Skip to main content

Tahitian Black Pearls

to
184
1,334
921
606
296
300
1,467
1,080
924
290
286
8
192
1,334
1
3
3
4
13
30
32
1,102
406
33
541
180
145
121
65
to
2
69
61
45
43
43
572
246
39
34
10
9
6
5
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1,523
18
1,138
223
Sort By
14 mm Black Round Tahitian Pearl 2 Ct Diamond 14 Kt Gold Pendant /Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the exquisite 14 mm Black Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold, accompanied by
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold

9.5-10mm Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Tahitian Pearl Studs give a little twist to the classic white pearl studs. The Tahitian Pearl Studs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Glamour Swirl Ring with Diamond Accents
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Beaming 18k yellow gold spirals around a single Tahitian pearl for this ring. The strand closest to
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

15 Mm Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pendant on Hermes Link Chain 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Tahitian Pearl Pearl Diameter: 15 mm Diamond Count: 43 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Hakimoto 14x11 mm 18K Full Diamonds Tahitian South Sea Pearl Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
diamonds Clasp Weight (g): 84.5 Cultured Tahitian South Sea Pearl Pearl Size: 14X11 mm Pearl Shape: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

13.5 to 8.5 mm Tahitian Pearl Endless Necklace in 27" Length
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
needed due to the length. It's gorgeous and incredibly versatile! The smallest pearl in the back is 8.5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl

18 Karat Gold Prasiolite Tourmaline South Sea Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earring
By Joon Han
Located in New York, NY
One-of-a-kind earrings of prasiolites, green tourmalines, South Sea and Tahitian pearls, and
Category

2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea P...

Tahitian South Sea Pearl Earrings with Diamonds in 14K White Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
two black Tahitian South Sea pearls measuring approximately 14.03mm each. - Omega back closure
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring and Matching Earrings Set 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 14K White Gold Ring Tahitian Pearl Diameter: 13 mm ​ ​Earring Tahitian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl Long Classic Strung Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
the generations. Featuring baroque-shaped Tahitian pearls in deep grey-black tones, secured to an 18ct
Category

2010s British Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

【Lustre Arc]Tahitian Aurora Pearl 18K White Gold Necklace (Designer Creation)
Located in New York, NY
A refined designer creation featuring 8–10mm natural Tahitian pearls in a stunning spectrum of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, White Gold, Sterling Silver

【Vine Symphony】Golden Orchid Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Brushed Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora Black Tahitian Pearl Ring is a stunning fusion of nature-inspired artistry and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold

Hakimoto 14.4x12 mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl Necklace with 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean Tahitian Necklace. 31 Black Pearl 12x14.4mm Tahitian South Sea Pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Gray Tahitian Pearls Earrings in 18 Carats White Gold and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Earrings in 18-carat white gold, diamonds and gray Tahitian pearls. The pearls are surrounded by
Category

Early 2000s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Tahitian Pearl Diamond and Pink Sapphire White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Pink Sapphire With Large Tahitian Pearl Ring by Cartier. With1 Tahitian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Pink Sapphire

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Pendant in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This unique pendant by Yoko London features a spectacular 17.8mm Tahitian pearl beneath 1.66cts of
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

15.5 mm Black Round Tahitian Pearl Diamond 18 Kt Gold Pendant + Chain 14 KG
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the exquisite 15.5mm Black Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold, accompanied by
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Tahitian pearl earrings extra long at 4 inches 18KT gold diamond pearl earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
fancy diamonds, very interstering designer earrings the south sea pearls are black Tahitian pearls
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Cultured Tahitian Pearl Ornate Link Necklace #19033
Located in Washington Depot, CT
black Tahitian pearls! Pearls: 13.34mm-16.56mm Black pearls: 12.32mm-14.16mm Length: 18 1/4" Weight
Category

20th Century Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hakimoto 17x15 mm Natural Color Tahitian South Sea Pearl Station Necklace 18K
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean Necklace A Contemporary Black Tahitian South Sea Baroque Pearl 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Statement 18K White Gold South Sea Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ribbon Necklace 18.0ct
Located in Great Neck, NY
A dramatic high jewelry statement piece featuring exceptional South Sea and Tahitian pearls
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pea...

