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Edwardian Pearl Jewellery

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Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Heart, Crown, Crescent, Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Crescent Necklace Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian pendant necklace. Features a lovely
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Pearl Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian daisy ring, showcasing a centre natural pearl delicately framed with a halo of eight rose-cut
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst Natural Seed Pearl Heart Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Amethyst & Seed Pearl Heart Pendant 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing this exquisite 15ct
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

15ct Gold Graduated Edwardian Amethyst Peridot Seed Pearl Suffragette Bangle
Located in Brighton, GB
movement with this exquisite 15ct yellow gold bangle, reflecting the elegance of the Edwardian era. This
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Bangles

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Edwardian French 18k Gold Platinum 0.80ct Diamond Pearl Bar Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
with a solid platinum top that carries fine diamonds and cultured pearls throughout. The lovely pearls
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Aquamarine Pearl Pendulum Drop Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
time with this exquisite 9ct rose gold pendant from the Edwardian era, showcasing a pendulum design
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian 18k Platinum Pearl 3.6ct Old Cut Diamond Milgrain Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
have come to expect from fine antique Edwardian pieces. Enjoy :) --Stone(s):-- (1) Genuine Pearl
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

1920 Edwardian 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Seed Pearl Starburst Pin / Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
collection of seed pearls and an Old Mine Cut diamond at the center. This lovely Edwardian pin has a
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Amethyst Pearl Ring Emerald Cut - c.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this enchanting antique Edwardian 18ct gold amethyst & seed pearl ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Natural Seed Pearl Diamond Gun Pistol Brooh
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gun Brooch 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910s Behold this striking 18ct gold Edwardian-era
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Suffragette Pendant Amethyst, Peridot Seed Pearls
Located in Brighton, GB
back in time with this exquisite 15-carat yellow gold antique pendant from the Edwardian era, which
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold

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

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum 1.00tcw Diamond Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
pearls, arranged in a graceful, flowing design characteristic of the Edwardian era. The contrast between
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Natural Pearl Rose Cut Diamond 18 KT Silver Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
This charming antique bracelet is Edwardian period, circa1905 Hand crafted of solid 18 KT yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Red Enamel Diamond Seed Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Flower Brooch 15ct Gold Circa 1910 Step into elegance with this exquisite Edwardian era
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Pearl Diamond Flower Spray Bouquet pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
elegance of the Edwardian era with this stunning 15ct yellow gold pendant. Adorned with a beautifully
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian 1.20 Ct Diamond Solitaire Natural Pearl Platinum /Gold Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
Edwardian period 1900 circa necklace, crafted of Platinum and 18 kt gold Design is of infinite
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 18kt / Platinum Diamond, Calibrated Ruby + Natural Pearl Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous pendant necklace from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 18kt yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Mixed Metal

Antique 9ct Gold, Edwardian era Seed Pearl Cross Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
locket, hailing from the Edwardian era, features an elegantly oval shape adorned with a beautifully
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold

Set of 6 Antique Edwardian 9ct Gold, Mother of Pearl, Enamel Turquoise Buttons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 antique Edwardian buttons. From a tuxedo or formal dress set. In 9 karat
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cufflinks

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, Enamel

Antique Edwardian 15K Gold Pink Tourmaline, Peridot and Pearl Pendant and Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian pink tourmaline, peridot, pearl, and yellow gold pendant or brooch, comprising one
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Pearl Peridot Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
to around 1900—an era when jewelry became quiet protest. This geometric pendant is shaped as an
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Certified 8.5 mm. Natural Pearl 1.35 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This fabulous antique Edwardian period Diamond & Pearl ring is the epitome of eternal elegance
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Guilloche Enamel Seed Pearl Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Locket Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian round locket pendant. In
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel

