Vintage Akoya Pearls
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Buccellati Vintage Bacchus Roman God Natural Coral Akoya Pearl 18K Brooch Pendan
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
genuine white Akoya saltwater pearls.
The bail of the pendant is detachable for when you want to wear
Category
1960s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Double Akoya Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 10K yellow gold
Pearl: 6.50mm akoya
Diamond: 3 round brilliant cut = .05cttw
Color: H
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Japanese Akoya Pearl with Snake Diamond Slider and Clasp Opera Length Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The opera length multi layer pearl necklace set consists of 11 original strands of Japanese pearls
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Tiffany
Co. Akoya Pearls Necklace in 18kt Yellow Gold with Vvs Diamonds
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Miami, FL
foldable security lock.
Pearls: Mounted with 236 round Akoya white pearls of 5 mm distributed in three
Category
Late 20th Century American Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,388 Sale Price
20% Off
Original 18K Yellow Gold Akoya Pearls and Diamond Nugget Ring, Pearls from Japan
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
Gemstone: Akoya Cultured Pearls
Gemstone Measurements: Range from 4-4.5 mm to 6.5-7mm
Gemstone Color
Category
1990s American Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,712 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 2-Row Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K WG Diamond Agate Jewelry Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Green Agat Two Strands 17.5" - 19" Japanese Akoya 8.2 - 8.9mm Pearl
Category
1970s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
Large Vintage 14k Akoya Pearl
Diamond Brooch Pin Floral Spray Solid White Gold
Located in Greer, SC
, totaled 2.05 carats, average Color Grade H-I, average Clarity Grade VS2-SI1.
Pearls are Akoya, cultured
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
8.5mm Akoya Pearls in Large Flower Earrings of 18K Gold
Platinum with Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
, so we replaced them with gorgeous, high-octane 8.5mm Akoya saltwater cultured pearls from our pearl
Category
Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18...
4.5ct Diamond
Akoya Pearl "Mad Heart" Pendant in Platinum on 14K Omega Chain
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Akoya (Japanese saltwater cultured) pearls; they look great, AND they eliminate the possibility of
Category
Late 20th Century North American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gol...
Mings Large Akoya Pearl and Angelskin Coral Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Total Weight: 14.7 Grams
Ring Size: 7 (resizable)
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Ring Measurements: 1.25" X 1"
Condition...
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.62 Carats of Diamonds and Akoya Pearl Estate Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Southport, CT
Length: 3/4"
Width: 1/2"
Set in 14 Karat White Gold
Overall Weight: 6 grams
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Very Fine and Very Rare Akoya 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Diamond Clasps
By Mikimoto
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This four-strand Mikimoto Akoya pearl necklace is a masterpiece of elegance and luxury. The layout
Category
1990s Asian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Baroque Akoya Brooch
Located in Austin, TX
A textured 14k yellow gold branch adorned with natural blue baroque Akoya pearls on a 1 inch pin
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
$1,500
Akoya Japanese White Pearl 14 Karat and Opal Convertible Clasp Necklace
Located in Berkeley, CA
saltwater Akoya pearls. The clasp is 14 Karat gold with opals forming a flower design that can be worn
Category
1970s American Romantic Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Earrings. 14k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Dangle Earrings. Unpierced Clip on
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
.
Pearls have amazing luster. Dangle Design with double akoya pearls
Condition: Shows little to no signs
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany
Co. Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Domed Heart Brooch
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Authentic Tiffany + Co, Ruby, diamond and Akoya pearls set in 18k yellow gold, Italian made
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold and Akoya 5mm Pearl Grape Cluster Pin/Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
This large grapevine pendant is made with hand carved 14k yellow gold leafs and 24 5mm Akoya pearls
Category
1980s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Earrings. 14k Gold Mikimoto Pearl HALO cluster Clip Ons. Unpierced
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Designer earrings. World Renowned MIKIMOTO pearls. A cluster of Akoya pearls designed for
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Brooch 18k Yellow Gold Leaf Akoya 6.5 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a vintage Mikimoto brooch in 18K yellow gold, designed with Akoya pearls in a beautiful
Category
1990s Japanese Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,872 Sale Price
20% Off
Impossibly Rare Akoya “Twin Pearl” Necklace, 16" 18k Gold 1950s
Located in Northampton, MA
An extraordinary offering for the serious pearl collector or Akoya connoisseur: this midcentury
Category
1950s Japanese Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold
Platinum Diamond Lock on Japanese Akoya Degradé Pearl Necklace 5.6 mm -9 mm
Located in Antwerp, BE
Platinum Diamond Lock on Japanese Akoya Degradé Pearl Necklace
Pearls: 74 Akoya Pearls from 5.6
Category
20th Century French Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Flower Pearl Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.16 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Flower Brooch Pin Sterling Silver 6.16 mm M415
This
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$392 Sale Price
20% Off
Akoya Cream Pearl Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This classic Akoya cream pearl necklace measures 18 inches in length and exudes timeless elegance
Category
1990s American Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl
Diamond Akoya
Black Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18K Gold with Enhancer
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Akoya & Black Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18K Gold with Enhancer
This gorgeous vintage
