Vintage Freshwater Pearls
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Pearls and Diamonds Modernist Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful, Elegant and finely detailed Cocktail Cluster Ring, set with 7 freshwater Pearls
Category
20th Century Modernist Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Aquamarine, Chalcedony.
We're a workshop so every
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Aquamarine, Chalcedony.
We're a workshop so every piece is
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Citrine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Agate, Onyx and a Citrine.
We're a workshop so every piece
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Fre...
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Aquamarine, Chalcedony.
We're a workshop so every piece is
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Aquamarine, Chalcedony.
We're a workshop so every piece is
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Aquamarine, Chalcedony.
We're a workshop so every
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Onyx, Aquamarine, Chalcedony.
We're a workshop so every
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Coral Opal Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral, Agate and Enamel.
We're a
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pea...
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Coral Opal Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral, Agate and Enamel.
We're a
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pea...
Carrera Y Carrera 18Kt Yellow Gold Pendant .18CT Diamond
Fresh Water Pear
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
sandblasted finish. Her hair is set with round brilliant diamonds acented with a freshwater pearl. The
Category
1980s European Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Coral Peridot Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has also Freshwater Pearls, Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral and Enamel.
This Bracelet is
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire,...
Art Nouveau White Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Tourmaline Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Blue Sapphires.
This Bracelet has also Freshwater Pearls, Rock Crystal, Agate, Onyx and a Tourmaline
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Fre...
Sapphire and Pearl Necklace 14 Karat White Gold, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
A sapphire and pearl necklace 14 karat white gold, circa 1900.
This sweet and elegant necklace
Category
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany
Co. Estate 18k Yellow Gold
Pearl Drop Necklace
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
same style and dangling below are 9 large oval freshwater pearl.
Specifications:
Large pearls : 9
Category
1980s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Coral Peridot Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Freshwater Pearls, Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral and Enamel.
This Bracelet is available also in
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, ...
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Coral Peridot Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Freshwater Pearls, Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral and Enamel.
This Bracelet is available also in
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, ...
Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Pearl Brooch or Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Three freshwater pearls dangle from bottom of brooch. Can be worn as a pendant or brooch.
1 old mine
Category
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14 Karat Gold Enameled Leaf Diamond and Blue Garnet Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
dainty, this draped chain holds iridescent pink and green enameled leaves with a freshwater pearl drop
Category
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Enamel
Pearl
Diamond Necklet by Ann Middleton Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
sections of six woven strands of freshwater pearls on each side finish the necklet with a yellow gold
Category
Late 20th Century Australian Modern Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Vintage Estate Bamboo Motif Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
freshwater pearl with a pink overtone measuring 9.02 – 9.12 mm.
Interspersed through the ring are three (3
Category
20th Century Retro Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Green Agate Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
also Freshwater Pearls and Agate.
These Earrings are available also with Purple Amethyst Flowers or
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwate...
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Green Agate Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
also Freshwater Pearls and Agate.
These Earrings are available also with Purple Amethyst Flowers or
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwate...
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Green Agate Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
also Freshwater Pearls and Agate.
These Earrings are available also with Purple Amethyst Flowers or
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwate...
Edwardian Platinum and 1.10ct Diamond
Natural Pearl Leaf Motif Earrings C.1910
Located in New York, NY
Material: Platinum, Diamond, Natural Freshwater Pearls
Closure: 18k Yellow Gold Earwire
Weight: 6.99g
Category
20th Century Unknown Edwardian Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold
160.70 Carat Brazilian Aquamarine Pendant on Pearl Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pendant on a multi-strand freshwater pearl necklace finished with a diamond and 18 karat white gold clasp
Category
1980s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
William Ruser 1950 Cocktail Ring 18kt Gold Platinum with Natural Pearl
Diamond
By William Ruser
Located in Miami, FL
Ruser's specialty was baroque, freshwater pearl jewelry. In the 1930’s, Ruser had bought several shoeboxes
Category
1950s American Post-War Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Vintage Buccellati Yellow Diamond Emerald Gold Flower Brooch Pin
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
carved emeralds and freshwater pearls as leaves and stems, all set in prong.
It measures 1.55 Inches X
Category
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Pearl and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
his ring sits fully with its five real and pure freshwater pearls elongating your pretty fingers
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Victorian Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Pegasus and Dragon Pendant, Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18K yellow gold pegasus & dragon pendant necklace with enamel, freshwater pearls, emeralds
Category
1950s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vineyard Valentine Necklace - Ametrine Nuggets, Citrine
Pearls
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
rondelles and additionally, with acknowledgement to the bounty of the sea - stunning lavender freshwater
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Citrine, Gold Plate
1980’s Sorrelli Victorian Inspired Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
antique brass setting is accented with garnet colored crystals and faux freshwater pearl dangles. You
Category
1980s American Victorian Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Brass
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Peridot Citrine Onyx Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
.
This Bracelet has also Freshwater Pearls and Onyx.
This Bracelet is available also in a smaller
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pear...
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Peridot Citrine Onyx Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats Amethyst.
This Bracelet has also Freshwater Pearls and Onyx.
This Bracelet is available also in a
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphir...
Art Nouveau Ruby Blue Sapphire Emerald Peridot Citrine Onyx Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
.
This Bracelet has also Freshwater Pearls and Onyx.
