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Pearl Jewelry

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Gemstone: Pearl
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Pearl Decorated Tennis Bracelet
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Total lenght is bracelet 19 cm. Box is not include...
Category

1990s Italian Retro Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Modern Rubies Diamonds Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earrings in 18 karat white gold. Charming Art Deco earrings, each adorned with a pearly white Akoya cultured pearl set on a disc adorned with alternating modern bri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Marina J. Amethyst, Baroque Pearl & Solid 14k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Amethyst and Pearl Necklace from Marina J. This piece is made with all Baroque Pearls, Faceted Amethyst & solid 14k Yellow Findings. The Baroque Pearls in this necklace dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Emerald Diamonds Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earrings in 18 karat white gold. Charming Art Deco earrings, each adorned with a pearly white Akoya cultured pearl set on a disc adorned with alternating modern bri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Marina B Pearl Blue Russian Quartz Onyx Bead Gold Necklace Cardan Long Necklace
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Long 18k gold necklace by Marina B, with 10.5 mm Blue Beads, 7mm onyx and 8mm pearls. Necklace is 84 cm long. Marked: Marina B, MB, Italy, 750. Weight - 131,5 grams. Please n...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold

Victorian 1897 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 5.5 Head measurements: 9.50mm in width Shank maximum width: 2.45mm Weight: 2.40 grams 18K yellow gold three-across diamo...
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Floral Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Like a jaunty boutonnière pinned on a tuxedo lapel, the Antique Floral Pearl Brooch is a sophisticated nod to a flower’s sweet essence. In place of...
Category

1960s Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mabe Pearl Hoop Earrings, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Mabe Pearl Hoop Earrings made in 18k Yellow Gold. The pearls are gray and white and the earrings weigh 29.92 grams. The length of the earring is 1 inch. ...
Category

20th Century Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

15K Gold Pearl, Diamond Retro Bar Brooch, with Security Chain.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Crafted with refined elegance this stunning Bar Brooch is of Australian provenance, dating from 1960's. Of lovely bar design, it centers a South Sea Pearl of 8mm of gorgeous colo...
Category

1960s Australian Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold

Victorian Ruby Pearl Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold Victorian triple cluster ring. The centre of the ring is set with a button pearl with a lovely white lustre. On one side there is a ruby and the ...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Multi-Strand Opal Bead Necklace, 14k Gold Clasp With Pearls
Located in Milford, DE
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite multi-strand opal bead necklace. Expertly crafted with five luxurious strands, each one is intricately adorned with lustrous opal ...
Category

20th Century European Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Mother of pearl “Twisted” Ring 18KY Gold Size5.5
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Created by Van Cleef & Arpels, this “Twisted” ring is composed of two pieces of Mother of pearl. Material: 18k yellow gold comes with original box Artist: Van ...
Category

1990s French Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2.00ct Blue Zircon, Diamond and Pearl Pendant, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
With intricate winding vines, leaves and flowers, this stunning Edwardian pendant was clearly inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. A single 2.00 carat blue zircon sits at the centre...
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 15k Gold, Platinum

Bochic “Capri” Tahiti Pearl, Multi Color Tourmaline Cocktail Ring Set 22K&Silver
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Blue Opal & Multi Color Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set In 22K Gold & Silver Tahiti Pearl, Dark Black Green - 15MM - Pink tones Natural Multi Color Tourmaline - 8 carats ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Tourmaline, 22k Gold, Silver

Modern with Diamonds and Pearl (Two Options) 18k White Gold Earrings
Located in MADRID, ES
Modern earrings crafted in 18k white gold, featuring both diamonds and a lustrous pearl. With a weight of 9.66 grams, these earrings measure 2.5 cm with the pearl and 1.5 cm without ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

David Yurman Chatelaine Pearl Bangle Bracelet 6 1/4" - Sterling 925 Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $395 Brand: David Yurman Collection: Chatelaine Metal Content: Sterling Silver Stone Information Freshwater Pearl Color: White Style: Solitaire Bangle Fastening Typ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl

Chameleon earrings studs 14k Gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Chameleon earrings studs 14k Gold. Orange sapphire earrings. Reptile gold earrings. Gold Lizard earrings. Animal, Wildlife earrings. Metal: 14k gold 8.5x16 mm size Weight 3.5 gr Ge...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

VERDURA 18K Yellow Gold Rose Quartz and Pearl Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
This statement-making Verdura necklace is bold and breathtaking in design. Crafted with a series of Rose Quartz orbs, 18K Yellow Gold accents and inset Pearls provide the perfect fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 4.55ct Diamond and Pearl Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A stunning pearl is surrounded by a double diamond halo, with an elegant tied bow design in this Victorian brooch. The closest diamond halo features 18 old cut diamonds of 0.10 carat...
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Edwardian Amethyst Seed Pearl 9K Gold Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace c1905
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this elegant antique Edwardian art nouveau pendant necklace made c.1905. The goldwork is beautifully crafted with a naturalistic art nouveau design of scr...
Category

