1950s Red Ruby Glass & Seed Pearl Bracelet
Unavailable|$525
1950s Red Ruby Glass & Seed Pearl Bracelet
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very rare chunky red ruby glass and seed pearl bracelet with safety chain. 7.5" x 1.5" Excellent!
Unavailable|$525
1950s Red Ruby Glass & Seed Pearl Bracelet
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very rare chunky red ruby glass and seed pearl bracelet with safety chain. 7.5" x 1.5" Excellent!
Circa 1890 Antique Ruby Seed Pearl 18 Karat Gold Dress Engagement Band Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Stylish ruby and seed pearl dress ring set in 18ct gold with 3 oval facetted rubies and 26 seed pearls.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Turn-of-the-Century Citrine, Lapis, Ruby, and Seed Pearl Pendent
Located in Lombard, IL
This lovely turn-of-the-century citrine, ruby, and seed pearl 14kt yellow gold pendant from early years of the twentieth century is a beautiful example of the mystical, soft, curvace...
Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 14K Gold Ruby and Seed Pearl Crescent Floral Brooch with Fleur-de-Lis In
Located in London, GB
Elegant 14K Gold Ruby and Seed Pearl Crescent Floral Brooch with Fleur-de-Lis Inlaid Design This exquisite brooch probably dates back to circa 1900 or later and is a testament to cr...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$5,700
Ruby and Pearl Double Buckle Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
This is an English 15 kt yellow gold double bangle bracelet set with seed pearls and rubies in a faux buckle design. It is about 16 mm wide and finished with a safety chain.
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$1,013
Antique Ruby Pearls Insect Bee Brooch, 15 Carat Yellow Gold, circa 1910
Located in Preston, Lancashire
This outstanding antique insect brooch pin is set with ruby and seed pearl wings, circa 1910. The winged insect is set with round cut ruby, baroque pearl body and seed pearl wings.
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$18,000
Large Blackamoor Pearl & Diamond Brooch
Located in New York City, NY
Consisting of natural seed pearls, diamonds, ruby, and one single Mabe pearl.
Unavailable|$950
Gold Gemset Golf Charm
Located in New York, NY
The top, bottom and handle are set with seed pearls. Two faceted prong-set rubies and two diamonds are scattered on the bag. 1 1/4" x 3/4."
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Edwardian French Carnelian, Enamel, Gemstone Native American Chief Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
Five stones rest at the base of his neck in a bezel-setting, including two Persian turquoise stones, a diamond, a seed pearl, and a ruby, adding a wonderful finishing touch!
Carnelian, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 18k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Ruby Diamond Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Ruby Diamond Earrings. These earrings feature seed pearls on the ring with an old cushion ruby in the center.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Sold|$9,500
Seed Pearl & Ruby Sautoir c1900
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES The twelve entwined strands of seed pearls terminating at each end in a seed pearl tassel with a ...
Ruby, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,850
Seed Pearl Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This ring is stunning, the 0.60 carat ruby is a lively red and the seed pearls are in pristine condition.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Seed Pearl Ruby 14 Karat Gold Elephant Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a small African elephant Set throughout with seed pearls, polished gold trunk and tusks Tiny cabochon ruby eye With maker's mark Measuring: 3/4 x 1/2 Inch Total Wei...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Birmingham Hallmarked Victorian Seed Pearl & Ruby Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Made of 15ct yellow gold, this ring boasts a stunning design that features 6 natural seed pearls set in the centre and a natural ruby on each shoulder.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian 9 Karat Gold Citrine Seed Pearl Ruby Crown Heart Arrow Bar Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
The crown is adorned with two seed pearls and a ruby. Weight: 3.04g Length: 5cm Heart: 1.5x0.8cm ——— If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Citrine, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold
BAILEY, BANKS & BIDDLE Tsavorite, Pearl, Ruby & 18K Gecko Pin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18K Yellow Gold, Tsavorite, Seed Pearl & Ruby Gecko Pin by Bailey, Banks & Biddle - two Ruby, thirteen Tsavorite Garnets, eighty Pearls, circa 1895
Garnet, Ruby, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver Pearl & Ruby Large Swallow Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
Stunning, large and custom made 3 dimensional pendant made of sterling silver with a rose gold wash, set with seed pearls & ruby eyes. The beautiful Swallow has his head up and win...
