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1910 Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold ov Platinum Natural Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
diamond accessories. 1910 Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold ov Platinum Natural Pearl & Diamond Ring  1910
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Amethyst Natural Seed Pearl Heart Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
faceted amethyst haeart delicately framed with natural seed pearls. This timeless piece exudes elegance
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Fine GIA Natural Saltwater Pearl Ruby Diamond Edwardian Platinum Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Quintessential Edwardian GIA Natural Saltwater PEARL, Unheated RUBY & DIAMOND la Belle Époque Bow
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Earrings White Gold Diamonds Seed Pearls Edwardian ca. 1910
Located in Berlin, DE
These finely crafted delicate Edwardian earrings from ca. 1910 are perfect for a sophisticated lady
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, White Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mounted near-round button pearl measuring 7.90 x 7.90 mm Cream in body color and
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 1910 Natural pearl Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.36 Ctw In Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian ring with diamonds and natural pearl. A beautiful ring from the Belle Epoque period
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold...

Natural Pearl White Sapphire Edwardian Style Floral Necklace in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This elegant vintage Victorian style necklace features a lustrous pearl at the center of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Long natural pearl and diamond French Edwardian brooch in 18k gold and platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Edwardian Diamond pearl brooch in 18 karat gold and platinum. The line brooch is adorned in its
Category

Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Circa 1900s Edwardian GIA Natural Pearl and Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#38b
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s Edwardian GIA Natural Pearl and Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#38b Item Details: Year
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Natural Seed Pearl Diamond Gun Pistol Brooh
Located in Brighton, GB
pistol brooch, a unique and elegant piece adorned with natural seed pearls and a single natural diamond
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Turquoise Natural Seed Pearl Forget Me Not Bangle
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Floral Bangle 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1910 Embrace the elegance of the Edwardian era with
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Bangles

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian 1900 Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold with Natural Pearl Diamond GIA
Located in Aventura, FL
stunning natural pearls, approximately 5.90mm in diameter, that add a touch of luminous sophistication to
Category

Vintage 1910s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow...

Natural pearl and diamond necklace, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Natural pearl and diamond necklace. Set with one hundred and twenty one natural saltwater pearls
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Double Strand Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Platinum Edwardian double strand necklace with Old Mine cut diamonds and two natural pearls. Chain
Category

Early 20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Sapphire and Pearl Bar Pin
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Edwardian Sapphire and natural pearl bar pin brooch of bezel set blue sapphires with pegged
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Pearl, 14k Gold

Tiffany Natural Pearl and Marquise Diamond Stick Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Riverdale, NY
Edwardian Tiffany Natural Grey Pearl and Marquise Diamond Stick Pin from the early 20th Century
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Natural pearl, emerald and diamond ring, circa 1915.
Located in London, GB
Natural pearl, emerald and diamond ring. Set centrally with a round natural saltwater pearl in a
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Certified natural real uncut diamonds sterling silver baroque pearl earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
- Natural Baroque pearl Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Color of metal- oxidized silver Look
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Emerald, Pearl, Sterling Silver

Vintage Edwardian Natural Opal Pin 14kt Pendant 12368
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Opal Pin 1.20ct natural opals Dangling Pearl 6 x 5mm 14kt yellow gold 12.9 grams 48 x 22mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold

French Edwardian 1905 Chain In 18Kt Gold With Guilloche Blue Enamel and Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
French Edwardian enameled chain. Stunning necklace chain, created in Paris France during the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French Edwardian 1900-1905 Pearls Chain In 18Kt Gold With Guilloche Blue Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
French Edwardian enameled chain. Stunning necklace chain, created in Paris France during the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Link Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique natural pearl and 0.33 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Enamel, Peridot, Pearl and Amethyst 18 Carat Gold Suffragette Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This fine quality Suffragette brooch is set in its original box the largest peridot approximately 15 carats. In original fitted box. Total peridot weight certified 24.78 carats. Tota...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Natural Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond and Natural Pearl 18 Carat Gold Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This bangle is absolutely fabulous! The main attraction of this bracelet is the pearl which sits
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold

Elegant Natural pearls and citrine sterling silver tiara head accessory band
Located in Delhi, DL
Natural pearls and citrine in sterling silver with yellow gold plating. Gemstone type- Citrine Gemstone
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver

EDWARDIAN 1908 Enameled Flower Pendant In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Diamond Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enameled flower convertible brooch. Very beautiful convertible pendant-brooch, created
Category

Antique Early 1900s North American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel,...

Edwardian 1905 Enameled Flower Pendant Brooch In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enameled flower convertible brooch designed by W.G. Clark & Co. Beautiful flower pendant
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gol...

Estate Edwardian GIA Natural Saltwater Pearl Necklace Sapphire Clasp VHK#965
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian GIA Natural Saltwater Pearl Necklace & Sapphire Clasp VHK#965 Item Details
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Natural Pearl Vintage Style Floral Dangle Earrings in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: Round Size: 1.3 - 2.3 mm. Number: 52 Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Pearl Vintage Style Floral Earrings in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
.) *Pictures have been enlarged to show details* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K Gold Natural Pearl and Emerald Vintage Style Floral Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace timeless beauty with these Natural Pearl and Emerald Vintage-Style Floral Stud Earrings. A
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Natural Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Pearl Tsavorite Vintage Style Pendant in Solid 9K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
.) *Pictures have been enlarged to show details* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Natural Pearl Vintage Style Cluster Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The vintage-inspired floral and leaf ring showcases a stunning natural cluster of round white pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Circa 1910 Edwardian French 18K Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire, Diamond, and Pearl
Located in Hicksville, NY
, Natural, Unheated Info: 7 sapphires, .25ct each. 1.75ct total weight. Royal Blue Color Stone Details: Type
Category