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 14k Yellow Gold Triple Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage ring from Mikimoto features three lustrous 6.5mm Akoya pearls set in rich 14k
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Solitaire Pearl ring. Mikimoto Pearl
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Mikimoto Packaging with Paperwork
Details:
Size 5.5
2.2grams total
7.5mm akoya pearl
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mings Pearl Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 12.6 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Estate Genuine Japanese Akoya Graduated Pearl Necklace with Pink Tourmaline Clas
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful estate necklace features genuine Japanese Akoya pearls ranging from 5mm to 9mm in
Category
1950s American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Mings Pearl Leaf Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 10.5 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mings Bluish Purple Pearl Branch Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 8.3 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage “Lucien Piccard” Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet with Garnet Hearts
By Lucien Piccard
Located in New York, NY
luminous 4–4.5mm Akoya pearls are joined by five sections of garnet-framed hearts in 14KT yellow gold
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Garnet, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Pearl Clip on Earrings
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Flower shape akoya pearl clip on earrings, unmarked tested 14k yellow gold.
Light and airy pearl
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,290 / set
Vintage 16” White 6.7mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand AAA Quality
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This Vintage 16” White 6.7mm Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand AAA Quality necklace is a stunning piece
Category
20th Century Japanese Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Mings Pearl Branch 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
Mings Pearl Leaf Clip on Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 7.2 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Backs: Clip-ons
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mings Hawaii Pearl Branch 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
Mings Hawaii Pearl Branch 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
14k Yellow Gold Pearl Tennis Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications:
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Pearl Count: 7 akoya pearls
Pearl Width: 5.5
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Floral Brooch with Pearl Center
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18K Yellow Gold Textured Floral Brooch with Akoya Pearl. This exquisite brooch is finely crafted in
Category
1970s Unknown Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Pearl and Leaf Clip on Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 7.8 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Backs: Clip-ons
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Interconnected Double Pearl Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
)
Gemstone Specifications:
Gemstone: 2 Akoya Pearls
Pearl Diameter: 6.7 mm
Condition: Preowned, Excellent
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
JKa Kohle
Co 18k White Gold Pendant w/ Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Montreal, QC
JKa Kohle & Co 18k white gold pendant w/ 14mm pearls and diamonds. With 14mm Akoya pearls and 15
Category
1970s German Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mings Bamboo Jade Earrings Wrapped with Pearls and Leaves 14K Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Jade: White Jade
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned, Excellent
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings 3 Pearl and Leaf Clip on Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
"
Total Weight: 6.5 Grams
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Backs: Clip-ons
Condition: Preowned, good
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mings Bird on a Plum 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 Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Cluster with Vines and Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Akoya pearls range from 5.5mm to 6.5mm
2.3grams total
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mings Jade and Pearls Leaf Branch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade & akoya pearl
Brooch Measurements: 1.75" x 1"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Earrings Handmade Midcentury
Located in Northampton, MA
cultured Akoya pearls encircling a coronet-set 5.9mm Akoya pearl. Surrounding each of the focal-point
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 15k Gold
$1,820 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 14k White Gold Earrings Diamond
10mm Pearl
Located in Montreal, QC
14k white gold earring set with 9 1/2-10mm Akoya pearl and 3 diamonds of .10ct each, clarity VVS-VS
Category
20th Century Canadian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Double flower bypass ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
rare.
Details:
Size 6
Akoya pearl 4.5mm
2mm Diamond
4.1grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Coral Double Post bypass ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
rare.
Details:
Size 5
Akoya pearl 7mm
Coral 5mm
4.4grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mings Pearl Flower and Gold Leaf Earrings in 14 Karat 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
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Cluster. Vines Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Akoya pearls range from 4 to 6mm
1.5mm diamond
2.2grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mings Round Jade Leaf and Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade and akoya pearls
Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Oval Jade Leaf and Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade and akoya pearls
Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.10"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl
Diamond Bypass Ring Midcentury French GIA Certified
Located in Northampton, MA
This exceedingly well-made cultured Akoya pearl bypass ring was created from gleaming 18K white
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$2,920 Sale Price
20% Off
Mings Pale Oval Jade and Pearls Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade & akoya pearl
Brooch Measurements: 1.9" x 1.25"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow 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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