10.5mm Tahitian Pearl Ring in 18K Gold Platinum with Diamond Accents
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
round Tahitian pearl -- black but with gorgeous mauve-y pink overtones. Clever design makes this ring
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold,...

Diamond Ruby Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings Tassel Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
/11mm diameter. The untreated Tahitian pearls display a beautiful nacre and their natural color and high
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Navette Earrings in 14K Gold with 8mm Baroque Tahitian Pearl Drops
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
with four diamonds over a dark baroque Tahitian pearl. They're casually fancy and fancily casual
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold,...

Tahitian Pearl Silver Overtone Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
“stick” suspending two Tahitian pearls of 14mm diameter. The untreated pearls with silver overtone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ruby Drop Earrings Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl diamond and ruby earrings feature two faceted decorative rubies accented with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White ...

Seahorse Brooch Pin Diamonds and Tahitian Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
curls around a lovely Tahitian pearl of 15mm diameter. The pearl pendant is detachable and can be worn
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hakimoto 14.5x12 mm Tahitian Golden South Sea Pearl 18K Diamond Clasp Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean Manufacture Suggested Retail Price $36,000 31 Black Tahitian and Golden
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Peacock Bloom Aurora 15-16mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora Peacock Green Tahitian Pearl Ring is a mesmerizing blend of artistry and luxury. The 15
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Tahitian Pearl and Emerald Cufflinks 18k gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and pearl cufflinks feature two lustrous pearls from the waters of French Polynesia
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cufflinks

Materials

Emerald, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hakimoto 16x12 mm Tahitian, Golden South Sea Baroque Multicolor Pearl and 18K
Located in Hicksville, NY
12x16mm Natural Color Tahitian and Golden Pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Baroque Choker Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hakimoto 18K Natural Color 69 Tahitian 15x12 mm Baroque 39" Pearl Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
69 Cultured South Sea Tahitian Pearl Pearl Size: 12X15mm Pearl Shape: Baroque Body color: Silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Baroque Rope Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fish Brooch Pin with Diamonds Tahitian Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
with a faceted sapphire. The fish suspends a voluminous Tahitian Pearl of 17mm diameter. The pearl is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Crystal, Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Spider Brooch Pin Diamonds Tahitian Pearl Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The spider brooch with diamonds features a Tahitian pearl of 16.5mm diameter. The pearl is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hakimoto 18K White Gold 13x10 mm Tahitian Pearl Necklace Full Diamonds Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean 18K South Sea Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace 18K White Gold and 1.75
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Baroque Tahitian Pearl "Drip Drop" Long Dangle Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
pearls are gorgeous, silvery-blue Tahitians, not huge (about 11mm each) and not round. We picked them
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Emerald Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This unique ring by Yoko London features a striking 17.3mm Tahitian pearl set amongst glittering
Category

2010s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gemini Zodiac Cocktail Ring Tahitian Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The zodiac Gemini ring features a Tahitian pearl of 15mm diameter embraced by a male and a female
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tahitian Ombre Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Style and glamour are in the spotlight with this exquisite Tahitian Ombre necklace. This 14-karat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rope Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Eostre Tahitian Pearl and Sapphire Earring in 18K White Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
for more informations. The Pearls are measuring 11mm-12mm The Tahitian Pearls have black body colour
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Hakimoto 15x12 mm Tahitian South Sea Baroque Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean Manufacture Suggested Retail Price $20,000 Tahitian South Sea Baroque
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

"Mousies" Pendant Pair in Yellow Gold with Tahitian Pearls on Aquamarine Chain
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Two fat little mice in 14 karat yellow gold with silver-blue Tahitian pearl bodies hang happily by
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tahitian Pearl and Ruby Triple Strand Necklace Set Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and ruby necklace set features 231 pearls originating from the waters of Tahiti
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Amethyst, Tahitian Pearls 22K Gold Bead Necklace by Deborah Lockhart Phillips
By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
center with 22K gold and Tahitian pearls at the collar bone with smaller briolette gemstones along the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Black Pearl, 22k Gold

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Bangle in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This elegant torque-style bangle features two spectacular Tahitian pearls set at the end of a
Category

2010s British Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Ye...

