Pearl Jewelry
to
69
637
348
251
154
137
18,993
11,894
1,905
2,205
1,715
6
8
65
658
4
1
3
2
1
10
6
4
7
12
6
544
190
3
193
192
124
83
34
to
3
178
169
116
65
33
198
140
108
91
41
18
16
6
2
2
712
25
737
11,736
5,121
Gemstone: Pearl
Item Ships From: Los Angeles
Solitaire Freshwater Cultured Pearl Pendant with Diamonds in 14K White Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 14K white gold solitaire pearl pendant offers a simple yet elegant look. The diamonds pavé set on the bale offer a glittering effect to the lustrous pearl, while the milgrain d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Solitaire Freshwater Cultured Pearl Pendant with Diamonds in 14K Rose Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 14K rose gold solitaire pearl pendant offers a simple yet elegant look. The diamonds pavé set on the bale offer a glittering effect to the lustrous pearl, while the milgrain de...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Rose Gold
Antique Mother-of-Pearl Gambling Chip Pendant / Enhancer in 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty pendant / enhancer features an antique mother-of-pearl gaming counter that has been bezel set in 14k white gold. Gaming counters, or "chips" such as this one were originally carved in China for export to Britain, where they were used the way we use poker chips...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 14K Yellow gold 3/4 Carat Diamond Pearl American Ring Size 6
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique 14K Yellow gold 3/4 Carat Diamond Pearl American Ring Size 6
Ower 100 Yrs of age
Size 6
Center Diamond 5.2-5.3 mm diameter & 3.3 mm deep, a little more than 1/2 Carat Ol...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Splendid Natural South Sea Pearl and Diamond 14 Karat Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Splendid Natural 15mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring
Stamped: 14K
Total Natural Pearl Measures: Approx. 15mm
Total Natural Round Diamonds Weight: Approx. 0....
Category
2010s American Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Woven, multi-stand, seed Pearl Necklace with Gold clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Woven V Necklace. This piece is made with all Seed Pearls intricately woven together into a cross Lace design, inspired by old world and Victorian jewelry. Woven with ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Italian Shell Cameo and Seed Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty ring features a lovely shell cameo that was beautifully hand carved in Italy. The cameo is bezel set and encircled by 3mm seed pearls that have been hand-strung on fine g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Angel Cross Pendant White Pearl Tanzanite Necklace Choker J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Angel Cross Pendant White Pearl Tanzanite Necklace Choker J Dauphin
Lenght: 16"
Symbols or medals can become a powerful tool in our arsenal for the...
Category
2010s American Victorian Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Tanzanite, Gold-filled, Bronze
Black Pearl Labradorite Beaded Necklace Lilac Silk Thread J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Pearl Labradorite Beaded Necklace Lilac Silk Thread J Dauphin
Made in Los Angeles.
Available for immediate delivery
Category
2010s American Victorian Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Labradorite, Pearl, Black Pearl
Heart Angel Cross Choker Chain Necklace White Pearl Tanzanite J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Angel Virgin Mary Cross Choker Chain Gold Filled Necklace White Pearl Tanzanite J Dauphin 16"
Symbols or medals can become a powerful tool in our a...
Category
2010s American Victorian Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Tanzanite, Gold-filled, Bronze
White Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 9.3 mm white round Akoya pearl with 0.04 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Estate Kabana White Mother of Pearl Pear Dangle Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
By Kabana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful white mother of pearl and 0.02 ct. white diamond rounds in these Kabana dangle earrings. Handmade in 14k yellow gold.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Pearl Woven Choker with 18k Yellow Gold Plated Faceted Beads
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Woven necklace adorned by 18k Yellow Gold Plated - Silver Faceted beads. Four strands of Pearls, Graduating in size, are woven together into a column like design. The Pearl's G...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver
White South Sea Pearl and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 12.5 mm White South Sea round pearl with 0.45 ct. white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These lever back drop earrings are adorned with Freshwater cultured pearls that glisten magnificently. The pearls are secured to diamond-studded lever backs that add an extra dose of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings in 14K Rose Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These lever back drop earrings are adorned with Freshwater cultured pearls that glisten magnificently. The pearls are secured to diamond-studded lever backs that add an extra dose of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Rose Gold
Art Deco Antique Platinum Pearl Bracelet 1920s 42 Gram 7Inch Long 1.75 Inch Wide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning American made Art Deco Platinum Pearl Bracelet from 1920s is a beautiful and unique piece of antique jewelry. With a weight of 42...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl
White Pearl and White Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful earrings with two big white round pearls and 0.15 ct. of good quality, white, and bright diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Lever back with post for pierced ears.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Retro Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring Natural Diamonds and Pearl Gem, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring set with Natural Diamonds & a 10.5mm Natural Pearl.
