Vintage Akoya Pearls
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Vintage Estate Carrera Y Carrera 18K Gold Diamond Holding Hands Pearl Necklace
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate Carrera Y Carrera 18K Gold Diamond Holding Hands Pearl Necklace. This
Category
1970s Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Multi Strand Pearl Diamond Bracelet w Exquisite Diamond White Gold Clasp
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
lustrous matching hand-knotted AAA creamy white round 8 mm+ Akoya pearls creating this beautiful formal
Category
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Star Ruby Sapphire Pearl Diamond Tutti Frutti 1950
s Clip Post Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
accents. The pearls are undyed cultured Akoya pearls. The diamonds and colored gems are natural and
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2-Strand Akoya Baroque Japanese Pearl 14K White Gold Vintage Necklace
Located in New York, NY
GIA 2-Strand Saltwater Akoya Baroque Japanese Pearl 14K White Gold Vintage Necklace.
Discover the
Category
1950s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Impressive Diamond
Pearl Bracelet Set in Platinum Retailed by David R. Balogh
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
stem four strands of cultured akoya pearls with platinum and diamond separators between each. The piece
Category
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1950s Pearl Drop Diamond 14k White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Earrings were made in the 1950s. Akoya pearls approximately 8.5mm each are mounted on top and bottom in
Category
1950s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,500 / set
Citrine, Diamond
Pearl Convertible Necklace Bracelet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
three ways. The suite comprises a four strand necklace of individually knotted akoya pearls with a
Category
Mid-20th Century American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,700 / set
18k Gold Bombe Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings Imported to France
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic pair of 18k gold, Akoya pearl and diamond earrings was crafted, presumably in Italy
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Air Hot Balloon Diamond
Pearl 14k Pendant
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
chain. Set at the bottom is one (1) cultured Akoya pearl measuring 8.0 mm, with white body color, rose
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
1960s Pearl Diamond 14K Cocktail Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
addition to your collection. At the heart of this ring, you'll find a lustrous Akoya pearl, reminiscent of
Category
1960s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Lucien Piccard 1950s Multi Color Gemstone Brooch/Pendant Watch
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in New York, NY
luxurious material. The intricate design features multi-color gemstones, diamonds, and Akoya pearls
Category
1950s American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage GIA 16.50ctw Cat
s-Eye Moonstone Diamond Cultured Pearl 4 Strands 14KWG
Located in New York, NY
Multi-Strand Vintage Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearl Bracelet GIA 16.50ctw Cat's-Eye Moonstone
Category
1950s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Moonstone, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef
Arpels Golden Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 3.46 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef
Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
. However, the growth period is approximately 2-4 years, unlike the akoya pearls, which develop in one to
Category
1970s French Modernist Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,000 Sale Price
20% Off
French 1950s Akoya Cultured Pearl Long Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Long necklace consisting of a row of Akoya cultured pearls of identical size, creamy pearly white
Category
1950s French Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace 18K
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
rigorous selection process, culling the very best quality pearls. This 18” Akoya cultured pearl strand
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Pin Brooch Sterling Silver 7.47 Gr 5.50 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Estate sterling silver brooch has 13 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls ranging in size from 4.48 - 5.50 mm
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
$239 Sale Price
20% Off
Akoya Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Japanese Akoya cultured pearl 16.5 Inch necklace. 8-8.25 millimeter white pearls with rose
Category
Late 20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Pin Brooch Sterling Silver 3.14 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Estate sterling silver brooch has 3 Saltwater Akoya Cultured Pearls ranging in size from 3.98-4.55 mm
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$199 Sale Price
20% Off
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Brooch Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Brooch Pin
Metal: 18k yellow gold
Weight: 5.19
Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Akoya Cultured Pearls Necklace in 950 Platinum
Located in Lucerne, CH
Akoya cultured pearls with superb luster, ranging in diameter from 2.6 to 4.3 mm.
