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
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
10k Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant With Chain This gorgeous 10k chain is paired with a gorgeous pearl pendant surrounded by 50 single cut diamond!
Diamond, Pearl, 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
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Cufflinks
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: Art Deco Hallmarks: 18K Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.8 grams Natural Pearl 3mm, set in mother of pearl plate.
Pearl, 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
Antique Pearl Pin in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique pearl pin is made of 14K yellow gold. It contains round white pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Solitaire Ring - 10k Bead
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearl Cut: Bead Color: White Style: Solitaire Measurements ...
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Pearl Station Necklace #23997
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold and Pearl Station Necklace- This delicate station necklace features 11 round white pearls (6 mm each) evenly spaced on a fine 14K yellow gold chain, giving an effort...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Cultured Pearl Lg Halo Stud Earrings 14k CarvedCameo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Mother of Pearl Cut: Carved Cameo Color: Pink & White Size: 14.1mm x 10.2mm Cultured Pearls Color: White Style: Large Hal...
Cultured Pearl, 14k 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
Large Freshwater Baroque Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
An atmosphere of the sea is evoked by this pearl necklace. Large freshwater baroque pearls are collected together on a wire, each reflecting an iridescent radiance off their unique n...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Virgin Mary Mother of Pearl Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Medal Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a mother-of-pearl medal depicting the Virgin Mary within a blue enamel frame surrounded by 64 natural seed pearls.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Aquamarine Diamond Pearl and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.59 carat aquamarine,1.59 carat diamond and seed pearl, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Tiger Freshwater Pearl Necklace 159.8g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Custom made 18k yellow gold tiger & pearl necklace. The tiger head clasps are stamped 18k 750 and weigh 48 grams of 18k gold.
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Dangle Earrings, Circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A single round cultured pearl, 5–7mm and warm cream in tone, hangs inside an open teardrop frame on each earring, the frame worked in a twisted rope motif that catches light along it...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bypass Multi-Color Pearl Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Bypass Multi-Color Pearl Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold This bypass bracelet is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features six station-set pearls in a range of gray, black, golden, bronze...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Classic Japanese Akoya Pearl Single Strand Bracelet, Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 6 MM Classic Japanese Akoya Pearl Single Strand Bracelet, Yellow Gold measuring approx. 6 mm White color VINTAGE PRE-OWNED ESTATE PIECE Length of Strand including clas...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage Classic Japanese Akoya Pearl Single Strand Bracelet, Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 6 MM Classic Japanese Akoya Pearl Single Strand Bracelet, Yellow Gold measuring approx. 6 mm White color VINTAGE PRE-OWNED ESTATE PIECE Length of Strand including clasp 6...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Cufflinks #17073
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Cufflinks- These elegant mother of pearl cufflinks each feature one white pearl set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Weight: 3.11 grams Dimensions: necklace measures 18-inches
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mikimoto Unique 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Earrings
Located in Houston, TX
These exquisite Mikimoto 18K yellow gold earrings from the 1990s feature a distinctive and elegant design, showcasing 14 lustrous pearls on each earring for a total of 28 pearls.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cultured Pearl Double Halo Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.2 Grams Stone: Cultured Pearl and Diamonds Diamond Count: 43 Round Brilliant Diamonds Diamond Color: G-I Diamo...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Vintage Stickpin - 14k Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearl Style: Solitaire Stickpin Measurements Face Height (north to south): 11/32" (8mm) Face Width: 5/16" (7.9...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold with silver accents and features a lustrous pearl as its centerpiece.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Cultured Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12 Grams Stone: Cultured Pearl and Diamonds Diamond Count: 7 round brilliant Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: V...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique pearl and 18 karat yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse antique pearl jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Golden Pearl and Yellow Sapphire Pavé
Located in Bergamo, BG
. -------------------- A striking 18K yellow gold ring showcasing a magnificent 15mm golden pearl at its center.
Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamond Carat(s): .02ct...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Necklace #17093
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Necklace This elegant necklace features eight round white pearls (7 mm each) set on a classic 14K yellow gold necklace.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Multi-Color Cultured Pearl Tassel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The necklace terminates in a graceful tassel drop accented with additional pearls, creating beautiful movement when worn. A warm 15K yellow gold bead centerpiece anchors the tassel d...
