Natural Blue Pearls
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cufflinks
Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, Topaz, Sterling Silver
2010s Bahraini Victorian Engagement Rings
Pearl, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Clip-on Earrings
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Drop Earrings
Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Belle Époque Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Citrine, South Sea Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 22k Gold, Gold Pl...
Late 20th Century Thai Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique 19th Century French Rope Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yel...
Early 20th Century Unknown Late Victorian Drop Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Contemporary Brooches
White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire,...
21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Brooches
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Sapphire, White Diamond, 1...
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Blue Diamond, Iolite, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold...
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k...
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century American Victorian Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Artisan Cuff Bracelets
Opal, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Vintage 1950s French Post-War Link Bracelets
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Drop Necklaces
Jade, Labradorite, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century American Dangle Earrings
Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Drop Earrings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 1...
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Pearl, Turquoise
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold Plat...
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold Plat...
Antique 1890s Austrian Belle Époque Chandelier Earrings
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, South Sea Pearl...
Vintage 1950s Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Black Pearl, Sapphire, 22k Gold, Silver
2010s Spanish Drop Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Drop Earrings
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Bangles
Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapph...
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Bangles
Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapph...
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Jade, Onyx, Natural Pearl
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian More Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Spinel, 18k Gold
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Drop Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, Pearl, Vermeil
2010s Australian Modern Fashion Rings
Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Necklace Enhancers
Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings
South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k G...
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Topaz, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Modern More Rings
Oriental Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold
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Natural Blue Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Natural Blue Pearls?
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, there are natural pearls left. However, most have been harvested so they are extremely rare. Cultured pearls are still authentic pearls but more readily available. You’ll find a variety of pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is blue coral natural?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some of it is. While imitation blue coral is made from a variety of materials, including polyresin, natural blue coral is a vulnerable species unique to the Indian and Pacific oceans in the tropics. Commonly found in shallow waters off Ishigaki Island in southwest Japan, blue coral has a skeleton made of aragonite, and it’s the only species in the Helioporidae family. Shop a collection of blue coral pieces from sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is blue tourmaline natural?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, blue tourmaline is a natural gemstone. Its scientific name is indicolite. Most of the gems come from Afghanistan, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka or the U.S. You can find a variety of blue tourmaline gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Paspaley pearls are cultured — that is, the pearl-growing process is initiated by pearl farmers. Paspaley is known today as one of the finest suppliers of cultured pearls in the world. Shop a collection of genuine Paspaley pearl jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Depending on the size and quality, a natural pearl can be worth up to $1,500. In most cases, natural pearls are worth more than cultured pearls.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The price of a natural blue diamond is determined first by the color and then its clarity. Depending on these factors and the size chosen, there is a huge variation in price. You will find the blue diamond price range from under $2,000 to over $10,000 on 1stDibs.