Pearl Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Aquamarine, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Moroccan Pearl Jewelry
Freshwater Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pearl Jewelry
Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Vintage Pearl Jewelry
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Emerald, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Pearl Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pearl Jewelry
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Modern Pearl Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage and Antique Pearl Jewelry
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.