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Edwardian Pearl Jewellery

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Edwardian Natural Pearl Three Stone and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a platinum three stone ring from the Edwardian era. The ring features three original
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Peridot Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace 9K Gold - 1909
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this splendid Edwardian antique 9ct gold peridot and pearl necklace made
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K Gold, Diamond, Baroque Pearl Cross Necklace Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gold, diamond, and pearl pendant cross for a necklace. In 14 karat yellow gold. In
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Turquoise Pearl Starburst Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Starburst Pendant 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian six pointed starburst
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum Diamond Sapphire Mother of Pearl Cufflinks
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum Diamond Sapphire Mother of Pearl Cufflinks. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cufflinks

Materials

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

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Enamel Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Pendant/Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Beautiful Edwardian Star or Snowflake
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel

Porcelain natural pearl pin tie in 14k gold, Edwardian tie pin, diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Porcelain natural pearl tie pin tie in 14 karat gold. This Belle Époque pin features a fine, creamy
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Pearl Starburst Pendant, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Starburst Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately Edwardian
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Five Stone Ring (1901-1915)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Original Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Five Stone Band Ring in 18K Gold and Platinum (1901-1915) It
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian seed pearl sapphire diamond bar Brooch In Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Metal type: 14K Yellow Gold, Gemstone: Diamond/sapphire/pearl, 1RD- 0.04ct, G/H VS1Weight: 2.8
Category

Antique 16th Century Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Demantoid Garnet Pearl Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Brooch, Circa 1905
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian demantoid garnet, pearl, diamond, silver and gold brooch, featuring three bows at the
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Pearl Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Introducing a breathtaking
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Enameled Sterling Silver Marcasite Natural Pearl Pendant Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Edwardian vintage watch pendant in original condition! Designed in Sterling Silver, Marcasite and
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Marcasite, Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Edwardian Diamond Platinum Pearl Pendant Necklace Victorian, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Platinum chain. Diamonds, Platinum and Pearls, the Edwardian triumvirate! Dating to 1890 - 1910
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold

Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Pin
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Brooch c.1910 Essex
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, Platinum

Gold, Peridot Seed Pearl Australian Dress Pin. Edwardian, beginning of XX c.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
9K Yellow Gold, Peridot and Seed Pearl Australian Dress Pin Measurements: 32mm Weight: 1.4gr
Category

Antique Early 1900s Australian Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Peridot, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold

Edwardian-Inspired 18K White Gold Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace 0.93ct
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian-Inspired 18K White Gold Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace 0.93ct Condition: In good
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 10ct Gold Edwardian Turquoise Pearl Marquise / Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Turquoise Ring 10ct Gold Stamped Makers Mark H & S Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold

Antique Edwardian 15K Yellow Gold Pearl Floral Drop Fringe Necklace
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian pearl and yellow gold necklace, comprising seven round seed pearls, and one-hundred
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Seed pearl Edwardian Pheonix Stickpin 14k Mythology
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Edwardian Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Seed pearl Theme
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Edwardian 16K Gold Scarf Pin/ Brooch with Aquamarine and Pearl
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Venice, CA
middle of the pin, offset by a 5 mm pearl at one end. The large aquamarines are very vibrant, icy shade
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian 15K Gold Diamond Pearl Enamel Butterfly and Ladybird Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, pearl, enamel and yellow gold brooch, comprising four rose cut diamonds, two
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Edwardian Solitaire Ring - 14k GIA Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $40 Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian South Sea Pearl Necklace with Diamond + Ruby Clasp
Located in Narberth, PA
A classically beautiful and very unique South Sea Pearl convertible necklace with a gorgeous
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond and Pearl Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1910s, this twist ring features a stunning natural pearl along side a sparkling
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 15K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique pearl, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold brooch, comprising two seed pearls, one old
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Akoya Pearl Ring, Edwardian, 18K, Platinum, Diamonds, GIA Certified
Located in Northampton, MA
of luminous cultured saltwater Akoya pearls. The pearls measure 7.54mm and 7.64mm, so they are nearly
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

1910 Edwardian Austrian 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Rose Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an exquisite Edwardian pendant crafted in glowing 14K yellow gold that features a lovely
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Edwardian Maltese Cross Diamond Encrusted with Central Black Pearl Neck
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the Edwardian era, this Maltese Cross is masterfully made in platinum and encrusted with 85
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Platinum

