Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Omega Back Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage 14K yellow gold earrings featuring lustrous mabe pearls framed in smooth, rounded bezels.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl Omega Clip Mabe Pearl Omega Clip On Earrings with Square Gold setting
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl Metal Choice: 14K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 20mm x 20mm Weight: 8 grams Closure: Omega Clip On
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Mabe Pearl Omega Clip On Earrings
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Mabe Pearl Metal Choice: 14K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 19mm x 19mm Weight: 7 grams Closure: Omega Clip On
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
These elegant stud earrings highlight the timeless beauty of Mabe pearls, bezel set in warm 14 karat yellow gold.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14mm Mabe Pearl Retro Clip Earrings 14kt Gold 12590
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
diamonds pearl clip earrings 14mm mabe pearl 16ct natural round diamonds h-color vs-2 clarity 14kt yellow gold 18.2 grams earrings: 31 x 20mm comfortable omega clips
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabé Pearl Pink Sapphire White Gold Earrings
By Wagner Preziosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious earings made of 18 carat white gold, large mabé pearls 9,5 x 17 mm / 0.374 x 0,669 inches and 18 red Saphires with a total of 1.33 carats. A frame of polished white gold s...
Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
Antique Rosy Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl w/ Pearl Halo Screw On Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - Milgrain Bezel Set - White Color w/ Nice Overtone - 12.5mm each (approx.) (40) Genuine Cultured Small Pearls - Round Sh...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Mabe Pearl Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Measurements Tall: 15/16" (23.3mm) Wide: 1...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Diameter: 1.00" x 1.00" Total Weight: 14.5 Grams Pearl Type: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 15.5 mm Total Diamond Count: 64 diamond...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Chanel Earrings. Genuine CHANEL Mabe Pearl Turquoise Clip on earrings.
By Chanel
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Chanel Earrings Non-Pierced Omega Clip on Earrings. Imitation Large Mabe pearl set into Turquoise Resin Details: 26mm round 15mm pearls Please ask for additional pictures an...
Pearl, Gold Plate
Lagos Mabe Pearls .60ct Diamonds Clip Earrings 18kt Gold
By Lagos
Located in New York, NY
Designer Lagos Statement mabe Pearl clip earrings. 11 mm Pearl Excellent AAA luster and Sheen. .60 carat natural diamonds flush bezel set.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Judith Ripka Mabe Pearl Gold Clip Post Earrings
By Judith Ripka
Located in Stamford, CT
These elegant Judith Ripka clip-post earrings feature luminous Mabe pearls set in rich 18k yellow gold, showcasing the brand’s signature blend of classic sophistication and contempor...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Braided Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Braided Earrings, featuring luminous mabe pearls bezel-set within intricate braided yellow gold frames.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,250 / set
18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Double Rim Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Delicate opalescent hues lift from the bodies of mabe pearls for these earrings. Half orbs of the pearls are accented by the vibrant glow from a pair of 18k yellow gold trimming.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl, Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Measurement: 1 inch x 1 inch Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & White Gold Back [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 33 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds, .70c...
Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 14k Round Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Cut: Round Color: White Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Measurements Tall: 3/4" (18.4mm) Wide: 3...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.45 Carat Diamond Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
15mm Mabe pearl clip post diamond earrings in 14k yellow gold 18 round brilliant cut diamonds I VS approx. .45cts 2 Mabe rose hue pearls .15mm 14k yellow gold Stamped: 14k 13.8 gr...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 18k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Mabe Pearls Size: 12mm Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Features: Ribbed Detailing Measurements Tall: 3...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Vintage Diamond Mabe Pearl Yellow Gold & Platinum Large Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Southampton, PA
Vintage Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Large Earrings. An opulent silhouette pairs luminous Mabe pearls with a sumptuous gold setting, accentuated by sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Statement Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in yellow gold, these earrings feature large, lustrous pearls at the center.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage 14k yellow gold stud earrings showcase luminous pearls framed by approximately 1.0 carat total weight of sparkling diamonds. The elegant halo design creates a radiant s...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Mabe Pearl Large Stud Earrings - 14k Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Mabe Pearls Size: 14.2mm Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Measurements Diameter: 7/8" (21.5mm) Weight:...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Mabe Pearl and Diamond Leaf Clip-On Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
David Webb Mabe Pearl and Diamond Leaf Clip-On Earrings Elegant and timeless, these David Webb earrings feature two luminous Mabe pearls measuring 18.5 mm across, framed by sparklin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Mabe Pearl and Diamond Halo Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 0.87" x 0.87" Total Weight: 18.8 Grams Pearl Type: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.5 mm Total Diamond Count: 60 diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rosior 19.2k Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Drop Earrings, Portugal
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Vintage Earrings set in Yellow Gold with 4 "mabe" pearls. 4cm (1.57") long.
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade Carved Leaf Gold Mabè Pearl 18 Karat Gold Earring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Amazing spinach carved jade leaf, gold color mabè pearl, linked in 18 kt gold gr 12,70, total length 6cm. The connection between the pearl and the leaf is a gold leaf, very nice det...
Jade, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$396Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pierced Earrings & Pendant Set, Mabé Pearl & Sterling-Arts & Crafts Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Period Arts and Crafts pierced earrings with matching pendant hand crafted in sterling silver with natural mabé pearls.
Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver
Piero Milano Vintage Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Heart Earrings
By PIERO MILANO
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage Piero Milano 18k yellow gold heart earrings, with mabe pearls and approx. 0.24ctw G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Vintage Gigantic Runway Mabé Pearl Hoop Earrings 1960s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Featuring mabé style pearl tops dropping away to nine large whole pearls set on a hoop.
Mabe Pearl & Briolette Rhodolite Drop 14K Gold Earrings Levered Hinge Backs
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Olivia B. 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Dangle Earrings with Rhodolite Briolettes.
