French 1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chiseled Clasp Cultured Pearl Choker Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : The cultured pearls adorning this vintage pearl necklace are of excellent quality, very regular, without imperfections and with a particularly iridescent orient.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Pearl Earrings Certified By GIA with Noteworthy Letter
Located in Dubai, AE
Finally, the natural orient of these pearls adds another layer of allure.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Akoya Pearls, Double Strand, Diamond Clasp, French Art Deco; GIA Cert, 16"
Located in Northampton, MA
Almost no modern cultured pearls display orient, of natural pearls, which are solid nacre.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
Museum-Worthy Akoya Pearl Convertible Necklace, 64", An Unparalleled Treasure
Located in Northampton, MA
Orient is most often associated with natural pearls, as it occurs when nacre is extremely thick and finely layered.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Edwardian GIA Certified Saltwater Pearl & Old Euro Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Item Details: - Type: Saltwater Pearl Necklace - Metal: Platinum - Era: Edwardian - Size: 14 Inch length - Weight: 27.46 Grams Pearl Details: - Type: Natural Pearl - Origin: Saltwat...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp Cultured Pearl and Hematite Beads Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique necklace featuring pearly white orient cultured pearls, spaced every four pearls by a round hematite bead.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Modern Diamonds Cultured Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flat Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This modern ring, presents a flat gold ring whose profile is widened on the top. A pearly white orient cultured pearl adorns it as well as 2x5 modern brilliant-cut diamonds on the st...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 Karat White Gold Cultured Pearl Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This white gold pearl solitaire is set with a pearly white orient cultured pearl framed on either side by the ring.
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 19th Century Fine Pearl 18 Karat Rose Gold Stud Removable Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
These earrings feature a round pearly white orient cultured pearl with butterfly clasp. An arabesque openwork earring pendant, with an applied chased oval motif and a line of fine ha...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow ...
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Akoya Pearl Necklace 20", Sumptuous & Luxurious, Uncultured Quality, Circa 1940
Located in Northampton, MA
The thicker the nacre, the more "uncultured" the pearl appears, displaying orient -the spectral display of color associated with natural pearls because natural pearls are entirely na...
Pearl, Silver
Antique Victorian Gold GIA Natural Pearl & Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes with original GIA certification for the pearls. Stock Number: MK-640364917 --GIA Certification:-- Laboratory: GIA GIA Report Number: 5231844851 Shape: Button Body Color: White...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
French Modern Cultured Pearl White Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Daisy ring featuring a pearly white orient cultured pearl surrounded by 10 brilliant-cut white sapphires.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1960s Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Flake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Charming daisy ring, it is centered on a pinkish white orient cultured pearl surrounded by 10 modern brilliant-cut diamonds on a pattern forming a flake, the basket is openwork and t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gol...
Modern Akoya Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flake Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Each earring represents a flake, the center adorned with a round pearly white orient Japanese cultured pearl, and the branches each with 2 small modern brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl Coral Diamond Locket Flower Bangle 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Fascinating romantic example of antique bangle, engraved inside 10th April 1856 – hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold – English origin Beautiful carved flower design center piece, decor...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Denise Roberge Gold GIA LARGE 20mm Semi Baroque Pearl Textured Clip On Earrings
By Denise Roberge
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured South Sea Pearls - Large - Semi Baroque Shape - White w/ Orient Overtone - ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** Material: All ...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Certified Natural Pearls Diamonds Rose Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Sublime antique drop earrings, they are formed each one of an oval shape pattern, set with antique diamonds and centered of a baroque natural pearl, light gray orient. The fastening ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold,...
French 1925 Mabé Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
An important antique barrette brooch, it is set with three different orient Mabé cultured pearls, one grey, one white, the third pink.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Go...
1970s Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Sapphire Diamond Clasp 3 Rows Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet featuring 3 rows of round cultured pearls, pearly white orient, held together by 4 white gold clasps.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s 1, 40 Carat Diamonds Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Incredible tank ring, it features a large ring which holds a rectangular plate on which are set, on platinum, two half moons adorned with 2x7 antique brilliant-cut diamonds, two arro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum,...
