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Vintage Akoya Pearls

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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

Mikimoto Estate Earrings Sterling Silver 3.28 Grams 6.30 mm Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SHIPPING DETAILS! Stone: Akoya Pearl Stone Cut: Round Color: White Pearl: 2 Weight: 3.28 g Material
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

1970s Tiffany Co. Schlumberger Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
made of platinum (stamped) and 18k (stamped) yellow gold , feature an Akoya pearl and round brilliant
Category

1970s American Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

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

1980s Buccellati Pearl Coral Diamond Gold Bead Necklace
By Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mediterranean coral beads alternating with sixty two Akoya pearls and culminating with a beautiful white gold
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chanel RK 340069 Mademoiselle Wrist Watch
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
yellow gold Dial: White roman dial Bracelet: Akoya pearl bracelet, pearls measure approximately 4mm each
Category

1990s French Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k White/Yellow Gold Diamonds, Pearl And Sapphires Cocktail Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
center of the crown is embellished by an Akoya pearl. The crown is supported by a yellow gold wide
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Station Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This stunning bracelet features 14 luminescent cultured Akoya salt water pearls linked along a 14k
Category

1970s Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto 5 Pearl Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
This classic pearl necklace makes any outfit look outstanding. Set with 5 grade A Akoya pearls
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Gold Charm Bracelet with Precious Stones, circa 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
rubies and cultured Akoya pearls decorate the matching charms which measure. This bracelet is 7 inches
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rose de Noel Coral Diamond Brooch Mikimoto Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Akoya Pearls 7mm each This item comes with Van Cleef & Arpels Box. Details: Measurements
Category

1980s French Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels GIA Natural Ruby Clasp Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Akoya Pearl Necklace Featuring a GIA Graded Oval Cut Natural Ruby Clasp
Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Pear Bracelet Platinum Art Deco Style
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Pretty vintage art deco inspired three row peal bracelet with diamonds. Three rows of akoya pearls
Category

1970s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Epic -14 Karat 18 Karat yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Troy, MI
storefront to stay updated on the latest collections and shop our exclusive pieces. Akoya pearls=20 x 18 & 23
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Italian Diamond Pearl Mult Gems 18k Gold Fancy Link ChockerNecklace
Located in Miami, FL
(11) genuine Akoya Pearls, 8 mm, medium to a high luster with gray undertones, The complete piece
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Italian Diamond Pearl Multi-Color Gemstones 18k Gold Retro Link Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds, Akoya Pearls, and Colored Gemstones playing with color and elegance in one bracelet
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Asayo Japanese Pearl and Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Damiani
Located in Crema, Cremona
white gold to enhance their natural beauty and absence of color. The pearl is an Akoya pearl with an 8
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

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

Carved Coral, Pearls and Diamond Bracelet by Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Greenwich, CT
incredible hue of the carved Coral contrasting with 7.5mm white Akoya pearls and diamonds placed seamlessly
Category

20th Century American Artist Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond-Set Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
-dressed. Three carats of brilliant white diamonds surround a pair of perfect 7mm Akoya pearls for a look
Category

1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Opera-Length Pearl Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
, compared to the 0.35 mm to 0.7 mm of the more common akoya pearl. This gives the South Sea pearl its
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond-Set Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
-dressed. Three carats of brilliant white diamonds surround a pair of perfect 7mm Akoya pearls for a look
Category

1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Split River Pearl Necklace in Silver Art Nouveau Style
Located in Northampton, MA
standard strand of cultured Akoya pearls.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Silver

Mitchell Peck Citrine Diamond Pearl 18 Karat Gold Platinum Collar Necklace
By Mitchell Peck
Located in Miami, FL
round Akoya pearls measuring 6.5mm and accented by 14 bezel-set diamonds weighing approximately 0.15
Category

1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl, Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Bracelet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
pearls. The triple strand pearl bracelet comprises of three rows of 19 akoya type pearls each with good
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Heart Shaped Emerald, Diamond and Pearl Choker Necklace
Located in Aspen, CO
to near colorless (F/G) and very very slightly included (VVS), in clarity. The five strands of Akoya
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman 1940 Art Deco Cocktail Ring In Platinum With Diamonds White Pearl
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
iridium. It is mounted in prongs settings, with four round Akoya (Pinctada fucata) white pearls of 8 mm
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Hip Sixties Chandelier Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 14k, American. These playful earrings feature lustrous Akoya pearls festooning a
Category

1960s American Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fabulous Sixties Mikimoto Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
. Stone Details: Lustrous, well-matched Akoya pearls. Remark: "Always refined, always
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

SeidenGang Classic Collection 18k Yellow Gold Brooch PN39
By SeidenGang
Located in Orlando, FL
" tall Accented with luminous Akoya pearls Set with richly colored pink and green tourmaline gemstones
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman 1940 Art Deco Cocktail Ring In Platinum Diamonds And White Pearls
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
round Akoya (Pinctada Fucata) white pearls of 8 mm by 9 mm respectively. Diamonds: Mount on the sizes
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Sterling Silver Earrings With Pearls by Mikimoto 2.25 Grams 4 mm M131
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lady's Sterling Silver Earrings have 4 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls in size of 4 mm with a weight of
Category