Length: approximately
Category
20th Century Swiss Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
$14,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 14K Gold Diamond Akoya Seed Pearl Earrings Circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
cut eye-clean diamonds adorned with 48 Akoya 2.6-2.8 mm seed pearls with pink luster in an open flower
Category
1950s American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Platinum Akoya and Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, 1970s - 180s
Located in Braintree, GB
:
Quantity: 12 pearls (alternating white and black)
Types: cultured Akoya (white) and Tahitian (black) pearls
Category
1970s European Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Closure #19461
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Closure JAGi Certified-
This elegant necklace
Category
20th Century Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
MCM 18k White Gold Akoya and Tahitian Long Pearl Necklace
By MCM
Located in Lexington, KY
chain combined with Akoya and Tahitian pearls. The Akoya and Tahitian pearls are black and white in
Category
Mid-20th Century Byzantine Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Necklace of Cultured Pearls, Extra Quality
Akoya Japan
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful necklace of cultured pearls, extra quality (Akoya Japan) and amethysts.
11 mm diameter
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Gold
Necklace of Cultured Pearls, Extra Quality
Akoya Japan
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful necklace of cultured pearls, extra quality (Akoya Japan) and amethysts.
11 mm diameter
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Gold
Necklace of Cultured Pearls, Extra Quality
Akoya Japan
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful necklace of cultured pearls, extra quality (Akoya Japan) and amethysts.
Measure: 11 mm
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace 5.5 - 6mm with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp #22368
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp JAGi Certified-
Elegant and timeless
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s 14k White Gold Pearl and Diamond Bracelet Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, Akoya pearl and diamonds. There are 95 pearls of white color with rich beautiful luster, around 6-mm in
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Classic Long 26 3/4" Diamond Convertible 7mm Akoya Cultured Pearl 14KWG Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Classic Long 26 3/4" Convertible to 16" Fine Akoya 7-7.4mm Cultured Strand Japanese PEARL 0.50ctw
Category
1990s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl and Sterling Silver Brooch or Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl and sterling silver brooch or pin.
With
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Tiffany
Co. Akoya Cultured Pearl Signature X Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co
Classic Signature X Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace in 18 KT Yellow Gold.
The
Category
1990s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Tree of Life Brooch Pin
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 14 Karat Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl Tree of Life Brooch Pin
Metal: 14k yellow gold
Category
1990s Japanese Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with Japanese coral and akoya pearls
By Artistian Made
Located in Abano Terme, IT
, adornato da perle akoya e diamanti tagliati a brillante. Questa combinazione rende l'anello un pezzo unico
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Coral, Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt. white gold earrings with Akoya pearls
Located in Abano Terme, IT
Orecchini vintage unici in oro bianco 18 kt. con una perla Akoya (giapponese) centrale. La
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage necklace with Japanese akoya pearls and 18 kt white gold clasp.
By Artistian Made
Located in Abano Terme, IT
Questa collana ha un incantevole filo di perle giapponesi akoya con un diametro di mm 8,5/9 che
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
.
SPECIFICATIONS:
PEARLS: 4 Akoya creamy white pearls approximately 6.5 mm each.
DIAMONDS: 42 diamonds total
Category
1950s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,100 / set
18K Yellow Gold Pearl
Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
luminous pearls and delicate diamonds. The strand is composed of 38 Akoya white pearls, each measuring 4mm
Category
1980s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Turquoise Cultured Pearl Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful 1950's handmade natural turquoise nugget bracelet with akoya cultured pearls. 5 semi
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured Pearl Strand with Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Clasp on 35 inches of Pearls. These Akoya Cultured Pearls are 35 inches long.