Antique Edwardian 15K Gold Seed Pearl Floral Necklace with Pendant Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian seed pearl, and yellow gold necklace, comprising seventy-nine seed pearls, set in 15
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 5.50ct Diamond and Pearl Necklace and Brooch, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This intricate piece of Edwardian craftsmanship features a collection of old cut diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 15ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Octagonal Amethyst Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
exquisite pendant is crafted from 15ct rose gold, embodying the elegance of the Edwardian era. Its stunning
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Onyx Seed Pearl Flower Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian locket. It features a whole front set with onyx and adorned with a captivating gold flower
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 15K Yellow Gold Pearl Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A yellow gold and pearl brooch, comprising seventeen seed pearls, set in 15 karat yellow gold, with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Moonstone Seed Pearl Sautoir Necklace 16.5”
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Edwardian Period: Edwardians took the dark beauty of Victorian jewelry and dyed it platinum blonde. Light
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Gold Platinum 2ctw Old Mine Diamonds Pearl Dangle Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
& Prong Set - G-J Color - SI1-I2 Clarity - 1.30-1.60ctw (approx.) (1) Genuine Cultured Pearl - Round Shape
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby, Diamond Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
craftsmanship of the Edwardian era, making it not only a remarkable piece of jewellery but also a true work of
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Pearl Crescent Moon Pendant with Swallow
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Edwardian Swallow Crescent Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1900 *The chain is sold separately
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot, Seed Pearl Enamel, Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
exquisite 9ct yellow gold stamped Edwardian-era suffragette pendant necklace. This stunning necklace
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Natural Tahtitan Pearl and Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Edwardian era, this wonderful solitaire ring centres around a single natural tahitian
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Platinum Pearl Enamel Flower Basket Necklace Antique Edwardian Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Rose Cut Diamond, Pearl, Platinum and Enamel pendant necklace in the form of a
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, 14k Gold, Enamel

Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Natural Pearl Diamond Stick Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Natural Pearl Diamond Stick Pin. This
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 9ct Gold Edwardian Garnet Cultured Pearl Peridot Suffragette Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
SEPARATELY This exquisite 9ct yellow gold pendant hails from the Edwardian era, showcasing a stunning open
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Cultured Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold

Krementz 14K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel and Pearl Bar Pin Ca. 1910 Edwardian
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This exquisite pearl bar pin comes from 1910 Edwardian and is made with blue enamel and 14k yellow
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 15ct Gold Stamped Edwardian Aquamarine Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
the Edwardian era with its delicate openwork design and luxurious 15ct gold construction. The piece
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond Pearl Crescent Moon Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
from the Edwardian era features a beautifully crafted crescent moon design made of 18ct yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian era Diamond and Pearl Bow Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
. Introducing an exquisite piece from the Edwardian era, this 18ct gold and platinum pendant is a true marvel
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Garnet Pearl Star Brooch/Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Brooch/Pendant 9ct Rose Gold Fabulous Edwardian Brooch Which Can be Converted in
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian Yellow Gold and Silver Top Diamond Natural Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
sparkles softly around a lustrous natural pearl center. The contrast between the gold’s warmth and the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver

Edwardian Natural Pearl .85 Ct Mine Cut Diamond Rare ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Beautiful Era This stunning Belle Epoque/ Edwardian period ring is extremely elegant Belle
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Sunburst Crescent Moon Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
timeless accessory for any jewellery collection. The gentle curves and shimmering pearls create a beautiful
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Edwardian Style Diamond and Pearl Filigree Brooch 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Exquisite vintage Edwardian style filigree brooch with delicate diamond and pearl accents. Metal
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Edwardian Sapphire Pearl Cross Shaped Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cross Pendant 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Makers Mark T & S Circa 1900 Lovely, Edwardian
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Pearl, Rose Gold, 9k Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Seed Pearl Bar Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Edwardian bar pin. Crafted in a delicate design, this piece features alternating
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian-Inspired 18k White Gold Diamond and Pearl Filigree Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian-Inspired 18k White Gold Diamond and Pearl Filigree Pendant Necklace Condition: In good
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold ring from the 1910s showcases three luminous pearls, elegantly framed
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian Citrine, Pearl, Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Citrine Necklace 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1900 This exquisite Edwardian
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

GIA Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum Gold Edwardian Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Edwardian 1900's Pearl and diamond pendant necklace. Saltwater center pearl with a halo of 8 round
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum

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 Platinum 18ct Gold Edwardian Diamond Pearl Negligee Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian Negligee Necklace Platinum & 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Stunning, Edwardian negligee
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

18ct Gold, Edwardian Hardstone Cherub Cameo Pendant with Natural Seed Pearls
Located in Brighton, GB
-shaped cameo pendant, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. Dating back to the Edwardian era, this unique piece
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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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.