Pearls Before Swine

Coin pearls are a type of flat rounded pearls that are almost coin shaped. They can be worn casually or as an elegant accessory. There is a range of pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

No one knows for sure where pearl earrings originated, but scholars have determined that they date back to ancient times. According to surviving records, the ancient Chinese often presented members of royal families with pearls as gifts. During the 1st century B.C., Julius Caesar passed a law stating that only members of the ruling class could wear pearl jewelry. Shop a large collection of pearl earrings on 1stDibs.

Mikimoto pearls are cultured pearls sourced from Akoya oysters located in the waters off the shores of Honshu, Japan, by the jewelry house of Mikimoto. Cultured pearls are genuine pearls produced with human assistance to encourage production and promote the development of a more attractive product. Find a variety of Mikimoto pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

Pearls are so special because they are rare in nature. They form only when something gets inside an oyster or mussel and causes irritation. The mollusk then secretes substances similar to those found on its shell. These harden around the foreign body to create a pearl. Only about one out of every 10,000 wild oysters will ever make a single pearl, and the vast majority of the pearls that occur naturally are too small to use in jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of pearl jewelry.

The process of telling an antique pearl varies based on whether it is set in jewelry or loose. In the case of jewelry, you can look for a maker's mark and then conduct online research to find out when the company existed and made similar pieces. To be considered an antique, pearl jewelry must be at least 100 years old. In the case of a loose pearl or if you have difficulty performing research on your item, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser, knowledgeable jeweler or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique pearl jewelry.

The TikTok pearl necklace is the Vivienne Westwood Orb necklace. It features a string of pearls accented by a unique pendant. Shaped like a ball surrounded by a ring and topped off with a cross, the orb is the logo of Vivienne Westwood. Find a selection of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.

Korean mother of pearl is abalone shell that comes from the Republic of South Korea. There, artisans use the shimmering shell fragments to decorate wooden furniture and decorative objects using an inlay technique called najeonchilgi. Shop a variety of wood furniture on 1stDibs.

Although some Chanel jewelry contains real freshwater pearls, much of their costume jewelry is made from coated glass, though they are still high quality.

Yes, real pearls can be on a strand with a clasp. The addition of a clasp has nothing to do with determining if the pearls are real or fake. The clasp is simply a design aspect for the piece of jewelry. Always purchase real pearls from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of authentic pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Yes, pearl earrings can be flattering. The key is to choose styles that complement your face shape. Pearl dangle earrings can beautifully frame a round face, while pearl hoops and drops work well with oval shapes. For a square or rectangular face, try round pearl studs or button earrings. For a diamond or triangular face, long, slender dangles set with pearls are often a great choice. Feel free to try on different types of earrings to see what you like best. Shop a large collection of pearl earrings on 1stDibs.

No, pearl earrings are not out of style. Although trends are subject to seasonal change, pearls have remained popular for a very long time. Wearing pearls dates back to at least 420 B.C., with jewelry discovered in the sarcophagus of Persian royalty. Contemporary designers now experiment with unusual shapes, colors and treatments, pushing pearl jewelry beyond the traditional strand of perfect white spheres. As a result, you can find pearl earrings that are timeless, as well as looks that are in line with the latest trends. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pearl earrings.

Yes, some old pearls have value. How much pearls are worth depends on the type of pearl, the maker and their condition. You can consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of how much your jewelry is worth or use the services of a licensed appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for a more authoritative valuation. Find a large selection of pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

Mabé pearls are less expensive than traditional pearls due to their unique dome-like shape and accessibility. Mabé pearls are desirable for jewelry designs meant to lay flat on the surface, like stud earrings or pendants, while still giving the appearance of pearls without the higher price point. Shop a selection of mabé pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.

To tell if a pearl is real, examine it closely. Genuine pearls are reflective and lustrous, while fakes won't have reflective properties. A real pearl will be cool to the touch and warm up when worn. One test is the "tooth test," where you rub the pearl against your front teeth. If the texture is slightly rough, then it's a genuine pearl. Shop a collection of expertly-vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Typically, you use strong glue to attach a pearl to a stud when making earrings. For a more secure fit, a maker may drill a small hole into the pearl and use a stud with a small peg that fits into the hole. If you're trying to repair a stud earring, consider enlisting the help of an experienced jeweler, as it's possible to damage the pearl if you apply too much glue or exert too much pressure on it. Explore a collection of pearl stud earrings on 1stDibs.