Tahitian Black Pearl Choker Necklace, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
"Tahitian Black Pearl Choker Necklace, 18K White Gold " Introducing the exquisite Tahitian Black Pearl Choker Necklace, 18K White Gold.
Black Pearl, White Gold
Large Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k White Gold Total Weight: 18.9 Grams Chain Length: 18" Chain Type: Franco Pendant Diameter Including Bail: ~1.70" x 1.12" Stamped: "...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
18K Rose Gold South Sea Tahitian Pearl Necklace
Located in Stuart, FL
18K Rose gold south sea Tahitian pearl necklace. The pearls are 11mm, has a pearl clasp to close necklace, the necklace is 32 inches long, can be worn in 7 different ways, has a tota...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Multi-Color Tahitian Black Pearl and Turquoise Necklace
By Lola Florence Hawaii
Located in Kailua Kona, HI
An edgy array of colors in both Pearls & Turquoise make up this exciting Helix Necklace. Tahitian Pearls in silvery greens & blues to deep chocolates & berry tones.
Pearl, Turquoise
Tara & Sons Endless Tahitian Pearl Strand 54-Inch Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Endless Tahitian Pearl Strand by Tara & Sons is a luxurious statement necklace featuring 121 exquisite Tahitian pearls, each measuring approximately 11.6mm x 10.0mm, arranged in ...
Pearl
18K White Gold Diamond Gemstone Tahitian Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Details: Metal: 18K White Gold Stones: Amethyst, Garnet, Blue Topaz, Peridot, Tahitian Pearls Accent Stones: Brilliant Round Diamond 0.2 carats Pendant Drop: 3 inches Necklace Length...
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Akoya Tahitian Pearl Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14k Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique, One of a kind, Akoya Tahitian Pearl Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14k Gold Certified $6,950 114992 Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls!
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Michael Kneebone Baroque Tahitian Pearl Granulated Bead Necklace
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Tahitian pearls are complimented by a single granulated bead in this elegant necklace.
Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil
Cultured Tahitian Pearl Necklace with Aquamarine Diamond Pendant
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An exceptional and eye catching necklace consisting of a fine round silvery cultured Tahitian Pearl necklace (Diamenter 11-11.5 mm) and a clasp in 18 K rose Gold featuring a large re...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18k Gold and 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Tahitian Pearl Necklace Tahitian Pearls, 14k Gold, 18k Gold 18” 14k gold paperclip chain with five green-hued Tahitian Pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$3,360Sale Price|31% Off
Michael Kneebone Tourmaline Aquamarine Tahitian Pearl Confetti Necklace
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Indicolite tourmaline (origin: Brazil) is integrated with aquamarine and Tahitian pearl in this unique Confetti necklace. The cabochons are delicately colored, well cut and polished...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Vermeil
Earthtone Andalusite with Copper Tahitian Pearls Necklace N3744
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Exquisite, rare Andalusite multi strand necklace in soft earthtones adorned with 3 exceptionally beautiful and rare copper color Tahitian pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold
Classic Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18k white gold station necklace, featuring South Sea Tahitian pearls, measuring from approx. 10 x 11mm to 12 x 13.5mm, surrounded with diamonds - total approx. 0.75ctw H/Si1 ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Mikimoto 18 inch black Tahitian South Sea cultured pearl necklace. Design #XNB11018NS9397.
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Whi...
$2,880 / item
Tahitian Pearl Necklace 14k Solid White Gold Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 12-14.80mm Tahitian Pearl Necklace 14K Solid White Gold Clasp Suggested Replacement Value: $8,000.00 Clasp 14k Solid White Gold Total Natural Tahitian Pearls Measure: 12...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,340Sale Price|20% Off
Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace with 14k Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Bloomington, MN
Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace with 14k Yellow Gold Clasp This necklace features a graduated strand of round Tahitian pearls displaying blue-green, violet, charcoal, and silvery ove...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Tahitian Pearl Necklace 0.60 TCW 14k Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 0.60 CT 14k Gold 13 mm Certified $4,950 915320 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Tahitian South Sea Multi Color Pearl Necklace '#J4414'
Located in Big Bend, WI
8.5-10mm Tahitian South Sea Multi Color Pearl Necklace (#J4414) Strands of multi-color Tahitian and South Sea cultured pearls.