This Bracelet is available also in a smaller
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pear...
Vintage Russian 14K Gold Pearl and Emerald Egg Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
a luminous freshwater pearl, meticulously shaped into a delicate egg form, symbolizing elegance and
Category
20th Century Russian Russian Revival Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Delightful Child or Children of the Week Gold Bracelet
By William Ruser
Located in Miami Beach, FL
freshwater pearls. William Ruser's shop was located on Rodeo Drive. Hollywood starlets loved to wear his
Category
1950s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Sapphire, 14k Gold
3.18Ct Aquamarine, 0.30Ct Diamond
Pearl, 18k White Gold Dress Ring - Vintage
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
six freshwater pearls.
The elevated, tapering ring shoulders blend seamlessly with the plain 18 karat
Category
1960s Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Andrew Clunn 18k Gold Clasp 3 Torsade Necklaces Pearl Tigers Eye Peridot Garnet
By Andrew Clunn
Located in Montclair, NJ
:--
-- Stone(s):--
Numerous Genuine Cultured Freshwater Pearls - Baroque Shape - White Color
Numerous Natural
Category
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Quartz, Tiger s Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Biwa Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
luster and irregular shapes, are freshwater pearls originally cultivated in Japan's Lake Biwa. The
Category
1990s Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Cufflinks in 18 Karat Gold Set With Citrines
Diamonds
By William Ruser
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
between 1947 and 1969. Primarily known for his use of unusual shaped freshwater pearls, Ruser made
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruser Mid-20th Century Black Opal and Gold Cufflinks
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
sculpted children and pearl winged angels, often seated on clouds of freshwater pearls and crowned with
Category
1960s British Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold
Ruser 1960
s Aquamarine Diamond Gold and Platinum Ring
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
freshwater pearls and crowned with halos of tiny seed pearls, as well as less whimsical jewelry. He closed
Category
1960s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1950
s Ruser Diamond Platinum Earrings
By William Ruser
Located in New York, NY
sculpted children and pearl winged angels, often seated on clouds of freshwater pearls and crowned with
Category
1950s American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Retro Pearl 14 Karat Yellow Gold Freshwater Mussel Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a freshwater mussel
Hinged side opens to reveal 3.5 mm baroque pearl - white in color
Category
1940s Retro Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Cultured Pearl Flower Design Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Towson, MD
pearl. The earrings measure 20.40mm in diameter and are complete with Omega backs. The earrings weigh
Category
20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rhonda Faber Green Baroque Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Rhonda Faber Green
Located in Dallas, TX
: VS) with a baroque freshwater cultured pearl set in 18k white gold. Pearls measure apx. 16.00 x
Category
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Rhonda Faber Green Baroque Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Rhonda Faber Green
Located in Dallas, TX
: VS) with a baroque freshwater cultured pearl set in 18k white gold. Pearls measure apx. 16.00 x
Category
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B Pearl Gemstones Collar Necklace Vintage Jewelry
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pearls produced by a saltwater mollusk. It can produce one pearl at a time, while freshwater oysters are
Category
1980s French Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Cultured Pearl Double Necklace
Located in Toronto, ON
10.50 -11.50 mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl double Necklace, 14K white gold Diamond clasp. Two 18
Category
20th Century Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold
Christian Dior 1960s Glass Pearl Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Opulent glass pearl necklace from the iconic fashion house- Dior! Circa 1960s, this necklace is the
Category
1960s French Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Freshwater Pearl
Angela Cummings Pearl Hematite Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Miami, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Angela Cummings Pearl and Hematite Earrings featuring Two 8.2mm Fresh Water
Category
20th Century American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful platinum pearl earrings featuring two 8.4mm fresh water pearls surrounded by 26 round
Category
20th Century American Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Platinum
Natural Pearl Sapphire Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Edwardian Era 18K White Gold ring set with 3 7 X 7 1/2 Natural fresh water Pearls.further set with
Category
20th Century American Edwardian Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Renaissance Micro Pearl Topaz Yellow Gold Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This pendant is made of 9K yellow gold.
This pendant has Micro Pearl and Blue Topaz.
This pendant
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Topaz, 9k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine
Cultured Pearl Brooch/Pendant #21715
Located in Washington Depot, CT
by 28 freshwater cultured pearls. Designed a s a convertible brooch/enhancer pendant, it offers both
Category
20th Century Contemporary Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Aquamarine, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Erte Nocturne Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Erte Nocturne Necklace, 32 inch long 6 strand fresh water pearl necklace with 14K yellow
Category
1990s American Art Deco Vintage Freshwater Pearls
Materials
Diamond, Moonstone, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold
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Vintage Freshwater Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of vintage freshwater pearls. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 646 vintage examples as well as 1 contemporary versions. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of vintage freshwater pearls to choose from, but Art Nouveau and Contemporary vintage freshwater pearls are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Luigi Ferrara, Aracheli Studio and Miriam Haskell are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for brilliant cut vintage freshwater pearls and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and bead alternatives. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of vintage freshwater pearls, as most of the options available are for women.
How Much are Vintage Freshwater Pearls?
On average, vintage freshwater pearls at 1stDibs sell for $1,397, while they’re typically $48 on the low end and $95,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.
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 Freshwater Pearls
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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