Tahitian Cultured Pearl Necklace with White Gold Ball Clasp
Located in Lucerne, CH
The ball clasp is manufactured in 18 karat polished white gold.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Pearl Necklace With Solid 14k Gold Ball Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring 16 inches long, this necklace meets at a high shine Solid 14k Yellow Gold Ball Clasp. A simple yet gorgeous piece for everyday or formal wear.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,192Sale Price|20% Off
Akoya Pearls Necklace 14k Y Gold Ball Clasp Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Akoya Pearls Necklace 38" 14k Y Gold Ball Clasp 8.52 mm $8,790 216205 Custom Made Designer Flapper Japanese Akoya Pearl!
Pearl, Gold
$6,920Sale Price|20% Off
Cream Keshi Pearl Necklace with Yellow Gold Plated Magnetic Ball Clasp
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Single Graduated Strand Cream Keshi Pearl Necklace on yellow gold plated magnetic ball clasp.
South Sea Pearl, Gold Plate
7mm Cultured Pearl Princess Length 47cm Necklace with 9K Gold Ball Clasp
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Magnificent Cultured Pearl Strand is of desirable princess length – 47cm (18.5 inches) comprising 65 Round Pearls, well-matched, of 7.00mm approx., of good lustre – of stunni...
Cultured Pearl, 9k Gold
Marina J. Pearl Necklace With 14 k Yellow Gold-plating Ball Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring 15.5 inches long, this necklace meets at a high shine 18k Yellow Gold Plated silver Ball Clasp, marked 925. A simple yet gorgeous piece for everyday or formal wear. ** Fo...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$4,785Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Necklace on White Gold Ball Clasp
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beautiful example of lovely luster and evenness of color, this 16.5" in length South Sea Pearl Necklace is sure to turn heads. 31 fine pearls, well matched in shape and color, have...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl and Gold Ball Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold Clasp 5mm 7.5 Inch
Located in Dearborn, MI
Pearl and Gold Ball Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold Clasp 5mm 7.5 Inch Featuring 23 Natural Pearls Pearl Strand Bracelet with 5mm Pearls Pearls are Separated by 14K Gold Balls Safety ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Graduated Cultured South Sea Pearl Necklace with an 18KWG Diamond Ball Clasp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant cultured South Sea pearl necklace showcases graduated pearls, ranging from smaller at the ends to larger towards the center, secured by a sophisticated 18K white gold an...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Women's Tahitian Black Pearl Necklace with a 14 Karat Gold Ball Clasp
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
The pearls are hand knotted and the ball style clasp has a built in safety design.
Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Torsade Enamel Diamond Ball Clasp
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A classic tornado necklace consisting of 20 rows of cultured pearls with a removable 18 K yellow Gold ball clasp (can be used as a clasp for other necklaces) set with 135 brilliant c...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace with White Gold Clasp
By Susannah Lovis
Located in London, England
An elegant Akoya pearl strand necklace with a ball clasp in 9k white gold.
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
Laura Munder 18K White Gold Gray Pearl Necklace with Blue Topaz Ball Clasp
By Laura Munder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Laura Munder necklace features lustrous gray pearls with a captivating blue topaz ball catch - in 18 karat white gold. The 52 round blue topaz weigh approximately 4.25 total car...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Cultured Pearl Necklace with White Gold Clasp
Located in Lucerne, CH
The ball clasp is manufactured in 18 karat polished white gold.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$544Sale Price|20% Off
7-8mm White Round Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Sample Necklace in Pictures: 53 Freshwater Cultured Pearls: 7-8mm 18K White Gold Smooth Ball Clasp Total Weight: 38.3g Length: 18 inches
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Mixed-Color Pearl Beaded Necklace with 14K White Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Elegant mixed-color pearl necklace featuring alternating light and darker pearls, finished with a 14K white gold ball clasp.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
20-Inch Freshwater Pearl Necklace with 14k White Gold Clasp
Located in Seattle, WA
This necklace showcases a string of lustrous freshwater pearls, each with a smooth ball cut that enhances their natural beauty. The pearls' pristine white color exudes a timeless ele...
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace with White Gold Diamond Clasp
Located in London, England
A sensational white South Sea pearl strand necklace with an elegant ball clasp in 18k white gold with diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace 14k Gold Clasp
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant strand of genuine Tahitian black pearls, expertly knotted and finished with a 14k white gold ribbed ball clasp.
