Vintage Akoya Pearls
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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 Hawaii Jade and Pearl Leaf Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Gemstones: Akoya Pearl and Jade
Brooch Measurements: 2.80" x 1.4"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Oval Jade Droplets Leaf and Pearl Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade and akoya pearls
Brooch Measurements: 2.25" x 1.50"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 14k Gold Mikimoto BOW Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
.
Pendant is 14k Mikimoto Hallmarked appropriately.
Details:
15in length chain
7mm akoya pearl
3.1grams
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Cluster with Vines and Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Original Mikimoto Box.
Details:
Size 6.5
Akoya pearls range from 3 to 5mm
2.2grams total
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mings Hawaii Round Jade Pearl Leaf Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: green
Cut: round
Second Gemstone: Akoya Pearl
Chain Length: 20"
Stamped: "14KT" "Mings"
Total
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Ruby Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Pendant.
Pendant is 18k Mikimoto Hallmarked appropriately.
Details:
15in length chain
6.5mm akoya pearl
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearls, Sapphires, Hydro Amethyst, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold, Dangle Earrings
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Vintage dangle earrings in 14k rose gold structure, mounted with two Akoya pearls in the upper part
Category
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mings Hawaii Double Jade and Pearl Ring in 14Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Stone: Akoya Pearl and Jade
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Ring
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. 18k Gold Mikimoto Triangle Pyramid graduated Pearl Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
to 5mm akoya pearls
3.6grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Mottled Greenish Grey Jade Pearl Leaf Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Stone: Mottled Greenish Grey Jade
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Brooch Measurements: ~2.2" x 2.2"
Stamped
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Pearl Leaf Branch Brooch Solid 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Ming's Hawaii
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Total Weight: 9.5 Grams
Brooch Measurements
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Oval Cabochon White Jade Pearl Leaf Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Stone: Akoya Pearl and Jade
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Total
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
pendant
7mm akoya pearl
2mm diamond
2.6grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. 14k Gold Mikimoto Lavaliere Lavalier Dangle Pearl Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
to 7.5mm akoya pearls
20mm by 37mm Lavaliere pendant
4.2grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mikimoto Pearl Necklace wreath
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
chain
16mm Round Wreath pendant
7mm High Quality akoya pearl
4.4grams total
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum, Diamonds, Emeralds,
Pearls Double Strand Necklace
Located in Boone, NC
carats. This exquisite necklace feature two strands of luminous Akoya Pearls, known for their round shape
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
Mings Hawaii Carved Nephrite Jade
Pearl Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold with Chain
Located in Honolulu, HI
Color: Light blue
Cut: Carved
Jade Measurements: 1.00" x 0.75"
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Chain Length
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Center and Diamond Petal Flower Earrings in 18K Satin Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: 12.8 Grams
Pearl Type: white akoya
Pearl Diameter: 7 mm
Total Diamond Count: 40 diamonds
Diamond
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Earrings. 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Dangle Earrings. Unpierced Clip on
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
:
hallmark M for Mikimoto
18k Yellow Gold
7mm Akoya Pearl
3.2grams total weight
27mm drop
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
)
Gemstone Specifications:
Center Gemstone: Akoya Pearl
Pearl Diameter: 5.6 mm
Diamond Count: 2 round
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA Certified Pearl Necklace with Diamonds
Located in Addison, TX
7.69mm. The clasp is 14 karat yellow gold with one natural pearl (Pinctada Fucata, akoya pearl oyster
Category
1930s Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Mings White Jade and Pearl Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade and akoya pearls
Brooch Measurements: 2.3" x 1.30"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Pearl Diamond Platinum Choker Collar Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco Akoya Pearl diamond platinum choker collar necklace, circa 1930s.
