Vintage Freshwater Pearls
1990s American Artisan Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Indian Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
1990s American Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Victorian Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Artisan Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Garnet, Peridot, To...
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
1970s Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl
20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold
1970s Greek Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Amethyst, Citrine, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s French Vintage Freshwater Pearls
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
20th Century Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Amethyst, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Coral, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Black Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Jade, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Japanese Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl
1980s Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Mid-20th Century American Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Pearl, White Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Amethyst, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Yellow Gold
1940s Retro Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Jade, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Freshwater Pearls
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Aquamarine, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century European Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Gold Plate
1990s British Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Natural Pearl, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Baroque Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Sterling Silver
1950s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
20th Century Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Jade, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Retro Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
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Vintage Freshwater Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Freshwater Pearls?
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.
- Are there freshwater pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Yes, there are freshwater pearls. Certain species of pearl-producing mollusks do live in bodies of freshwater. Among them are Hyriopsis cumingi and Hyriopsis schlegeli. Most freshwater pearls come from the United States and Japan. Shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are freshwater pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, freshwater pearls are real. They come from mussels that are naturally found in lakes and rivers. However, it is rare to find naturally occurring pearls of any kind. As a result, most of the freshwater pearls used in jewelry are cultured. The term refers to pearls created by freshwater-dwelling mussels with the assistance of human intervention. Pearls produced with this process are real, but they are not natural. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of pearl jewelry.
- Are mabé pearls freshwater?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, mabé pearls are freshwater pearls, but they can be grown in saltwater. This makes them more budget-friendly than other pearls because they’re more readily available and grow in clusters. Find a large collection of mabé pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023The rarest color of freshwater pearls is arguably lavender. Pearls that feature the color naturally are much less common than ones that are white, silver, cream or rose. Pink and peach freshwater pearls are also less likely to occur naturally. Explore a wide range of freshwater pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Round freshwater pearls look very similar to Akoya pearls but are less expensive. A necklace can range from $50 to $2000.
- 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.








