$1,900 / set
Tahitian Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond White Gold Earrings. The Tahitian Pearl and Diamond White Gold Earrings were made around 2000.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.30 Carat Round Diamond Onyx Mother-of-Pearl Medallion Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
That role belongs to the 11.14 carats of natural pink and white mother-of-pearl, cut and polished into cabochons and fan-shaped segments that give the earring its color and its scale.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Mother of Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Round Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, this stud earrings is set with .56 carats of diamonds, 4.88 carats Mother of Pearl and .78 carats ruby. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Dangle Earrings #18029
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Earrings - Radiate timeless elegance with our glistening pearl earrings! Marked: R 14K 585 Weight: 1.3 g/ 0.9 dwt. Size: 26.4 mm X 5.8 mm X 5.8 mm Very g...
Pearl, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blister Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Bold yet timeless, these 14K yellow gold stud earrings feature a stunning pair of blister Mabe pearls, bezel-set in smooth gold frames. Each pearl measures approximately 23.8mm in di...
Pearl
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, these vintage pearl earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and designed with classic sophistication in mind. Each earring features a luminous, domed pearl with...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings #25747
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings Add timeless elegance to any jewelry collection with these 14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings. Expertly crafted from genuine 14K yellow gold...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D Shell, Pearl and Diamond Earrings in Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A one of a kind pair of shell earrings accented with 2.14 carats of natural diamonds and 13.68 carats of pearls, set in platinum. Natural shells form the body of each earring, dotte...
Diamond, Pearl
Dangle Earrings with Baroque Tahitian Pearl Earrings in Sterling Silver
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
The earrings hang at 2 inches, with pearls approximately 8.5mm in size.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone: Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl Stone Cut: Round. Color: White Size: 3 Inches.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone: Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl Stone Cut: Round Color: White Size: 1.75 Inches Weight: 2.73 g Material: 14k Yellow Gold Measurement: 5.94 - 6.37 mm This magnificent earrin...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Classic and elegant, these 14K yellow gold Mabe pearl stud earrings showcase luminous oversized pearls in a timeless design. Crafted in solid 14-karat yellow gold, the earrings feat...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Platinum Tahitian Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of platinum Midcentury drop earrings, set with approx. 1.60ctw H/VS-Si diamonds and 10.6 x 14mm Tahitian pearls. Earrings are 56mm long. Weight of the pair - 18 grams.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k White Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone: Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl Stone Cut: Round. Color: White Size: 1.75 Inches.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Akoya Pearl Earrings 14 Karat Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Akoya Pearl Earrings 14 KT Gold 8.10-5.50 mm Certified $799 013386 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Cultured Pearl Pendant Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant platinum, pearl and diamond drop earrings designed as two small bezel-set diamonds with post fittings above diamond-set beads and caps suspending flexible, graduated cylinder...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Akoya Pearl Earrings 14 Kt Yellow Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl Earrings set in 14 KT Yellow Gold 9.16 mm Certified $1,390 017528 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing s...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Japanese Akoya Pearl Earrings 14 KT Yellow Gold 9.03 mm Certified $1,390 017524 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,800 / set
Gaze Earrings in Diamond and Natural Pearl
Located in Beşiktaş, TR
The Gaze Earrings are crafted in 14K gold with a refined, architectural silhouette and a removable bottom element for versatile styling. The lower drop can be detached and worn as a ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings 14k White Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Japanese Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings set in 14k White Gold 6.95 mm Certified $599 015867 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love y...