MAGNIFICENT 18k Yellow Gold GIA 12.5mm Pearl 42.5ctw Ruby & Diamond Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 16 Genuine Cultured South Sea Pearls - Button Shape - White Color w/ Orient Overtone - 11.6-12.5mm each approx.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,060Sale Price|40% Off
20th Century Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Charming antique you and me jewel, this ring is set on its top of an antique cushion-cut diamond in illusion setting, and a cultured pearl of white orient. On both sides, the setting...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold GIA Large Saltwater Cultured Pearl & Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy --Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Saltwater Pearls - Near-Round Shape - Light Cream Color w/ Orient Overtones - 12.10mm & 12.30mm (exact - certified) ** See Certification Det...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
19th Century Natural Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion: The pinkish-white orient of the pearls illuminates this simple and very elegant antique jewel.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
YVEL Purple Orchid 18k Gold GIA Kasumiga Pearls & Orangy Brown Diamond Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
The earrings come with the original GIA certification for the Pearls & Diamonds. Stock Number: MK-190206913 --Certification Details for Pearl:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 2...
Brown Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Three-Strand Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace with Sapphire Clasp, Circa 1930s–40s
Located in Northampton, MA
At the clasp, fine 14k white gold is set with a pair of petite sky-blue sapphires and a pair of shimmering white sapphires, offering a subtle nod to the streamlined elegance of the A...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
French 1930s Art Deco Certified Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Splendid Art Deco ring, it forms a dome decorated on its top of a natural pearl slightly gray orient. The whole dome is openwork, delicately chiseled and studded with antique- cut di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & South Sea Pearl Bangle in 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, South Sea Pearl & Multi-Color Sri Lankan Sapphire Bangle 18K Gold & 950 Silver • Signed A captivating jewel inspired by the romance and color of the ...
Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver, 18k Gold
GIA Natural Saltwater Pearl Ring Antique Victorian Diamond 14k Gold Sz 6.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Overtone: orient. Identification: natural pearl. environment: saltwater.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Seed Pearl and 14 Carat Yellow and Rose Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
The brooch is set with 29 graduated split pearls, each with a spectacular orient. The pearls have been expertly and minimally set into the brooch.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Gia Large South Sea 15-17.42mm Pearl Strand 18k Gold Diamond Ball Screw Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ original GIA certification for the pearls. Stock Number: MK-070470311-24052103-PAR --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 6237271351 Shape: Near-round Bo...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,136Sale Price|20% Off
Long Necklace Beads 9-10mm White Gold 18 Carats
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover elegance incarnate in our Freshwater (Orient Color) Pearl Necklace. Each pearl, measuring between 9mm and 10mm, is carefully selected to create a harmonious ensemble.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1930 original poster by Kenneth D. Shoesmith for Penang, British Malaya
By Kenneth Denton Shoesmith
Located in PARIS, FR
Penang, known as the "Pearl of the Orient," was a key location in the British colonial empire and a major trading port.
Linen, Paper, Lithograph
Pearl Necklace Art Deco Circa 1940s Cultured Akoya Pearls Diamond Clasp 21"
Located in Northampton, MA
As a result, the vast majority of modern cultured akoya pearls do not display "orient" like older cultured pearls and natural pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$248 / item
White South Sea Pearl High Luster and Orient, Round Shape
Located in Cordoba, ES
White Natural Color South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Australia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Sterling Silver 925 Bail and chain of 18 inches - White ...
South Sea Pearl, Silver
Unavailable|$225 / item
White South Sea Pearl High Luster and Orient Pendant Necklace
Located in Cordoba, ES
White Natural Color South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Australia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Sterling Silver 925 Bail and chain of 18 inches - White ...
South Sea Pearl, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$130 / item
South Sea Pearls White Natural Color and High Luster and Orient
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Earrings - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Total weight of 3.71 grams - Size of Pearls 9-10 mm of diameter - ...
South Sea Pearl, Silver
Gorgeous Natural Color South Sea Pearls Necklace with High Luster and Orient
Located in Cordoba, ES
A Natural Color South Sea Pearls necklace - Size of Pearls 10-13 mm of diameter - Pearls from Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Natural Colors Golden p...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Golden Natural Color South Sea Pearls, Round Shape, High Luster and Orient
Located in Cordoba, ES
A Natural Color South Sea Pearls necklace - Size of Pearls 9-10 mm of diameter - Pearls from Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Natural Colors white and Go...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$103,741
Diamonds and Pearls Platinum Snake Bangle, 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Three rows of pearls ( ca. 160 orient pearls, 56 culture pearls ) Mounted in platinum.
