18K Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Chandelier Earrings by Nikabell
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm, in perfect shape and surface , fine quality , pure white color , and 82 pieces of Diamonds in r...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18K Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Chandelier Earrings, 1.26ct
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of High Quality of South Sea Pearls, extra fine quality , of 13mm , vibrant pure white, and 90 pieces of Natural Diamonds in perfe...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold, Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Vintage cluster ring in 14k white gold structure, mounted with a big south sea pearl in the centre (13mm), surrounded by 30 little diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of luxurious Golden South Sea Pearls, of 13mm , extra fine quality, and 242 pieces of Natural Diamonds in perfect baguettes and round...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Flowers Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent pair of earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm, extra fine quality, vibrant pure white, and 48 pieces of Natural Diamonds, in perfe...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Golden South Sea Pearls 9mmx13mm 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Derby, NY
Elegant Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace featuring lustrous 9mm x 13mm South Sea pearls set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Baroque Pearl Necklace 20" Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Brunswick, ME
The stunning necklace is 20 inches long. 30 South Sea Baroque Pearls: 15.6 x 20.5mm - 12.1 x 13mm.
South Sea Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Designer Nikabell 14K Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Ring, 0.40ct
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, and dazzling Diamonds of 0,40 carats , F-g /VS , very sparkly !
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent earrings come in 18k gold with 2 pieces of lustrous Golden South Sea Pearls of 13mm, extra fine quality, spectacular vibrant color, and 40 pieces of Natural Diamonds in ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,285Sale Price / item|22% Off
Sapphire and Diamonds with Dangle South Sea Pearl Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl 12-13 mm Sapphire 0.90 Carats Diamonds 0.70 Carats
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning ring come in 18k gold with a lustrous Goden South Sea Pearl of 13mm, fine quality , perfect surface and shape, vibrant color, and Diamonds in mixed shape , of 1,60 carats, ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,028Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sapphire and Diamond Bell Hoop South Sea Pearl Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted in 18K white gold 2 south sea pearls measuring, each, 12-13 mm with great quality and high luster.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold with South Sea Pearl Ring
Located in Macau, MO
The elegant ring centering on a fabulous South Sea Golden Pearl 13 mm, is surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.88 carats, mounted in 18 karat rose gold.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
South Sea Pearls & 2.80 Ct Mixed Shape Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A quietly commanding masterpiece - refined textures, serene tones, and exquisite workmanship that speaks to collectors who value rarity, depth, and understated luxury. Luxrious South...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18 K White Gold Hook Drop South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Pure simplicity these lovely 18 K whitel gold drop South Sea Pearls earrings. The pearls measure 13 mm in diameter and have a nice lustre.
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold South Sea Pearl Dangle Earrings with 3.60 Ct Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm, fine quality , in perfect shape and surface , spectacular pure white color, and of dazzling Diamonds of 3,...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl Talay Silhouette Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
South Sea Pearl Talay Silhouette Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings South Sea Pearl Pearl 12.5-13 mm "Talay" which simply means The Sea in Thai language explores the sea’s ephemera...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls 4.40 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent earrings come in 18k gold with 6 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of 13mm , in perfect shape and surface , delicate gold color, fine quality , and 366 pieces of dazzli...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18KT Gold Cockatoo Brooch with South Sea Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Length: 4.8 cm Width: 4.0 cm Depth: 1.5 cm Weight: 13.61 grams Specifications Metal: 18KT Gold Type: Brooch Pearl Type: Cultured South Sea pearl Quantity: 1 Size: 17.27 ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer Nikabell 18k Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Earrings, 6.00 Ct
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent earrings come in 18k gold with 6 pieces of lustrous South Sea Pearls of 12-13mm, fine quality, spectacular vibrant pure white, in perfect cut, and dazzling Natural Diamon...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls 2.10 Ct Colombian Emeralds Diamonds Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exclusive South Sea Pearls, Emeralds and Diamonds earrings, in a glamour and refined style.
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl
South Sea Pearls 3.50 Ct Natural Jades & Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with lustrous South Sea Pearls of about 13mm, in perfect shape and surface , spectacular quality , and natural Jades of 3,50 carats , in perfect He...
Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearls 2.80 Ct 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, in perfect shape, spectacular pure white, and 32 pieces of Natural Diamonds...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Artisan Crafted 18K Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Necklace, 6.50 Ct
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent necklace come in 18k gold with lustrous South Sea Pearls of 11-13mm , extra fine quality, in perfect shape, very luxurious quality, and 198 pieces of natural Diamonds of ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$2,574Sale Price|25% Off
South Sea Pearl Oval Shape Drop Earrings with Diamond Accent
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
South Sea Pearl Erring 13-14 mm 18K white gold Diamonds 0.44 Carats 2.5cm long
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
NEW South Sea Pearls Perfectly Round AAAA Grade Dangling Diamond Earrings
Located in Warren, NJ
Beautiful 13 mm South Sea Pearls and round 1.10 CT F color /VS clarity collection quality hearts and arrows diamonds 18 K white gold dangling earrings with Tiffany back. 2 and 5/8 i...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,320Sale Price / item|24% Off
South Sea Pearls Diamond and Pear Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold 4.6 Gram white gold 78 diamonds including one dangling pear shape for each earrings total 0.86 cts South Sea Pearl 12 - 13 mm
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$6,820Sale Price / item|30% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 2.75 Carats 18K
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 mm flanked with a diamond halo weighing 2.75 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely platinum made ring full of sparkle and color! It features a 13mm south sea pearl with a soft glowing white color.
