Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls
Vintage 1970s German Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s German Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Crystal, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Early 2000s French Contemporary Fashion Rings
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Contemporary More Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Rope Necklaces
Cultured Pearl
2010s American Contemporary Rope Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Japanese Cultured Akoya Pearls?
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.
- What are Akoya cultured pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Akoya cultured pearls are pearls that come from Pinctada fucata martensii oysters. These molluscs are commonly referred to as Akoya oysters, accounting for the name of the pearls. The word “cultured” means that the pearls are real but were produced by oysters with the help of human intervention. Cultured pearls are very common, as naturally occurring pearls are extremely rare. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pearl jewelry.