Pearl, 14k Gold
Baroque White Freshwater Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat White Gold Clasp
Located in Great Neck, NY
This necklace is expertly strung with a double knot in between each pearl to make a 18 inch necklace which is finished with a 14 karat white gold baroque ball clasp.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Baroque White Freshwater Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat White Gold Clasp
Located in Great Neck, NY
This necklace is expertly strung with a double knot in between each pearl to make a 18 inch necklace which is finished with a 14 karat white gold baroque ball clasp.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Graduated Pearl Necklace with 14k Yellow Gold Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring 25.25 inches long, this necklace meets at a solid 14k Yellow Gold Ball Clasp that perfectly matches and adorns the Pearl's shape.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Pearls Innovative Clasp Versatile Cosmic Empowering Bold Earrings
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
18K White Gold Pearls Innovative Clasp Versatile Cosmic Empowering Bold Earrings. Unlock Your Divine Potential with the Balance and Versatility of Gemini Lori Earrings. Gems and met...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$13,710Sale Price|20% Off
Clasp Beaded Necklace 32 South Sea Golden Pearls Yellow Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
A magnificent necklace of golden South Sea pearls, a true masterpiece of the ocean that embodies elegance and sophistication. Composed of 32 golden South Sea pearls measuring 14/12 m...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. All Pearl Graduated Ombre Necklace with 14k Yellow Gold Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measuring 18 inches long, this necklace meets at a solid 14k Yellow Gold Ball Clasp which perfectly matches the size of Pearls. ** Made by Marina J ** ** For any questions or inqui...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,700Sale Price|40% Off
Graduated South Sea Pearl Necklace with Pave Diamond Clasp
By Pampillonia
Located in Bethesda, MD
The 17-inch strand is secured by an elegant 18k white gold ball clasp, pavé-set with 86 diamonds totaling 0.90 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$464Sale Price / item|20% Off
7-8mm Candy Pastel Multi-Color Round Pearl Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Sample Necklace in Pictures: 53 Freshwater Cultured Pearls: 7-8mm 18K White Gold Smooth Ball Clasp Total Weight: 38.3g Length: 17.5 inches
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Graduated Tahitian Pearl Necklace, 18ct Gold Clasp, 45cm, UK 2009
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Details – Cultured Tahitian pearls – Graduated 9mm to 11.4mm – Length: 45cm – Weight: 50.6 grams – Individually knotted strand – 18ct yellow gold ball clasp – Birmingham (UK) hallmar...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiger Brooch with Diamond Collar and Cultured Pearl "Ball" in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Diamonds and Cultured Freshwater Pearl Diamond Count: 6 Diamond Cut: Round Single Cut Diamond Total Carat Weight: 0.05 carats Diamond Color: H...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy .25 Carat Diamond Clasp Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
41 well matched, high lustre, few blemishes, white with pink overtone, very good nacre. 10-10.5mm Japanese Akoya cultured pearl necklace with a white gold diamond catch. The true hig...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. Color: White Design: A single strand of uniformly sized beads measuring 7 mm in diameter Closure: A 14 k...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
South Sea and Freshwater Pearl Necklaces with Mystery and Diamond-Set Clasps
Located in New York, NY
Two nesting strands of South Sea and freshwater pearls consisting of 61 and 65 pearls, respectively, in white, yellow, pink, and lavender tones, with two mystery clasps and an 18k go...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Baroque South Sea Pearl Necklace 20 Inch 14k Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Brunswick, ME
The necklace is finished with a round 14k yellow gold ball clasp. The stunning necklace is 20 inches long. 30 South Sea Baroque Pearls: 20.5 x 15.6mm - 13.0 x 12.1mm.
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Pink Baroque Pearls with Diamond Clasp Paradizia Bracelet
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Dramatic, 5 strand large baroque freshwater pearls in all shades of natural pink. The bracelet is embellished with 14k white gold faceted ball accents and a stunning easy...
14k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Large Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18 Karat Magnetic Clasp
Located in Wailea, HI
Large Tahitian Pearl Necklace 17.3 mm x 45.6 mm With 18k Magnetic Clasp 19" in Length This Elegant Necklace is Perfect For The Belle of The Ball and Wall Flowers alike Our Pearl ...
18k Gold, White Gold
White South Sea Pearls Long Strand Necklace 14 Karat Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
10-14 mm White South Sea Pearls 16 Inches Long Strand Necklace , Estate Exclusive , Very fine quality, but you can see some blemishes on them The necklace is composed of 31 White...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Multicolor Freshwater Baroque Strand with 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Great Neck, NY
There are 15 lustrous 18mm and bigger pearls making an 18 inch strand. This necklace is expertly strung with a double knot in between each pearl and finished with a 14 karat yellow g...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yoko London Japanese Akoya Pearl Bracelet in 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Clasp
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit, especially when combined with other Akoya pearl jewellery. -8-8.5mm Japanese Akoya Pearls -7.5" Length (19cm) -18K White G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Choker-Length Strand of 11.5mm Tahitian Pearls w 14K White Gold & Diamond Clasp
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
We bought these gorgeous, genuine Tahitian pearls at a trade show in 2023. These are slightly graduated (11mm to just under 12mm) lustrous, multi-colored off-round baroques, mostly ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Go...