Early 20th Century Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A single, glimmering pearl sits at the center of this romantic vintage brooch. Its bow design and curving 14-karat white gold metal tendrils are set with 2.6 carats of diamonds. The ...
Category

1960s Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The center holds a natural pearl that has rose cut diam...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Enamel & Old Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau brooch that can also be worn a choker pendant. 18ct gold with French hallmarks with Plique-a-jour enamelling. Old cut diamonds with natural pearl. Central diamon...
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Real Mother Of Pearl Gemstone Initial L Charm Lady Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in IN
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite Real Mother of Pearl Gemstone Initial "L" Charm Lady Pendant crafted in luxurious 14 Karat Yellow Gold. This pendant is more than j...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco Style Coral 1.60 Carat White Diamond Onyx Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Onyx, White Diamond, Diamond, C...

Moi Jonah Gold Dilver Diamond Pearl and Hessonite Brooch and Pendant
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
Gold(14K) : 2.10g Rose-cut Diamonds : 4.10ct Uncut Diamonds/Vilandi/Polki : 1.43ct Gemstone : Cultured Pearls : 5.90ct Hessonite Garnet : 0.74ct 925 Silver Other : Black Enamel Diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Hessonite, 14k Gold, Enamel

Pearl Posy Brooch
Located in New York, NY
As if plucked from a garden, the Pearl Posy Brooch is a luxurious rendition of a single bloom. A pearl is set in an 18-karat yellow gold stem with leaves, all generously hewn with as...
Category

1960s Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

 Pearl Posy Brooch
 Pearl Posy Brooch
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Mother Of Pearl Gemstone Alphabet Initial S Charm Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in IN
Crafted with exquisite detail and unparalleled elegance, this Mother of Pearl Gemstone Alphabet Initial S Charm Pendant in 14 Karat Yellow Gold embodies sophistication and personaliz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

18K White Gold 1.50ct Diamond and Pearl Double Strand Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
Simply stunning, this classic piece of fine jewelry confidently displays its lustrous beauty. This jewel features double strands of 6.5mm pearls. A diamond-decorated pendant adds a b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

1935 Art Deco Style with Pearl and Diamonds Yellow Gold and Platinum Bracelet
Located in MADRID, ES
Elevate your ensemble with this exquisite bracelet boasting an Art Deco style from 1935. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum 950 kts, it features a lustrous pearl and sparkling d...
Category

1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

9k Yellow Gold White Small Natural Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in SUFFOLK PARK, AU
Our Classic Pearl Drop Earrings, are the perfect accessory for any occasion. These earrings are designed to fit delicately on the earlobe, with the pearl hanging just below for a sop...
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold and Pearl Geometric Earrings with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Geometric statement earrings in 18k gold combined with white pearls and accented with rows of diamonds. Modern in design, yet with a classical influence, these were inspired by anci...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Freshwater Pearl Long Strand Necklace with Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a freshwater pearl long strand necklace. Nouveau Boutique recently created it with average 8mm freshwater cultured pearls and 8mm brass beads. On both ends are 3 inch linked ...
Category

2010s American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Brass

Antique French Turquoise and Pearl Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k, France. This antique pendant is set with brilliant blue Persian Turquoise in a stylishly refreshing Moorish motif. Intricate gold work, underscored by meticulous ha...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rachel Koen Freshwater Petite Pearl Cross Pendant 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Cute and delicate, this petite pearl cross pendant gives a charming everyday look. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this symbol of faith features six luminous cultured freshwater pearls i...
Category

2010s American Modern Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alex Soldier Topaz, Quartz, Carved Mother of Pearl Blossom Convertible Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A colorful collection of rare and stunning gemstones form together a spectacular Blossom that comes alive with a touch of feminine charm and allure given to us by Mother Nature. Alex...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Topaz, Quartz, Oriental Pearl, Natural Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, M...

Amethyst Topaz Diamond Ruby Emeralds Sapphire Pearls Gold and Silver Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

1950s Italian Retro Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Topaz, Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 9k Gold, Silve...

