MIKIMOTO Sterling Silver Pearl Necklace. Mikimoto Double Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
5.5mm range Sterling Silver 925 Mikimoto Clasp This is an incredibly rare piece. Don't miss out.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
MIKIMOTO 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace. 7mm Pearls 15.5in Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
strand 15.5inch Saltwater Cultured Akoya pearls high quality 7mm range 14k Yellow gold Mikimoto Clasp
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$49,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18k Gold Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto 87 Pearls LARGE 9.5 mm 34 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE REVIEW
Pearl, 18k Gold
$28,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18" 18k Y Gold 10 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
$106,000 M106000 Estate Mikimoto 43 Pearls LARGE 10 mm 18 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp TRUSTED SELLER
Pearl, Gold
$14,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 36" 14k Y Gold 9 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Certified $56,000 M56000 Estate Mikimoto 97 Pearls LARGE 9 mm 36 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp TRUSTED
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Shell Clasp Multi Strand Pearl Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold shell-form clasp bearing Mikimoto hallmarks. The evenly matched pearls are arranged in
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Men's Tie Clasp Silver 7 mm 5.3 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Men's Tie Clasp Silver 7 mm 5.3 Grams M242 This elegant Authentic
Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto 3 Strand 6.5-7mm Pearl Bracelet w/ 14k Gold Engraved Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Montclair, NJ
each (approx.) (1) Genuine Culture Pearl - Round - White Color - 4.6mm On Clasp (approx.) Material
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Bracelet. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Double Strand Bracelet.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO Multi-strand Bracelet 18k white Gold Clasp MIKIMOTO hallmarked accordingly
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Graduated Baroque Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
Slightly Graduated Baroque Pearl Necklace With 18ct White Gold Clasp by Mikimoto. Cultured pearls
Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl White Gold Pearl Jade Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
14K White Gold Pearl Jade White Gold Mikimoto Bracelet Clasp is Deco in look with a beautiful piece
Jade, Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace 18K
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
features 7 mm Akoya cultured pearls with a Mikimoto signature clasp in 18K yellow gold. Give the gift of a
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Antique Mikimoto Pearl Graduated Necklace with Original Box
By Mikimoto
Located in beverly hills, CA
3.5 mm to a central 8 mm pearl. Fastened with a silver and pearl clasp bearing the Mikimoto
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Signed 33-Inch Akoya Pearl 18k Gold Bead Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Item Type: Pearl Bead Necklace Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Closure: Box Clasp, Signed Mikimoto Packaging
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace
Located in Vero Beach, FL
around the ball clasp “MIKIMOTO 1893 ” Stamped inside ball clasp ” 750 PAT.NO 6,484,376 U.S.A.JC U.S.A
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl, Silver Necklace and Earrings Suite
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
from 7.10 mm to 3.40 mm, completed by a silver Mikimoto fish hook clasp, forming a 17.5 inch, unknotted
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace with Accent Diamond Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
18 karat yellow gold clasp, 7.00 mm - 7.50 mm pearls. accent diamond clasp. A classic beauty that
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Authentic Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7" Silver Clasp 6 mm M304 Please look at the video
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Vintage Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto Vintage Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp Metal: Sterling silver 925
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Fine Pearl Strand Necklace & 18K Gold Blue Enamel Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Montclair, NJ
Thickness: 6.10mm at the pearl Signautre: Signed on back of the clasp w/ Mikimoto makers mark Condition
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Mikimoto Three-Strand Nesting Pearls with a Diamond Yellow Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
Mikimoto three strand nesting pearls with a diamond and 18k yellow gold clasp. There are 285
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Sold
Dm 0.39 in L 0.9 in
Mikimoto Blue Lagoon Tie Tack 10mm Black Cultured Pearl Pin Clasp Men's Jewelry
By Mikimoto
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish pre-owned Mikimoto Blue Lagoon black cultured pearl tie tack crafted in 14k white gold
Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Mikimoto 5.5 to 6mm pearl necklace. Mikimoto certificate: # 382 Mikimoto pouch Clasp
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Mikimoto Graduated Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Hicksville, NY
Mikimoto Graduated Pearl Necklace from 1950s Timeless and Classic Piece Mikimoto Hallmarked
Pearl
Mikimoto Graduated Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
and set to its centre with an additional pearl. Signed to the reverse of the clasp with Mikimoto
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17" 18k Y Gold 8 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
50 Pearls LARGE 8 mm 17 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp This Authentic Mikimoto Japanese Akoya pearl
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17" 18k Y Gold 8.5 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto 47 Pearls LARGE 8.5 mm 17 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp This Authentic Mikimoto Japanese Akoya
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17.5" 18k W Gold 8.5 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Estate Mikimoto 49 Akoya Pearls LARGE 8.5 mm 17.5 Inches 18 KT White Gold Clasp This Authentic Mikimoto
Pearl, Gold
18K MIKIMOTO Yellow Gold Pearl Bracelet with Ribbon Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Metal Type: Clasp is 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.26 in L 20.01 in
MIKIMOTO Sterling Silver Pearl Necklace. 6mm Blister Pearls Necklace Mikimoto
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
