modern Moira Mississippi pearl, diamond and enamel floral brooch, with three rose-cut diamond set
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere
Located in New York, NY
gradient green to yellow enamel tones with natural pearls and Mississippi pearl drop. 1.5" x .65". 1900's
Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Vintage French Mississippi River Pearl Yellow Gold Feather Brooch, 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage Mississippi river pearl and 18 karat yellow gold brooch in
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Willliam Ruser Sapphire and Pearl Cherub 14K Yellow Gold Brooch and Pendant Set
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
(Mississippi) pearls as sculptural elements: the pearls form “clouds,” seats, or props for the little figures
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gold & Mississippi River Fresh Water Pearl Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage stickpin. In 14k and 10k karat yellow golds. With a Baroque freshwater river pearl
Pearl, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
American Antique Victorian 14K Gold Natural Mississippi River Pearl Brooch
Located in Santa Monica, CA
American Antique Victorian 14K Gold Natural Mississippi River Pearl Brooch 2.3 gram Acid test
Pearl, 14k Gold
Edwardian 14K Gold Sapphire and Seed Pearl Pendant with Pearl Drops
Located in Venice, CA
pearls. Three Mississippi River pearls, elongated and organic in shape, dangle at the bottom of the
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 14k Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Narberth, PA
earring begins with an oblong Mississippi River pearl surmount. Two small pearls are connected to the
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Swan Brooch Pin with Freshwater River Pearls
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold swan pin with freshwater Mississippi river pearls. The pin measures 1 7/8" by 1 7/8
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,850
W 1.23 in D 0.28 in L 1.42 in
Antique White Gold, Natural Freshwater River Pearl & Diamond Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Edwardian period brooch. Set with 14 graduated natural (possibly Mississippi
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Art Nouveau 14k/Platinum Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous pearl and diamond bypass ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 14k yellow
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Pearl Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Statement Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a remarkable Art Deco ring in 14k white gold featuring a natural Mississippi Delta pearl
Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 14K Ruser Child Pin with Delta Pearls & Blue Sapphires
By William Ruser
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an amazing signed Ruser pin set in 14K yellow gold that features three Mississippi Delta
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,800
H 1.25 in W 2 in
Vintage 1950’s RUSER Platinum Leaf Vine Baguette Round Diamond Brooch 5.83cttw
By William Ruser
Located in Winter Springs, FL
freshwater pearls, also known as Mississippi freshwater pearls, from a button maker in Mississippi. These
Diamond, Platinum
One of a Kind Mississippi Pearl and Emerald Flower Earrings
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
There are 24 Mississippi pearls, shaped like daisy petals , emerald leaves, with an opal center
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Keshi Feather Earrings
By Marilyn F. Cooperman
Located in New York City, NY
Feathery lacelike arrangement of Keshi and Mississippi pearls and diamond twigs with 18K.
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Mississippi River Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Essex, GB
Delightfully unique! This rare pair of fresh water Mississippi river pearls are showcased in a
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold and Platinum Mississippi River Pearl Diamond Ice Skating Swan Brooch
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Freshwater Pearl Measuring 11.00 x 13.70 x 34.00 mm Full-Cut Diamond Accents Totalling
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
W 1.75 in L 2.38 in
Ruser Mississippi River Pearl Diamond Sapphire and 14k Gold Cherub Angel Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Baby Cherub Angel Brooch by Ruser Features Baroque Freshwater Cultured Pearl in 14k Yellow
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
W 0.6 in L 1.66 in
Ruser Mississippi River Pearl and Sapphire Mounted in 14k Gold Angel Pendant 10g
By William Ruser
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Unique Ruser Gold Angel Pendant Set in 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 42 x 15 mm Gross Weight: 10 grams Reference Item #DB-1372 CM 5-8-25
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Diamond Pearl Ruby Swan Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum and 18 karat yellow gold swan pin featuring one large natural Mississippi mud pearl to
Brown Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Pearl Garnet Gold Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
alcoves are rare Mississippi Mud Pearls. Signed "P.L. Bryant 14K". Unusual and stylish.
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable
Diamond Pearl Turquoise Swan Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum and 18 karat yellow gold swan pin featuring a natural Mississippi mud pearl making up the
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diving Swallow Birds 16.90 Carat Diamond Natural Pearl Sapphire Garnet 18K
By Tom Castor
Located in Lambertville , NJ
the Necklace are bright White, Uncultured, Mississippi River Pearls. Also known as Feather Pearls
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire...
