Cultured Pearl Strand with Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Clasp on 35 inches of Pearls. These Akoya Cultured Pearls are 35 inches long.
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Date: April 30, 2026 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Style: Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Tall: 21/32" (16.2mm) Wide: 21/32" ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pink Baroque Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Pink Baroque Pearl Diamond Pendant Elegant 14K Yellow Gold Pink Baroque Pearl Diamond Pendant featuring a natural 18 × 8 mm pink baroque pearl accented by a brilliant...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Date: May 1, 2026 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Tahitian Pearls Style: Drop Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Tall: 23/32" (18.1mm) Wi...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Tahitian Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s):...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Ballerina Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous vintage retro heart-shaped pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a ballerina motif accented with cultured pearls and synthetic color gemstones.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Single Strand 6.4mm Pearl Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 23.9 Grams Length: 17.5" Pearl Bead Diameter : 6.4mm Stamped: "14K" Condition: Preowned, excellent
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
V Link Pearl Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
V Link Pearl Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this bracelet features pearls linked by elegant V-shaped gold connectors that give the design a graceful, struct...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Station Necklace #26152
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Station Necklace Elegant 14k yellow gold box necklace featuring lustrous black pearls spaced along the chain for a sophisticated station-style design.
Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18kt Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Lafayette, LA
Mikimoto 18kt Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Earrings Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Earrings 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Accents V/VS1
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
0.35ct Ruby pearl studs earrings 18ct yellow gold
Located in London, GB
0.35ct Ruby pearl studs earrings 18ct yellow gold Add a touch of elegance to your outfit with these stunning 0.35ct Ruby pearl studs earrings.
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Graduated Pearls Lucky Horseshoe Pin Stick
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (9) Natural Genuine Pearls - Bead - Whitish Gray Pearls - Graduated From 1.6mm to 2.9mm (approx.)
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Brooch / Pin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Brooch/Pendant- This lovely brooch is crafted in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold and features ten white pearls.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Size 7.25- This lovely ring features one Mabe pearl (16 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Diamond pendant necklace 10KT yellow gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Italian chain sterdy and well made, this pearl necklace is made with a single diamond VS clarity F color in two tone gold setting style, minimalistic and very elegant! The pearl is n...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Earrings- These lovely earrings each feature one Mabe pearl (15 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
7 Pearl Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.3 Grams Necklace Length: 16" Pearl Type: Akoya Pearls Pearl Bead Diameter : 6 mm Stamped: "K18" Conditi...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings These beautiful Vintage Pearl Stud Earrings are in excellent condition and are ready to ship!
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Triple Tahitian Pearl Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.9 Grams Chain Length: 20" Stamped: "14K" Pearl: Tahitian Pearls Pearl Diameter: 1 pearl is 8 mm 1 is 6.3 m...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Grey Pearl Dolphin Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Pearl: 1 grey pearl = 9.4mm Dimensions: pendant measures 25 X12mm Weight: 3.75 grams
Pearl, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Dome Pearl Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Dome Pearl Ring. Size 6.75 4.7 grams total weight. 16.91 mm pearl size
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Seed Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique seed pearl bird brooch has been crafted in 15k yellow gold in the form of a swallow in flight.
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Double Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finished in 14k yellow gold, the warm metal complements the natural beauty of the pearls without overpowering them.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Pitcher Charm
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Pitcher Charm- This lovely 3D 14K yellow gold charm features a beautifully detailed pitcher accented with one 5 mm white pearl.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique 1920s Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive pearl and diamond pendant has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Yellow Gold Necklace Snowflake Pearl Pendant
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The warm glow of the yellow gold beautifully complements the soft, iridescent luster of the pearl, making the pendant a stunning focal point.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cultured Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s cultured pearl and 0.48 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse pearl jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured Freshwater Pearl Hoop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cultured Freshwater Pearl Hoop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 1.20 grams Set In: 14K Yellow Gold Jewelry Info Material: Gold Weight: 1.20 grams Earr...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Natural Pearl and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique pearl pendant has been crafted in 21k yellow gold.
Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solitaire Pearl Ring in 10k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Solitaire Pearl Ring in 10k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold and features a white pearl in a classic solitaire design.
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Sapphire & White Pearls Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
The classic white pearl necklace with white freshwater pearls, sparkling pink tourmalines and sapphires! Colors vary from a blush -to a deep saturated pink, hand knotted on pink silk...
Tourmaline, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Chrysoprase and Seed Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 9.8 Grams Stone: Chrysoprase, Seed Pearls Measurements: 41.0 x 31.8 x 7.2mm Metal: 13k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1841-032126-18
Chrysophrase, Pearl, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Golden Pearl Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Dimensions: earrings measure approximately 15.68mm x 6.08mm Weight: 1.00 grams 310-423
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Mother of Pearl & Cultured Pearl Hammered Yellow Gold Brooch Pin
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Southampton, PA
Hammered 18k Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl And Cultured Pearl Brooch Pin by Elizabeth Locke.