6.5mm range Sterling Silver 925 Mikimoto Clasp This is an incredibly rare piece. Don't miss out.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Pearl 18 Karat Gold Clasp Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
. Incorporating a beautiful filigree detailed clasp crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold mikimoto clasp, set with
Oriental Pearl
Sold
W 0.32 in L 17.01 in
MIKIMOTO 18k White Gold Pearl Necklace. 8mm Pearls Necklace. Certified Mikimoto
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
+. Amazing Lustre. 8mm range 18k White gold Mikimoto Clasp and BEAD This is an incredibly rare piece
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Sterling Silver Graduated Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
finished with an ornate sterling silver Mikimoto clasp set with a single pearl accent. This necklace comes
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace 34" 8.5 mm 18k Gold Estate Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
$29,660 Estate Mikimoto 98 Pearls LARGE 8-8.5 mm 34 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp TRUSTED SELLER SINCE
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18k Y Gold Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
41 inches and have 114 pearls plus a classic Mikimoto 18 KT gold clasp. The pearls are in white with
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 18k Yellow Gold 20" 9.5 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
9.5 mm with a length of 20 inches and have 51 pearls plus a classic Mikimoto 18 KT gold clasp. The
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace from Marilyn Monroe Era
By Mikimoto
Located in Northampton, MA
finished with a silver Mikimoto clasp, hallmarked as expected. The pearls are on their original string
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Authentic Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7" Silver Clasp 6 mm M306 Please look at the video
Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Vintage Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp with original Box & Papers
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace 31" 7 mm Silver Clasp Estate
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace 31" 7 mm Silver Clasp Estate M449 This elegant Authentic
Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Graduated Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl strand necklace with a sterling silver clasp
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Very Fine and Very Rare Akoya 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Diamond Clasps
By Mikimoto
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
aficionados of fine jewelry. Owning this four-strand Mikimoto Akoya pearl necklace with diamond clasps would
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Diamond Spacers Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful three-strand cultured pearl bracelet. Made by Mikimoto with the clasp showing the "M
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl 14 Karat Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pearls measure 5.5 mm and necklace is 24" long Fancy hook slide clasp marked 14k with Mikimoto clamshell
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in South Pasadena, CA
yellow gold. WEIGHT: 24.1 grams. HALLMARKS: maker’s mark for Mikimoto. BRACELET CLASP: fold over
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Graduated Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace 18K
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
features 9 to 7 mm Akoya cultured pearls with a Mikimoto signature clasp in 18K white gold. Give the gift
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Necklace Strand Opera 14 Karat Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Torrance, CA
clasp. Mikimoto cultured akoya round pearls measure 6.5mm to 7mm. The pearls are lustrous and
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Blue Lagoon Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This marvelous vintage Mikimoto necklace features 1 row of luscious Blue Lagoon pearls (measuring
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Estate Rare Baby Akoya Pearl Necklace 16" Silver 2.5 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
length of 16 inches secured with a classic Mikimoto Sterling Silver Clasp M405 This elegant Authentic
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Estate Triple Stranded Akoya Pearl Necklace 18" 18k YG Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Estate Mikimoto 193 Pearls LARGE 6.5 mm 16-18 Inches 18 KT Yellow Gold Clasp This Magnificent Mikimoto
Pearl
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 35" 18k Gold 8.5 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
valuable. The 18k yellow gold clasp and signature Mikimoto hanging “M” ornament add a touch of elegance
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Brocade Evening Bag with Gold and Pearl Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Brocade Mikimoto evening bag with pearl and gold clasp. Only the highest quality pearls are sold
Vintage Mikimoto Graduated Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Mona Vale, NSW
Vintage Mikimoto Fine Pearl Strand Mikimoto are world renowned for their pearl quality and
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Graduated Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Lambertville, NJ
gold and diamond clasp. Necklace is 17 1/4" long including the clasp. Marked Mikimoto 750. Weight of
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Strand of Akoya Mikimoto Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in St.amford, CT
22.00 Inch long strand of 5 by 5.5 Millimeters Mikimoto pearls with 18 karat gold Mikimoto clasp
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Strand Princess with 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
quality appears to be Mikimoto A1. One extra small pearl is set in the signature Mikimoto clasp.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Long Strand with Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
This vintage Mikimoto strand features Pearls 6.5mm in size which have a beautifully, fine luster
Pearl, Silver
Strand of Graduated Mikimoto Cultured Pearls with Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Yardley, PA
. Silver clasp is set with one 3.66 millimeter cultured pearl. Surface of pearls is free from blemishes
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Dallas, TX
clasped together with an elegant 18 karat yellow gold clasp. This splendid strand of Mikimoto pearls will
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Fresh Water Pearl Single Strand Necklace, Silver Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This marvelous Vintage Fresh Water Pearl Single Strand Necklace Length 16", Silver Clasp measuring approx. 6 to 6.5 mm Cream to white color Length of Strand including clasp 16...
