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Edwardian Pearl Jewellery

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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 Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring by William Greenwood Sons
Located in Denver, CO
Two luminous natural white pearls measuring 4.7-4.8mm sit at the center of this Edwardian-period
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Large GIA Chrysoberyl Diamond Pearl Filigree Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking antique pendant was crafted in solid platinum during the Edwardian era and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian Moonstone, Diamond, Pearl Halo Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Pendant 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian moonstone
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 9ct Gold Edwardian era Enamel Pearl Sunflower Floral Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian era with this stunning pendant necklace. Crafted from 9ct gold, this exquisite piece features a
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel

Antique Edwardian Enamel Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearls
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Edwardian era enamel ring (circa 1900s to 1910s), crafted in 14 karat
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an Edwardian natural pearl and diamond cluster ring. This antique 18ct gold piece
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Pearl and 0.30 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
rings. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Edwardian pearl
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

9ct Gold Edwardian Faceted Garnet Pendant, Natural Seed Pearls Gold Teardrop
Located in Brighton, GB
Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold Edwardian pendant. This exquisite piece showcases a beautiful open frame
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Pearl Brooch in 10 Karat White Gold and Silver Topped
Located in Fairfield, CT
Edwardian Diamond Pearl Brooch in 10 Karat White Gold and Silver Topped This Edwardian brooch is a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Baby Chick with Seed Pearl Egg Bar Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
yellow gold Edwardian bar brooch, beautifully designed to capture the essence of timeless elegance
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Gem and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Bug Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet bug perched on this fine brooch and is encrusted with seed pearls. The gorgeous bug has
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Edwardian Pink Flame Conch Pearl Platinum PT900 Bow Diamond Ring 6.25
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This exquisite vintage ring, believed to be from the Edwardian era (circa 1910-1930), showcases a
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Rare Natural Pearl Rose Diamond Sapphire 18 KT Filigree Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
This gorgeous antique bracelet is from the Edwardian period , beginning of 1900 Exemplary artwork
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Link Bracelets

Materials

Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Pearl Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bow Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
set with seed pearls throughout Measuring 1.0 to 3.0 mm round - cream with strong iridescence
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

GIA Cert 14.70 Carat Emerald, Diamond, and Pearl Edwardian Platinum Bracelet
Located in Southport, CT
Edwardian Bracelet has been brought to new life through a full refurbish and the addition of a 2.64 Carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum

Rare Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Banbury, GB
An exceptional Edwardian Belle-Epoque pearl and diamond sautoir, the sautoir comprising a long mesh
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

14ct Yellow Gold Platinum Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Antique Dress Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
14ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Antique dress ring Showcasing an antique
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 15 Carat Gold Turquoise and Pearl Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular five-stone ring. Set with five wonderful cabochon cut turquoise with pearl points in
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

1910 Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold ov Platinum Natural Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
. Not only will this ring compliment other jewelry with pearls, but it will also fit right in with other
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 9K Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Amethyst Drop Pendant
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique pearl, amethyst and yellow gold pendant comprising one baroque pearl, and one round cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 43 Carat Star Sapphire Seed Pearl Necklace Bracelet Earrings Suite
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular museum quality antique Edwardian 43 Carat Black Star Sapphire and Seed Pearl
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Star Sapphire, 10k Gold, Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Amethyst Natural Seed Pearl Heart Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Amethyst & Seed Pearl Heart Pendant 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1900 *THE GOLD CHAIN IS AN ADDITIONAL
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond Seed Pearl Crescent Star Brooch / Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
elegance of the Edwardian era with this exquisite 15ct yellow gold star brooch/pendant. This fabulous five
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French 18ct Gold, Edwardian Sapphire Pearl Pendant / Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique French Sapphire, Diamond Pearl Pendant / Brooch 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 *The
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Five Stone Amethyst Peridot Pearl Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite 18ct yellow gold Edwardian five
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k 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

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Heart Shaped Peridot Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
timeless elegance with this exquisite Edwardian-era pendant, crafted from 9ct yellow gold and stamped for
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Amethyst Seed Pearl Long Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Gold Edwardian Pendant, a stunning piece that captures the elegance of the era with its fabulous long
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Bow Topped Amethyst Seed Pearl Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian necklace, crafted in exquisite 9ct rose gold. The centrepiece of this piece is a captivating
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Platinum 18ct Gold Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Floral Design Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian necklace is not only a piece of jewellery; it is a timeless treasure that tells a story of
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ring in White Gold, Diamonds and Pearl
Located in PARIS, FR
Edwardian ring in 18k (750°/°°) white gold and silver adorned with a pearl and a very fine quality
Category