12 - 14mm South Sea Semi-Baroque High Lustre Pearl Necklace, 18K Gold Clasp.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Magnificent South Sea Pearl Knotted Necklet is of desirable length – 42cm (16.5 inches), comprising 27 South Sea Pearls, of semi-baroque & circle shape, of impressively large...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Closure #19461
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Closure JAGi Certified- This elegant necklace features 55 Akoya cultured pearls (6.75 mm to 7.25 mm each) with a 14K yellow gold c...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
286 Akoya Pearls Strand Necklace and Bracelet Set 18 Karat Gold/ Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Necklace and bracelet both have a diamond and 18 K yellow gold ball clasp Estate piece Total weight of the necklace is 47 Grams length of the necklace is 16 inch or 22 inch length ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,300Sale Price|30% Off
Akoya Pearl Necklace, Diamond Clasp, 9mm Luxury Size Pearls, circa 1980s, Iconic
Located in Northampton, MA
This is a stunning vintage pearl necklace measuring 18 inches in length and composed of 55 9mm-9.4mm round cultured Akoya pearls and finished with an 18K white gold beaded ball clasp...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1.50 Carat Diamond Ball 18 Karat White Gold Fresh Water Pearl Bead Necklace
Located in London, GB
The necklace has an 18 Karat Gold ball clasp is a ball form white gold marked 750 / 18KT .
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,420Sale Price|20% Off
Sautoir w/ pink coral, morganite rondelles and white gold ball clasp w/ diamonds
Located in New Orleans, LA
Each rondelle flanking a cultured freshwater round pink pearl. Finished with a 14kt satin white gold ball clasp with diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Morganite, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and White Pearls with Tourmalines Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
The classic white pearl necklace with white freshwater pearls, sparkling pink tourmalines and sapphires! Colors vary from a blush -to a deep saturated pink, hand knotted on pink silk...
Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Graduating White South Sea Pearls 9-12mm Strand Necklace 14 Kt Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This 16-inch strand necklace features a collection of 39 exquisite white South Sea pearls, ranging from 9 to 12mm in size. The pearls are beautifully complemented by a white 14K yell...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Baroque Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This circa 1990s baroque pearl necklace features 28 lustrous freshwater cultured pearls strung in a continuous strand. Each pearl is unique in shape and surface texture, characterist...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Turquoise Mother of Pearl Bracelet Florentine 14 Karat Gold Clasp Three Strand
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet has a stunning large round Florentine 14 Karat Gold ball clasp. The elegant clasp is adorned with a brushed Florentine finish and has flower motif adornments throughout.
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rainbow Akoya Pearls 14K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Methiciously hand knotted Akoya pearls bracelet, finished with a solid gold 14k clasp. The fine quality shiny Akota Pearls represent an everlasting class and can endlessly combined. ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini Alternating Cultured Pearl and 10.00 Carat Diamond Ball Necklace
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
This necklace is composed of 25 cultured 9 mm pearls alternating with 24 white gold pave diamond balls, and a pave diamond ball plunger type clasp. 18 karat white gold Total length 1...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Graduated White Saltwater Akoya Pearl 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A timeless classic; the graduated Japanese saltwater Akoya pearl necklace; these white colored saltwater pearls are beautifully round with a slightly pink overtone. All methiciously ...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Giant Baroque Flame Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
An extraordinary celebration of nature’s artistry, this rare baroque pearl necklace is a true statement of refined elegance. Each pearl is uniquely shaped, revealing the organic beau...
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Akoya Pearl Diamond Double Stranded Necklace 14k Y Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Akoya Pearl Diamond Double Stranded Necklace 28" 14k Y Gold 7.5 mm Certified $9,750 301764 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Lov...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique heart pendant necklace is a romantic treasure from the Victorian era, circa 1880-1900. Originally crafted as a locket, the piece was later modified into a pendant, prese...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rainbow Sapphire, Pearls and Tourmaline Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
The classic white pearl necklace with 6mm pearls, sparkling multicolor sapphires and other gemstones! Colors follow the pattern of the rainbow, hand knotted on multicolor silk thread...
Sapphire, Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Akoya Pearl & Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of rarity, craftsmanship, and unmistakable presence — this extraordinary necklace is a masterpiece designed for those who dare to stand out. At its heart lies a breath...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.