JAS-18-1670 - PENTHER HEAD TASSLE EARRINGS with WHITE TOPAZ & CHROME DIOPSIDE
Located in New York, NY
STERLING SILVER WHITE TOPAZ, CHROME DIOPSIDE EYES AND FRESHWATER PEARLS PANTHER HEAD TASSLE EARRINGS Metal: Sterling Silver Stones Info : Whit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Topaz, Sterling Silver

Marina J. Black and White All Pearl Woven Sautoir with pearl tassels & 14K Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous one of a kind Art Deco inspired two tone Sautoir Necklace hand woven by Marina J. This lovely piece is made using all Cultured Black and White Pearls (measuirng 3mm and 8mm)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marina J. Solid 14k & Pearl Earrings with Ombre Tassels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of Earrings by Marina J. This pair is made with all Pearls and solid 14k Yellow Gold. Two iridescent teardrop shaped Pearls sit atop a 14k Yellow Gold Plated - Diamon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold

White Gold Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Color: White Diameter: 7.5mm - 8mm Style: Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Diameter: 5/16" (7.5...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Pearl Horseshoe Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous natural pearl ring originally dating back to the Victorian era. The face has been crafted into the shape of a lucky horseshoe, a common symbol associated with...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold

Georgian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful Georgian 15ct gold pearl and ruby cluster ring. The central ruby is surrounded by four large natural half pearls which themselves are flanked by an additional sin...
Category

18th Century Georgian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold

Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Mourning Locket Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderfully hand made yellow gold Victorian mourning ring. The ring is set with a central rose cut diamond in a cut collet setting and is surrounded by four original natura...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

"Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamond Earrings. Spain
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Early 20th Century "Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamonds Earrings mounted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. ("Noucentisme" Catalonia 1914 -1936) Wonderful example o...
Category

1920s Spanish Art Nouveau Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Victorian Burmese Ruby and Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian 18ct yellow gold cluster ring. The centre of the cluster is a lovely natural pearl that is surrounded by a cluster of 6 old cut rubies. On each side of ...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Mourning Locket Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderfully hand made yellow gold Victorian mourning ring. The ring is set with a central rose cut diamond in a cut collet setting and is surrounded by four original natura...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

18K Yellow Gold White South Sea Pearl Cage Ring
Located in New York, NY
A white South Sea pearl is the apex of this ring. An 18k yellow gold shank of multiple bands intersect to fashion an openwork pattern to exalt the gem weighing 27.59 carats. The ring...
Category

2010s American Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Seed Pearl Horseshoe Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming Victorian double horseshoe ring. The face has been crafted into two interlocking horseshoes pervaded with a single row of round seed pearls which sit atop a r...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold

Cocktail ring 18k gold with Flood pearl & Diamonds
Located in Stockholm, SE
Embrace vintage glamour with this enchanting cocktail ring. Crafted in 18k white gold, it features a beautiful flood pearl center stone surrounded by 1.25 ...
Category

1920s European Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Cultured Pearl & Sapphire Stud Earrings - 14k .30ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Color: Cream Size: 7.5mm & 7.6mm Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .30ctw Cut: Round Color: Blue Tota...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Ring in 18Kt White Gold, Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Cattolica, IT
A vintage, 1950s-era ring made of 18 kt white gold weighing 4.80 grams. The design of this jewelry is typical of its era, the Diamonds are arranged in a frame so as to further bring ...
Category

1950s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Pearl Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Brooch Carved Onyx Natural Oriental Seed Pearls Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The brooch was handcrafted in 1880 ca. In the center of this extravagant piece of jeweller we see a large rectangular pyramid shaped onyx in a claw set frame set with eighteen seed p...
Category

1880s European Victorian Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Silver

Victorian Pearl and Black Enamel Flower Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 15ct yellow gold antique ring. The face is crafted in a navette style and features a flower formed of small seed pearls. Surrounding the daisy there is well kept ...
Category

20th Century Victorian Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Wood Coral Diamonds Mother of Pearl Silver Yellow Gold 14 Karat Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
The stem of this particular ring was made entirely of wood, in the upper part a circular mother-of-pearl was applied which supports a small silver circle where diamonds are set which...
Category

1990s European Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Coral, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian Pink Tourmaline & Seed Pearl 15K Gold Pendant Necklace - c.19
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Edwardian pink tourmaline and seed pearl pendant necklace set in 15ct made c.1910. The goldwork is beautifully crafted with a natura...
Category

Early 20th Century Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Tourmaline, 15k Gold

Antique Georgian Gold Earrings with Blue Enamel Guilloche Pearl Cluster c.1800
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent pair of antique Georgian gold enamel earrings, made c.1880. This unique and beautiful pair is made w...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel

18k Gold Pearl & Multi Natural Stone Dangles from Brown Leather Cord Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Genuine Cultured Pearls & Natural Genuine Gemstones - Multi Shapes- Strung Set - Multi Colors Material: 18k Yellow Gold Beads & Clasp w/ Leather Cord Weight: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pearl Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 18k 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.

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