There is a broad range of ocean pearls for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using
Gold,
Gold Plate and
Silver. Find a collection of 1 vintage versions or 10 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 20th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of ocean pearls includes designs that are universally popular, but
Modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but
Gemjunky and
Mikimoto produced popular versions that are worth a look. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 9
Pearl versions can add an especially stylish touch. A selection of
mixed cut,
round cut and
cushion cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of ocean pearls for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for
women, but there are still pieces to choose from for
men.
Prices for ocean pearls can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $178 and can go as high as $8,810, while ocean pearls, on average, fetch $878.
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.