Long Edwardian Paste and Faux Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Delicate Edwardian Paste and Faux Pearl Earrings from the early 1900's. Tiny pastes set in
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Edwardian Diamond Pearl Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Foliate Antique Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering two natural circled pearls measuring approximately 4.3 to 3.7 mm; white in body color
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Natural Pearl Enamel Bird Bar Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Bird Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This exquisite Edwardian bar brooch is a true
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Yellow Gold Sapphire Pearl Edwardian Bar Brooch - 10k Round .72ctw Antique Pin
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s - 1910s Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Seed Pearl and Diamond Conversion Necklace Circa 1900-1910
Located in Towson, MD
seed pearls - each element contributing to its timeless, heirloom quality. Period: Edwardian, c. 1900
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum

18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian, Diamond, Pearl Openwork Pendant, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian openwork pendant crafted in platinum and 18ct gold, set with a central pearl surrounded by
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond, Turquoise and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Bug Brooch In Box
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
bug has a pearl and turquoise set within it also. Diamond total is approx 40pts. Comes in original box
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Target Diamond Pearl Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian 18 karat (18K) yellow gold pendant designed as a circle with wirework gold crossed
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Natural Pearl Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Rare antique Edwardian period fine natural pearl, diamond and 18K yellow gold snake ring Early 20th
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Glass Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
this exquisite Edwardian-era locket, crafted in 9ct rose gold. This stunning piece boasts meticulous
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian 15K Yellow Gold and Platinum Sapphire and Pearl Circlet Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian sapphire, pearl, platinum, and rosy yellow gold brooch, comprising four round cut blue
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Platinum Edwardian Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Pendant and Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
Measurement: 16 Inches is chain length, pendant drops 2 inches. Condition: Excellent Era: Edwardian
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 9 Carat Gold Turquoise and Pearl Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular panel ring. Set with four wonderful cabochon cut turquoise with five seed pearls in
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Diamond Pearl Daisy Cluster Earrings
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Earrings 18ct Yellow Tested Circa 1910 Fabulous, Edwardian diamond earrings. They
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Shell Cameo Seed Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian shell cameo earrings, featuring a captivating portrait of a lady dancing delicately carved from
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian 0.70ct Diamond Pearl Rectangular Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond & Pearl Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning and unique
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Amethyst Seed Pearl Circular Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
with this stunning 9ct gold pendant from the Edwardian era, showcasing a beautiful circular open-work
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 14ct Two Colour Gold Edwardian Ruby, Diamond Abalone Pearl Swan Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian Swan Brooch 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Introducing the exquisite Edwardian Swan
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Garnet, Seed Pearl Peridot Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
time with this exquisite 9ct yellow gold pendant, a stunning piece from the Edwardian era. Featuring a
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Turquoise Pearl 3 Leaf Clover Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
the Edwardian era with this exquisite 15ct yellow gold pendant. This enchanting piece features a
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian era Amethyst, Peridot Pearl Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
characterises fine Edwardian jewellery. From the bottom dangles a lovely peridot drop, its vibrant green
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Diamond Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendent Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
necklace harks back to the Edwardian era and is a stunning representation of suffragette jewellery. The
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold

Antique Edwardian 15K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Pearl Stick Pin
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian diamond, pearl, platinum, and yellow gold stick pin, comprising one old single cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Star Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Indulge in the timeless beauty of this stunning 15ct yellow gold Edwardian eight-pointed star. Adorned
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot Seed Pearl Suffragette Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian-era pendant is crafted from 9ct yellow gold and boasts an almost heart-shaped openwork design that
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold

Edwardian Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Bracelet
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This fantastic pearl and rose cut diamond bracelet is modelled in 18ct gold with platinum settings
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Edwardian Sweet 2.50 Ct Diamond 7.2 mm. Pearl Drop earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
The Classy Must! These gorgeous and timeless antique earrings are Edwardian period They have been
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

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Edwardian Pearl Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate edwardian pearl jewellery for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 1185 vintage or 25 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a edwardian pearl jewellery from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. A edwardian pearl jewellery from DA Jewellery, Tiffany Co. and Black, Starr Frost — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our edwardian pearl jewellery for sale are for women, but there are 302 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Edwardian Pearl Jewellery?

The price for a edwardian pearl jewellery starts at $100 and tops out at $179,074 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $3,722.

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.