Pearl, Ruby, Silver
18K dormeuses - Antique earrings with seed pearls - Victorian sleepers
Located in Antwerp, BE
These 18 ct yellow gold dormeuse earrings (also called sleepers) are decorated with flower shaped ornaments, little seed pearls, rubies and are finished with a lot of detail.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 1920s Diamond Pearl Ruby and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive German 0.60 Carat diamond and seed pearl, ruby and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set pendant; part of our diverse Art Nouveau jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Seed Pearl Enamel Revivalist Gold Bracelet
Located in Litchfield, CT
Each quatrefoil-like element of the bracelet features effervescent blue flowers with ruby cabochon centers and lush foliage arranged on a gold and seed pearl background.
Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Sold|$1,600
GIA 14k Gold, Ruby and Seed Pearl Bracelet
Located in Kingston, NY
GIA 14k gold, ruby and seed pearl circa 1950 bracelet. 8.2 dwt. 6".
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian Enamel Ruby Seed Pearl Gold Snake Necklace
Located in London, England
A Victorian snake necklace, with fanciful filigree gold embellishment on the head, adorned with collet set seed pearls and cabochon ruby eyes. The filigree gold embellishing has been...
Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Seed Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold Fox Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique European seed pearl and 0.01 carat ruby, 15 karat yellow gold 'fox' brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2 Row Cultured Pearl Bracelet with Ruby & Seed Pearl Clasp
Located in London, GB
This eye-catching vintage 2 row Pearl bracelet is set with Ruby and Seed Pearl clasp, an exquisite centre piece, serves both as a secure fastening and a regal design element.
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
Victorian Style Rose Gold Rubies And Seed Pearls Pendant
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Victorian style Rose Gold Rubies and Seed Pearls pendant. It is a round pendant shaped as a flower and decorated with petals made of marquise cut rubies in rose gold bezel ...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Yellow Gold Amethyst Ruby Seed Pearl Bangle Bracelet
Located in Cape May, NJ
Composition: 14K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Amethyst Secondary Stone: Ruby Tertiary Stone: Seed Pearl Bracelet Bangle dimensions: inner diameter 7" ...
Amethyst, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dragon Head Ruby Diamond Gold Clasp Seed Pearl Twist Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This seed pearl necklace comprising some 60 silk-strung stands of exquisite, evenly colored off-white seed pearls weighs approx. 144.2 grams and measures approx. 18.5" long.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Strand Seed Pearl w/ Panther Diamond Sapphire Ruby Clasp
Located in Cincinnati, OH
13 Strands- approximately 3mm round cream-colored seed pearls. Approximately 17 inches long. 14 karat yellow gold "panther head" clasp approximately 1.75 inches.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Ruby & Seed Pearl Oval Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
The front is exquisitely decorated with a natural ruby and natural seed pearl crest, adding a touch of timeless sophistication.
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Ruby & Seed Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Cluster Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Pretty, Victorian cluster ring. Set with a natural ruby centre & a cluster of natural, milky seed pearls making a beautiful...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
1900s Art Nouveau Ruby Sapphire and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.12 carat ruby and sapphire, seed pearl and 21 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse Art Nouveau jewelry collections.
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Etruscan Revival 18k Gold Ruby & Seed Pearl Detailed Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - Grayish White Color (6) Natural Genuine Rubies - Old Cut - Bezel Set - Vivid Red Color - Natural Inclusions Material...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 K Gold Ruby, Sapphire and Seed Pearl Multiband Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Seed Pearl, Sapphire and Ruby Multiband Ring Size 4.5 This stunning five band ring features 14 seed pearls, seven rubies and seven sapphires set in clas...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Bracelet Ruby Diamond Seed Pearls 18 Karat Gold Platinum Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
The center set pearl measures 3.5mm with the smaller seed pearls estimated at 1mm each.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Retro 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds, Jade, Rubies and Seed Pearls Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautifully designed retro earrings with diamonds, rubies, seed pearls and jades. #E0013 Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 16 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.75 CTS Tot...
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
8.30Ct Emerald, Ruby, Diamond and Seed Pearl, 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 8.30 carat natural emerald, ruby, diamond and seed pearls, 18 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Australian Opal Diamond Ruby Emerald Seed Pearl Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is accented by natural seed pearls, 8 emeralds, 2 rubies and 2 diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jill Garber Antique Austro Hungarian Garnet, Ruby and Seed Pearl Drop Necklace
By Jill Garber
Located in Saginaw, MI
This important drop necklace, with six Mother of Pearl festoons, integrates a romantic combination of rose-cut garnets, rubies, delicate seed pearls, and a variety of old pastes into...
Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Hexagonal Citrine, Ruby & Seed Pearl Floral Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Featuring a charming circular design, the pendant is adorned with delightful daisies encircling the frame, each showcasing natural ruby centres that beautifully contrast with the del...
Citrine, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold French, Edwardian Ruby, Diamond & Seed Pearl Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Each delicate flower is elegantly adorned with natural rubies, sparkling diamonds, and lustrous seed pearls, adding a touch of charm and sophistication.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond, Seed Pearl, Emerald, Ruby & Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Outstanding meticulous workmanship, classy combination of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and seed pearls. Gorgeous clasp. You can wear the necklace in one layer or wrap twice around your...
1900s Diamond and Ruby, Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.06 carat diamond, 0.05 carat ruby, seed pearl and 18 karat yellow gold heart pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections This fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby & Seed Pearl Navette Ring 14K Rose Gold - c.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this splendid antique Victorian ruby and seed pearl navette ring made c.1900 (the shoulder/ring may have been re-shanked at a later period).
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1890's Victorian Opal Ruby Seed Pearl 14 Karat Rose Gold Clover Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring depicts a clover motif comprised of three 3.0 mm round opal cabochons Well matched in white body color with moderate to strong spectral play-of-color Clover stem is accented b...
Opal, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby, Sapphire and Seed Pearl 21k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.12 carat ruby and sapphire, seed pearl and 21 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse Art Nouveau jewelry collections.
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
1880's Victorian Sapphire Ruby Emerald Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Clover Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring centers a clover motif comprised of round cut emerald, sapphire, and ruby Weighing in total approximately 0.25 carat and brightly colored With stylized split shoulders accente...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby Ring Seed Pearls .25ct Original 1940's Hammerman Bros Antique 10K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1940's Ruby Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring .25ct Yellow Gold Features Six Genuine Natural Round Cut Ruby Gemstones Totaling .25ct Genuine Seed Pe...
Pearl, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Victorian Brooch Ruby Set Hearts At Ends Seed Pearls Diamond set Heart Drop
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Heart Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Fabulous Victorian Gold Brooch. Set with Rubies, Diamonds & Pearls. Features Two Little Ruby Set Hearts at Either End & Di...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$2,450
Victorian Locket with Pearl and Ruby
Located in New York, NY
An English Victorian 18 karat gold locket with seed pearls and rubies. The locket has 5 seed pearls and 10 mixed rubies with an approximate total weight of 1.00 carats.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Halley's Comet Conversion Necklace 14k Rose Gold Seed Pearl Vintage Fine
Located in Torrance, CA
Particulars: Weight: 3.7 grams Stones: The comet is set with 4 x 1mm seed pearls, one approx. 0.02 carat ruby and one approx. 0.04 carat emerald.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Snake Serpent Bracelet Ruby Head Pearl Collar 18 Karat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Weight: 18.4 grams Stones: 11 seed Pearls and 1 Ruby 2 small Diamonds Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Gold, Pearl and Ruby Frog Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian pearl frog brooch, set with natural seed pearls and cushion-cut ruby eyes, mounted in 18ct yellow gold, with an 18ct stamp, English, circa 1900.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Golf Bag Two-Tone Pendant Set with Pearls, Rubies and Sapphires
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 10k yellow and white gold Pearls: 32 seed pearls 3mm in diameter Rubies: two round faceted rubies = 0.06 carat total weight Sapphires: two round fac...
Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Ruby & Pearl Engraved Bracelet, Brooch & Earrings Set
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique suite of jewellery, comprising a bracelet, brooch / pendant, and a pair of earrings, each set with a cushion shaped ruby and seed pearls, 18 karat yellow gold throughout.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15 Karat Yellow Gold Curb Bracelet, Ruby and Pearl, Floral, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
The floral panel has been expertly crafted and features a central flower set with a single Ruby and surrounded by seed pearl, there are six heart shaped leaves all set with creamy pe...
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
15ct Gold, Victorian Dome Shaped Ruby & Pearl Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1876
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Dome Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1876 This exquisite Victorian dome-shaped ring is crafted from 15ct gold and features vertical rows of alternatin...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby & Enamel Bird Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, sapphire, ruby, enamel, and yellow and rose gold locket pendant, comprising seventy-five half seed pearls, 1 whole seed pearl, six round cut rubies, six r...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.