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Baroque South Sea Pearl Ring with Bark Finish
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Grey Baroque South Sea Pearl Pearl Width: Approximately 13 mm Finish: Bark Textured Gold Weight: 8.9 Grams Ring Size: 5½
South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold
1980's Diamond & South Sea Pearl Platinum Gold Cluster Dangle Earring
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Diamond Weight: Approx. 8.00 carats total Diamond Quality: G-H color, VS clarity Pearls: South Sea pearls, approx. 13 mm each, silver undertones Measurements: Approx. 2.0" ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Platinum
$3,820Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Pearl and Diamond with Sapphire Accent Studs Earrings
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 K White gold South Sea Pearl 13-14 mm Diamonds 1.05 Carats Sapphire 0.33 Carats
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,128Sale Price|23% Off
South Sea Pearl Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional ring features: 18K White gold Pink Sapphire weight: 0.48 Carats Diamonds Weight:: 0.46 Carats South Sea Pearl; 12-13 mm Ring size: 6.5 We Re size free of charge
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$19,880 / item
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Exuding sophistication and luxury, these 13mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,750Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Floral Sapphire Diamond Pendant 0.80 Carats 18K
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold pendant featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 13-14 mm with a floral sapphire & diamond design.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18k Gold, 1.46ct
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 18k gold with lustrous Golden South Sea Pearls of 13mm, in perfect shape and surface, vibrant color, fine quality, and Diamonds of 1,46 carats, F color VS c...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,100Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.08 Carat 18 White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM with 64 round brilliants weighing 1.08 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$6,318Sale Price|20% Off
Opposite South Sea Tahitian Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings 1.90 Carats 18K
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold white South Sea and Tahitian pearls measuring 11-13 mm with round diamonds weighing 1.90 carats.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearls 1.80 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Set
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent set come in 18k gold , with a pair of earrings and a pendant, with a 2 pieces of luxurious Golden South Sea Pearls of 13mm, and 1 piece of lustrous Golden South Sea Pearl...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearls 4.40 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent earrings come in 18k gold with 6 pieces of lustrous Golden South Sea Pearls of 13mm, extra fine quality, delicate vibrant color, perfect cut, and 366 pieces of Natural ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
HARBOR D. South Sea Pearl Diamond Sapphire Drop Earrings 0.99 Carat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 mm with two oval sapphires weighing 0.83 carats surrounded by a diamond halo, 0.16 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
Christophe Graber South Sea Cultured Pearl Necklace with Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Zurich, CH
Stunning, long necklace, designed as a line of 71 graduated, golden South Sea cultured pearls from 10.5 to 13 mm (0.4 - 0.5 in) in diameter.
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl with Pink Sapphire Ring 4.50 Carat 18 Karat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold ring featuring one white South Sea pearl measuring 13-14 mm flanked with pink sapphires weighing 4.50 carats and diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
$2,698Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.47 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Measurements: Diamond Ball: 7.4 MM South Sea Pearl: 12-13 MM
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
HARBOR D. South Sea Pearl Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings 0.80 Carats 18K
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl 13-14 mm Diamonds Round 0.80 Carats Earrings measuring 1.25" long X 3/4 of an inch wide
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
Diamond Cluster Floral South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 1.03 Carats 18 Karat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring a floral diamond cluster weighing 1.03 Carats with two South Sea pearls measuring 12-13 MM. 124 Diamonds Color G-H Clarity SI Pearls can ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 2.50 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 13-14 mm with a round brilliants weighing 2.50 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.97 Carats 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring 144 round brilliants weighing 0.97 carats with two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM. Color- G-H Clarity SI Can customize in Pink Fresh...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 1.33 Carats 18 Karat Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM and 76 blue Sapphires weighing 1.33 Carats.
South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,585Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Drop/Huggie Earrings 0.77 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls 13-14 MM WITH 188 round brilliants 0.77 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace Diamond Clasp 14 Karat Gold Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish 13mm to 14mm Golden South Sea Pearl necklace finished with a 14k yellow gold clasp.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.12 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 mm with a diamond top containing 148 round brilliants weighing 1.12 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$2,691Sale Price / item|25% Off
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Drop South Sea Pearl Earrings 1.14 Carats
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring 104 round brilliants weighing 1.14 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM. Can customize pearl to Golden, Pink or Tahitian.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.48 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 mm with 74 round brilliants weighing 0.48 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$2,930Sale Price / item|24% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.53 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 mm with 42 round brilliants weighing 1.53 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ribbon South Sea Pearl Earrings .057 Carats
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop earrings featuring a diamond ribbon motif containing 52 diamonds weighing 0.57 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 MM. Color G-H Clarity SI Custo...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,068Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Swiral Pendant 0.36 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold pendant featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 13-14 mm with 43 round brilliants weighing 0.36 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White 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.