Pearl, Silver
Three-Strand Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace with Sapphire Clasp, Circa 1930s–40s
Located in Northampton, MA
This exquisite three-strand cultured Akoya pearl necklace dates to the late Art Deco to early Retro era, circa 1930s–1940s—a period widely considered the pinnacle of pearl culturing ...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold 18k
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Mikimoto Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearls Size: 6.8mm Style: Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Diameter: 9/32" (6.8mm) W...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marchesa Red Silk Strapless Gown - 10 - circa 90's
By Marchesa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Marchesa Red Silk Gown, length 54", bust 38", waist 36".
Tiffany & Co. 4.43 Carat GIA G SI1 Diamond Heart Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Discover the world of Tiffany & Co. with this Diamond Heart Necklace, featuring a breathtaking 4.43 carat heart-shaped GIA certified diamond with G color and SI1 clarity which offers...
Diamond, Platinum
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag featured in sublime Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, sho...
Rare PRADA Flower Heel Exotic Black Crocodile High Heel Sandals Mules 38
By Prada
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful Prada High Heel Sandals Real crocodile skin in black color - no print From Prada's exotic skin collection The heel is in the shape of a flower Made in Italy Size 38 Comes ...
Alexander McQueen Fucsia viscose dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Capri, IT
Alexander McQueen Fucsia viscose dress McQueen adjustable flared dress totally made in italy size 40 composition: viscose
Vivid Diamonds GIA Certified 7.23 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Breathtakingly beautiful Vivid Diamonds engagement ring crafted in platinum, featuring an exceptional GIA certified antique emerald cut diamond weighing 7.23 carats, D color, IF cla...
Diamond, Platinum
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk sleeveless gown with v neck satin lapel. Size: 40italy, fit size 6 US Perfect for wedding or rehearsal dinner. Measurement flat: Bust : 36”/ empire wa...
Thierry Mugler Sweetheart Neckline Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In this stunning dress, Thierry Mugler once again proves that fashion is not merely worn - it’s performed. A masterclass in theatrical femininity, this mid-century-inspired silhouett...
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress, ss 1997
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress with spaghetti straps and scoop neckline. Spring-Summer 1997
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Print Silk Jacket Pencil Skirt Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005 “The Man W...
Azzedine Alaia black viscose and chenille figure hugging dress, fw 1989
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Azzedine Alaia black viscose above-the-knee figure hugging dress with chenille net panels, turtle neck and zip fastening. Fall-Winter 1989
$490
Size: Medium - Large
Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse
By Rozae Nichols
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic Rozae Nichols charcoal gray ombre trapeze top! 100% silk, with hundreds of sequins encrusted throughout the entire blouse. Adjustable straps, so you can make shorter or longer. ...
Born to a noodle-shop owner, Japanese jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto (1858–1954) worked in the seafood business before shifting his focus to pearl cultivation. In 1893, he successfully developed the world’s first cultured pearls with a semispherical specimen. His further experimentation would include black and white South Sea pearls. This development gave Mikimoto a supply of what had once been a notoriously rare natural element and earned him the nickname “The Pearl King.” As he once said, “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.”
In 1899 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Mikimoto opened his first, eponymous store in a white-stone building reminiscent of the color of pearls. He quickly earned a reputation for dazzling designs that blended Japanese craftsmanship and European influence. Mikimoto sent his jewelers to Europe to study the latest trends in jewelry and design; they brought back knowledge of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, which were incorporated into designs featuring Mikimoto’s pearls.
But Mikimoto’s creations were not met with enthusiasm by all. In 1921, a London newspaper called the designer’s jewelry “only imitations of real pearls” and claimed the company was “misleading” its customers. It developed into a lawsuit in the French courts, which ruled in Mikimoto’s favor, and raised the jeweler’s global profile.
He also brought his work international acclaim through exhibitions and world’s fairs, including the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia where he unveiled a replica of the Liberty Bell covered with pearls. In 1927, Mikimoto met with Thomas Edison, who gave the jeweler’s invention probably its best compliment: “It is one of the wonders of the world that you were able to culture pearls. . . . This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl.”
Following World War II, Mikimoto opened stores around the world, with locations now in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles and Shanghai. Though its founder died in 1954, the Mikimoto company has continued to build on the legacy he established, producing collections of pearl necklaces and other pearl-centric jewelry that span a wide range of styles.
In 2017, the brand reopened its flagship Tokyo store, tapping architect Hiroshi Naito to design a new glittering facade whose 40,000 tiny glass plates are meant to evoke the movement of the ocean as they catch the light. The place where Mikimoto had his legendary success over a century ago is now known as Mikimoto Pearl Island and includes a museum on his life and pearls. A highlight is the “Boss’s Necklace,” which was the first made by Mikimoto and is the model for all the brand’s classic strands that have followed.
Find Mikimoto pendant necklaces, choker necklaces and a range of other 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.