The 66 natural round brilliant diamonds are approximately 2 carat, F-G color and VS ...
Category
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Estate Kabana Mother of Pearl Fancy Shape Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By Kabana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful estate Kabana dangle earrings with mother of pearl and 0.02 ct. of white diamond rounds. Push back setting. Available in orange spiney oyster with yellow gold and black m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Halo Diamond Heart Citrine Mother of Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Design ONE OF A KIND COLLECTION
Metal-18K White Gold, .750.
Stones- Heart Shape Citrine 11.41 Carats, Heart Shape Mother of Pearl, 105 Round Diamonds F-G Color SI1 Clarity 0...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Citrine, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace in 18K 2 Tone Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pendant necklace with large 11-12 mm white South sea round pearls and 0.49 ct. natural pink and white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k rose and white gold. Length is 19".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co White Pearl and Diamond Brooch in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous estate Tiffany & Company brooch featuring a big white round pearl and good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Comes with original bag.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
18K Gold N. Oval Viewpoint Pearl & Diamond Stud Earrings by Scott Keating
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scott Keating Fine Jewelry – Contemporary Elegance, Timeless Symbolism
✨ Award-Winning Design Handcrafted in Colorado ✨
Discover the artistry of Scott Keating, an internationally c...
Category
1990s American Aesthetic Movement Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Retro Gold Pendant 0.70 Carat Natural Round Diamond Abd Pearl, circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Pendant approximately 0.70 Carat Natural Diamond & Pearl Circa 1950.
The piece is set with 57 diamonds (G-J color, SI-1 clarity) weighing approximately 0.70 c...
Category
1950s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl V-Bale Pendant with Diamond in 14K White Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hanging from a V-bale, the peg-set round Freshwater cultured pearl allures with its classic white color. Right below the bale sits a prong-set diamond accent that adds to the beauty ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
1990s Akoya Pearl Solitaire Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990s 10mm Akoya Pearl Solitaire Platinum Ring.
The Akoya Pearl solitaire platinum ring from the 1990s, is set with a 10mm lustrous creamy white p...
Category
1990s Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Platinum
White South Sea Pearl and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 15.4 mm white South Sea white pearl with 1.22 ct. good quality white diamond rounds and baguettes. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Leverback Drop Earrings in 14K White Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The classic white of the two round peg-set Freshwater cultured pearls is sure to allure. Crafted in 14K white gold, these dangling pearl earrings will give you a polished look for th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Infinity Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modern classic, this pearl infinity necklace in 14K yellow gold is a beautiful interpretation of the popular infinity symbol. The infinity loop softly cuddles the round Freshwater ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K White Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modern take on the vintage wishbone pattern, this pearl pendant necklace in 14K white gold is designed to evoke an old-world charm. The intricately set Freshwater cultured pearl lo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl V-Bale Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hanging from a V-bale, the peg-set round Freshwater cultured pearl allures with its classic white color. Right below the bale sits a prong-set diamond accent that adds to the beauty ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modern take on the vintage wishbone pattern, this pearl pendant necklace in 14K yellow gold is designed to evoke an old-world charm. The intricately set Freshwater cultured pearl l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Solitaire Pendant with Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A modern take on the vintage wishbone pattern, this pearl pendant necklace in 14K yellow gold is designed to evoke an old-world charm. The intricately...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Baroque Akoya Pearl Dangle Earring in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful white baroque Akoya pearl earrings with 9 mm pearls. Handmade in 18k white gold. Matte finish. Available in 18k yellow gold a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, White Gold
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, and Enamel Peacock Earrings in 18k
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely stunning peacock design earrings with white diamond rounds, South Sea pearls, and enamel work. Handmade with detail in 18k yellow gold.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Enamel
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Pendant with Heart-Shaped Bale in 14K Rose Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nothing connotes love better than this charming diamond heart pendant in 14K rose gold. It features a round Freshwater cultured pearl that illuminates with its delightful hue, while ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Rose Gold
Amethyst, Citrine, Chalcedony & Baroque Pearl Sautoir with Solid 14k Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mutli Stone Closed Sautoir by Marina J.
