Vintage Akoya Pearls
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Designer Sculptural Biomorphic Abstract Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold with Akoya Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
Agustin Cardenas, Henry Moore and Jean Arp.
Gemstones: Mount in the center with one round white Akoya
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sculptural Earrings with Akoya Pearls in 18 Karat Yellow Gold by Gilbert Albert
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Lucerne, CH
Sculptural Earrings with Akoya Pearls in 18 Karat Yellow Gold by Gilbert Albert
Crafted by the
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Artist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Akoya Pearl Ring, 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Designer Gift
By David Yurman
Located in Greensboro, NC
lovely Akoya pearl measuring 8.4mm in diameter. The polished bezel holding the pearl in securely in place
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Italian Modern Suite in 18Kt Gold Akoya Pearls 4.20 Ctw Diamonds Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Akoya pearls suite of ring and earrings
Beautiful modern Italian suite, carefully crafted in solid
Category
1990s Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
White Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Circa 1960s Akoya Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
base or shank and boasts three large approximately 8mm round Akoya pearls accented with single-cut
Category
1960s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Tiffany
Co. 18k Gold Akoya Pearl Diamond Earrings
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Tiffany & Co. 18k yellow gold earrings each set with an 8mm Akoya saltwater cultured pearl
Category
1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Six Lines of Akoya Pearls Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
and akoya bracelet.
Circa 1970.
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
18 K Yellow Gold Vintage Bracelet with Akoya Pearls
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A unique handmade bracelet in 18 K yellow Gold from the 1960s featuring 19 fine Akoya cultured
Category
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Toi et Moi Akoya Pearl Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
two gorgeous pearls.
Ring Size: 6.5 (52 3/4)
Category
Late 20th Century French Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960
s .14 Carat Diamond Akoya Pearl White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's pearl and diamond dangle earrings. 7.5mm natural cream color Japanese Akoya
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pair of 14 Karat White Gold, Akoya Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A lovely pair of mid 20th century white gold, diamond and pearl screw back earrings. The 14 carat
Category
Mid-20th Century American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany
Co. Jean Schlumberger Enameled Earrings in 18Kt Gold with Akoya Pearls
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany
Co.
Located in Miami, FL
multiples geometric stripes, applied with black hot enamel and a pair of Akoya white pearls of 9.2 mm.
They
Category
1970s American Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Three-Strand Akoya Pearl Choker with Diamond Bar Accents in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
rows of 6mm - 6.5mm Akoya cultured pearls. Eight separator plates of 18 karat yellow gold are spaced
Category
1990s American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold,...
Akoya Pearl Amethyst Pendant 14 Grams Yellow Gold Great Vintage Jewelry 25 Ct
Located in Viena, Viena
bordered with small bows alternating with white Akoya cultured pearls of 6 mm diameter, set with 6 rhodium
Category
1960s Unknown Neoclassical Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Akoya Japanese Pearl Diamond Platinum Double-Strand Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This eye-catching estate pearl necklace incorporates two strands of silk-strung 10mm lustrous Akoya
Category
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Platinum
Three Row Akoya Black White Pearl Diamond Gold Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
round diamonds approx. total weight 2.10cts G, VS
42 Akoya pearls. 7-7 1/2mm each
21 Akoya black
Category
1950s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Bracelet Double Strand 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
By Mikimoto
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl bracelet crafted in 14k yellow gold.
5mm cultured Akoya
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Japanese Akoya Cultured Black Pearl and Diamond Pendant/Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Gorgeous 18k white gold pendant/necklace with three alternating Akoya cultured black pearls and
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mings Pearl Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 6.4 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Cultured Akoya 10mm Pearl Gold 40 inch Long Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold 10mm 99 Cultured Akoya Pearl 40" Long Necklace by Mikimoto.
With 99 Total
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Bielka Pearl Diamond Gold Sunflower Earrings
By Bielka
Located in Miami, FL
18K yellow gold brush finish flower earrings featuring a large akoya pearl with in a frame of 32
Category
20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bluish Purple Pearl and Leaf Clip on Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
0.7"
Total Weight: 5.6 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Backs: Clip-ons
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
, this pendant features a gorgeous akoya pearl and .25 carats of superb white diamonds (G color, VS
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Tiffany
Co. Pearl Gold X Bracelet
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Pearl X Bracelet by Tiffany & Co.