Mississippi Pearl Enamel Diamond Gold Floral Brooch
By Moira
Located in London, GB
Mississippi pearl, diamond and enamel floral brooch, three rose cut diamond set anthers
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Pearl and Diamond Crane Bird Brooch
By Moira Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
diamonds and Mississippi pearls, mounted in gold with silver settings. Signed Moira, numbered 5147 Moiras
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Black, Starr & Frost Edwardian Diamond and Mississippi River Pearl Bracelet
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in Narberth, PA
white luster, perfectly complementing the bright diamond sparkle. The backside of the Mississippi pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Sold
W 0.62 in L 1.22 in
Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Platinum Natural River Pearl and Diamond Pin Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
gorgeous Edwardian natural Mississippi pearl and diamond pin and pendant is crafted in 18k yellow gold and
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold
W 1.02 in L 1.46 in
Art Nouveau 1890 Brooch In 14Kt Gold Montana Sapphires & Mississippi River Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
in a floating bar setting, with 1 free form natural freshwater white pearl from the Mississippi river
Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Mississippi Mud Pearl Gold Stud Cufflinks
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
1950's 14kt Yellow Gold Stud set with Mississippi Mud Pearls. Beautiful natural fresh water pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950 Ruser Mississippi River Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mississippi River pearls and near colorless diamonds to create a fantasy ring that looks as good as whipped
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
Arts & Crafts Pearl Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Arts and Crafts pearl and gold ring circa 1900. Showcasing three Mississippi river pearls framed by
Pearl, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Boulder Opal Pearl & Sapphire Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
. Framed in a yellow gold floral bezel accented with natural Mississippi River pearls and Montana Sapphires
Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Pearl and Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Lexington, KY
and floral motif. The pearls are natural Mississippi delta pearls, the largest being 9.3 mm X 7 mm
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Pearl Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Winged Fairy Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s 18K yellow Gold Winged fairy Brooch by William Ruser, set with Mississippi fresh water
Sapphire, Ruby, Freshwater Pearl, Diamond
Art Nouveau River Pearl & Pink Sapphire Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Towson, MD
, and one freshwater Mississippi river Pearl. The pendant measures 1.25 inches long and weighs 0.9
Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Mother-of-Pearl Insect Double Clips
By William Ruser
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic American jewelry famous for its use of Mississippi fresh water pearls in its decadent motifs
14k Gold
Ruser Cherub Pin
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 14kt Yellow Gold Cherubs with Mississippi Mud Pearl Wings floating on a Pearl Cloud amongst
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Ruser Ruby Gold Bangle Bracelet
By William Ruser
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic American jeweler famous for his use of Mississippi fresh water pearls and one of a kind
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold
W 1.15 in L 2.25 in
Luna Felix Dangle Drop Earrings In 22Kt Gold With 32 Ctw In Coral And Tourmaline
Located in Miami, FL
silica, pearls of Mississippi and Tennessee, Mexican fire opals and agates. The American Southwest has
Coral, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.82 in W 0.9 in D 0.33 in
Antique Mississippi Pearl, Blue Sapphire, and Gold Figural Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mississippi fresh water pearls in a flower shape and with a blue sapphire gemstone to the center. Mounted in
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold
14K Gold Art Nouveau Turquoise Drop Pendant with Mississippi Pearl
Located in Venice, CA
hugged by a classic Art Nouveau leaf motif. Dangling below is a Mississippi River pearl, elongated and
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian Gargoyle and Pearl Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
conjoined dragons/gargoyles sit atop 3 long Mississippi Pearl tooth pearls. Late 19th Century USA. Lovely
Pearl, 14k Gold
Important Trifari Tooth Pearl Bib
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Trifari necklace of faux Mississippi pearls and smokey grey rhinestones set into brush gilt
Pearl Necklace of Rare Oversized Mississippi River Pearls
Located in Northampton, MA
necklace of unicorns. The Mississippi River does not produce pearls like this any longer. This is a
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Mississippi River Pearl and Diamond Lavalier Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
lavalier-style necklace features two natural Mississippi River pearls hanging from an intertwining branch
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold Cufflinks with Victorian Snake Motif and Mississippi Delta Pearl
Located in Lexington, KY
Mississippi Delta Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Cufflinks with Victorian Snake Motif, This is a truly
Pearl, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau French Plique-a-Jour Amethyst and Mississippi River Pearl Festoon
Located in Narberth, PA
Mississippi River pearls dangle, one below the teardrop and the other from the two central festoon chains. The
Amethyst, Pearl, Silver
WILLIAM RUSER Gold, Pearl and Sapphire "Tuesday's Child" Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
a child frolicking with a butterfly atop a Mississippi River pearl, the child has two round faceted
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Natural Pearl Enamel Diamond Gold Pin Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
two diamonds, 0.05 carat in total, and a natural Mississippi Delta pearl. The Mississippi Delta pearl
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 2.05 in W 1.26 in D 0.3 in L 18.5 in
Henry Blank & Co. 1900 Art Nouveau Enameled Necklace In 14Kt Gold With Pearls
By Henry Blank & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
. Mississippi River Pearls Natural American pearls are among the oldest and rarest of universal gems. These
Natural Pearl, Pearl, Amethyst, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ruser Sapphire Gold Bangle Bracelet
By William Ruser
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic American jeweler famous for his use of Mississippi fresh water pearls and one of a kind
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Impressive Mississippi Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large 18k gold butterfly brooch, featuring Mississippi pearls, decorated with approx. 3.80ctw in
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Christopher Walling Highly Iridescent Mississippi Pearl and Gold Large Earclips
By Christopher Walling
Located in New York, NY
Mississippi Baroque Style Pearl.Pattern Is Designed In An Asymmetrical Letter "X" Motif.Made By Christopher
Pearl
Mississippi River Pearl Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Mississippi river pearl brooch in the form of a chrysanthemum, set in gold.