Category
1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage Antique Mikimoto Pearl Graduated Necklace with Original Box
By Mikimoto
Located in beverly hills, CA
. The necklace features a single strand of Japanese Akoya cultured pearls, numbering 98 and ranging from
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Double Strand Pearl Necklace with Yellow Gold Turquoise Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite piece features two strands of lustrous white pearls. The necklace is accentuated by
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
3 Row Pearl Silver on Gold
Rose Cut Diamonds Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
3 Row Pearls Silver on Gold & Rose Cut Diamonds Bracelet
Pearls : Akoya, 6.2 mm
Diameter Diamond
Category
20th Century European Artisan Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Elegant, Classic Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This gracious pair of 14k white gold, Akoya cultured pearl and diamond earrings was created by a
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Tiffany
Co. Platinum Diamond And Pearl Collar Bib Necklace
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in New York, NY
Akoya cultured pearls, each possessing superb luster, ranging in diameter from 2.6 to 4.3 mm. These
Category
20th Century French Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Platinum
Diamond Vintage Earrings Pendant Style with Fine Diamonds
Pearls
Located in Aspen, CO
included (VS1). The estimated diamond weight is 1.75 cts. The Akoya drop pearls measures approximately 9.8
Category
1950s Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
14k Gold Jade Pearl Garnet Fruit Fly Small Tie Pin
Located in Guaynabo, PR
), an akoya culture pearl of 4.5mm (head ) and two garnets ( eyes ) mounted in 14K yellow gold fruit fly
Category
20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
J KÖHLE(JKA)Pforzheim 18kt Gold Clasp Pearl Necklace with matching 18k earrings.
Located in Mumbai, IN
genuine sea/saltwater akoya Japanese pearls necklace.
Clasp marked with purity and companys mark
With
Category
1970s German Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Pair of 18 K yellow Gold Vintage french Earclips cultured Pearl Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
fine Akoya cultured pearls (0.95 cm) and Diamond with an approximate total weight of 3.00 ct, G color
Category
1980s French Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
25 Carat Oval-Cut Citrine, Pearl and Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds and 22 "Akoya" South Sea Pearls, and set in 20.9 grams of 14K Yellow Gold.
Details:
✔ Stone
Category
20th Century Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold...
Bulgari Ruby Sapphire and Pearl Flexible Gold Cuff Bracelet Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Austin, TX
diamond.
The bracelet consists of 14 Akoya cultured pearls, 8 natural blue sapphire cabochons, 8 natural
Category
1980s Italian Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Large Pearl and Jade Leaf Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications:
Designer: Ming's
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Pearls: Akoya
Jade: green
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Period, 18 Karat White Gold, Pearl, and Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
handcrafted from 18 karat white gold and has been set with single cut diamonds and a central cultured Akoya
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Diamond Pearl 18 Karat Green Gold Equestrian Dangle Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
, graded G-H color and VS1-VS2 clarity. Capped with 6 dangling round salt water Akoya Japanese pearls
Category
1990s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Dramatic 52 Inches 3 Strand Cultured Pearl, Colored Stone
Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very out of the ordinary and stylish 52 inch long, three strand Japanese Akoya salt water
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Chrysophrase, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Elegant 18K Gold Vintage Portrait Pendant/Brooch w/Blue Enamel
Pearl Frame
Located in Palm Beach, FL
edged in a single line of 3.25mm Japanese Akoya cultured pearls. The effect is very aesthetic. For wear
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Elegant 18 K Yellow Gold Vintage 1970 Pearl Diamonds Earclips for unpierced ears
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
featuring 2 Akoya cultured pearls measuring ca. 9.5 mm and the petals set with brilliant cut Diaomds
Category
1970s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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, 2022To determine whether a pearl necklace is modern or vintage, first look for signs of wear, such as blunted edges on the prongs. The pearls will likely have dull spots where they came into contact with skin. The clasp can clue you in, too. Lobster clasps appeared in the 1970s, while early 20th century clasps were generally safety-pin style or C-clasps. Modern necklaces typically have a spring-loaded clasp. Shop a selection of vintage pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vintage Mikimoto pearls are set with cream or white pearls. Colored pearls are a modern addition. All Mikimoto pearl jewelry includes marks on the back or inside of the piece that is either the Mikimoto name, an “M” logo or the outline of an oyster. In addition, strands of pearls will have a dangling “M” charm. Mikimoto stores and authorized retailers will also appraise and issue a certificate of valuation for any Mikimoto piece. Find a variety of expertly vetted Mikimoto pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
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