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Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver 5.3 mm Estate
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver 5.3 mm Estate M444
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Graduating White Akoya Pearl Screw in Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications:
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
Total Weight: 6.0 Grams
Gemstone: 22 White Akoya
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Sterling Silver Akoya Pearl Pin/Brooch #16719
By Mikimoto
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver Akoya pearl pin by Mikimoto.
Beautiful design featuring 8 pearls and a scroll
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
AKOYA PEARLS Gia Certified Double Strand Necklace In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A double strand necklace with Akoya pearls.
This is a very well-matched double strand pearls
Category
1970s Japanese Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$3,916 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 8 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 8 mm M294
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Floral Brooch Sterling Silver 5 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Floral Brooch Sterling Silver 5 mm M385
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cufflinks Sterling Silver 6 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cufflinks Sterling Silver 6 mm M387
These elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 4.5 mm M296
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Leaf Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.65 mm M297
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$236 Sale Price
20% Off
K. Mikimoto Tokyo Japanese Sterling Silver
Akoya Pearl Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Japanese silver & cultured Akoya pearl brooch.
By Mikimoto.
In sterling silver.
In the
Category
20th Century Japanese Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14k White Gold Diamond Pave Clasp Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k white gold and Akoya pearl strand necklace features a rare and highly sought-after
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Silver 5.50 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Silver 5.50 mm M337
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Silver
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Double Strand Bracelet 14k Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Double Strand Bracelet 6.5" 14k Gold 5.5 mm M308
Double
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold
$1,992 Sale Price
20% Off
Akoya Pearl Necklace, Diamond Clasp, 9mm Luxury Size Pearls, circa 1980s, Iconic
Located in Northampton, MA
-9.4mm round cultured Akoya pearls and finished with an 18K white gold beaded ball clasp which glitters
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$4,300 Sale Price
30% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver 5 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Sterling Silver 5 mm M342
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Diamond
Ruby Multi-Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace
Located in Bloomington, MN
Glorious Diamond & Ruby Multi-Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace
Experience the epitome of luxury with
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$12,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5 mm M409
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Circular Flower Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Circular Flower Brooch Pin Sterling Silver M421
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cross Brooch Sterling Silver 4 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Cross Brooch Sterling Silver 4 mm M379
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$312 Sale Price
20% Off
Celeste 47" Akoya Pearl
Green Jade Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This stunning double-strand necklace gracefully pairs cream-colored Akoya pearls with the vivid
Category
1990s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Purple Amethyst and Akoya Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Amethyst & akoya pearl
Brooch Measurements: 2.10" x 0.75"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 14k Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 14k Gold 6 mm M273
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto 14k Gold
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold
$399 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 7.40 mm M285
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5.05 mm M279
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 5 mm Sterling Silver Estate
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Clip 5 mm Sterling Silver Estate M453
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$159 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Akoya Pearl Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond 14K White Gold Clasp
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Elegant and versatile, this vintage Akoya pearl necklace is a timeless piece designed for both
Category
Mid-20th Century European Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White...
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 4.5 mm M270
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 14K Gold Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Floral Bouquet Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
features 19 cultured Akoya pearls each displaying excellent luster with a delicate pinkish overtone.
circa
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6 mm 4.89 gr M186
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
$199 Sale Price
20% Off
Celeste 24" Akoya Pearl
Green Jade Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This refined double-strand necklace showcases the harmonious blend of creamy Akoya pearls and vivid
Category
1990s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akiyo Matsuoka Akoya Pearl Necklace Bracelet Set 18K Gold
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Akiyo Matsuoka Akoya Pearl Necklace Bracelet Set 18K Gold
The pearls measure 4mm each and they
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 5-7 mm Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5-7 mm 5.1 Grams M410
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 2.5-6 mm Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 2.5-6 mm 7 Grams M408
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 5.60 mm 4.6 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin 5.60 mm 4.6 Grams M351
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.37 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.37 mm M427
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$183 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Silver 6 mm 9.5 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Silver 6 mm 9.5 Grams M367
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
$392 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch 2.5" Sterling Silver 5.50 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch 2.5" Sterling Silver 5.50 mm M390
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$199 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.10 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.10 mm M420
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 4.65 mm M280
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 7.10 mm M277
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto 14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Clip Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Clip Pin
Metal: 14k yellow gold
Weight: 7.36
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TASAKI Ring. Genuine 18k 750 Pearl Cluster. Akoya pearls and diamond Bouquet
By TASAKI
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
.
Details:
Size 5
3.4grams total
3.5mm to 5mm High Quality Akoya Pearls.
1.5mm diamonds
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver 5.75 mm 4.5 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver 5.75 mm 4.5 Grams M253
These elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$239 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Men Tie Clip Silver 7 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Men Tie Clip Silver 7 mm M330
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto Estate
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
$119 Sale Price
20% Off
White Akoya Pearl Diamond Shaped Diamond Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Pearl Type: White Akoya Pearl
Diamond Count: ~70 brilliant cut
Diamond Color: G-H
Diamond Clarity
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Cufflinks 6.5 mm Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Cufflinks 6.5 mm Sterling Silver M311
These elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Cufflinks Sterling Silver 6.7 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Cufflinks Sterling Silver 6.7 mm M392
These elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$199 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 18kt White Gold Akoya Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage necklace with double strands of Akoya pearls in diameter between 9 and 11mm, and a 18 karat
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Signed 33-Inch Akoya Pearl 18k Gold Bead Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant single strand of glowing Akoya cultured pearls from Mikimoto, this 33-inch necklace
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bird on a Plum Akoya Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Total
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k Y Gold 6.44 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings 14k Y Gold 6.44 mm M393
These elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
$552 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6 mm M335
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Sterling Silver 5.91 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Sterling Silver 6.73 mm 5.91 Grams M172
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$151 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5.4 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 5.4 mm M287
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$199 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Pin 14k Y Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Mens Tie Pin 14k Y Gold 4.79 mm M298
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.74 mm M303
This elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$279 Sale Price
20% Off
Diamond Akoya Pearl Diamond 18K Gold Lily Floral Clip On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
1990s Diamond & Akoya Pearl Lily Floral Clip-On Earrings
18K Yellow Gold – Brushed bright Yellow
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, 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, 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.
- 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.
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