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl
Antique Citrine Seed Pearl Mississippi River Pearl Lavaliere Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
by seed pearls 2 mm. and three pendants of gold chain and American Mississippi River fresh water
Citrine, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Mississippi River Pearl Brooch
Located in San Francisco, CA
with diamonds and small Mississippi river pearls. Consummate Art Nouveau, circa 1900.
Mississippi Mud Pearl Diamond Crab Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 Karat yellow gold crab pin set with a 22 by 20 millimeter natural Mississippi mud pearl as the
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
William Ruser Mississippi River Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings, circa 1950
By William Ruser
Located in London, GB
A charming pair of Mississippi River pearl, diamond and 18ct yellow gold earrings made by William
Diamond, Pearl
French Art Nouveau Pendant with Big Mississippi Dog Tooth Pearl, Diamonds Rubies
Located in Antwerp, BE
: Dog tooth pearl - This type of pearl is most likely a fresh water pearl from either the Mississippi
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow ...
Art Nouveau Mississippi River Pearl & Euro Cut Diamond 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
This unique Art Nouveau Mississippi River Pearl ring features two bezel set 2.5mm European cut
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace and Diamond and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
features four Mississippi fan-shaped Pearls which are approximately 13 x 8mm. These Pearls are alternating
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's One of a Kind Ruser Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Ruser bracelet is the paradigm for designers using Mississippi natural pearls. Each pearl is
Natural Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Gold Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
spread out wings that fan out in variegated plique-a-jour. The beak is holding a natural Mississippi
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Ruser Pearl and Gold Cherub Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cloud of fresh water Mississippi Pearl. The cherub has sparkling blue Sapphire eyes. The brooch
Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Turquoise Pearls Gold Tier Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
With Turquoises and Mississippi Pearls. Back Of Earrings Made With A Large Shepard's Hook For Pierced
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Mississippi River Pearl 14 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
This lovely pendant features four Mississippi River Pearls fashioned into a 14 karat yellow Gold
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Mississippi River Pearl 14 Karat Gold Floral Design Ring
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
This vintage ring features six Mississippi River Pearls, accented by five 1.8mm diamonds. The
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Mississippi River Pearl and Sapphire 14k Gold Angel Pendant 10.80g
By William Ruser
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Unique Ruser signed Gold Angel Pendant Set in 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 1-3/4" x 1-7/8" Gross Weight: 10.8 grams Reference Item #DB-1371 CM 5-8-25
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Smallest Gold and Pearl Fish Brooch in the World
Located in London, GB
Made in 14k Gold with engraved head and tail, the body made using a Mississippi River Pearl. A
Pearl, 14k Gold
Ruser 14 Karat Yellow River Pearl and Sapphire Friday's Child and Dog Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in San Diego, CA
holding their beloved dog. Brooch is 14ky gold with a large natural Mississippi river pearl base and blue
Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara/necklace by Skinner & Co, the five principal old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of 2 carats, each rub over millegrain-set to...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,294
H 2.13 in W 1.34 in
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 *chain sold separately A finely crafted pendant in 9ct yellow gold, emblematic of the early 20th-century suffragette move...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau French 18ct Yellow Gold, Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique French Diamond & Pearl Brooch 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 An elegant openwork brooch in 18ct yellow gold with platinum detail, modelled in the sinuous foliate style of...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An Art Nouveau Enamel And Pearl Pendant By Falize
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau enamel and pearl pendant by Falize, the five realistiacly caved gold leaves with green and pink plique-à-jour enamel decorations, embellished with seven natural baroqu...
Enamel
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.