Akoya Pearl Bracelet
20th Century Japanese Edwardian More Bracelets
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Chain Bracelets
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Spinel, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Early 2000s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modern Bracelets
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Retro Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Swiss Modern Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
1990s American Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Japanese Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
1990s American Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Japanese Modern Beaded Bracelets
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Japanese Modern Beaded Bracelets
18k Gold
2010s American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Swiss Modern Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Platinum, 14k Gold
1990s Italian Link Bracelets
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Spinel, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Iolite, Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Spinel, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Link Bracelets
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century More Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
1990s Unknown Modern Beaded Bracelets
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Japanese Modern Cuff Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Art Deco Tennis Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Modern Wrist Watches
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown More Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Bangles
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Japanese Modern Link Bracelets
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Bracelets
Onyx, Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Chain Bracelets
Malachite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Collectible Jewelry
Pearl, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Contemporary Brooches
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s American More Bracelets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Bangles
Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Bangles
Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Bangles
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
2010s Chain Bracelets
2010s Chain Bracelets
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Akoya Pearl Bracelet For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Akoya Pearl Bracelet?
The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design
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.
Finding the Right Bracelets for You
Today, antique and vintage bracelets are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble.
Bracelets were among the jewels discovered to have been buried with Pharaoh Tutankhamun when his tomb was unearthed in 1922, and wrist and arm bracelets were allegedly worn by Queen Puabi in Sumer, southern Mesopotamia. But preceding the adornments of Ancient Egypt and elsewhere, the people of prehistoric times likely wore the decorative accessory, fashioning it from shells and fish bones. When the Bronze Age allowed for more durable materials and semiprecious stones to be incorporated into jewelry, bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth.
In the thousands of years following the debut of the world’s first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only broadened, with designers at popular jewelry houses growing more venturesome over time. David Webb looked to nature for his Animal Kingdom bracelets, and for her best-selling bracelets and more at Tiffany Co., Elsa Peretti would frequently do the same. From bangles to tennis bracelets, the modern age offers plenty of options.
Internationally acclaimed bracelet designs have on occasion become powerful symbols of status, style and, in the case of Cartier's iconic design, love. The Cartier Love bracelet can be found on the wish list of most jewelry lovers and on the wrist of some of the world’s biggest stars. Its arrangement of mock screwheads and distinctive functionality — it was initially locked and unlocked with an accompanying vermeil screwdriver — is an enduring expression of loyalty, unity and romance. (Do you know how to spot a fake Cartier Love bracelet?)
While the Love bracelet has played a role in the skyrocketing popularity of cuff-style bracelets, they are far from the only glamorous option for collectors. Make a statement with an Art Deco design, a style that sees all kinds of iterations fitted with studded cuffs, one-of-a-kind shapes and dazzling insets. A chunky vintage gold bracelet in the Retro style will prove eye-catching and elevate any outfit.
One of the best things about bracelets, however, is that you never have to choose just one. Style icon Jacqueline Kennedy stacked her Croisillon bracelets — designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co. — with such frequency that the ornate bangles were eventually dubbed “Jackie bracelets” by reporters. Contemporary silver pieces can easily complement each other, rendering a layering of luxury almost a necessity.
Find a diverse collection of bracelets that you can sort by style, stone cut and more on 1stDibs.
- Are Mikimoto pearls Akoya?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021No, not all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya. Mikimoto also uses Black South Sea cultured pearls, White South Sea cultured pearls, Golden South Sea cultured pearls, and Conch pearls to create their jewelry. Shop Mikimoto Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Mikimoto pearls are Akoya, meaning they come from Akoya oysters. The brand largely pioneered the production of cultured pearls, which are genuine pearls developed with human assistance. Mikimoto creates Akoya pearl necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings and brooches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.
- What are Akoya cultured pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Akoya cultured pearls are pearls that come from Pinctada fucata martensii oysters. These molluscs are commonly referred to as Akoya oysters, accounting for the name of the pearls. The word “cultured” means that the pearls are real but were produced by oysters with the help of human intervention. Cultured pearls are very common, as naturally occurring pearls are extremely rare. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pearl jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The difference between Akoya and Mikimoto pearls comes down to specificity. Akoya is the general name for pearls derived from Pinctada fucata mollusks. These are prized for their smooth texture, round shape and attractive shine. Mikimoto pearls are pearls sold by the Japanese jewelry maker Mikimoto, which specializes in Akoya pearls. Nearly all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya pearls. However, other jewelers also sell Akoya pearl jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Mikimoto and Akoya pearls.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024To tell if Akoya pearls are real, examine the surfaces of your pearls closely. Natural pearls will have variations in texture, such as small bumps and blemishes. Pearls that are perfectly smooth and identical in shape and size are unlikely to be real. You can also try rubbing two of the pearls together. Real pearls will usually have a gritty feeling, while imitations will produce little to no friction when rubbed. If you're still unsure whether your pearls are real, have a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler evaluate them. Find a wide range of Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024To tell if a pearl bracelet is real, consider its appearance and feel. Whether uncultured or cultured, real pearls are naturally derived from mollusks. No two are ever completely identical in shape, color and size. As a result, a real pearl bracelet will show off small variations from pearl to pearl. In addition, genuine pearls have a slightly rough or gritty texture. A bracelet with perfectly smooth and uniform pearls is unlikely to be real. If you'd like an expert opinion on your bracelet, take it to an experienced jeweler or certified appraiser. Explore an assortment of pearl bracelets on 1stDibs.
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How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
This Chic Abstract Bracelet Is by the Father of Modernist Jewelry
Mid-20th-century designer Andrew Grima upended tradition with his avant-garde aesthetic.
Sparkling Tennis Bracelets Continue to Score Style Points
As elegant as they are versatile, these jewels have become chic staples.
5 Fresh Jewelry Trends That Will Bring You Joy This Spring
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The Captivating History of the Cartier Love Bracelet
The decades-old design is one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in the world.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Tastemaker Bunny Mellon’s Extraordinary Schlumberger Jewels
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.