Vintage Akoya Pearls
to
270
909
115
1,076
674
338
263
80
78
60
57
18
347
35
14
13
8
Sort By
Mikimoto Infinity Knot Two Row Akoya Pearl Gold Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
perfect example of the company's jewelry-making prowess. The bracelet is a two row Akoya pearl bracelet
Category
Late 20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Akoya Pearl Diamond
Yellow Gold Strand Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and timeless pearl strand necklace created by Cartier. Features 48 white round Akoya pearls
Category
1970s French Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Brooch 6.20 mm Sterling Silver Estate
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Brooch 6.20 mm Sterling Silver Estate M458
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Akoya Pearl and Diamond Bypass Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Intriguing pearl and diamond bypass ring crafted in platinum showcasing two 8.5mm Akoya pearls
Category
1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold Broach with Akoya Pearls and Jadeite
Located in Towson, MD
14 karat yellow gold (stamped 14K) broach with 18 4 - 4.5 mm cultured akoya pearls, and 7 7.5 x 5.7
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Cultured Graduated Akoya Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
9k White Gold Vintage Cultured Akoya Graduated Pearl Diamond Necklace by Mikimoto.
With 36 Total
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 9k Gold
Tiffany
Co. Sterling Silver and Three Strand Akoya Pearl Bracelet
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
This Tiffany & Co. bracelet features 3 strands of 5mm Akoya pearls with a sterling silver clasp
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Two Strand Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace
Located in Derby, NY
Elevate your collection with this Vintage Two Strand Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, featuring
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Authentic Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7" Silver Clasp 6 mm M304
Please look at the video
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Sterling Silver Cufflinks 12.4 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Sterling Silver Cufflinks 7.25 mm 12.4 Grams M208
This pair of elegant
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip On Earrings Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip On Earrings Sterling Silver 4.5 mm M184
These elegant Authentic
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
18 Karat White Gold Earrings with Akoya Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Crema, Cremona
18K White Gold Earrings with Akoya Pearls and Diamonds
- Pearls, white color, excellent luster
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Akoya Pearl and Diamond Earrings, 14 Karat Gold Milgrain Ribbon Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
pair of dangles feature a gorgeous ribbon design adorned with Akoya pearls, sparkling diamonds, and
Category
20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip On Earrings Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Clip On Earrings Sterling Silver 6.15 mm M170
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Akoya Pearl and Baguette Diamond Stud Earrings, Ca 1950
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely pair of mid century Akoya pearl stud earrings with diamonds. The diamonds are baguette
Category
1950s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage old golden diamond ring with two Akoya pearls
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vintage 0.520 yellow gold ring with two diamonds and two pearls, white cultured saltwater Akoya
Category
1970s German Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17.5" 18k W Gold 8.5 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace 17.5" 18k W Gold 8.5 mm
Certified $9,750 216996
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7.5" Silver 7 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7.5" Silver 6.5 - 7 mm M336
Please look at the
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Flower Brooch Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Flower Brooch Sterling Silver 6.2 mm M269
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Fancy Cut Diamond Akoya Pearl Platinum Geometric Clip on Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Indulge in the uniqueness of these vintage Akoya Pearl and
Diamond Earrings with Omega Backings
Category
1980s American Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17" 18k Y Gold 8.5 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17" 18k Y Gold 8.5 mm
Certified $10,750 311591
Estate
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17" 18k Y Gold 8 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Esate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17" 18k Y Gold 8 mm
Certified $11,450 311934
Estate Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Triple Strand Cultured Akoya Pearl Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Triple Strand Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto.
With 157 Total Cultured
Category
20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany
Co. Akoya Pearl Necklace 36.5" 9mm Vintage 1989 All Documentation Mint
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Northampton, MA
This Tiffany & Co. Akoya Pearl Necklace is a scarce treasure with complete original documentation
Category
1980s American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Bracelet, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Double Strand
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Mikimoto
Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped
Stone Information:
Akoya Pearls
Category
20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7.25 Silver 6.5 - 7 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Bracelet 7.25 Silver 6.5 - 7 mm M355
Please look at the
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
1980s Bulgari Akoya Pearl Gold Necklace and Earrings Set
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
of 1980's. Made of 18k yellow gold and features beautiful Akoya pearls. The pearls have lovely white
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace Set 24" 18k W Gold 7 mm Certified
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace Set 24" 18k W Gold 7 mm Certified $4,950 217056
Estate
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
Victorian Corletto Akoya Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Addison, TX
Circa Victorian revival era Corletto, Italy 18K Yellow Gold Akoya Pearls bracelet features a
Category
1950s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Akoya Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a gorgeous Mid-Century ring set in 14K Yellow Gold Ring showcasing a beautiful Akoya Pearl
Category
1950s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY
CO. Diamond Akoya Pearl Platinum Necklace
Bracelet
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in New York, NY
necklace. Tiffany is known for using only finest quality Japanese Akoya pearls and these 8.0mm - 9.0mm
Category
1980s French Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl
Estate 18KT Yellow Gold Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamond Stations
Located in New York, NY
–8.5mm Akoya pearls, softly glowing with natural luster. Four diamond-encrusted 18KT yellow gold stations
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Funky 1960s Retro Akoya Pearl and Sapphire Bracelet in Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
, round cultured akoya pearl of 7 mm in diameter. Each pearl is surrounded by five round cut sapphires
Category
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold
Carnelian Intaglio and Akoya pearls Dangle Clip-on Earrings Ca 1980
Located in Miami, FL
akoya pearls with diamonds. The pearls are well matched with good luster and measure 7 millimiter in
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Carnelian, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vinatge Akoya Pearl Diamond 22K Gold Rope Flower Bouquet Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
cumulatively appx. 2.40 carats, graded as F-G color and VS clarity.