Pearl
Pink Sapphire Tahitian South Sea Pearl Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Necklace is 20.5" long. Marked 18k on clasp. Weight - 110 grams.
South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Gold
Diamond Tahitian Pearl Necklace 14k Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 14k Gold 16.7 mm 19.5" Certified $19,470 915543 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love you” more...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,468Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby, Diamond & Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace in 14k Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ruby, Diamond & Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace in 14k Gold This necklace is crafted in 14k gold and features a graduated strand of Tahitian pearls displaying gray, green, bronze...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 18k yellow gold necklace features a strand of Tahitian pearls in a softly varied palette of silver, champagne, mauve, and warm bronze tones.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Tahitian Pearl 14k Gold Necklace Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 14k Gold 16 mm 16.5" Certified $29,750 914434 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love you” more t...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gellner 18K Rose Gold Marutea Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover the Gellner 18K Rose Gold Marutea Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Necklace, a luxurious statement from the Castaway Collection.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】 PSL Ocean Current Tahitian Pearl Convertible Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary interpretation of classic Tahitian pearls. Featuring PSL-certified SK-grade Tahitian pearls measuring 8.2–10.7 mm, this necklace showcases exceptional luster with sub...
Black Pearl, Sterling Silver
Tahitian, South Sea, and Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in Lucerne, CH
This colorful necklace features 39 round Tahitian, South Sea, and Freshwater cultured pearls graduating from 9.7 mm to 11.9 mm.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 18K White Gold Diamond & Tahitian Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
A refined and contemporary 18-karat white gold pendant necklace, beautifully centered by a lustrous Tahitian cultured pearl measuring approximately 8.5 mm.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Very Fine Tahitian Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Lucerne, CH
This very fine strand consists of 29 round, medium gray with a slight pink overtone Tahitian cultured pearls graduating from 14.0 mm to 14.9 mm.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 22k Gold and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous strand of pearls has a modern twist and features a fabulous center Tahitian pearl set in double 22k gold. Finished with beautifully set accented diamonds! Handmade, han...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 22k Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Pendant
Located in Oslo, 03
This pendant features a stunning Tahitian pearl, known for its luxurious dark luster and unique teardrop shape. Measuring 12x16mm, the pearl displays a deep, multi-tonal hue with an ...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
【Lustre Arc】 Convertible Baby Akoya Pearl & Tahitian Drop Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
At its end, a single 10.4mm Tahitian pearl drop adds weightless drama and contrast.
Pearl, Black Pearl, White Gold
$8,100Sale Price|25% Off
Beautiful Baroque Tahitian Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Lucerne, CH
This strand consists of 27 charmingly baroque shaped and multicolored Tahitian cultured pearls ranging from 10.2 mm to 18.9 mm. Ball clasp in 18 karat white gold with 9 brilliant cut...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Pearl: Tahitian 10.5MM Diamond: 9 round cut = 0.13cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Weight: 7.09 grams Dimensions: necklace measures 18 inches in...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Solitaire Enhancer Pendant Necklace - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Tahitian Pearl Style: Solitaire Enhancer Chain Style: Box Necklace Style: Chain Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Measu...
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luminous 11.88ct Tahitian Salt Walter Pearl and Diamonds Necklace
Located in רמת גן, IL
Luminous 11.88ct Tahitian Salt Walter Pearl and Diamonds Necklace in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified This sophisticated Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace embodies elegance and time...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
18" Grey Tahitian Pearl Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A timeless strand of natural elegance. This necklace features a stunning mix of dark grey Tahitian pearls, each hand-selected for its unique tone and luster.
Black Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
DOROTA LASAK 22k gold turquoise Tahitian pearl beaded necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
22k gold turquoise pearl beaded necklace DETAILS • 22k gold clasp • turquoise beads • Tahitian pearl • hand knotted • stamped DOROTA LASAK 22k
Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, 22k Gold
Peacock Tahitian Pearl Two Tone Necklace Solid 14k Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow and White Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Chain Length: 18" Pendant Diameter: 1.25" 0.35" Stamped: "14K" Pearl: Peacock Tahitian P...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
12mm Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Clasp Statement Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Estate Tahitian Pearl Necklace, featuring 35 lustrous Tahitian pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Beautiful 14 karat yellow gold pendant necklace.Handmade by our craftsmen assembled with diamonds and Tahitian Pearl Diamonds weight 0.14 karat Necklace total weight 7.60 grams Pear...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Lustre Arc】PSL Certified Multicolor Tahitian Pearl Necklace — 8–10.9mm
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features 8–10.9mm Tahitian cultured pearls, individually selected for their rich color, strong luster and beautifully round shapes.