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Leaf Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.5 Grams Stone: Akoya Pearl Ring Size: 6.75 (resizable) Pearl Diameter: 6.3 mm Stamped: "14K" Condition: Preowned,...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Round Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Pearl: 1 round= 12.0-12.5mm Diamonds: 2 Round Cut= 0.04cttw Color: G-H Clarity: SI1-SI2 Diamonds: 48 single cut= 0.24cttw Color: G-H Clari...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Pearl and 1.28tcw Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These earrings are a refined and highly versatile design, combining the timeless elegance of pearls with diamond accents and crisp baguette detailing in rich 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,340Sale Price|20% Off
White Pearl Strand Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
White Pearl Strand Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold This necklace features a graduated strand of cultured white pearls with soft cream overtones and natural surface variations.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Grey Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Grey Pearl Pendant Necklace- This stunning pendant features one grey pearl (12 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
1920s Mother of Pearl Fine Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pair of cufflinks in 18 karat yellow gold, weevil hallmark. A delightful pair of cufflinks, each featuring 2 mother-of-pearl discs supporting a circle of rose-cut diamonds and a smal...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Multi Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage multi-strand pearl necklace is beautifully crafted in 14k yellow gold, featuring multiple strands of lustrous pearls interspersed with elegant gold beads for added detail.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl & Cultured Pearl Halo Ring - 14k Silhouette Cameo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Mother of Pearl Cut: Cameo Color: White & Pink Size: 13....
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gubelin Yellow Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Clasp Pearl Necklace 1980S
By Gubelin
Located in Geneva, CH
Yellow Sapphire Cushion shape estimated approximately 5.50 / 6.50 carats (treated) surrounded by round-cut Diamond on Yellow Gold 18K Clasp Cultured Pearl Necklace (pearl necklace is...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Seed Pearl and Yellow Gold Bird Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive Austro-Hungarian seed pearl and 15 karat yellow gold bird brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Pearl & Diamond Pave Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
Pear & Diamond Pave Brooch 14k Yellow Gold Experience the elegance and luxury of our Pearl & Diamond Pave Brooch, a true masterpiece crafted in 14k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Dangle Earrings #25983
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold and Black Pearl Dangle Earrings- These elegant dangle earrings feature lustrous black pearls suspended from a 14K yellow gold hoop.
Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Station Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Weight: 9.50 grams Dimensions: necklace measures 38.5-inches
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Black Mother-of Pearl & Diamond Three-Strand Pearl Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
18K Yellow Gold Black Mother-of Pearl & Diamond Three-Strand Pearl Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 86.18 grams Pearls: 6mm white cultured pearls with creamy luster Clasp: 46...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Excellent luster. 18k yellow gold clasp with one round sapphire and two round brilliant cut diamonds. 44 cultured white/rose hue pearls, 8-8.5mm 1 round blue sapphire, approx. .12ct...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Cameo Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Cameo Pendant This elegant cameo pendant features a lovely lady in profile set in classic 10K yellow gold with a dangling freshwater pearl.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Round Pearl Stud Earrings 10K Yellow Gold 4.4mm New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
These classic pearl stud earrings in 10kt yellow gold feature luminous 4.4mm pearls, offering a timeless and elegant look perfect for everyday wear.
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Halo Pearl & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Halo Pearl & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold ring features a luminous pearl center framed by a decorative diamond halo.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Multi-Strand Torsade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 46.4 Grams Stone: Pearls (2mm) Length: 17" Hallmark: 14K Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-2030-100926-02
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Golf Club Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"18kt Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Golf Club Pin – 1.15 Carats of Diamonds – 2 7/8"" A unique and elegant golf-themed pin crafted in 18kt yellow gold, featuring a lustrous pearl and s...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Knotted Strand Necklace 20" - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Necklace Style: Knotted Strand Fastening Type: Fishhook Clasp Measurements Length: 20" Width: 9/32" (6.5mm) Fron...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$852Sale Price|20% Off
Mabe Pearl Screwback Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mabe Pearl Screwback Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold These earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and feature bezel-set mabe pearls in a classic round design.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 12mm Golden Pearl Pendant 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love beautiful Golden pearls!! Pendant Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Drop Length: 1 Inch Weight: 5.4 Grams Chain Options Sold Separately Accented by the follo...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings #14613
Located in Washington Depot, CT
This gorgeous set of 14K gold dangle earrings features 2 beautiful pearls! Pearls: 8mm each Dangle length: 36.5mm Weight: 2.77 g/ 1.8 dwt Hallmark: CF 14K585 Very good condition...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Onyx and Pearl Mourning Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stones: Cultured Pearls and Black Onyx Total Weight: 13.2 Grams Brooch Measurements: 2.3125" x 0.5" Stamped: "14k" Condition: Preo...
Pearl, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Pendant, 14k Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Genuine Cultured Pearl Style: Solitaire Measurements Tall (from stationary bail): 5/8" (15.6mm) Wide: 3/8" (9.3mm) Interior of top...
Cultured Pearl, Yellow 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.