With 16 round akoya pearls approx. 7mm each
Category
1980s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold
Diamond and Pearl Pendant
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold and platinum pendant set with one center 5.5mm cultured Akoya pearl
Category
20th Century Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bulgari Gemset and Pearl Ear Clips
By Bulgari
Located in Weston, MA
, watermelon tourmaline, pink tourmaline and blue topaz
30 graduated Akoya pearls
Signed Bulgari
Category
Late 20th Century Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Amethyst, Pearl, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,500 / set
Pearl and Gold Ring circa 1960
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Chic Akoya Pearl Ring. The 1 1/2" x 1/2" wide textured pearl ring with four cultured 9.5mm pearls
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl
Diamond
Posy
Stud Earrings in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This delicate pair of stud earrings are in the form of a posy and are set with Akoya pearls and
Category
20th Century Edwardian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,835 / item
Ancient Roman Coins and Pearls Clip-On Earrings in High Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An organic style earring featuring ancient Roman coins surrounded by alternating akoya pearl and
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Blue Topaz Amethyst Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
2 Amethyst stones 10mm x 5mm
2 Akoya Pearls 7mm each
Description:
Ring Size: 6 (resize available
Category
1990s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, 18k Gold
Vintage Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace Signed BTF French
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Feminine elegant necklace made of 18 karat yellow gold featuring Tahitian and Akoya pearls
Category
1980s French Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Turquoise and Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany
Co. Diamond Three-Strand Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approx. .58ct
Akoya pearls measures 4.5mm - 5mm
Category
20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Chanel Comete White Gold Large Pearl Diamond Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
perfect white akoya pearl , 12mm
Weight: 9.5 grams
Width: 12mm
Size: 51 US 5 3/4
Hallmarks: Chanel
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Mings White Jade Sphere, Pearls and Leaves Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: White Jade
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
100% Authentic. Please
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Three Strand Pearl Necklace with a Platinum and Diamond Centerpiece
Located in New Orleans, LA
An elegant three strand Akoya pearl necklace with a platinum ornament containing approximately 3
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Mikimoto Graduated Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
cultured Akoya pearl strand of 18 inches in length. The largest being 8mm to the smallest at 5mm to the
Category
1980s American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Mikimoto Cultured Black Pearl Diamond Necklace 18k White Gold Jewelry
By Mikimoto
Located in Torrance, CA
white gold.
Cultured black Akoya pearl measures 9.5mm, accented with an estimated 0.05 carat diamond
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Pearl Heart Emerald Diamond Gold Necklace 1980s Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the necklace is made of platinum which accentuates their whiteness. Akoya pearls measure from 7.2mm to
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
White Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mikimoto Marilyn Monroe Pearl Strand Necklace 7-9mm 16" 18k Diamond Limited rare
By Mikimoto
Located in Northbrook, IL
masterpiece that marries classic elegance with modern allure. Crafted with lustrous Akoya pearls ranging from
Category
Late 20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Bulgari Pearl Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace and Earrings Set
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Italy in the 1980's. Features thirty seven Akoya pearls, oval faceted blue sapphires set in 18k yellow
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl and Diamond Ring, circa 1970
Located in Aspen, CO
Akoya pearls range in size from 6 mm to 8.7 mm. they have a light creme color, lustrous and with even
Category
20th Century American Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
David Webb, Platinum Gold Diamond Jade Ruby Pearl and Enamel Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb, diamond jade ruby pearl and white enamel bracelet. Crafted in 18 karat gold and white
Category
1980s American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Mings Gold Carved Dangle Drop Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Yellow Gold
Total Weight: 7.3 Grams
Pearl: Akoya Pearls
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
(tested) white gold, hold sixteen Akoya pearls and accented with round brilliant cut diamonds (total
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage La Triomphe Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By La Triomphe
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant bracelet made of fifty 5.6-mm in average Akoya pearls, 18 karat yellow gold and round
Category
1980s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl and Gold Studs
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, Mikimoto, Japan. These beautiful Akoya pearl studs are classic style at its
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
1950s Pearl Turquoise Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Feminine elegant bracelet created in France in the 1950's. Features three strands of Akoya pearls
Category
1950s French Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Mikimoto Mid-Century Cultured Pearl 14 Karat White Gold Ribbon Vintage Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring 8.5 mm round cultured Akoya pearls - white in body color with strong iridescence
Category
1950s Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, White Gold
Angela Cummings And Assael Thorn Sprig Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Pearl Thorn Sprig Necklace by Angela Cummings And Assael.