Black Pearl, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Gemstone Tahitian Pearl Pendant Necklace Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Stunning 18K white gold pendant necklace featuring 4 Tahitian pearls white, yellow, and 2 black with a diamond sphere center.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carved Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18k White Gold 0.03 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Carved Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 18k Gold 11.2 mm 16" Certified $2,290 817266 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry MADE IN ITALY Nothing says...
Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mizuki 14 Karat Yellow Gold Baroque Tahitian Pearl Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Mizuki Material: 14k yellow gold Tahitian Pearl: 1 baroque Tahitian pearl 12.20mm by 15.45mm Dimensions: Necklace is 14 inches long Weight: 5.34 grams
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Effy 14K White Gold Tahitian Pearl Necklace 9mm 18” NWT
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This designer Effy pearl necklace is crafted in 14K white gold and features a stunning 9mm round Tahitian pearl.
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】PSL Certified Pale Platinum Grey Tahitian Pearl Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally pale expression of Tahitian color. This necklace features beautifully matched 9.1–11.4mm Tahitian pearls in a rare, luminous pale platinum-grey tone.
Black Pearl
GIT Certified Tahitian Pearls Golden South Sea Pearls Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
With a wide selection and expert guidance, you're sure to find the perfect pearls to add to your collection. Magnificent necklace come with lustrous Tahitian and Golden South Sea Pea...
South Sea Pearl
Diamond Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18k Gold 13.25 mm 17" Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 18k Gold 13.25 mm 17" Certified $19,690 822492 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Platinum Tahitian Keshi Pearl Convertible Necklace — 64 cm
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Organic form meets metallic light in this exceptionally lustrous Tahitian Keshi pearl necklace. Composed of 8–16mm baroque Keshi pearls, the necklace displays an extraordinary spect...
Pearl, 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
9mm Keshi Tahitian Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver Clasp
By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
A necklace of 9mm Keshi Tahitian pearls with a sterling silver clasp.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Tahitian Black Pearl Strand Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl necklace is composed of 33 pearls originating from the waters of Tahiti.
Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Cultured Pearl Necklace with Tahitian Pearl, Champagne Diamond & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Necklace with Diamond by Jen Proudman Jewelry Cultured Pearls, Tahitian Pearl, Champagne Diamond & 14k Gold Seventeen inches of 6.6mm cultured pearls with a 15mm hangin...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Contemporary Tahitian Pearl Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A presents a contemporary pendant necklace featuring a 13.9 mm Tahitian cultured pearl gracefully embraced by an elegant ribbon of pavé-set diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Necklace Choker Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl necklace is composed of 37 pearls for a total elegant length of 18”.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Necklace 25” Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl necklace is composed of 50 pearls. Their diameter range is 12-10mm.
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,560Sale Price|20% Off
18ct White Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Necklace 1.20ct 35.17g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This elegant lariat-style necklace is crafted in 18ct white gold, showcasing a captivating 13.5mm drop-shaped Tahitian pearl with natural markings, black body colour, and beautiful l...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Dark Tahitian Pearl Necklace with White Gold Clasp
Located in Trumbull, CT
GIA Certified Graduated Dark Tahitian Pearl Necklace This exquisite necklace features 35 dark Tahitian pearls, hand strung in a graceful graduated strand and finished with a 14k whit...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Graduated Tahitian Pearl Necklace, 18ct Gold Clasp, 45cm, UK 2009
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Graduated Cultured Tahitian Pearl Necklace with 18ct Gold Clasp An elegant single-strand necklace composed of graduated cultured Tahitian pearls measuring approximately 11.4mm to 9m...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
63 Inch Long Tahitian and South Sea Paradizia Necklace N3958
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description An impressive fashion statement necklace, measuring an extraordinary 63 inches, offers endless versatility in styling.
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.
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.