Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Burmese Jade Clasp Certified Untreated

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...

Dating to approximately 1940, this luxurious strand of luminous, gleaming nearly-antique cultured pearls is so fine in quality it rivals -and in some ways surpasses- that of natural,...

This gorgeous certified natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade necklace is composed of 45 10mm hand-carved and polished light lavender jade bead...

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...

Grand, beautiful, and rare, this double-strand jade necklace features 114 approximately 9.5mm hand-carved and polished untreated Burmese jadeite beads. These are substantial, fine, o...

This luxurious and rare black jadeite jade necklace is composed of 37 certified untreated black jade beads that graduate in size from 8mm to 11mm. The...

This amazing necklace is unique; with beautiful shiny diamonds and two strands of round pearls, it's a must have for anyone! Two graduated, cultured pearl strands with diamond clasp...

Elegant and timeless torsade necklace made of 15 strands of Akoya pearls. Features a 18K gold (yellow, white, pink) clasp with Poiray maker's mark. Wrist Lenght: 42 cm Condition: V...

A classic double strand pearl necklace. Composed of two strands of well matched cream colored cultured pearls and completed by a 14 karat yellow gold and diamond clasp highlighting a...

This is a jade multi-strand necklace with leopard clasp. It has a fancy CZ on silver leopard head fold over clasp that contrasts nicely with ten strands of silk knotted 4-5mm faceted...

Elevate your look with a timeless pearl necklace. This 17-18 inches in length strand necklace is fully knotted and hand strung with matching silk cord. ...

This versatile, sexy choker features two strands (16" and 15.5") of alternating Akoya cultured saltwater pearls and tiny cube-shaped sapphire beads. When your feeling fancy-shmancy,...