Vintage Akoya Pearl Necklace circa 1950s Thick Nacre & Classic Elegance

This triple-strand cultured Akoya pearl necklace hails from the glamorous early 1970s. Think: Lauren Hutton, Halston, Studio 54. The necklace is entirely original and in pristine c...

This 16" strand of vintage cultured Akoya pearls features large and luminous pearls. 8.31mm, 8.24mm, 8.19mm, 8.04mm, 8.29mm, 8.43mm, 8.51mm: these are measurements I took of the pearls at random. In the world of cultured Akoya pearls, 8mm is the delineating mark; 8mm and larger are considered "luxury" pearls because of the time and risk involved in culturing pearls this large. The longer a pearl stays in the water, the thicker the nacre but the greater the chances for malformation. With this strand, we have the ideal: uniform, round pearls with thick nacre, and gorgeous luminosity, but without the pits and surface imperfections, we often see in pearls of this size and vintage. The vast majority of Akoya pearls are 6mm and 7mm. All of these pearls are 8mm and well beyond. If the classic 16" length feels too short for you, it's easy for your jeweler to add a bit of length by having the pearls restrung with double knots and French wire. In this way, you can transform this into a 17" necklace. This necklace, created in the 1950s, features two strands of 75 top-quality cultured Akoya pearls in a near-ivory tone without any evidence of pinking, the dying process the vast majority of cultured Akoya pearls undergo to give them a light pink blush. These pearls lack that artificial tint. The clasp is measures 23mm x 19.47 and was hand-fabricated. The clasp is formed into the shape of a flower with six small, full-cut diamonds prong-set in the center Interestingly, the diamonds are of far better quality than such small stones on a necklace clasp need to be. They are near-colorless (G-I) and clean (VS2). Together they weigh .25 carats. The clasp is unmarked but tests as 14K. This is the ultimate classic double-strand cultured Akoya necklace...

This cultured Akoya pearl necklace was created in the 1970s by venerable Hawaiian luxury jeweler, Ming's. Composed of 89 semi-baroque gleaming Akoya pearls that average 7.5mm, the 31...

This double strand of cultured Akoya pearls was created in the 1950s and features exceptionally large —9.00-9.40mm— pearls with thick, ...

This is a stunning vintage pearl necklace measuring 18 inches in length and composed of 55 9mm-9.4mm round cultured Akoya pearls and finished with an 18K white gold beaded ball clasp which glitters with a multitude of small full-cut diamonds that total approximately .50 carats. The necklace was purchased in the United Kingdom but bears no hallmarks. It's very well-made and remains on its original silk, which still appears sturdy. I believe the necklace dates to the 1980s. Cultured Akoya pearls over 8mm in diameter are the most coveted of all Akoya pearls because fine ones are difficult to achieve. The longer a pearl remains inside the oyster the thicker the nacre and larger it grows but the greater the opportunity for any number of variables to come along and spoil the pearl. These large 9-9.4mm pearls are luminous and stunning: they are creamy-white with a soft pink overtone. The pearls possess a nice, sharp shine. Is there any single piece of jewelry more classic, more iconic and more always-in-style than a strand (or two or three or four) of pearls? This 18" necklace truly represents the quintessential cultured Akoya pearl necklace...

Thirty-five luminous and golden South Sea pearls compose an 18" necklace of supreme beauty and luxury. The gleaming, sumptuous pearls graduate i...

This pearl necklace is composed of a strand of Japanese cultured pearls which are held together by an 18K rose gold clasp. Diameter of the pearls: 6/6,5. Overall length: 70 cm. Tota...

Necklace of cultured pearls in pearly white orient of identical size. It has a ratchet clasp that is inside a pearl at the end. It is in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and...

Long necklace consisting of a row of Akoya cultured pearls of identical size, creamy pearly white orient. The ratchet clasp of olive shape is in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark and is accompanied by a safety chain with spring ring. Diameter of the pearls : 5/5,5 mm and 5,5/6 mm. Length : 75,5 cm approximately. Total weight : 33,9 g approximately. Authentic antique necklace - French work of the 1950s. Antique pearl necklace...

14K yellow gold Akoya cultured 4.5-5 mm 16" Inches Length Pearl Quality - AAA - White Color Very High Quality with Beautiful Brilliance, Shine & Luster High Quality Pearl Bead Nec...

14K yellow gold Akoya cultured 3.5-4 mm 16" Length Pearl Quality - AAA - White Color Very High Quality with Beautiful Brilliance, Shine & Luster High Quality Pearl Bead Necklace

Necklace made of Japanese white cultured pearls falling. The clasp is hidden in an oval pearl at the end. It comes with a safety chain with 18 carat white gold spring ring. Length: 58 cm Diameter of the pearls: 6.5 / 7 mm. Total weight: about 33 g. Authentic retro necklace - French work of the 1950s. Necklace tied...