Citrine Pearl Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Intricate openwork scrollwork frames a lustrous pearl above a pear-cut Citrine in 9K yellow gold.
Pearl, Citrine, Gold, 9k 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
Interconnected Double Pearl Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.8 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (resizable) Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: 2 Akoya Pearls Pearl Diameter: 6.7 mm Condit...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Mabe Tahitian Pearl Earrings 17mm 10.26g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A classic pair of mabe Tahitian pearl earrings crafted in 18ct yellow gold, showcasing large lustrous pearls with beautiful natural overtones.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya 6MM Cultured Pearl Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya 6MM Cultured Pearl Bracelet Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 8.83 grams LengthL 6.5 inches Pearls: 6mm cultured Akoya white pearls with creamy luster TD F35...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.25ct Diamond and Pink Pearl Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This estate necklace features three strands of lustrous pink cultured pearls, graduating from approximately 9.5mm to 12.6mm, finished with a fluted 18K yellow gold clasp accented by ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl Dangle Earrings 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Freshwater Pearl Style: Dangle Fastening Type: Leverback Closures Measurements Tall: 1 5/32" (29.2mm) Bottom Width: 1/4...
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$479Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Amethyst & Seed Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegant antique pendant necklace crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a faceted pear-shaped amethyst accented by delicate seed pearls in a refined drop design.
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl Green Enamel Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Circa 1890-1900 5 natural gray pearls 2.2-3.1mm 14k yellow gold Stamped: 14 .5 grams Top to bottom: 2.4mm or 7/8 Inch Width: 30.6mm or 1 3/16 Inch Depth or thickness: 5mm
Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Wreath Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 1.00 inches Weight: 5.71 grams Lady's MIKIMOTO designer made 18K yellow gold, pearl, vintage circle brooch.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chandelier pearl & diamond earrings 18KT yellow gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning earrings with lots of small seed pearls and diamonds in 18KT gold with middle eastern style and lots of dangle! These earrings have been crafted by hand from scratch! *Ite...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Pearl Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Pearl 1.70 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl & Diamond Bracelet Crafted in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Webster, NY
Elegant Pearl & Diamond bracelet made in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,450 / set
Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold & Pearl Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Edwardian gold & pearl cufflinks. In 14k yellow gold. Each comprised of 2 spiral shaft heads terminating in round white pearls joined with a shaped link.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring 14k .24ctw
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring 14k .24ctw Stone Information: Tahitian Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .24ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F - G Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Black Tahitian Pearl Contemporary Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Black Tahitian Pearl: 1 round= 10.8mm Dimensions: the ring measures 19.4mm wide at the top Size: 7.5 (complimentary sizing available) Weig...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ming’s 14k Yellow Gold Blue Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ten near-round blue cultured pearls form an elongated cluster in this vintage Ming’s of Honolulu 14k yellow gold ring.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings Pearls Measure 14.4-14.55 mm and 14.40-14.50 mm in Diameter Total Diamond Weight = Appx 0.90 ct Color = Appx G - I Clarity = Appx SI Diameter...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage William Ruser Freshwater Pearl Cufflinks 18k Yellow Gold
By William Ruser
Located in South Pasadena, CA
In very good condition. Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Stones: Freshwater Pearls Dimensions: The pearl part of the cufflink is approx. 16.5mm x 12.5mm.
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Strand Pearl Bracelet with Yellow Gold Bars
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Double Strand Pearl Bracelet Featuring 38 Cultured 8mm Round Pearls with Hidden Clasp and Figure 8 Safety. 7 Inches Long.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold and Pearl Golfing Lady Charm
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 2.1 Grams Stone: Pearl Measurements: 22.38 x 11.73 x 6.5mm Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1911-060226-14
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Akoya Pearl Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Surface: Clean Quality: AAA. Number of Pearls: 2 Pearls Pearl Measurements: 9.35 - 9.50 mm Metal Color: Yellow.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Pearl Earrings- These elegant earrings each features one Mabe pearl (12 mm) set in classic 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace 18" - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Akoya Pearl Natural Diamond Carat(s): .05ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS2 Style: Solitaire with Accent Chai...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Flipflop Pendant #23685
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Flipflop Pendant- This 14 karat yellow gold pendant features a playful flip-flop design accented with a luminous pearl, combining beachy charm with elegan...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Vintage pearl bracelet - solid yellow gold - Royal pearl chain - 20 cm
Located in Antwerp, BE
The gold links are crafted in 18k yellow gold, just like the spring ring clasp and pearl holders.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 5.75 This lovely ring features two round pearls (6 mm each) and four round single cut diamonds set in beautifully detailed 14K yel...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Binibeca Pearl Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold with Pearls and Sapphires by ANAÏS C.
Located in Geneve, CH
Binibeca Pearl Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold with Pearls and Sapphires by ANAÏS C.
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold dainty earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These charming Victorian pearl and diamond earrings are a romantic antique pair from the 1880’s, beautifully crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Cultured Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.41 carat diamond and cultured pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Station Necklace #23999
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Black Pearl Station Necklace- This elegant necklace is dotted with 11 round black pearls (5 mm each), each showing soft peacock overtones.
Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's Vintage Pearl Drop Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
*does not come with a chain* Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stones: Pearls Measurements: Approx. 38mm x 17mm with the bail Weight: 3.4 grams CONDITION: High magnification photographs sh...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Grey Pearl Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Mabe Grey Pearl Ring Size 5.25- This stunning ring features one oval Mabe pearl (27 mm x 16 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Pearl Daisy Cluster Earrings
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Earrings 18ct Yellow Tested Circa 1910 These beautiful Pearl Edwardian earrings are crafted from 18ct gold and designed in the shape of a lovely daisy formation.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings #18499
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings These beautiful studs feature two pearls set in 14K yellow gold for a stunning finish!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings #18572
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Stud Earrings This beautiful set of studs features two gorgeous pearls set in 14K yellow gold posts!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Brooch with Dangling Pearl
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold And Pearl Brooch With Dangling Pearl 7 grams total weight.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Jade and Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The jade is complemented by lustrous pearls, adding a touch of classic elegance. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, the brooch showcases a harmonious blend of colors and textures.
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dolphin Akoya Pearl Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12.8 Grams Diamond Count: 5 single cut Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Carat Weight: 0.03 carats P...
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$909Sale Price|20% Off
Delicate Feminine Pearl Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 14 K Pearls d 9,0-9,5 2-10,1 ct Zirconia 44-0,83 ct Weight 6,9 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewel...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s, Cultured Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of vintage European cultured pearl and 0.06 carat diamond, 14k yellow gold stud earrings; part of our diverse pearl jewelry collection.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Saltwater Cultured White Pearl Necklace 28"
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Salt water cultured pearl necklace with 14k yellow gold clasp. The white pearls measure 8mm in diameter.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charm Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold and Pearls
Located in Paris, FR
Charm bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold 3 alternating chains of chiseled circles holding 6 groups of charms including: pearls, gold eggs and flower motifs.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
16 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Ring Size 7 #24251
Located in Washington Depot, CT
16 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Ring Size 7 This 16K yellow gold pearl ring features refined craftsmanship and a luminous cream pearl centerpiece, offering a timeless design that blends ...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver and Yellow Gold Citrine and Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 3.5 Grams Stone: 6.2ct Oval Cut Citrine Stone: Seed Pearls Measurements: 19 x 15 x 11mm Hallmark: 14k Metal: Silver, 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1968-080326-18
Citrine, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Single Strand Small Pearl Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearls: Cultured Pearls Total Weight: 2.2 Grams Brooch Measurements: 1.875" in length Stamped: "14k" Condition: Preowned, Excellent
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$680Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Vintage Globe Charm Pearl Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with a luxurious 14k yellow gold charm weighing 2.69g, this bracelet features a lustrous pearl bead that adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Stick Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A single cultured pearl measuring 7.8mm adorns this vintage Tiffany & Co. stick pin in 14k yellow gold.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Diamond, Pearl and 18K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Roma, RM
A refined pair of 1980s drop earrings crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, combining luminous cultured pearls with an elegant arrangement of natural diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rainbow Sapphire & White Pearls Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
** ready to ship** The classic white pearl necklace with sparkling multicolor sapphires and other gemstones! Colors follow the pattern of the rainbow, hand knotted on silk thread, fi...
Pearl, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Solitaire Necklace
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Enduring in quality and timeless in their appeal, Akoya pearls are a favorite for everyone! Made from 18 karat yellow gold showcasing a fine 8.5mm Akoya pearl threaded on a 18 karat ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$819Sale Price|20% Off
Impressive Dangle Pearl Zirconia Yellow Gold Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Yellow Gold 14 K Pearl diameter 8,0-8,5 - 2-7,8ct Zirconia 12-1,9ct Weight 6,88 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva base...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Seed Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique seed pearl and 18 karat yellow gold drop earrings; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Pearl Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Mikimoto Diamond Pearl Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearls These earrings by Mikimoto feature cultured pearls centered within an intricate diamond-set design made in 18k yellow...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,164Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari Lucea Yellow Gold Long Chain Pearl Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
The Bulgari Bvlgari Lucea 18k Yellow Gold 34" 7mm Pearl Necklace showcases a sleek design with lustrous 7mm pearls.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.75mm Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 1.2 Grams Pearl Diameter: ~6.75mm Pearl Type: cultured akoya pearls Stamped: "14K"
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 18K Yellow Gold 2.25ct Diamond Pearl Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of 18K yellow gold late-1980s cocktail earrings featuring luminous 13mm pearls framed by a sculptural, grooved design.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Garnet and Pearl Drop Earrings in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 karat yellow gold drop earrings featuring 4 pink cultured pearls and 2 garnet beads. 1.75 inch length with French wire back.
Garnet, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant #24385
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant- This elegant pendant features one luminous round pearl (8 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold and accented with two round sing...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$180 / item
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Ring - 10k 2.00
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 3/4 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 Diameter: 5.6mm Natural Dia...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White 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.