(14) Lustrous Akoya Pearls with Pink
Category
1960s American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold
Antique Akoya Pearls and Aquamarine Bangle, Blue Enamel and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Akoya pearls & aquamarine bangle, with a blue enamel clasp decorated with diamonds.
Made in
Category
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Carved Burmese Blue Sapphire 17.10 Carat Akoya Pearl Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in Bangkok, TH
. Surrounding by Round Cut Diamond 75 pieces 0.84 Carat. Also the pearl strand is Akoya Pearl from Japan total
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tuxedo Cufflinks Set Silver 10.364g
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tuxedo Cufflinks Set Sterling Silver 5.5 mm 10.364g M222
Please look
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver 6 mm 5.4 Grams
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Earrings Sterling Silver 6 mm 5.4 Grams M226
Please look at the video
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Akoya Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Grapes Leaves Foliate Vintage 1970s Brooch Pin
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Akoya pearls with good luster, varying from 4.5mm to 7.0mm in diameter. The pearls are clustered on 14k
Category
1970s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Necklace Three Strand by Tasaki Midcentury Magnificence
By TASAKI
Located in Northampton, MA
, impeccably matched, and highly lustrous cultured Akoya pearls that almost imperceptibly graduate in size from
Category
1960s Japanese Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto 1980
s Akoya Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a strand of cultured Akoya pearls ranging from 6.0 to 6.5 mm in size
White in body
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cluster Pearl Ring with Sapphires, 14K Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This ring is a very unique one-of-a-kind! A classic cluster of three Akoya cultured pearls and
Category
1990s American Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chandelier Earrings with Diamonds and Akoya Pearls in 18k White Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
On top round, white Akoya pearls surrounded by 12 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Followed up by two little
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Clip 45 mm 14k Y Gold 7.70 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Tie Clip 45 mm 14k Y Gold 7.70 mm M369
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17-18" Silver 4.5-8.3 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Necklace 17-18" Silver 4.5-8.3 mm M360
This elegant Authentic Mikimoto
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Graduated Necklace 20" Silver 7.63-3.50 mm
By Mikimoto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mikimoto Estate Akoya Pearl Graduated Necklace 20" Silver 7.63-3.50 mm M364
This elegant Authentic
Category
1990s Japanese Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Silver
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Olive Branch Pendant Necklace, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information:
Akoya Pearls
Color: White
Diameter Range: 3.7mm - 4.5mm
Pendant: 1 1/4" (31.4mm) tall (from
Category
20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Multi Gem Diamond Akoya Pearl 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
akoya pearls.The pearls are intersected by delicate yellow gold beads and 4 genuine round-faceted
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Emerald, Oriental Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA White Cultured Akoya Pearl Dual Strand Necklace
Platinum Diamond Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
cultured Akoya pearls that are near-round in shape. These beautiful pearls are well matched in size and
Category
1960s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Japanese 1950s Akoya Pearl and Diamond Lever-Back Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Japanese Akoya pearl and diamond earrings circa 1950-1960, in 18K white gold, made in the
Category
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Horseshoe Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage 18K White Gold Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Horseshoe Pendant Necklace. This beautiful
Category
1960s Retro Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany
Co. Akoya Pearl
Diamond Earrings Yellow Gold, 18 Karat Pierced Studs
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
.
Metal Content: Guaranteed 18k Gold as stamped
Stone Information:
Akoya Pearls
Natural Diamonds
Category
20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Denise Roberge Multistrand Akoya Pearl Necklace W/ 22k Gold Diamond Ends
Clasp
By Denise Roberge
Located in Montclair, NJ
statement! Enjoy :)
--Stone(s):--
Numerous Genuine Cultured Akoya Pearls - Round Shape - Strung - Creamy
Category
1990s Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Ring Yellow Gold, 14 Karat Designer 8mm Women
s Solitaire
By Mikimoto
Located in Greensboro, NC
14k Gold as stamped
Stone Information:
Akoya Pearl
Diameter: 8mm
Style: Solitaire
Face Height
Category
20th Century Unknown Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Venetian Revival Coral and Akoya Pearl 18K Gold Fob Charm Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
crown. This Italian charm is heavily set with precious coral and cultured Akoya pearls. The gold surface
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Etruscan Revival Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer Sculptural Biomorphic Abstract Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold with Akoya Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
Agustin Cardenas, Henry Moore and Jean Arp.
Gemstones: Mount in the center with one round white Akoya
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Vintage Akoya Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Akoya Pearls", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
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.
More Ways To Browse
Mikimoto Necklace 20
5 Pearl Mikimoto Necklace
Victorian French Jet Necklace
Vintage Cinnabar Beads
Vintage Hand Painted Bead Necklace
Vintage Lighter Necklace
Wedding Cake Bead Necklace
Ysl Wood Necklace
6 Row Pearl Necklaces
Amanda Pearl
Bactrian Jewelry
Balenciaga Bead Necklace
Blue Lagoon Pearls
Cardinal Necklace
Carved Fetish Necklace
Chanel Necklace 23
Chinese Amber Necklace
Chinese Cinnabar Bead