【Crown Radiance】Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace Diamond Medallion Clasp
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Japanese Akoya Aurora Double-Strand Pearl Necklace features 7.5-9mm perfectly round pearls with a radiant aurora-like luster and minimal imperfections, showcasing thei...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Lustre Arc】Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Sapphire & Diamond Clasp
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
From the Lustre Arc collection — where light and motion intertwine — this double strand necklace embodies timeless grace with a modern accent.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Aurora Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This regal double-strand necklace unites the luminous delicacy of Akoya pearls with the commanding presence of a South Sea centerpiece. Two rows of 7–8mm Akoya pearls — perfectly rou...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Akoya Pearl & Diamond Double-Strand Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This high-luster Japanese AKOYA pearl necklace features a sophisticated double-strand design, with 7-7.5mm pearls that exude a radiant glow, showcasing the timeless beauty of AKOYA p...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Regency Double-Strand Diamond Akoya Pearl Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite double-strand necklace features high-luster Japanese BABY AKOYA pearls (5.5-6mm), known for their delicate size, exceptional radiance, and smooth, flawless surfaces.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Double-Strand Pearl Necklace with Gemstone and Diamond Floral Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Double-Strand Pearl Necklace with Gemstone and Diamond Floral Clasp Description: A refined double-strand pearl necklace featuring lustrous, evenly matched pearls and finished with a...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...
【Crown Radiance】Ocean Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace w/ Aquamarine & Diamond
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Double-Strand Aurora Akoya Pearl Necklace – A Dazzling Floral Statement This striking double-row necklace features 7-7.5mm Aurora Japanese Akoya pearls, meticulously arranged to show...
Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold
Double Strand Pearl Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite double-strand pearl necklace combines timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication.
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Double-Strand South Sea Pearl Necklace with Diamond Camellia Motif and Clasp
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant necklace encapsulates luxury and finesse. Crafted from 18K white gold, it features a double strand of lustrous South Sea pearls range from 9.2 to 11.8mm in size of natur...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,400Sale Price|39% Off
【Vine Symphony】Rose Blossom Convertible Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Long Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Lustrous Japanese Akoya Pearl Set – A Versatile Statement of Elegance This exquisite 115cm long sweater pearl necklace is crafted with 6.5-7mm high-luster Japanese Akoya pearls, desi...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【 Crown Radiance】Couture Twin-Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamond Ribbon
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Double-Strand Aurora Akoya Pearl Necklace – A Chic Bow-Inspired Masterpiece This elegant double-strand necklace features 6-6.5mm Aurora Japanese Akoya pearls, carefully selected for ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Regency Bloom Aurora Akoya Double-Strand Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with this exquisite Aurora Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, featuring 7-7.5mm perfectly matched pearls in a luxurious double-strand design.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Classic 14k White Gold Pearl & Diamond Double Strand Necklace
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 14k White Gold Weight: 66.1 grams Gemstone: Diamond 0.06 cttw Pearl 8.2mm Length: 14.75 inches Classic double strand pearl necklace dating back to 1950's!
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ladies Faux Double Pearl Strand with 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Clasps
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
24 inch Faux Double Pearl Strand with 18k White Gold Diamond and Ruby Clasps.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Double strand blue chalcedony necklace, sapphire, diamonds and cultured pearls
Located in New Orleans, LA
The centerpiece of the necklace is a beautiful 14kt. gold oval clasp of radiating design with alternating sections of round cut medium blue sapphires with well cut white diamonds, th...
Chalcedony, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
【Caelmare】Saint Maria Aquamarine Convertible Akoya Double-Strand
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Details 5 CT Santa Maria Aquamarine Pear Shape Eye-clean clarity Strong brilliance and fire Japanese Akoya Pearls 6–7 mm Aurora-level luster Near-round 18K White Gold 0.92 CT Diamond...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 14k Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamonds Solid White Gold
Located in Greer, SC
"A double strand pearl necklace has a 14 karat white gold clasp, stamped 14K, marked AB&F.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold
$272Sale Price|34% Off
Double Strand Triangular Pearl Necklace by Aria Jewelry, 25" Long
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your collection with this exquisite double-strand Pearl necklace.
Diamond, Pearl, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
18K Rose Gold 1/2 Cttw Diamond & Freshwater Pearl Double Strand Station Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds and pearls are spaced along a delicate cable chain in this chic 18k rose gold station in a double strand design that can be worn with a variety of different styles. Multi-si...
Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Go...
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Hamilton 14k White Gold Ladies Watch Double Strand Pearl Necklace
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with the stunning Hamilton Watch Necklace, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines the timeless beauty of pearls with the sophistication of a luxury timepiece. C...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage pearl strand diamond 14k white gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage necklace showcases a luxurious strand of cultured pearls, each displaying a soft, luminous glow that feels timeless and refined.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage pearl strand diamond 14k white gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage necklace showcases a luxurious strand of cultured pearls, each displaying a soft, luminous glow that feels timeless and refined.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage pearl strand diamond 14k white gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage necklace showcases a luxurious strand of cultured pearls, each displaying a soft, luminous glow that feels timeless and refined.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Cartier Natural Pearl Double Strand Necklace 24 inches - GIA
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Cartier Natural Pearl Double Strand Necklace 24 inches - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco Cartier natural pearl double strand necklace's clasp is crafted in pla...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Four Strand Pearl and Diamond Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The high-class pearl and diamond necklace consists of a set of 4 independent strands for a total of 202 white homogeneous round Japanese Akoya pearls (Pinctada Fucata) of 9/9.5mm dia...
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural "Pinctada" Pearl Multi-Strand Opal and Diamond Necklace In Platinum
Located in New York, NY
The necklace features multi-row design constructed of natural salt water Pinctada pearls, adorned with substantial platinum clasp featuring large oval cabochon cut opal surrounded by...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 15k Gold Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Cluster Clasp, Circa 1915
Located in Altrincham, GB
This elegant double strand pearl necklace features 100 dreamy cultured pearls with rose cut diamond and natural pearl cluster clasp.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
ITALIAN Multi Strands Pearls Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 4.92 Cts Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Modern multi strands pearls necklace. This is a beautiful and elegant contemporary choker style necklace created in Italy with nine strands of cultured white pearls of 3 mm.
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Retro Gold Double Row Pearl Onyx 0.4ct Natural Diamond Ruby CAB Necklace 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant retro 14 karat yellow gold double-row South Sea pearl necklace, set with 16 natural colorless round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 carats.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
10/9.5mm Double Pearl Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The double pearl necklace set consists of 5.5 original length strands (16” each) of Japanese pearls of splendid nacre, lustre, and iridescence.
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ventrella of Rome, Pearl & Diamond Necklace
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This double strand of akoya pearls has diamond set spacers and was made by Ventrella, an Italian jeweller from Rome.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,807Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14K Gold Diamond Cameo Pearl Necklace, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an cameo clip on baroque pearl necklace. This double strand necklace was created with up to 15mm peach tone baroque pearls and 14K gold filled components.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold
Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Necklace, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace consist of 15 Gold South Sea Cultured Pearl (with size of 9.5 - 13mm), alternating with 14 round brilliant cut diamonds bezel set in 18K White Gold. The necklace is des...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Layered Saltwater Akoya Pearl Diamons Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace timeless elegance with this refined double-strand necklace, handcrafted from genuine Japanese Akoya saltwater pearls and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Gemstone Pearl Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Queens, NY
Seaman Schepps 14K Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone Pearl Necklace, featuring one detachable brooch / clasp featuring a centered bezel set carved ruby pear shaped cabochon weighing...
Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Ye...
2.50 Carat Diamond & Pearl Bead Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Estate
Located in New York, NY
The luxurious weight of 182.2 grams enhances its presence, while the long, continuous design allows it to be worn as a single dramatic strand or doubled for a layered look. Finished ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Diamond Ruby "Carmen" Necklace & Ruby Pendant
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Carmen Necklace consists of: - 9 MM FACETED ROUNDEL GRADE AAA+ LABRADORITE BEADS, - HEMATITE 8 MM SMOOTH ROUND BEADS, - 8 MM ROUNDEL PEARL BEADS, - 21-24 MM FIREBALL PEARL BEADS, - 1...
Diamond, Hematite, Labradorite, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Rainbow Moonston...
Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Floral Clasp Double Strand Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage double-strand pearl necklace featuring lustrous, creamy white cultured pearls finished with a beautifully textured 13K yellow gold floral clasp accented by sparkling ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Double Strand Pearl Necklace Platinum Diamond Clasp GIA
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Tiffany & Co. double strand pearl necklace is a refined expression of timeless sophistication and classic American jewelry design.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with Platinum Diamond Clasp 15.25"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: platinum Diamond: 38 round cut = 0.75cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: the necklace measures 15.25-inches in length Weight: 84.11 grams
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Double Strand Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage double strand cultured pearl necklace with an antique 0.84 carat diamond and natural pearl, 14 karat yellow gold, platinum set clasp; part of our divers...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Double Strand Pearl Necklace with White Gold and Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A refined vintage double strand pearl necklace centered by an elegant 13k white gold clasp set with diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Art Deco Double Strand Pearl Necklace with 14kt Gold, Diamond and Pearl Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco double strand pearl necklace with a gold, diamond and pearl clasp.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
8mm Akoya Japanies Pearl Double Strand Necklace, 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the 8mm Akoya Japan Pearl Double Strand Necklace, complete with a 14 Karat Yellow Gold clasp with Diamonds..
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century Double Strand Cultured Pearls with Diamond Pearl Clasp
Located in Stamford, CT
A double strand of 7.143 mm cultured pearls close with a beautiful pearl and diamond clasp. Pearls are classic worn today as well as in the Georgian Period. These strands are cream i...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Art Deco Double Strand Cultured Pearl & Diamond Clasp Necklace in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco double strand cultured pearl necklace is a masterpiece of elegance and craftsmanship, featuring a decorative diamond clasp set in white gold.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Double Strand Pearl Necklace w/ 18KYG Diamond/Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire Floral Clasp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant two-strand pearl necklace features a circular diamond-set clasp adorned with four floral motifs, each set with either rubies, emeralds, or sapphires. There are 112 roun...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Ruby Diamond Carmen Bone Face & Ebony Hamsa Charms
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Carmen Necklace consists of: - 9 MM FACETED ROUNDEL GRADE AAA+ LABRADORITE BEADS, - HEMATITE 8 MM SMOOTH ROUND BEADS, - 8 MM ROUNDEL PEARL BEADS, - 21-24 MM FIREBALL PEARL BEADS, - 1...
Diamond, Hematite, Labradorite, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Rainbow Moonston...
Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Double Strand Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Platinum Edwardian double strand necklace with Old Mine cut diamonds and two natural pearls.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Mid Century Double Strand 7.143 mm Cultured Pearls with Diamond Pearl Clasp
Located in Stamford, CT
A gleaming double strand of 7.143 mm cultured pearls close with a beautiful pearl and diamond clasp. Pearls are classic worn today as well as in the Georgian Period. These strands ar...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Tigers Eye Bone Moonstone Diamond "Carmen" Bone Ebony Charms
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Carmen Rosary Necklace consists of: -42" to 45" length, - honey tiger's eye round smooth grade AAA+ - bone round smooth beads - skull hematite beads - polki diamonds, - opal, diamond...
Diamond, Hematite, Moonstone, Tiger's Eye, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterlin...
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Akoya Pearls, Double Strand, Diamond Clasp, French Art Deco; GIA Cert, 16"
Located in Northampton, MA
Composed of 155 creamy white graduated cultured Akoya pearls. measuring from 3mm to just above 8mm, this double-strand necklace features an exquisite 18K clasp set with four small, b...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Double Strand 18k Yellow Gold Necklace with a Pearl Clasp Circa 1830
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique double strand 18 karat yellow gold necklace with a 15 karat yellow gold pearl clasp; part of our collection of mourning jewelry.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$80,000Sale Price|20% Off
Hakimoto 17x13 mm South Sea 34" Double Strand 18K Diamond clasp Necklace
By Hakimoto
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean 18K South Sea Strand Necklace 18K White Gold With Diamond Clasp Weight (g): 228 Cultured South Sea Pearl Pearl Size: 17X13mm Pearl Shape: Round Body col...
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pearl and 23 Carat Ruby Strand Turquoise and Diamond Clasp Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage double strand pearl and single strand 23 carat ruby necklace with a 4.20 carat turquoise and 3.38 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold clasp; p...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Fine Aquamarine Diamond Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is surrounded by 0.63 carats of larger round brilliant-cut diamonds as well as smaller round diamonds set on the clasp of the necklace.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,895Sale Price|31% Off
14ct White Gold Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamonds 0.26ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This elegant double strand necklace features a total of 154 round cultured pearls, measuring between 7mm–7.5mm, showcasing a soft silver to light cream hue with medium lustre and mod...
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.