The Art Deco Akoya
Category
1930s Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mings Hawaii Pearl Leaf Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Gemstones: Akoya Pearls
Total Weight
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Cabochon Pear Shaped Jade and Pearl Leaf Branch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Gemstones: Akoya Pearl and Jade
Jade Measurement: 24 mm x 9 mm
Pearl Measurement: ~4.0 mm - 4.8 mm
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Cluster. Vines Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Designer ring. World Renowned MIKIMOTO pearl ring. Akoya pearl bypass ring. Pearls have
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mings Gold Carved Phoenix Clip on Earrings with Dangly Pearl in 14k
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Akoya Pearls
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
100% Authentic. Please ask all questions
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mings Hawaii Jade and Pearl Leaf Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Gemstones: Akoya Pearls and green jade
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Hawaii Pearl and Leaf Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold with Chain
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Pearls: Akoya Pearls
Total Weight: 8.5
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Cultured Pearl Natural Jade Multi-Row Gold Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
, a true masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. The multi-row Japanese Akoya pearl bracelet has 4
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mikimoto Pearl and Blue Sapphire Leaf Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
white Akoya pearls down the center stem, graduating in size from 6.7 mm to 3.9 mm. The pearls have a
Category
Late 20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
Mings Light Jade Leaf and Pearl Branch Brooch in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade and akoya pearls
Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.30"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Enamel Gold Charm Pearl Bracelet with Diamond Accent
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Whimsical in nature, this triple strand bracelet is an eclectic mix of classic AAA Akoya Pearls
Category
1960s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
$1,875 Sale Price
25% Off
GRS Cert. 18 kt. Yellow gold Pearl Necklace w. Diamonds
Heart Shaped Red Ruby
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18 kt. Yellow gold Pearl Necklace with Diamonds & Heart Shaped Red Ruby
Pearls: 38 Akoya
Category
20th Century European Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured Pearl Coral and Gold Dangle Earrings, Pair
Located in New York, NY
yellow gold setting, circa mid-20th century. Pearls may be Akoya pearls because of their beautiful high
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Coral, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,320 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Eternity Strand Lustrous White Pearl Necklace
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Pearls are eternal and this desirable 30 inch strand of lustrous cultured white round AA+ Akoya
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Pen with Pearl
By Montblanc
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
with a white, round Akoya pearl.
MONTBLANC - Muses Line - GRETA GARBO Special Edition - Fountain Pen
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Resin
1970s Three -Strand Pearl Diamond 18K Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant Estate 1980s Natural Diamond and three Strand Akoya pearl Choker Necklace with solid 18K
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl
Tiffany and Co Paloma Picasso Pearl Necklace Choker 18k Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany
Co.
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
necklace is set with genuine cultured Akoya Pearls and crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Forty-four 8.25mm
Category
Late 20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Carved Green Jadeite Jade, Diamond and Pearl Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
totaling ~0.20 carat, G-I in color and VS-SI2 in clarity. The pendant features 11 white Akoya pearls with
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 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
Bvlgari Diamond Pearl 18K Gold Bulgari Circle Drop Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
upscale fine Japanese Akoya pearl encrusted throughout the design. They are round cut, pave set of
Category
1990s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mings Guanyin Pale Green Jade Carved Brooch Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
: Jade and akoya pearls
Brooch Measurements: 2" x 1.30"
Stamped: "Mings" "14K"
Condition: Preowned
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Tie Bar Sterling Silver 6.35 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Bar Sterling Silver 6.35 mm M386
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$143 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 14K Gold Floral Burst w Blue Sapphire Pearl Multi Strand Bracelet
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
sophisticated casual looks. Four congruent strands of one hundred plus 5-1/2 mm fine AAA Akoya pearls create the
Category
1950s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14K YG Pearl Chokers
Located in Palm Desert, CA
two strands of lustrous Akoya pearls in a soft cream color, totaling 234 pearls. Each pearl is
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$5,400
Mikimoto Estate Akoya + Mother of Pearl Cufflinks 5.2 mm Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya + Mother of Pearl Cufflinks 5.2 mm Sterling Silver M381
TRUSTED SELLER SINCE
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$232 Sale Price
20% Off
Cat Brooch Pin Diamond Ruby Pearl 14K Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
cultured Akoya pearl of a great luster and skin.
The brooch measures 2-1/8" x 3/4".
Perfectly working
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Pearl Strand with 14 Karat Gold Vintage Floral Burst Enhancer
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
and yellow gold to this necklace. Includes a new 16 inch pearl necklace of round AA 5mm round Akoya
Category
1970s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto Sixties Mod Pearl-Set Gold Brooch
By Mikimoto
Located in Litchfield, CT
pop art brooch is set with perfectly matched Akoya pearls, varying in size for a chic, dimensional
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3-Row Pearl Yellow Gold
Diamond Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
diamonds lend a glimmer to the lustrous round Akoya pearls. Having a creamy rosé overtone along with a
Category
1970s Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade Necklace with Pearl
Imperial Jade Clasp Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
white gold 1950's-1960s clasp featuring six 5.9mm pristine cultured Akoya pearls together with four 5mm
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold
$3,500 Sale Price
20% Off
Brooch with Diamonds
Pearls in 18 Karat Gold by Gübelin
By Gubelin
Located in Lucerne, CH
luminous Akoya pearls, each measuring 3.1-3.3 mm, adding a touch of opulence. Evoking the grandeur of
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Artist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Diamond, Pearl and Emerald Multi Strand 14 Karat Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
gemstones and bold design. Four strands of cultured Akoya pearls accented with natural emeralds fill the
Category
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef
Arpels 1980
s Pearl Multi-Gem 18K Gold Convertible Bracelet Set
By Van Cleef
Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
necklace
Featuring 9.5 to 10.0 mm round Akoya pearl beads - cream body color with strong iridescence
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 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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