Akoya Pearl Strand
1990s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold,...
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Link Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Bracelets
White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary More Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold
1990s Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s French More Bracelets
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro More Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Link Bracelets
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
20th Century Japanese Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
1990s Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold,...
1990s Asian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl
Vintage 1970s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl
2010s Swiss Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Austrian Multi-Strand Necklaces
18k Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Japanese Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s More Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
2010s More Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
Mid-20th Century German Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 9k Gold
Early 2000s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Akoya Pearl Strand For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Akoya Pearl Strand?
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 Necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
- 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 27, 2023The tradition of the royals wearing three strands of pearls comes from Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, King George VI, presented her with a three-strand pearl necklace on her wedding day, and she wore the necklace many times in the years that followed. To honor the late queen, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of York, wore the queen's three-strand pearl necklace to Elizabeth II's funeral. The royal tradition of wearing pearls as mourning jewelry traces back to Queen Victoria. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of pearl necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023You can wear many kinds of earrings with a strand of pearls. Create a unified look by opting for pearl earrings like studs, clusters and drops. A pair of hoop earrings can also complement pearls, as can more dramatic dangle earrings set with gemstones. When choosing earrings, consider the occasion. Bolder, larger earrings tend to be more appropriate for night and special events. Explore a wide variety of earrings on 1stDibs.
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