1.72 Carat Diamond and Silver Grey Tahitian Pearl Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
A Silver gray Tahitian pearl and white diamonds ring from FERRUCCI Entirely made in 18k white gold
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Silver

14 Karat Yellow Oxidized Gold Diamond Cultured Tahitian Pearl Earrings #19022
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Oxidized Gold Diamond & Cultured Tahitian Pearl Earrings This stunning pair of
Category

20th Century Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Silver Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pendant on Cable Link Chain 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
" Stamped: "750" "18K" Pearl: Silver Tahitian Pearl Pearl Diameter: 12.5 mm Diamond Count: 14 brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dangle Earrings with Dark Green Tahitian Pearls Filigree 14K Rose Gold Tops
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Two magnificent Tahitian pearls and two filigree rose gold discs make for one pair of gorgeous and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Go...

Pisces Zodiac Cocktail Ring Tahitian Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Pisces zodiac cocktail ring features an untreated Tahitian pearl of 13mm diameter. The pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tahitian Cultured Pearl Strand 11-8 mm baroque 41 cm long fine Luster multicolor
Located in Viena, Viena
Tahitian cultured pearls. The pearls are created in the "Te ufi" as the black-lipped pearl mussel "Pinctada
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Stainless Steel

Tahitian Pearl 14.5mm Pink Sapphire Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and pink sapphire earrings feature a pair of 14.5mm diameter Tahitian pearls
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Black Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sagittarius Zodiac Cocktail Ring Tahitian Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
faceted ruby of 0.65 carats. The bow supports a Tahitian pearl of 13mm diameter. The pearl is untreated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.72 Carat Diamond and Silver Grey Tahitian Pearl Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
A Silver gray Tahitian pearl and white diamonds ring from FERRUCCI Entirely made in 18k white gold
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Earrings Set in 18k White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
These elegant earrings by Yoko London feature 10-11mm Tahitian pearls beneath a delicate diamond
Category

2010s European Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tahitian Pearl and Pavé Diamond Bypass Style Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking ring features a lustrous Tahitian pearl nestled beneath a sculptural diamond-covered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Leo Zodiac Cocktail Ring Tahitian Pearl Diamonds Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
carat) and an untreated Tahitian pearl of 14.5mm diameter for corona. The design is complete with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Tahitian Black Pearls", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Tahitian Black Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of tahitian black pearls. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 108 vintage editions and 552 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of tahitian black pearls to choose from, but Contemporary and Modern tahitian black pearls are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Yoko London, Ella Gafter and Valentin Magro are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A selection of round cut, brilliant cut and uncut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of tahitian black pearls for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Tahitian Black Pearls?

On average, tahitian black pearls at 1stDibs sell for $4,092, while they’re typically $60 on the low end and $168,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Tahitian Black Pearls
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because the dark color of tahitian black pearls makes them so exotic, they can be more valuable. Depending on quality and size a strand can cost between $500 and $25000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A gray, rainbow or gold hue is popular with respect to Tahitian pearls. These pearls would make a unique pendant or a charm for a bracelet. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Tahitian pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    Yes, some black pearls are real pearls. Genuine black pearls typically come from Tahiti, sourced from black-lip pearl oysters. Some jewelry features synthetic black pearls created in laboratories. Explore a selection of black pearl jewelry from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because black pearls only form when sand is trapped in a specific type of oyster, the Tahitian black-lipped Pinctada, they are very rare. Black pearls occur once in every 10,000 pearls.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What black pearls symbolize is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some people associate them with mystery due to their color. Others believe they represent mental strength, wealth or freedom. You'll find a variety of black pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.