Natural Saltwater Pearls
European Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl
Early 20th Century Austrian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Edwardian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
20th Century American Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Yellow Gold
20th Century Edwardian More Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl
20th Century American Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
20th Century French Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Drop Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Belle Époque Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1890s Unknown Drop Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1810s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Garnet, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold
Early 20th Century Victorian Choker Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Citrine, Emerald, Moonstone, Natural Pearl, Pink Sapphire...
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
French Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
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Natural Saltwater Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Natural Saltwater 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 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.
- 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.