Pearl, White Gold
18.36 carats of Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
At the center of each star-shaped earring rests a radiant round pearl, totaling an impressive 18.36 carats, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Rosy Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl w/ Pearl Halo Screw On Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - Milgrain Bezel Set - White Color w/ Nice Overtone - 12.5mm each (approx.) (40) Genuine Cultured Small Pearls - Round Sh...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Lugano pearl diamond 18k white gold earrings
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These earrings pair opposites on purpose. One drop ends in a white South Sea pearl and the other in a black Tahitian pearl, measuring approximately 16.16mm and 16.02mm, so the pair p...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,200 / item
Ruby Drop Earring with Baroque Pearl
Located in New York, NY
*Fit for special occasions and is lightweight/easy for every day sparkle* Details: - Made with 14k Gold - Features 4mm round Mozambique Ruby as stud set in a 14k yellow gold 3 pro...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Certified Tahitian Pearls Diamonds 18k Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Art Deco design earrings, so glamour and chic. Earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of Untreated saltwater cultured Tahitian pearls of about 13.5 mm , extra fine qual...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Golden South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings - 12mm Cultured Pearls
Located in Coral Gables, FL
These exceptional 18 karat yellow gold pearl drop earrings feature two magnificent 12mm Golden South Sea cultured pearls of remarkable luster accented by 10 round brilliant cut diamo...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Art Deco pearl and diamond hoop earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Art Deco flexible, front-to-back, hoop earrings comprised of articulated diamond interiors with beaded pearl borders, in platinum. Atw diamonds 2.00 cts. 1 3/8"
Diamond, Pearl
$3,300 / item
Paperclip Link Diamond Earrings w. Baroque Pearl
Located in New York, NY
Paperclip-inspired gold link earrings with interlocking links — one link set with pavé-set diamonds while the remaining links finished w. high-polished gold — creates the ultimate dr...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Tahitian and Freshwater Pearl with Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Lovely, feminine combination of rare iridescent Tahitian Mother of Pearl with 14k yellow gold discs and black Tahitian pearl drops dangling from high quality white lustro...
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.20cts Diamonds Baroque pearl earrings and Detachable Baroque Pearls, 18K Gold
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
Our ‘Diamond Disk Earrings’ by Michelle Massoura feature a pair of glimmering diamond disks (width 7mm), set in 18Karat Gold and detachable baroque pearls. The diamond disk studs can...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Diamond and Cultured Pearl Pendant Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These intricately designed pearl drop earrings feature two larger diamonds, weighing approximately 1.75cts, with a G-H color range and SI clarity, surrounded by round diamonds, mostl...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Estate 18K Hammerman Bros Baguette Round Diamond Pearl Earrings 6.92ctw G Vs
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Winter Springs, FL
They are crafted in 18K yellow gold a both channel and pavé set with approximately 6.92ctw in F-H color Vs1-2 clarity baguette and round diamonds. They are set with 12mm mabe pearls ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fanciful pair of drop earrings featuring perfectly round Akoya pearls surrounded by 1.70 carats of round cut diamonds in an 18K white gold setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum, 14k Gold, Cultured Pearl, and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Platinum, 14k Gold, Cultured Pearl, and Diamond Earrings. The swag-form earring each featuring a near-round cultured pearl measuring approx. 9.10 mm. and set throughout with full-, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum
$12,018 / item
South Sea Pearls & Diamonds 14K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Exclusive South Sea Pearls & Diamonds earrings , in a modern design, so elegant and sophisticated style . Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of charm and class on your l...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
South Sea Pearl Sapphire Earrings 14k Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls This pair of South Sea pearl earrings have been Certified, Inspected, and Appraised by Gemological Appraisal Laboratory Gem...
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Grapevine pearl earrings 14Kt white gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Baroque natural pearl with ruby cross pendant, this piece is made with quality not glued but rather assembled all together to make a unique jewelry statement in 14Kt gold. Metal Typ...
Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,600 / set
Sapphire Baroque Pearl Chain Drop Earring
Located in New York, NY
- 3 Round 3mm round sapphire set in 3 prong setting - Sapphire : 0.85 carat total weight (approx.) - 14k yellow gold cable chain - freshwater baroque pearl - Fish hook - 4 inch ...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$1,470Sale Price|25% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cream Pearl Stud Earrings, 8.5mm Pearls
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant and timeless, these small pearl stud earrings are crafted in 14K yellow gold, offering a refined touch to any look.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond and Pearl Convertible Day & Night Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Pearl Convertible Day & Night Earrings Description: A striking pair of convertible earrings, designed with a dramatic swirl of pavé and baguette-cut diamonds leading to ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl
14K Pearl Earrings from South Sea
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite 14K Yellow Gold earrings feature lustrous Natural South Sea pearls, totaling an impressive 25.83 carats, radiating timeless elegance and sophistication. The pearls ar...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Gold CC Mini Pearl Round Piercing Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Gold CC Mini Pearl Round Piercing Earrings *Marked 04 *Made in Italy -It is approximately 0.75" x 0.75".
