Japanese Pearls
2010s Japanese Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Loose Gemstones
Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Loose Gemstones
Pearl
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer
Gold
2010s Japanese Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Stud Earrings
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Japanese Modernist Drop Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
2010s Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Natural Pearl
Early 2000s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Japanese Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings
Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum
1990s Japanese Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Cufflinks
Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1970s Japanese Brooches
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
2010s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Silver
Early 2000s Japanese Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Link Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Brooches
Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, White Gold
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Loose Gemstones
Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Band Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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Japanese Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Japanese 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024To tell if Japanese pearls are real, first feel their surfaces carefully. Cultured and natural pearls will be slightly gritty, while imitations will usually feel smooth. Next, look at the pearls side by side. Real pearls will show slight variations in shape and size. If your pearls look entirely uniform, they are less likely to be real. A certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can evaluate your pearls if you need further assistance. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of pearl jewelry.








