$6,336Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Illusion South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 1.50 Carats 18KT Gold 13-14 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Pearls measure 13-14 MM
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat White Gold 13mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 48 round brilliant cut = 1.20cttw Color: I / J Clarity: SI1-2 Ring Size: 2.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for si...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
13 Mm South-Sea Pearls, Fancy Diamonds, Diamonds, Platinum Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing earrings in platinum structure mounted with a central fancy diamond surrounded by white diamonds. As pendant, a pearl. These earrings were totally handmade by Italian master ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
$3,235Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Petal Floral South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 0.98 Carat 13-14 MM 18KT
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold petal floral drop earrings featuring two Tahitian pearls measuring 13-14 mm with 96 round brilliants weighing 0.98 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Sapphire Ombree South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 2.24 CTS 13-14 MM 18KT White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold drop earrings featuring an ombree motif of white to blue sapphires and two white South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 mm. 6 White Sapphires weighing 0.58 carats and 1...
Pearl, Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Modern South Sea Pearl Baguette Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin South Sea Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, and Diamond Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 12-13 mm Quality: AAAA N...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$2,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.61 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 12-13 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring 38 round brilliants weighing 0.61 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM. Color G-H Clarity SI Earrings available in differen...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.60 Carat 18 Karat White Gold 12-13 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring 56 round brilliants weighing 0.60 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 mm. Available in Yellow Gold
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.77 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 13-14 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 MM with 188 round brilliants weighing 0.77 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings 0.30 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 12-13 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold stud earrings featuring 2 South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM flanked with 14 round brilliants weighing 0.30 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings 0.35 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 13-14 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold stud earrings featuring 2 South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 MM flanked with 12 round brilliants weighing 0.35 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.97 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 13-14 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold drop earrings featuring 194 round brilliants weighing 0.97 carats with two South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 mm. Tops are be converted into huggie earrings.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Floral South Sea Pearl Earrings 0.96 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 13-14 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold drop earrings featuring a diamond floral motif with 8 Marquise Diamonds weighing 0.79 Carats, 13 round brilliants weighing 0.17 carats and two South Sea Pearls me...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Sapphire Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring 12-13 MM 0.94 CTTW 18KT
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional ring features: 18K White gold Sapphire weight: 0.48 Carats Diamonds Weight:: 0.46 Carats South Sea Pearl; 12-13 mm Ring size: 6.25
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Celestial Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by a red carpet glow, these Celestial Bloom earrings feature luminous 13mm South Sea pearls — perfectly round, flawlessly smooth, and exuding Aurora-grade iridescence.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Day & Night South Sea Pearl Sapphire Hoop Earrings 2.80 Carats 12-13 MM 18KT
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Sapphire Hoop Earrings 2.80 Carats Total Sapphire Weight South Sea Pearl 12-13mm
South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.60 Carats 12-13 MM 18K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
White Gold 18k Pearl Size: 12-13mm Nature: South Sea Cultured Pearl Pearl Quality: AAA Nacre: Very Thick Earring Style: Omega Clip Diamond Count: 6 Diamond Weight: 0.60 cts.
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
13mm South Sea Pearl & Baguette Diamond Halo Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Miami, FL
13mm Cultured South Sea Pearl and diamond ballerina ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
13-16 mm White South Sea Round Pearl Necklace - AAA Quality, 27 P, Diamond Ball
Located in New York, NY
13-16 mm White South Sea Round Pearl Necklace - AAA Quality, 27 Pieces , full diamond Diamond Ball clasp in 18 karat white gold Introducing our exquisite 13-16mm White South Sea Ro...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
【Jādora】Verdant Bloom — Convertible Type A Jadeite & South Sea Pearl Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A poetic bloom kissed by the sea. These exquisite earrings feature luminous 12–13mm South Sea pearls of exceptional roundness and subtle orient, gracefully paired with Type A jadeite...
Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Nail Ring 0.79 Carat 18 Karat White Gold 13-14 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Color G-H Clarity SI Measurements: South Sea Pearl: 13-14 MM Nail Band: 2.8 MM Ring can be sized.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.61 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold 12-13MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow Gold drop earrings featuring 38 round brilliants weighing 0.61 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM. Color G-H Clarity SI Earrings available in differe...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13mm Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
13mm Golden South Sea pearl pendant with excellent luster and uniformity in 18K yellow gold feather-motif setting with 0.35 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baroque 13mm South Sea Pearl in 18K Gold Fob Pendant with Rhodolite Necklace
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This lustrous white South Sea baroque pearl is set in a Byzantine-flavored, satiny 18 karat yellow gold two-part pedant handmade in our shop by Eytan Brandes. The pearl has a gr...
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Garnet, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gol...