Early 20th Century Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Antique Edwardian Heart Shaped Natural Pearl 14K Gold Pendant, Riker Brothers
By Riker Brothers
Located in New York, NY
Classic, elegant antique Edwardian Riker Brothers natural pearl and 14K yellow gold heart shaped
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Tagged, Edwardian Hexagonal Amethyst Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
of the Edwardian era and would make a lovely addition to any jewellery collection. *THE CHAIN IS
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

15ct Gold Edwardian Garnet Diamond Seed Pearl Enamel Teardrop Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
from the elegant Edwardian era, showcasing a stunning design that captures the essence of refined
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel

Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Pearl Crescent Moon Pendant with Rose Gold Swallow
Located in Brighton, GB
iridescent pearls, featuring a stunning rose gold swallow suspended from the top. The classic design and
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Round Amethyst Seed Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Ring 9ct Gold Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning Edwardian-era ring crafted in
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

15ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Large Oval Faceted Amethyst Seed Pearl Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian-era pendant is a true work of art. Crafted from 15ct yellow gold, it features a unique flower
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Edwardian Flower Brooch with Pearls and Old Mine Diamond
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Measurement: 1 inch Condition: Excellent
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Antique 14K Gold Edwardian Style Navette Chrysoprase Cabochon Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gold, chrysoprase, and seed pearl ring. In 14K gold. With a navette shaped
Category

Mid-20th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Natural Pearl Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Natural Pearl Engagement Ring. This beautiful Art
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond Pearl Platinum 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as cable link chain featuring four seed pearl stations and suspending a marquise shaped
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.25 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This elegant Edwardian 14 karat yellow gold ring is set with one old mine cut diamond weighing
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 15K Gold Platinum Blue Enamel Diamond Pearl Pendant Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian guilloche enamel, diamond, pearl, platinum, and yellow gold brooch and pendant
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Birmingham Stamped, Edwardian Pearl Flower, Round Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
antique round locket is a stunning piece of jewellery that is sure to become a treasured family heirloom
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian silver paste stones, faux pearls pendant Necklace French.
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Embrace the allure of Edwardian elegance with our Antique European Silver Paste Grape Cluster
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Antique 15ct Rose Gold Edwardian Opal Seed Pearl Flower Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Floral Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1900 This exquisite Edwardian flower
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Birks of Canada Aquamarine, Pearl, Diamond and Gold Bangle, circa 1905
By Birks
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian aquamarine, diamond, pearl and gold bangle, by Birks, of Canada, with three
Category

Antique Early 1900s Canadian Edwardian Bangles

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Estate Edwardian 14K Pendant and Brooch with Old Mine Diamond and Pearls - VHK#
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.3 grams Diamond Details: .30ct, Old Mine Brilliant, G Color, VS Clarity. *Has a pendant po...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Platinum Natural Pearl 1.89ctw Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
percentage achieve a size, shape, and colour, desirable in jewellery. To the North and South of the pearl
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18ct Gold French Hallmarked, Edwardian Ruby Pearl Ring with Feather shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
18ct rose gold ring from the Edwardian era, a true testament to the artistry of that captivating period
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Pearl and Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
marries the purity of pearl with the sparkle of antique diamonds. Style: Edwardian Floral Halo Cluster
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 18K White and Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A pair of Edwardian seed pearl, diamond, and yellow gold earrings, each comprising four tiny
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Platinum 18ct Gold Edwardian Diamond and pearl Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian Heart Necklace Platinum & 18ct White Gold Circa 1900 This intricate necklace
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 15ct Two Colour Gold, Edwardian Seed Pearl Floral Crescent Drop Earrings
Located in Brighton, GB
exquisite 15ct gold Edwardian era earrings, a stunning embodiment of craftsmanship and vintage elegance
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

French Edwardian 1905 Chain In 18Kt Gold With Guilloche Blue Enamel and Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think
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
its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Link Necklaces

Materials

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

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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.