1970s Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Earrings With Pearls by Mikimoto 1.73 Grams 6.5 mm M134
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lady's Sterling Silver Earrings have 2 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls in size of 6.5 mm with a weight of
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

14k Gold Earrings With Pearls by Mikimoto 2.57 Grams 4-6 mm M130
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
14 KT Gold Earrings have 8 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls ranging in size from 4-6 mm with a weight
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Double Strand 26" Cultured Japanese Pearl Emerald Clasp 18K WG Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K White Gold Emerald 26" Two Strands Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace. Among all the pieces
Category

1970s Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold

Akoya Cultured Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Lucerne, CH
This ring in 18 karat white gold features a round Akoya cultured pearl of 8.6 mm. The cultured
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Cultured Akoya Golden Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Cultured Akoya Golden Pearl 34" Long Necklace by Mikimoto. With 94 Cultured Akoya
Category

20th Century Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

AGL Certified 6.5 Ct Colombian Minor Emerald Diamond Pearl Choker/Necklace 18KG
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Choker/Necklace, Estate Gold: 18 Karat White Gold Three rows of Akoya pearls wrap around the neck
Category

1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Akoya Saltwater Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Celebrate the High Luster of this Saltwater Pearls with this Classic and Elegant piece,  This 37
Category

1980s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Akoya Cultured Pearl Long Double Strand Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The necklace is composed of Akoya cultured pearls and features a beautiful 18KT clasp with
Category

20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Diamond Akoya Cultured Pearl Platinum Pendant White Gold Chain Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant and White Gold Chain Necklace by Mikimoto. With
Category

20th Century Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Marina B Pearl Gemstones Collar Necklace Vintage Jewelry
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
allure. The vintage collar necklace was made in France of 18 karat yellow gold, akoya pearl, diamond
Category

1980s French Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Vintage 14K White Gold 1.25ct. Old-European Diamond Akoya Seed Pearl Brooch/Pin
Located in New York, NY
weighing 1.25 carats, eye- clean diamond adorned with 32 Akoya 4.0-4.3 mm seed pearls in an open flower
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Decorated with an Akoya Saltwater Culture Pearl
Located in bronshoj, DK
Ring in 18 kt. white gold decorated with an akoya saltwater culture pearl (diameter: 6.4 cm
Category

20th Century Unknown Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls

1960s Akoya Cultured Peal Lapis Lazuli Turquoise Beaded Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Akoya cultured pearl bracelet. This elegant bracelet consists of 4 rows of Japanese cultured pearls
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fine strand portraying its own unique beauty, comprising 57 fine Akoya cultured pearls with beautiful
Category

1960s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold

Opal Three-Strand Pearl Bracelet
Located in Webster, NY
. Gemstone: Akoya Cultured Pearls and Opals Gemstone Size: Approximatel 5.7mm Round Pearls, One Oval
Category

20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold

1980s Stunning Cross Pearl Choker
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunning Akoya Cultured Pearl (ACP) choker necklace with Black Crystal Beads. This choker is a
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl

Vintage Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Accented by the following stones 1 - 8.7mm Akoya Cultured Pearl; Creme Colored; Excellent Luster 2 - 2mm
Category

20th Century Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Tiffany Co. Yellow Gold Pearl Brooch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Tiffany & Co. 1960's 14k yellow brooch, set with 12 Akoya cultured pearls in a woven design. Made
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

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

Multi Strand Pearl Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's All natural color undyed light cream well matched high luster Japanese Akoya cultured pearls
Category

1950s Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

1960s 3 Rows Japanese Cultured Pearl Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
rows of cultured pearl type Akoya of good quality, regular and pearly white orient. Every 9 pearls
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

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

Vintage Pearl Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s vintage pearl diamond gold brooch pendant. SPECIFICATIONS: PEARLS: 18 Akoya cultured pearls
Category

1950s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 3 row Akoya long Necklace 18 white Gold Sapphire Diamond clasp
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Akoya cultured Pearl Necklace A classic 2 row pearl necklace, consisting of Akoya cultured pearls
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Mimi Milano Pearl Dress Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An 18kt white gold ring set with Akoya cultured pearls, with marks for maker, Mimi of Milano. This
Category

Late 20th Century Portuguese Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Pearl Diamond White Gold Octagonal Clip On Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautifully matched Akoya cultured pearls with very rich luster and thick nacre. They seem to glow with
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Clip on Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
of the petals. Shiny and matt finish. STONES: 6 akoya cultured pearls 4 to 5 mm. Along with 14
Category

1990s Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Mid-Century GIA Pearl Diamond Platinum Day to Night Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pearls measuring 9.65-8.68 mm and 9.73-9.27 mm, accompanied by GIA #5234177923 stating they are Akoya
Category

1950s Vintage Akoya Pearls

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

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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
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    No, 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, 2022
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Akoya 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, 2024
    The 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, 2024
    To 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    Vintage 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.