$2,500 / set
Gaze Earrings in Emerald and Brown Pearl
Located in Beşiktaş, TR
The Gaze Earrings are crafted in 14K gold with a refined, architectural silhouette and a removable bottom element designed for versatile styling. The lower drop can be detached and w...
Pearl, Emerald, 14k Gold
$343Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Seahorse Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Painted Seahorse Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings Unique Ocean-Themed Jewelry Mother of Pearl & Topaz Earrings Dive into underwater enchantment with these truly unique earrings.
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Earrings #16919
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Earrings These elegant stud earrings each feature one round white pearl (7 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured Pearl Dangly Diamond Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Earring Length: 1 1/4 in Total Weight: 3.2 Grams Diamond Count: 12 brilliant cut Diamond Color: I Diamond Clarity: SI1 Total Di...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Brunswick, ME
These Beautiful Estate Cultivate Natural South Sea Pearls Diamond Earrings Feature: South Sea Pearl Shape : Almost Round Average Color/Surface : Light Golden-Cream/ Some Natural Flaw...
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings #18281
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Studs - These timeless beauties add a touch of classiness to any outfit. Size: 4.5mm X 13 mm Weight: 0.3 dwt/ 0.5g Hallmark: K14 14K China Very good co...
Pearl, 14k Gold
1960s Diamond and Cultured Pearl Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of 0.70 carat diamond and cultured pearl, platinum and 18 karat white gold drop earrings; part of our diverse pearl estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$180 / item
Shell and Pearl Dangling Earrings
By Aracheli Studio
Located in Monrovia, CA
This is for a pair of earrings. Inspired by the ocean, by the cool summer breeze and for that tropical vacays we all want to take. A vintage multi-pastel color shell is the heart of ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate, Brass
Platinum 7.0ct Diamond and Pearl Earrings MF30-012926
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Pearls measuring 12.2mm dangle delicately on these radiant earrings. Set in Platinum, Diamonds with a total weight of 7.0 carats make them impressive enough for even your most specia...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
$14,651 / item
South Sea Pearls & Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of about 14mm , flawless quality , in perfect shape , and dazzling diamonds of 1,40 carats , in round br...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$550 / set
Pearl Drop Earrings Diamond Bow Earstud
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Drop Earrings Diamond Bow Earstud Designer: J DAUPHIN Diamond bow earrings crafted in 14k gold-plate, each bow hand set with white diamonds and finished with a round white fr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Pl...
$9,500 / set
Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant pearl earrings, each with a 1 carat round brilliant diamond.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Large White Beads Pearls Circle Round Retro Elegant Gold Hoop Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Very high quality and 100% handmade. High cost. Excellent gift for lady. Natural pearls, each one is different. Wear them on casual, prom, holiday... Material: Gold plated metal,...
Natural Pearl, Gold Plate
South Sea Pearl earrings 14KT gold dangling 2 inches earrings wedding earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Dangling fun earrings made with white south sea pearls 8mm each and natural diamonds totalling 0.60 carats VS-SI clarity and F-G color. Earrings will come with stunning packaging an...
South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Wempe Diamond Pearl Gold Flower Earrings
By Wempe
Located in New York, NY
Flower 18K yellow gold earrings accented by round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.25 carats total. The diameter of the earring is 1.5 inches. The earrings signed "Wempe". Please check ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Jādora】Emerald Clover 2.01ct Cabochon Emerald Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A playful composition of vivid green emeralds, arranged like tiny four-leaf clovers suspended in motion. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, these earrings feature 2.01 carats of natural em...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Ornate Pearl and Enamel Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
These are a pair of highly detailed vintage 9ct yellow gold pearl drop earrings. Each earring features three seed pearls which move freely when worn. The earrings also feature light ...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$16,596 / item
South Sea Pearls & Diamonds 14k Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite South Sea Pearls & Diamonds earrings in an adorable design, so elegant and refined style. Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of grace and sophistication on ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k 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.
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
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.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.