Chinese Freshwater Pearl
2010s Italian Art Deco Link Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Vermeil
Early 2000s Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2010s American Artist Rope Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
Amethyst, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
American Three-Stone Rings
American Dangle Earrings
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
White Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Freshwater Pearl, Quartz, Vermeil
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl
American More Necklaces
American More Necklaces
2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl
2010s American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Chinese Freshwater Pearl For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Chinese Freshwater Pearl?
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.
- Are there freshwater pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, there are freshwater pearls. Certain species of pearl-producing mollusks do live in bodies of freshwater. Among them are Hyriopsis cumingi and Hyriopsis schlegeli. Most freshwater pearls come from the United States and Japan. Shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are freshwater pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, freshwater pearls are real. They come from mussels that are naturally found in lakes and rivers. However, it is rare to find naturally occurring pearls of any kind. As a result, most of the freshwater pearls used in jewelry are cultured. The term refers to pearls created by freshwater-dwelling mussels with the assistance of human intervention. Pearls produced with this process are real, but they are not natural. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of pearl jewelry.
- Are mabé pearls freshwater?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, mabé pearls are freshwater pearls, but they can be grown in saltwater. This makes them more budget-friendly than other pearls because they’re more readily available and grow in clusters. Find a large collection of mabé pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Round freshwater pearls look very similar to Akoya pearls but are less expensive. A necklace can range from $50 to $2000.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023The rarest color of freshwater pearls is arguably lavender. Pearls that feature the color naturally are much less common than ones that are white, silver, cream or rose. Pink and peach freshwater pearls are also less likely to occur naturally. Explore a wide range of freshwater pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.