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
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
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring from the 1980s features a unique design, showcasing six lustrous pearls and seven small single-cut round brilliant diamonds, totaling approximately ...
Diamond, Pearl, 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
Pearl and Yellow Gold Round Wavy Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A trendy and unique pair of wavy earrings, each set with seven cultured pearls and in 14K Yellow Gold. Length: 1.25"
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Flamingo Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage cultured pearl and 18 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a flamingo; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections.
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Ribbon Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful brooch consist of very fine white Akoya pearls measuring 6mm to 8mm in diameter. Each pearl has excellent lacre quality as well as luster and a soft pink overtone whic...
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Knotted Strand Bracelet 7" - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Bracelet Style: Knotted Strand Fastening Type: Fishhook Clasp Measurements Chain Width: 7/32" (5.4mm) Width at S...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Add-A-Pearl Necklace with 11 Akoya Pearls in Original
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A charming vintage “Add-A-Pearl” necklace crafted in stamped 14 karat yellow gold and accompanied by its original presentation box and necklace holder.
Pearl, Oriental Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Removable Tahitian Pearl Hoop Earring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5 grams Pearl Diameter: ~10.2-10.75 mm Hoop Thickness: ~3mm Stamped: "14k" Condition: Pre-owned, excellent
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 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
3MM Cultured Pearl Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Pearl Pearl Size: 3MM Metal Choice: 14K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 20mm x 20mm Weight: 2 grams
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive pearl bar brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Citrine Peridot & Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 14k yellow gold necklace combines luminous pearls with a colorful assortment of faceted amethyst, citrine, and peridot gemstones.
Amethyst, Citrine, Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearls Stud - Yellow Gold 18k Pierced
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $940 Brand: Mikimoto Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Akoya Pearls Size: 7-7.1mm Stone Note: A+ quality Style: Stud Fastening Type: Butter...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Add-A-Pearl Necklace with 7 Akoya Pearls in Original
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A charming vintage “Add-A-Pearl” necklace crafted in stamped 14 karat yellow gold and accompanied by its original presentation box and necklace holder.
Pearl, Oriental Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Flower Pearl Branch Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Designer: Mikimoto Metal: 14k yellow gold Gemstones: 11 pearls Pearl Diameter: ~6 mm - 6.7 mm Total Weight: 14.2 grams Stamped: "M" "K14" Condition: Preowned, e...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl & Sapphire Cuff Bracelet
Located in Montgomery, AL
This stunning bracelet is a great combination of gold, pearls, and multicolored sapphires. Bracelet Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 40.1 Grams Estimated Length: 7 Inches ...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Pearl & Diamond Tassel Lariat Necklace
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18KT yellow gold, this tassel lariat necklace pairs emeralds with pearls and freshwater pearls, finished with sparkling diamond accents.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 13k Yellow Gold Amethyst and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 4.7 Grams Stone: Amethyst, Pearl Measurements: 42 x 23 x 4mm Length: 15" Metal: 13k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1606-053025-04
Amethyst, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Turquoise Pearl Yellow Gold Fan Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
It is crafted out of 14k yellow gold and is accented with 11 pearls and 3 turquoise stones.
Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearls Circle Wreath Brooch 14k Pin
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Style: Brooch Fastening Type: Hinged Pin and Whale Tail Clasp Theme: Circle Wreath Measurements Tall: 1" (25.3mm...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Black Pearl & Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Montgomery, AL
An elegant vintage necklace featuring a lustrous black Tahitian pearl suspended from a warm 14K yellow gold chain.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Tourmaline Ring - 14k 1.32ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Tourmaline Carat(s): 1.32ctw Cut: Round Tot...
Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold And Pearl Bracelet
Located in Bradenton, FL
14k yellow gold and pearl bracelet. 13.93gTW. 8" Length.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring - Size 6.25
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Ring With Mabe Pearl Set in 18k Yellow Gold. Size 6.25. Pearl Size: 19.25-19.45mm.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Stud Earrings #25126
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Stud Earrings Sleek and modern, these 14k yellow gold earrings feature striking black pearls for a bold yet versatile look.
Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ming's Hawaii Silver Baroque Pearl Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Diameter: 10.7 mm x 11.3 mm Total Weight: 3.5 Grams Ring Size: 4.75 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" Condit...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$420Sale Price|40% Off
18 Inch Cultured White Pearl Strand, 6.5mm Pearls, 14kt Yellow Gold Clasp, Knot
Located in San Diego, CA
18 Inch Cultured White Pearl Strand, 6.5mm Pearls, 14kt Yellow Gold Clasp, Knot.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Enamel Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Blue Enamel Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold ring features a luminous pearl center framed by rich blue enamel and raised gold leaf accents.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Mikimoto 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Bypass Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a bypass design set with lustrous pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 7.5 mm Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Akoya Pearl Necklace 14k Yellow Gold 16" 7.5 mm Certified $2,950 110696 This is one of Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Tahitian Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. Second-hand jewelry, this pendant is adorned with a pinkish-gray cultured pearl.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Seed Pearl Enamel Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive diamond, blue enamel and pearl brooch has been crafted in 15k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14k Yellow Gold Pearl and Amethyst Dangle Earrings
Located in Sewickley, PA
These elegant contemporary drop earrings crafted in yellow gold, featuring a minimalist geometric design.
Amethyst, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in Marcianise, CE
Classic and elegant earrings mounted in 18Kt yellow gold and delightful pearls to embellish them.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 13k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Fleur de Lis Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The pin bears a 14k mark, while the brooch metal is tested as 13k yellow gold. Weight: 4.5 Grams Stone: Seed Pearls Measurements: 30 × 24 × 8mm Hallmark: 14k (Pin); Brooch Unmarked ...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earrings #21235
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Earrings- These stunning earrings each feature one lustrous Mabe pearl set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearl and Yellow Gold Heart Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
These stunning Tahitian pearls feature yellow, green and blue hues. Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Earring Length: 1.2" long Total Weight: 6.6 Grams Pearl Type:...
Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floating Akoya Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Pearls provide a lustrous complement to this bracelet. 18k yellow gold forms the cuff, which has varying openwork rows.
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Pearl Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Hinged Cuff Bangle Featuring 2 Cultured Pearls Measuring 7.5mm Accented by 10 Square Cut Rubies Totaling Approximately 2.00 Carats.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Geometric Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage 13k yellow gold drop earrings feature a geometric bar design accented with pearls and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Italian Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring with Pearl
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Italian Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring is an elegant piece crafted in 18kt yellow gold, featuring a stunning prong-set white pearl at its center.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Etruscan Pearl Stud Earrings in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A gorgeous pair of contemporary pearl earrings set in 9k yellow gold.The earrings feature Etruscan-style motifs set with 5-millimetre pearls.
Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Tree Branch Bundle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This vintage brooch is crafted in 14k yellow gold and designed as a sculptural bundle of tree branches accented with pearls ranging from approximately 4.5mm to 6.5mm.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$852Sale Price|20% Off
Gray Pearl Solitaire Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Gray Pearl Solitaire Ring in 18k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a gray pearl set in a decorative solitaire mounting.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.2mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.5 Grams Pearl Diameter: 9.2 mm Pearl Type: Tahitian Pearl Diamond Count: 2 Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: VS ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Red / Yellow / Orange Sapphire Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 1-RND-0,01-H/VS2A Orange Sapphire 2-0,46 ct Yellow Sapphire 2-0,46 ct Pearls diameter 7,0-7,5 - 1-2,62ct Red Sapphire 2-...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Natural Pearl Lavalier Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This antique lavalier necklace is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a luminous pearl suspended elegantly from a delicate drop design.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This Mikimoto set pairs a classic pearl strand necklace with a matching bracelet, both finished with signed 18k yellow gold clasps.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Butterfly Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Butterfly Necklace. This necklace features a beautifully crafted butterfly design with a ~7mm Akoya cultured pearl, set in 18k yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Scallop Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold creates an aquatic aura as it forms a seashell.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Woven Pearl Rope Necklace with Black Pearl Accents & 14k Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Each Pearl bead measures 3 - 3.5 mm. The iridescence of the Black Pearls give off a beautiful oilspill sheen allowing it to be paired with virtual any outfit, accenting any colors wo...
Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral Cameo South Sea Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 carat yellow gold. This splendid and original yellow gold necklace is composed of a double belcher chain interspersed by golden beads.
Coral, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Baroque Freshwater Pearl Bangle 6.75"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Dimensions: bracelet will fit up to a 6.75” inch wrist Weight: 15.51 grams
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turquoise, Pearls, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Retro necklace mounted with a clasp in 18 kt yellow gold and a strand of pearls between turquoise paste.
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearl Baguette Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6 Grams Pearl Diameter: 9.7 mm Pearl Type: Tahitian Pearl Diamond Count: 34 Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: SI D...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant #24386
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant- This elegant pendant features one round luminous pearl (7 mm) accented with 10 round brilliant cut diamonds and five baguette cut diamonds...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Hoop Earrings, Freshwater
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Details: Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Design: Hoop Earrings Pearls: Six Freshwater pearls, 6.75mm Finish: High Polish Total Weight: 6.79 Grams Dimensions: 26.12mm x 7.02mm x 28....
Pearl, 14k Gold, 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.