With 36 cultured Akoya
Category
1980s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Tiffany
Co. 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Lexington, KY
size: 4.5
14k yellow gold
1 = .02 carat, round cut, VS2 clarity, F/G color diamond
6 = Akoya pearls
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 1960
s 1.56 Carats Diamond Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering two vertical rows of Akoya pearls graduating in size - white in body color with rose
Category
1960s Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHANEL Comete Black
White Diamond Pearl Open Band White Gold Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
akoya pearl: 9.5mm
One black tahitian pearl: 9.5mm
Details:
Ring Size: 6.5
Width: 3mm band, top
Category
1980s French Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Tiffany
Co. Elsa Peretti Pearl by the Yard Necklace
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Lexington, KY
features nine Akoya pearls separated by sterling silver chain. It is light and comfortable to wear. Pearls
Category
1990s American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany
Co. Schlumberger Earrings Pearl Diamond 18k Gold
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany
Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Feature a beautiful white Akoya pearl surrounded with round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k yellow and
Category
1970s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Charm Necklace, circa 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
" necklace is 22 inches. This necklace weighs 41.16 grams. Natural Akoya pearls, sapphires, rubies and a
Category
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Mikimoto Pearl Gold Circle Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
brooch is set with perfectly matched Akoya pearls, alternating in size for a chic dimensional appearance
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
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Vintage Akoya Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a broad range of vintage akoya pearls for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 38 vintage editions and 4 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 19th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of vintage akoya pearls includes designs that are universally popular, but Modern and Retro styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Mikimoto, Buccellati and Kiersten Elizabeth are consistently popular. A selection of bead, round cut and uncut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of vintage akoya 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 Vintage Akoya Pearls?
Prices for vintage akoya pearls can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $440 and can go as high as $15,999, while vintage akoya pearls, on average, fetch $2,109.
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 Vintage Akoya Pearls
- Are Mikimoto pearls Akoya?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021No, not all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya. Mikimoto also uses Black South Sea cultured pearls, White South Sea cultured pearls, Golden South Sea cultured pearls, and Conch pearls to create their jewelry. Shop Mikimoto Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Mikimoto pearls are Akoya, meaning they come from Akoya oysters. The brand largely pioneered the production of cultured pearls, which are genuine pearls developed with human assistance. Mikimoto creates Akoya pearl necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings and brooches. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Mikimoto pearl jewelry.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The difference between Akoya and Mikimoto pearls comes down to specificity. Akoya is the general name for pearls derived from Pinctada fucata mollusks. These are prized for their smooth texture, round shape and attractive shine. Mikimoto pearls are pearls sold by the Japanese jewelry maker Mikimoto, which specializes in Akoya pearls. Nearly all Mikimoto pearls are Akoya pearls. However, other jewelers also sell Akoya pearl jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Mikimoto and Akoya pearls.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024To tell if Akoya pearls are real, examine the surfaces of your pearls closely. Natural pearls will have variations in texture, such as small bumps and blemishes. Pearls that are perfectly smooth and identical in shape and size are unlikely to be real. You can also try rubbing two of the pearls together. Real pearls will usually have a gritty feeling, while imitations will produce little to no friction when rubbed. If you're still unsure whether your pearls are real, have a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler evaluate them. Find a wide range of Akoya pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To determine whether a pearl necklace is modern or vintage, first look for signs of wear, such as blunted edges on the prongs. The pearls will likely have dull spots where they came into contact with skin. The clasp can clue you in, too. Lobster clasps appeared in the 1970s, while early 20th century clasps were generally safety-pin style or C-clasps. Modern necklaces typically have a spring-loaded clasp. Shop a selection of vintage pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vintage Mikimoto pearls are set with cream or white pearls. Colored pearls are a modern addition. All Mikimoto pearl jewelry includes marks on the back or inside of the piece that is either the Mikimoto name, an “M” logo or the outline of an oyster. In addition, strands of pearls will have a dangling “M” charm. Mikimoto stores and authorized retailers will also appraise and issue a certificate of valuation for any Mikimoto piece. Find a variety of expertly vetted Mikimoto pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
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