Skip to main content

Pearl Jewelry

to
3,341
16,533
7,915
6,183
4,674
4,588
18,982
207,114
38,467
26,256
22,887
66
1,643
6,042
11,229
406
231
216
145
96
304
357
404
433
499
43
12,647
6,184
151
6990
1890
1884
1840
1533
to
12
7
7
396
339
333
257
190
3,388
2,298
1,409
985
931
896
670
539
221
125
91
85
32
25
17
12
6
17,965
1,017
11,715
5,156
Gemstone: Pearl
18K White Gold 11.50 mm South Sea Pearl & 0.50ct Diamond Cocktail Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
White South Sea Pearl at 11.50 mm diameter is very shiny and very clear. Some natural inclusions and bumps present but with only by careful inspection. The brilliant and tapered cut ...
Category

20th Century Thai Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Prasiolite, Pearl and 14K Rose Gold Filled Double Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
We created this double strand necklace of Prasiolite (green amethyst) with up to 10 mm faceted translucent coin shape gems and 7 mm mint green pearls plus a 14K rose gold filled tube...
Category

2010s American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold-filled, Rose Gold

Cultured Pearl Necklace with Gilt Seven Turquoise Pendants
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a hand stranded cultured pearl necklace with seven turquoise pendants hanging down in front. It comes from Turkey. These large polished turquoise stones are wrapped in decora...
Category

2010s Turkish Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, Gilt Metal

Antique 9ct Gold, Early Victorian Seed Pearl & Carnelian Spinner Memorial Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Spinner Ring 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1850 Discover a piece of history with this exquisite early Victorian spinner ring, crafted in lustrous 9c...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Carnelian, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold

18K White Gold 11.8mm South Sea Pearl Fine Stud Earring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
The South Sea pearl pair has very nice luster and has only little blemishes. They are a treat for eyes with decent size at 11.8-11.5mm each. The material the piece is made with 18K w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Michael Kneebone Ruby Diamond Pearl Shell Starfish Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Rubies, diamonds, pearls and carved conch shell combine to form these exotic and whimsical dangle earrings. The cabochon rubies are bezel set within the starfish. The gems are expe...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

14k Yellow Gold .24 Carat Diamond & Mabe Pearl Earrings w Omega Backs
Located in Eagan, MN
These earrings are so perfect in every way. They not too big and not too small. They are very well made and solid. The diamonds just sparkle and the pearls are in excellent condit...
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Turquoise & Pearl Starburst Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Starburst Pendant 18ct Gold Makers Mark S S Circa 1910 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Introducing our stunning 18ct yellow gold 12-pointed star, a true masterpiece tha...
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot & Seed Pearl, Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Necklace 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1910 This stunning 9ct rose gold necklace hails from the elegant Edwardian era, a time renowned for its intricate designs and ri...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

18K Gold 10mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.25ct Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This brilliant 18k yellow gold ring is adorned with a rare and beautiful Tahiti pearl! The pearl is perfectly rounded and has only slight natural blemishes marks. The diameter of the...
Category

20th Century Thai Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

18K White Gold 14.7mm South Sea Pearl & 0.80ct Diamond Statement Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
White South Sea Pearl though dainty at 14.7 mm diameter is very shiny and clear as can be. Some natural inclusions and bumps with only by careful inspection. The brilliant and pear c...
Category

20th Century Thai Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Platinum Edwardian Aquamarine, Diamond & Pearl Teardrop Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Necklace Platinum Stamped PT950 (New) Circa 1910 This exquisite Edwardian necklace showcases a stunning oval-shaped faceted aquamarine adorned with sparkling d...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Swarovski Pearl Triple-strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a Swarovski pearl triple-strand necklace. We created it with 10 mm Swarovski white faux pearls, garnets, faceted peridot and sterling silver components. There is a large (1.7...
Category

2010s American Regency Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Sterling Silver

Victorian Enamel Hand with Pearl Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A 14k gold pendant with an enamel hand grasping a pearl. It was created from an antique button (circa 1870) that our jeweler transformed by adding a 14k gold back and bail. The piec...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Glass Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pendant 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1900 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian-era locket, crafted in 9ct rose gold. This stunning piece ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

14k Yellow Gold Hand Carved Art Deco Mother of Pearl Ring size 6.75
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a unique diamond ring. It has a hand carved Art Deco Mother of Pearl stone that was fitted perfectly to this 14k Yellow Gold Band. It's just a very cool design. One-of-a-...
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k White Gold 12.75mm Golden South Sea Pearl & 0.70ct Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This brilliant ring is adorned with a rare and beautiful South Sea golden pearl! The pearl is perfectly round and has little to no visible blemishes. The diameter of the pearl is 12....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 9ct Gold Diamond & Seed Pearl Star Brooch/Pendant Hallmarked London 1965
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Brooch 9ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1965 Makers Mark DHJ This exquisite vintage 9ct yellow gold brooch showcases an enchant...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Gold Charm Bracelet with 7 Antique Charms
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant charm bracelet created from antique stickpins! This bracelet is 14k gold and features 7 charms -- a 14k gold and pearl flower, a 14k gold amethyst cabochon, a 10k pearl a...
Category