This Necklace is made will multi colored stones and findings including Amethyst, Green Amethyst, Citrine, Chalcedony, Blue Topaz, B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl and White Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 10.3 mm black Tahitian round pearl with 0.04 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Ring size 6.25.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
White South Sea Round Pearl, White Diamond, and Black Onyx Cocktail Ring in 18k
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 16.7 mm South Sea round white pearl with 1.16 carats of good quality white diamonds and black onyx in 18k white gold. South Sea pearl is a beautiful white with no markings....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 1.8 Carat Natural Colorless Diamond & Pearl, circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring consisting of 1.85 Carat Natural Colorless Diamonds & 14x11mm Pearl.
The ring is set with 34 Natural Round Brilliant Diamonds weighing approximat...
Category
1950s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
White South Sea Pearl and White Diamond Floral Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful cocktail ring with a large white South Sea pearl and good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Ring size 6.5.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Retro Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring Natural Diamonds Sapphire and Pearl, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring set with Natural Diamonds, Sapphire & 10.5mm Pearl.
The 64 natural round brilliant diamonds are approximately 2 carat, F-G color and VS ...
Category
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Tahitian Pearl Necklace 14k Solid White Gold Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 12-14.80mm Tahitian Pearl Necklace 14K Solid White Gold Clasp
Suggested Replacement Value: $8,000.00
Clasp 14k Solid White Gold
Total Natural Tahitian Pearls Measure: 12...
Category
2010s American Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Retro Gold 2.2 Carat Natural Colorless Diamond & Pearl Pendant Brooch Circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Magnificent 14k gold Pendant/Pin set with 16 colorless VS natural baguette diamonds weighing approximately 0.75 carats and 36 natural round brilliant colorless VS diamonds weighing...
Category
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
American Antique Victorian 14K Gold Natural Mississippi River Pearl Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American Antique Victorian 14K Gold Natural Mississippi River Pearl Brooch
2.3 gram
Acid test shows 14K on Brooch and Silver on post Victorian American Workmanship circa 1880s
No Ha...
Category
1880s American Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold
Christian Dior Mise En Dior Tribal Fuax Pearl Jadior w/ Crystal Earring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Christian Dior large & small fuax pearl jadior w/ crystal set in circle earring.
Christian Dior Faux Pearl Mise En Dior Tribal Earrings
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Crystal, Pearl, Gold, Gilt Metal
Black Pearl Dangle Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful black pearl necklace with 4 round pearls that are approximately 8-9 mm each and 18k white gold chain. Length is 16".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Black Pearl, White Gold
White Pearl Bead Necklace Labradorite
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long White Pearl Bead Necklace Labradorite
Gold Filled Clasp
Length 35 inches, 88 cm
Designer: J DAUPHIN
Made in Los Angeles
White Pearl Healing Properties and Symbolism
Symbo...
Category
2010s American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Labradorite, Pearl, Gold-filled
Estate Kabana Black Mother of Pearl Dangle Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
By Kabana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Kabana black mother of pearl and white diamond earrings with 0.18 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 14k yellow gold. Fun earrings that can be dressed up ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl and 0.35 Carat Diamonds in 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Ring
Top:15 mm
Band Width: 2.4 mm
Metal: White Gold
Metal Purity: 18K
Size:5 to 8
Hallmarks: 18K
Total Weight: 8.6 Grams
Stone Type: 15 mm South Sea Pearl...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, South Sea Pearl
Black Tahitian Pearl and White Diamond Floral Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful big black Tahitian round pearl with good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Ring size 6.5.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Marina J Graduated Pearl, Blue Sapphire & Solid 14k Yellow Gold Tassel Necklace
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning One of A Kind Necklace with removable Graduated Tassel.
This piece is made with baroque Pearls all displaying a beautiful soft iridescent luster - contrasted by Solid 14k Y...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Necklace Natural 1 Carat Round Diamond and Pearl Gem Stone circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning 14k white gold, diamond and pearl vintage necklace. The 14 Natural Diamonds range from G-I color and SI-VS in clarity.
Weight is 14.46g. The piece is 16 inches in length .
Category
1970s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Retro Gold 2.52 Carat Natural Colorless Diamond & Pearl Cocktail Ring Circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Magnificent 14k gold cocktail ring set with 18 colorless VS natural baguette diamonds weighing approximately 1 carat and 38 natural round brilliant colorless VS diamonds weighing a...
Category
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Black Round Pearl and White Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 8.5 mm black round pearls with 0.04 ct. white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Golden Pearl and White Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful big round golden pearl with 0.70 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 6.25.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Pearl 8MM with Diamond Wave Stud Earrings in 14K YellowGold For Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Angara is a family-started and family-run fine jewellery brand with generations of expertise in gemstones. In ancient Sanskrit, Angara means “the fire within.” We love how it capture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.