Vintage 1910s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Antique 14K Yellow Gold Natural Pearl Link Chain 65 Inch - VHK#977
Located in Hicksville, NY
Edwardian Antique 14K Yellow Gold Natural Pearl Link Chain 65 Inch - VHK#977 Item Details: Year
Category

Antique Early 1900s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 1900 Edwardian Enamel Orchid Flower Brooch In 14Kt Gold and Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
. Pearl: Mount in the center, with 1 natural round white pearl of 2.50 mm. Weight: 3.40 Grams (2.28 Dwt
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Natural Pearl and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
white freshwater pearls, their allure accentuated by the natural diamonds set in prongs, strategically
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K Gold Natural Pearl Turquoise and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cluster ring features a luminous natural pearl at the center, symbolizing elegance and purity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Pearl Ruby Diamond Vintage Style Floral Earrings in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Carat (approx.) DROP STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: Drop Size: 5 x 3 mm. Number: 6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Pearl and Garnet Vintage Style Floral Drop Earrings in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: Drop Size: 2.5 mm. Number: 4 Weight: 0.44 Carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Garnet, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Pearl and Garnet Vintage Style Drop Earrings in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
.) *Pictures have been enlarged to show details* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Garnet, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

J.E. Caldwell Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Two Stone Ring, American, circa
By J.E. Caldwell Co.
Located in London, GB
J.E. Caldwell antique natural pearl and diamond two stone ring. Centrally set with a pair of round
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Monkeys Diamond Natural Pearl Ruby Sapphire Brooch Silver Gold French
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique Circus Monkeys Diamond, Natural Pearl, Burmese Ruby and Sapphire Brooch in Silver and Gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique White Gold, Natural Freshwater River Pearl Diamond Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Edwardian period brooch. Set with 14 graduated natural (possibly Mississippi
Category

20th Century American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
: 5 Weight: 0.13 Carat (approx.) ACCENT STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: Round Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Natural Amethyst and Pearl Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Radiating timeless elegance, these Natural Amethyst and Pearl Vintage-Style Drop Earrings feature a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Gold Natural Seed Pearl Flower Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Natural Seed Pearl Daisy Centre & Beautiful Diamond Shaped Petal Border. Can be Worn as Both a Pendant
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold

9K Yellow Gold Natural Amethyst and Pearl Vintage Style Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
This natural amethyst and pearl vintage-style pendant showcases timeless elegance with graceful
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Gold Natural Peridot and Pearl Floral Vintage Style Brooch
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight: 0.74 Carat (approx.) ACCENT STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: Round Size: 1.5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Elegant Natural pave diamonds pearls sterling silver tiara head accessory band
Located in Delhi, DL
Natural pave diamonds and natural white pearls in sterling silver. Diamond- Pave diamonds Diamond color
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver

Natural diamond pearls drop sterling silver convertible tiara head band necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Gemstone type- Fresh water pearls Gemstone origin- Natural Metal- Solid silver Metal purity- sterling or
Category

2010s Indian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

14K Gold Natural Garnet and Pearl Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
: 1.5, 8 x 6 mm. Number: 6 Weight: 2.78 Carat (approx.) ACCENT STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

"Garrard Co" Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1890/1905
By Garrard Co. Ltd.
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Exquisite Collector Edwardian/Belle Epoque Natural Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, fitted in its
Category

Antique 1890s English Belle Époque Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Autumn/Maple Leaf Stick/Tie Pin with Natural Pearls in 14/15 Carat Gold
Located in London, GB
, the center of the leaf is scattered with small glowing lustrous natural pearls. This versatile pin can
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Natural Citrine and Pearl Vintage Style Dangle Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These Natural Citrine and Pearl Vintage-Style Dangle Earrings combine warmth and elegance in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Natural Peridot and Pearl Vintage Victorian Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight: 1.90 Carat (approx.) ACCENT STONE(S) Stone: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: White Size: 1.3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Natural Amethyst and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
: Natural Pearl Color: White Shape: Round Size: 1.5 mm. Number: 8 Weight: 0.16 Carat (approx.) An
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Edwardian Natural Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of edwardian natural pearls for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 448 vintage editions and 7 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Edwardian and Victorian are consistently popular styles when it comes to edwardian natural pearls. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by DA Jewellery, Tiffany Co. and Black, Starr Frost are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for old european cut edwardian natural pearls and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our edwardian natural pearls for sale are for women, but there are 126 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Edwardian Natural Pearls?

Prices for edwardian natural pearls start at $394 and top out at $189,791 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $6,550.

A Close Look at Edwardian Jewelry

Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.

Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.

During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.

Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.

Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.

Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.

Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.

Questions About Edwardian Natural Pearls
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, there are natural pearls left. However, most have been harvested so they are extremely rare. Cultured pearls are still authentic pearls but more readily available. You’ll find a variety of pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Paspaley pearls are cultured — that is, the pearl-growing process is initiated by pearl farmers. Paspaley is known today as one of the finest suppliers of cultured pearls in the world. Shop a collection of genuine Paspaley pearl jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Depending on the size and quality, a natural pearl can be worth up to $1,500. In most cases, natural pearls are worth more than cultured pearls.