Diamond, Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Platinum
Unavailable|$153 / item
Golden Color South Pearls Pearl Round 18 Karat Earrings
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Earrings - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 18 karats Gold mounting - Total weight of 3.30 grams - Size of Pe...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$331 / item
A Cultured Pearls Necklace AAA Quality White Color and High Luster
Located in Cordoba, ES
Pearl of White Color High Luster and Orient Pearls or near-round or semi-round shape The Hand-Knotted necklace is 18 inches long.
Cultured Pearl
Unavailable|$189 / item
Tahiti Pearl Pendant, Natural Color and High Luster, AAA Quality
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Dark Color Tahiti South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Tahiti ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Margaretifera Oyster - Sterling Silver 925 Bail and chain of 18 inches ...
Pearl, Black Pearl, Silver
Unavailable|$189 / item
Tahiti Pearl Pendant, Natural Color and High Luster, AAA Quality
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Dark Color Tahiti South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Tahiti ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Margaretifera Oyster - Sterling Silver 925 Bail and chain of 18 inches ...
Pearl, Black Pearl, Silver
Unavailable|$130 / item
South Sea Pearls White Color Round Shape Dangle Earrings
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Earrings - Origin: Australia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Total weight of 3.71 grams - Size of Pearls 8-9 mm in diameter - Q...
South Sea Pearl
Unavailable|$142 / item
Tahiti Pearl Earrings Natural Color and Round Shape
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color Tahiti Pearls l Earrings - Origin: Tahiti ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Margaretifera Oyster - Dark Grey Color Pearls - Size of Pearls 9 mm of diameter - ...
Pearl
Unavailable|$130 / item
South Sea Pearls Round Shape, Natural Color and Luster, Yellow Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Earrings - Origin: Australia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 14 karats Gold mounting - Total weight of 3.50 grams - Size of Pea...
South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Golden South Sea Pearls, Round Natural Color Earrings
Located in Cordoba, ES
- Natural Golden Color South Sea Pearls earrings - Origin: Australian ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 18K Yellow Gold mounting - Size of Pearls 12 mm of diame...
18k Gold
Unavailable|$568
South Sea Pearl White Color, Round, Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 14K karat White Gold mounting - 45 cm long chain manufactured in ...
South Sea Pearl, Gold
Unavailable|$544
South Sea Pearl Pendant Round, White Color, High Luster
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 14 karats Yellow Gold mounting - 45 cm long chain manufactured in...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$378
Golden South Sea Pearls Round Shape, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
- Natural Color South Sea Pearls earrings - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - High-Quality Pearls - 18K Yellow Gold mounting - Size of Pearl...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,908
South Sea Pearls, Unique Natural Multi-Color, Round, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
- Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Natural unique & rare colors combination - High natural luster and orient - Pearls of Near round shape - Number of pearls in the necklace 35 pc...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,421
South Sea Pearl Pendant, Diamond, 14 Karat Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 14 karats Yellow Gold mounting Filigree design - 45 cm long chain ma...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$92 / item
Akoya Cultured Pearls Round, White Color, Yellow Gold
Located in Cordoba, ES
High luster and orient - Pearls of Round shape - Pearls skin and surface clean with no spots - Manufactured in 14K Yellow gold - Total weight of 3.10 grams - Brand new item - S...
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$781
Deep Golden Color South Sea Pearl Round, Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Cordoba, ES
Natural Color South Sea Pearl Pendant - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Produced by Pinctada Maxima Oyster - 14 karats Yellow Gold mounting - 45 cm long chain manufactured in...
South Sea Pearl, Gold
Unavailable|$1,894
Golden Color South Sea Pearls Round Shape
Located in Cordoba, ES
A Natural Color South Sea Pearls necklace - Size of Pearls 11-13 mm of diameter - Pearls from Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Natural Golden Color pea...
South Sea Pearl
Unavailable|$1,894
South Sea Pearl Necklace, Round, White Color
Located in Cordoba, ES
A Natural Color South Sea Pearls, from ocean waters. - Size of Pearls 10-13 mm of diameter - Pearls from Pinctada Maxima Oyster - Origin: Indonesia ocean waters - Natural white a...
South Sea Pearl
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.