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl and Peridot 18K Yellow Gold Braid Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
These earrings focus on the prismatic glow of the Mabe pearl, a jewel that grew against its shell in the water.
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Clip On Earrings- These lovely earrings each feature one Mabe Pearl (14 mm) and six round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 1...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-on Earrings #16443
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip-on Earrings These gorgeous clip-on earrings are crafted with meticulous detail from 14K yellow gold and feature 2 beautiful Mabe pearls!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings #21362
Located in Washington Depot, CT
These lovely earrings each feature one round white mobe pearl (13 mm) surrounded by 22 round brilliant cut diamonds. Hinged closures. Approximate total diamond weight: .88 ct. Diam...
White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl & Cluster Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Drop Pendant Detachable Earrings
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of elegant drop (dangle) design, these pendant earrings are set with Pear-Shaped Mabe Pearls of magnificent crème-ivory colour with desirable pink overtone & good luster, measuring...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Timeless Mabe Pearl & 0.36ct Natural Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
These new earrings blend timeless elegance with a soft, romantic glow, featuring two luminous champagne-colored Mabe pearls (12.8–13.2 mm) set in sculptural 18K white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.60ctw Diamond Mabe Pearl Statement Earrings 18k Gold Pierced Omega Backs
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.60ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - F - G Clarity - VS2 - SI2 Please note one of the diamonds has a cavity. - Natural Mab...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Two Tone Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Lustrous pearls take center stage in these elegant vintage stud earrings, framed by a richly textured swirl of two-tone gold and sparkling diamond accents. Crafted in 14k gold, the d...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 14.2mm Mabe Pearl Polished Infinity Frame Button Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - Bezel Set - Nice White Color w/ Pink overtone - Nice Luster - High Quality - 14.2mm each (approx.) Material: 14k Solid...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 14.7mm Mabe Pearl Omega Backing Open Frame Button Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - White Color w/ pink overtone - Excellent Luster - 14.2-14.7mm each (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 8...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Halo Mabe Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage stud earrings are a bold and highly elegant pearl design, centered by luminous mabé pearls framed by a substantial diamond halo in warm 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Italian 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings, Circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold, the design centers on a pair of luminous mabe pearls framed by subtly textured gold and accented with bezel-set round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Trianon 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Onyx Diamond Earrings, 1980s
By Trianon
Located in Towson, MD
Each earring centers on an approximately 14mm bezel-set mabe pearl, framed by a gracefully curved approximately 6.5mm onyx border.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip On Earrings #19661
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Clip On Earrings- These elegant earrings each feature on Mabe pearl (16 mm) set in classic 14K yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Yellow Gold 14.7mm Mabe Pearl Button Clip On Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - Round Shape - White Color w/ Nice Overtone - 14.7mm (approx.) Material: 14k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 11.39 Grams Backing: Clip On C...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Round Mabe Pearl Clip, on Earrings Surrounded with Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18kt Round Mabe pearl Clip - On Earrings Surrounded With Diamonds Diamonds: 64 brilliant cut diamonds Pearl: Mabe pearl with a of Diameter 13mm Material: 18kt White gol...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Mabé Pearl & Diamond Halo Bezel Omega Back Earrings
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
14K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Halo & Mabé Pearl Vintage Bezel-Set Earrings A beautifully refined pair of vintage earrings crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, showcasing the soft, lus...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zolotas Vintage 22k Gold Earring Clips Mabe Pearls Large Earrings made in Greece
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Superb pair of Zolotas Earring Clips with Mabe Pearls Circa 1980's made in Greece Size 35 mm in diameter Pearl size 16mm Gold: 22k approx 37 grams Pre-owned in excellent cond...
Pearl, 22k Gold
BUNDA 15mm Mabe white pearl drop earrings with diamonds on 18k gold.
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A pair of BUNDA "Serpens" Cultured South Sea Mabe pearl drop earrings in 18ct yellow gold and white gold, featuring a single round brilliant cut diamond, bezel set on each hook.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold 15.75mm Mabe Pearl 0.60ctw Diamond Large Twisted Wire Button Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-460158714 Large Round Mabe Pearls & Diamonds Twisted Wire Button Earrings!
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Onyx X Large Stud Earrings 14k Pierced Round
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Mabe Pearl Treatment: Heating Cut: Briolette Onyx Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Theme: X, Round Meas...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold 11.6mm Mabe Pearl 1.85ctw Diamond Large Button Omega Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-190218599 Large High Quality Mabe Pearls & Diamonds Button Earrings!
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mabé pearl diamond 18k yellow gold clip on earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the center of each earring rests a beautifully proportioned Mabé pearl, measuring approximately 15.56mm, admired for its domed form and soft, luminous luster.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant & ALA Signed Earrings Set Box
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 15.8 Grams Whole Set Stone: Mabe Pearl (22 x 14 - 22 x 15 mm) & Approx 0.43 TCW (0.02-0.03 ct) Diamonds Pendant: 30.0 x 17.5 mm Earrings: 27.75 x 16.75 mm Hallmark: 14K.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl with Blue Sapphire Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Mabe Pearl with Blue Sapphire 0.07 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.6 cm Total Weight: 16.9 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold
Mings Large Mabe Pearl Gold Carved Bezel Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Style: Large Mabe Pearl Gold Carved Bezel Earrings Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 16.3 Grams Pearl: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.50 m...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold High Quality 14mm Mabe Pearl & 1.56ctw Diamond Button Earrings
By Omega
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearls - High Quality - Gorgeous Luster- Round Button Shape - White Color w/ Pink Overtone - 14mm each (approx.) (52) Natural Genuine Diamonds...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.