1960s Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Sapphire, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Antique 18ct Gold, Art Nouveau Plique a Jour & Seed Pearl, Lady Portrait Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Lady Pendant 18ct Gold Circa 1920s This exquisite 18ct yellow gold Art Nouveau pendant is a stunning testament to the artistry of its time. At its centrepiece, a delicate...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Post Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a classic pair of pearl earrings. The pearls are 6 mm round. The post of the earrings is marked "14k". They have a butterfly backs which are marked "14k". They are 20 mm ...
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mini Pearl Bracelet 14K Gold - by Bombyx House
Located in Westport, CT
Like wearing moonlight against your skin, this luminous pearl bracelet captures the quiet elegance of timeless beauty with each perfectly imperfect gem. Embraced by 14K gold accents,...
Category

2010s American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

18K White Gold 6.8mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.33ct Diamond Sunburst Stud Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Presented here is a fine and gorgeous round and almost eye clean without blemishes with matching color which are of the famous Tahiti pearls. The greenish tint pearls are surrounded ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Antique Lion Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Lion Ring: This ring features a 14k gold lion's head with ruby eyes and a pearl in its mouth. It was created by welding an antique stickpin h...
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 10k Gold, 14k Gold

AJD Pearls Pearls Pearls Gorgeous Magnificent Natural Pearls 21" Ncklaxe
Located in Raleigh, NC
These natural real absolutely gorgeous multi-color Pearls are enhanced by teeny tiny little real Amethyst spacers. The clasp is an easy to use silver hook clasp. The largest ones a...
Category

2010s Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Natural Pearl, Silver

Antique Victorian 9ct Gold and Silver Gilt Coral and Pearl Locket
Located in Portland, England
A lovely Victorian 9ct gold locket decorated with seed pearls and coral. The central 9ct gold panel has a floral motif accented with lustre pearls and subtle coral. A similar floral ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian era Seed Pearl Cross Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Oval Locket 9ct Gold Circa 1910 *THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY This stunning 9ct gold locket, hailing from the Edwardian era, features an elegantly oval shape adorned w...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold

3 Blue Sapphire Oval Cabs Gold Diamonds Pear Shape Baroque Pearls Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of an upper part of 3 oval shape Blue Sapphires 4 mm x 5 mm set together in 14 Kt yellow gold with 2 small diamonds in the center,...
Category

1990s Thai Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Pearl necklace and claps with emerald and rose cut diamond 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with 835 silver clasp set with emerald and rose cut diamonds on a three strand pearl necklace - 50 cm long (shortest strand) detailed description The necklace is 50...
Category

1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

AJD Natural Colored Beautiful Pinky REAL Baroque Pearls 19" Necklace
Located in Raleigh, NC
Absolutely magnificent gorgeous natural real pinky and purpley Pearls. They are enhanced with tiny real little Amethyst gemstones. The clasp is an easy to use gold plated hook clas...
Category

2010s Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate

Victorian Blue Enamel & Pearl Locket Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Victorian Blue Enamel & Pearl Locket Ring of 18k Gold: A vibrant cobalt blue enamel ring from the mid-Victorian era (circa 1860-1870)! This magnificent ring features nine half pearl...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

AJD Fascinating Beautiful Very Bright Brown Pearls and Pearl Shells 20" Necklace
Located in Raleigh, NC
These bright brown real round Pearls are enhanced by round polished natural real Pearl Shells. This is 20 inches long. The clasp is an easy to use gold plated hook clasp. This is ...
Category

2010s Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate

AJD Real Natural Goldy Color Ocean Pearls 19" Necklace
Located in Raleigh, NC
These gorgeous natural real goldy ocean Pearls are approximately 15mm round. These are different colors and intensity of the color gold. It is enhanced with teeny tiny little gold ...
Category