$2,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.60 Carats 12-13 MM 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat rose gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 mm with 8 round brilliants, 0.31 carats and 62 smaller diamonds weighing 0.29 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.60 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold 12-13 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold drop earrings featuring 56 round brilliants weighing 0.60 carats and two South Sea pearls measuring 12-13 mm. Available in White Gold
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Bar Earrings 0.63 Carat 18 Karat Rose Gold 12-13 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea pearls measuring 12-13 mm with a diamond bar containing 32 round brilliants weighing 0.63 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Rose Gold
【Crown Radiance】Aurora Orbit South Sea Pearl Diamond Tricolor Stud Earrings
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A radiant celebration of craftsmanship and color, these Aurora Orbit Stud Earrings showcase a pair of luminous 12–13mm South Sea pearls, known for their exceptional size and mirror-l...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
【Lustre Arc】Aurora South Sea Pearl and Royal Blue Tanzanite Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A luminous dialogue between oceanic depth and celestial glow — this statement ring features a mirror-like 12–13mm South Sea pearl of exceptional roundness and flawless surface.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Tanzanite, White Gold
Art Deco 12-13mm Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A stunning necklace crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring an exquisite collection of South Sea pearls totaling 7pcs 12-13mm .Each pearl is beautifully complemented by radiant di...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace Large South Sea Pearls 15mm to 13 mm 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Paris, FR
Drop-shaped necklace ranging from 15 mm for the largest to 13 mm for the smallest pearl on the clasp.
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold South Sea Drop Or Stud Detachable Earring 13-14 MM
Located in New York, NY
Push Back Post 2.32 Carat Diamonds Can be worn as a drop earing or cluster diamond stud. Pearl is Detachable. 18K Yellow Gold Measurements without pearl attachments: 16mm in length...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Impressive 18k yellow gold ring, with center 13mm South Sea pearl, surrounded with approx. 0.90ctw H/VS diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
18K Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamonds Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of detachable lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm, extra fine quality , pure creamy white , and Natural Diamonds , in mixed special ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearl Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
From flowers collection design, an exclusive ring in 18k gold with a natural and untreated golden south sea pearl of 13mm , excellent quality, and special cut diamonds of 1,03 carats...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18kt South Sea Pearl & Diamond Earings
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Pair of 18kt Yellow & White Gold Earings, each set with a South Sea Pearl measuring 13mm and Pave set with 48 very clean & very white full cut Diamonds set in White Gold.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl 13-14 mm Diamonds 0.90 Cts. Earrings 3.5 cm long
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Certified South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning pendant come in 18k gold with lustrous South Sea Pearl of 13mm , fine quality , delicate pure white color , in perfect shape , and dazzling Diamonds of 1,30 carats , F-G col...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm, in perfect shape , fine quality, perfect surface , pure white color , and 56 pieces of dazzling...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Day & Night South Sea Pearl Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings 2.77 CTS 18KT 13-14 MM
By Prince Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Size 13-14 mm Nature South Sea Cultured Pearl Pearl Quality AAA Luster AAA, Excellent Nacre Very Thick Jewelry Style Earrings Metal Purity 18K Metal Type White Gold Stone Shape...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent necklace come in 18k gold with lustrous South Sea Pearls of 12-13-14 mm , fine quality, perfect shape and surface , spectacular pure white color.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Regal Garland Necklace with Akoya and South Sea Pearl Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearl, South Sea Pearl, and 18K White Gold, and Diamond Clasp Dimensions Necklace Length 43 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 6.5-7.5 mm ...
Pearl, Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Leo Pizzo, with 13mm South Sea pearl, and approx. 0.72ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
18K South Sea Pearl and Emerald Ring
Located in Macau, MO
The magnificent ring is centering on a South Sea pearl of size 12.5mm-13mm with very good luster, surrounded by 10 pieces of emerald weighing 1.72 carats and brilliant cut diamonds ...
Emerald, Jade, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Earrings come with two South Sea Pearls of about 13 mm and natural diamonds in baguettes and round cut , of 1,50 carats F/VS.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning pendant come in 18k gold with a lustrous South Sea Pearl of 13mm, fine quality , perfect surface and shape , spectacular pure white color , and dazzling diamante of 2,00 car...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,192Sale Price|20% Off
Diamonds and South Sea Pearl Dangling Leaf Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl 13-14 mm Diamonds 0.85 Cts. 1" Long
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm, extra fine quality, perfect shape and surface, radiant pure white, and natural diamonds of 1,50...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite South Sea Pearls and Diamonds earrings. White South Sea Pearls are highly prized for their exquisite beauty and elegance.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,900 / item
South Sea Pearl and Sapphire Cluster Dangle Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl 13-14 mm Sapphire: 2.97 Carats Diamonds: 0.40 Carats
Diamond, Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Incredible intoxicating metallic luster of such exquisite South Sea Pearls . Unparalleled quality! White South Sea Pearls are highly prized for their exquisite beauty and elegance .
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning pendant come in 18k gold with 6 pieces of luxurious South Sea Pearls to 11-13mm, extra fine quality, spectacular vibrant pure white, perfect cut, and 208 pieces of Natural D...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning ring come in 18k gold with a lustrous South Sea Pearl of 13mm, fine quality , in perfect surface and shape , spectacular pure white color , and 8 pieces of dazzling Diamonds...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,750Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Sliding Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold slider necklace featuring three South Sea Pearls measuring 11-13 mm. Great for stacking layers!
South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Diamond Large South Sea Pearl Earrings 14k Gold Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings 14k Gold 13 mm Certified $4,950 915306 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Di...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Certified South Sea Pearls 3.40 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with lustrous South Sea Pearl of 13mm, fine quality , in perfect round shape, spectacular pure white color , and dazzling Diamonds of 3,40 carats ,...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$6,734Sale Price / item|22% Off
South Sea Pearl Drop Diamond Earrings 1.90 Carats 18K
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold earrings featuring four South Sea Pearls measuring 11-13 MM flanked with numerous diamonds weighing 1.90 Carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k 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.