Antique Freshwater Pearl
19th Century Unknown Antique Freshwater Pearl
Freshwater Pearl, White Gold
Early 20th Century Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Austrian High Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Russian Russian Empire Antique Freshwater Pearl
Freshwater Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1910s Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-19th Century Antique Freshwater Pearl
Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1920s German Art Deco Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
1920s Antique Freshwater Pearl
Early 20th Century Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 1900s Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
1910s American Romantic Antique Freshwater Pearl
Opal, Pearl, 10k Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, 14k Gold
1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century American Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Indian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold Plate
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Italian Art Deco Antique Freshwater Pearl
Agate, Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 10k Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Late 18th Century Antique Freshwater Pearl
1910s Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
1880s Dutch High Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
1880s European Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Yellow Gold
1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1910s American Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
1870s Dutch High Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
1920s American Belle Époque Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
1880s Dutch High Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Coral, Pearl, 14k Gold
19th Century French Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1910s Dutch Art Deco Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
17th Century Artist Antique Freshwater Pearl
Opal, South Sea Pearl, Blue Topaz, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Belle Époque Antique Freshwater Pearl
16th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Freshwater Pearl
Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 22k Gold
1840s European Georgian Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Freshwater Pearl
Natural Pearl, Pearl, Amethyst, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Early 1800s Unknown Antique Freshwater Pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
1920s Unknown Antique Freshwater Pearl
Onyx, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1890s Antique Freshwater Pearl
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
1810s Italian Artisan Antique Freshwater Pearl
Agate, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
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Antique Freshwater Pearl For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Freshwater Pearl?
The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design
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.
- Are there freshwater pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, there are freshwater pearls. Certain species of pearl-producing mollusks do live in bodies of freshwater. Among them are Hyriopsis cumingi and Hyriopsis schlegeli. Most freshwater pearls come from the United States and Japan. Shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are freshwater pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, freshwater pearls are real. They come from mussels that are naturally found in lakes and rivers. However, it is rare to find naturally occurring pearls of any kind. As a result, most of the freshwater pearls used in jewelry are cultured. The term refers to pearls created by freshwater-dwelling mussels with the assistance of human intervention. Pearls produced with this process are real, but they are not natural. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of pearl jewelry.
- Are mabé pearls freshwater?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, mabé pearls are freshwater pearls, but they can be grown in saltwater. This makes them more budget-friendly than other pearls because they’re more readily available and grow in clusters. Find a large collection of mabé pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Round freshwater pearls look very similar to Akoya pearls but are less expensive. A necklace can range from $50 to $2000.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023The rarest color of freshwater pearls is arguably lavender. Pearls that feature the color naturally are much less common than ones that are white, silver, cream or rose. Pink and peach freshwater pearls are also less likely to occur naturally. Explore a wide range of freshwater pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024The process of telling an antique pearl varies based on whether it is set in jewelry or loose. In the case of jewelry, you can look for a maker's mark and then conduct online research to find out when the company existed and made similar pieces. To be considered an antique, pearl jewelry must be at least 100 years old. In the case of a loose pearl or if you have difficulty performing research on your item, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser, knowledgeable jeweler or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique pearl jewelry.
- Are antique pearls worth money?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Some antique pearls are worth money. How much a particular piece is worth depends on its age, style, type, maker and condition. The majority of antique pearls are likely to be uncultured pearls, as Kokichi Mikimoto didn't introduce the world's first true cultured pearl, produced by oysters with assistance from humans, until 1893. Generally, uncultured pearls are worth more than cultured ones. To learn more about your jewelry and find out what it could be worth, consult a certified appraiser, experienced jeweler or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of antique pearl jewelry.