2010s Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate

15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Star Set Ruby & Pearl Ring, Hallmarked Chester 1884
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Chester 1884 Discover the elegance of this exquisite Victorian Gypsy ring, crafted in 15ct yellow gold. The stunning design features a b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Drop Earrings 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Discover a stunning pair of Edwardian-era earrings that encapsulate the elegance and artistry of the time. Fashioned...
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Double Heart Conversion Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A fabulous love token ring featuring two hearts beneath a crown. The face of this gorgeous ring was originally an antique stickpin (circa 1880-1900) t...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Exquisite in design, this 18ct yellow gold Edwardian ring showcases a stunning marquise-shaped centrepiece featuring a natural ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alishan 18K Gold Spider Brooch with Tahitian & Akoya Pearls with Diamond Accent
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This dramatic, naturalistic spider brooch was made by Alishan Halebian, a California-based, Armenia-born goldsmith, probably in the late aughts or early 2010's. He made this brooch ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k White Gold Tahitian Pearl & .10 Carat Diamond Drop Post Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
This pair of earrings is just so beautiful! and elegant! They are .88 inch long and have 3 sparkly brilliant cut diamonds on each one. The diamonds start at 2.0 and graduate downwa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Black Enamel and Pearl Earrings of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Black Enamel Earrings: These earrings feature navettes of pearls and black enamel, set in 14k gold. They were created from antique bar pins (circa 1900) by removing the pin f...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Cognac Citrine Golden Baroque Pearls Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant earrings have 2 faceted rectangular Natural Cognac Citrine set in yellow gold at the top to which are suspended 2 Baroque Cream Pearls of 12 mm in diameter ...
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marina J. Ruby, Pearl & Solid 14k Yellow Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful, simple and bold piece made by Marina J. This necklace is made using high luster cultured round Pearls which display a soft iridescence. The Pearls are adorned and perfect...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

AJD Elegant and Versatile Three Strand Pearl Necklace
Located in Raleigh, NC
21-Inch Three-Strand Natural Pearl Necklace Unique Pearl Combination: Features a stunning mix of rosebud pearls and baroque pearls, creating an eye-catching texture and dimension. E...
Category

2010s American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Twisted Elegance in a Timeless Design Grace your collection with these refined Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earrings, featuring a lustrous pair of 12mm Mabe pearls nestled in...
Category

Early 2000s American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Arts and Crafts Diamond Flower Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare and enchanting find from the Arts & Crafts movement. This antique ring (circa 1920) captures the era’s dedication to handcrafted artistry and nature-inspired design. The reces...
Category

Early 20th Century Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Seed Pearl Swallow Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Swallow Necklace 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning Victorian 15ct yellow gold swallow pendant, a heartwarming symbol of love and faithfulness. This encha...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold 1920s Mother of Pearl Green Enamel Ruby & Emerald Stud Earings
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Earrings 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1920s Step back in time with this exquisite pair of heart-shaped earrings, crafted in 15ct yellow gold and dating back to the enchanti...
Category

Early 20th Century English Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel

Russian Jade & Akoya Pearl Necklace
Located in Chesterland, OH
We’re delighted to present this elegant necklace handcrafted from genuine Siberian jade—a stone revered in Russian culture not just for its beauty, but as a symbol of protection and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Jade, Pearl, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Vintage Purple Enamel Flower Brooch of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A 14k gold brooch (circa 1930-1940) featuring a purple and white enamel flower accented with a post set pearl. The piece measures 1 inch from top to bottom by 1.2 inches wide and we...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Sapphire and Pearl Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Sapphire and Pearl Ring: Explore the timeless beauty of the Art Nouveau era with this sapphire and pearl ring adorned with pearls and a glittery diamond accent. The face of ...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Long Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Pendant 9ct Gold Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Introducing our exquisite 9ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Pendant, a stunning piece that captures the elegance of the era with ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Cherub Brooch of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Cherub Brooch: This antique, 14k gold brooch (circa 1880) features an enamel cherub nestled in a pearl crescent shooting a diamond arrow into th...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Natural diamond pearls drop sterling silver convertible tiara head band necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This Vintage tiara is a symbol of beauty and self-love. It is handmade with natural pave diamonds and pearl drops in sterling silver. Diamond- pave diamonds Diamond color- White wit...
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Enamel Flower of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This antique 14k gold brooch (circa 1910) features a pink enamel flower with a pearl accent at its center and iridescent green enamel leaves. The piece bears the maker's mark for the...
Category

Early 20th Century Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Certified Natural diamonds Drop Pearls sterling silver tiara head accessory band
Located in Delhi, DL
This Vintage tiara is a symbol of beauty and self-love. It is handmade with Natural rose cut diamonds and Pearls in sterling silver. Diamond- Rose cut diamonds Diamond color- White ...
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver

Certified Natural diamonds Pearls sterling silver tiara head accessory band
Located in Delhi, DL
This Vintage tiara is a symbol of beauty and self-love. It is handmade with Natural rose cut diamonds and Pearls in sterling silver. Diamond- Rose cut diamonds Diamond color- White ...
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver

DOROTA LASAK 22k gold turquoise Tahitian pearl beaded necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
22k gold turquoise pearl beaded necklace DETAILS • 22k gold clasp • turquoise beads • Tahitian pearl • hand knotted • stamped DOROTA LASAK 22k...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, 22k Gold

Genuine Arizona Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace
Located in Chesterland, OH
Introducing an exquisite, delicate, and elegant necklace crafted from the exceptionally rare natural Arizona "Sleeping Beauty" turquoise, one of the most coveted and valuable varieti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Vintage and Antique Pearl Jewelry

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.

Recently Viewed

View All