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Cultured Pearl Strand Yellow Gold Clasp Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Completed by a ornamental filigree clasp in 14k yellow gold. Measurements: 0.27" (7mm) width, 16.25" (41.5cm) length.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Natural Pearl Cameo Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 9 karat yellow gold, cloverleaf hallmark. Charming antique brooch, it consists of a cameo on two-tone glass surrounded by chiseled arrowhead motifs and bordered by small pe...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Necklace 14k Yellow Gold 37.25" 8.5 mm Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique design Fine Quality Japanese Akoya 8.5-5 mm Pearl 37.25 inch long Necklace with a 14k Yellow Gold clasp Certified $5,950 114457 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Pendant #16997
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Pendant- This elegant pendant features four round pearls set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold and accented with blue enamel.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 3 Pearl Tie Clip 14k Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Details: Designer: Mikimoto Style: Tie Clip Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.2 Grams Stamped: "K14" "M" Pearl Diameter: ~4.3 mm Measurements: 1.50" x 0.25" Condition:...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Graduated Strand Necklace 16" - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Necklace Style: Graduated Strand Fastening Type: Fishhook Clasp Measurements Length: 16" Width: 9/32" (6.8mm) Fr...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Pearl Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold 25 mm Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Freshwater Pearl Earrings 14k Yellow Gold 25 mm Certified $1,290 920920 This is one of Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Diamond and Pearl Yellow and Rose Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive pearl and diamond brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow and rose gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Wire Cable White Pearl Bracelet
Located in Stuart, FL
18k yellow gold wire cable white pearl bracelet. This bracelet will stretch to fit almost anyone, the width of the pearls is 9 mm, and it has a total weight of 20.86.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Six Strand Pearl Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14k yellow gold bracelet featuring six strands of lustrous cultured pearls, elegantly intertwined to create a classic and sophisticated design.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings #16395
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings- These elegant stud earrings each feature one cultured pearl (7.5 mm) set in classic 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,671Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl Bracelet in 18kt Yellow Gold Set With 3.58ct. Diamonds, Pearls & Sapphires
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elegant Pearl Bracelet in 18 kt. Yellow Gold Set With 3.58 ct.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold '50' Celebratory Commemorative Ring of Pearls Pendant, 50 Pearls
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14k Yellow Gold Rembrandt Ring of Pearls Pendant. In the center of the pendant is 50 in gold with an angle satin pattern and eighteen pearls surrounding the center.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond Pearl 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A single lustrous seed pearl hangs from a diamond-set drop at the base, adding soft contrast to the brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .08ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Style: Stud Fastening Type...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 10k Yellow Gold Garnet and Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is crafted in 10k yellow gold and features a graceful combination of garnet and pearl.
Garnet, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Sober and elegant, this fine ring features a solitaire white orient cultured pearl.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Sapphire Necklace 6.7mm 18 Inch
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This delicate pearl and sapphire necklace is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a luminous 6.7mm round pearl accented with 0.03 carats total weight of round blue sapphire.
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 23K Yellow Gold Graduated Pearl Beaded Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A classic beaded necklace featuring graduated lustrous white pearls. Crafted with precision, each pearl is meticulously strung to create a seamless and elegant design.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
1960s Garnet Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This elegant, antique pendant is oval in shape and adorned on the front with small, round cultured pearls in a pearly white mother-of-pearl hue.
Garnet, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solitaire Pearl Prong Set Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Pearl Diameter: 8.3 mm Pearl Count: 1 white akoya pearl Ring Size: 6.5 (resizable) please message us to resi...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Freshwater Pearls Station Necklace 18" 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Freshwater Pearls Chain Style: Cable Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Measurements Chain Width: 1/16" (1.1mm) Width a...
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Pearls Necklace with Yellow Gold Clasp
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
Precious and Feminine!!! This classic pearl necklace is comprised of 19 inch string of pink with peach overtone pearls and finished with a handmade 18k yellow gold hook style clasp.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal & Pearl Victorian Pin / Pendant
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Note: Chain shown in photos is for display purposes only and is not included with purchase. • Metal: 14K Yellow Gold • Stones: 6 Natural Blue Opals, approx. 3mm each; 1 Pearl, appro...
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trianon Mabe Pearl Emerald Shell Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
By Trianon
Located in Dallas, TX
Trianon Mabe Pearl Emerald Shell Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold. The brooch measures approximately 2.25 x 2 inches, and weighs 61.7 grams.
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Branch Brooch/Pin
Located in beverly hills, CA
The pearls measure 2.7mm and have a nice lustre with hints of yellow coloration.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Elegant French ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centered with a luminous pearl and accented with diamonds set into the shoulders.
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive natural pearl and diamond pendant has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 4 ct Diamond Cultured Pearl Swan Brooch Yellow Diamond Eye
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Weight: 20.6 grams Metal: 18K Yellow Gold 1 7/8 in Long x 1 7/16 in Wide Style/Design: Graceful swan brooch crafted with 18K yellow gold, adorned with 4 CT of white diamonds and ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k 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.