Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant. Pendant is 18k Mikimoto and Necklace chain 18k Mikimoto Details: 16in len...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage Mikimoto necklace crafted in 14k yellow gold, featuring a beautifully sculpted, modernist pendant that sweeps into a graceful asymmetrical curl.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Necklace. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Amethyst Grape Vine pendant.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k White Gold Amethyst and Pearl MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Pendant and Necklace Both pendant and necklace marked 18k Mikimoto. Detail...
Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Necklace. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Grape Vine Cluster pendant.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold and Pearls MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Pendant and Necklace Both pendant and necklace marked 18k Mikimoto. Details: 16in...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Yellow Gold Chalcedony Bead Long Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
The Vintage Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Chalcedony 32" Long Necklace is a testament to refined elegance, featuring lustrous pearls and vibrant chalcedony stones set in luxurious 1...
Pearl, Chalcedony, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Graduated Necklace with Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl necklace, designed as a single strand of white pearls finished with a sterling silver clasp. The clasp features the Mikimoto “M” inside a shell maker’s ...
Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Blue Lagoon 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by Mikimoto, this elegant pearl necklace features lustrous, perfectly matched pearls, expertly strung and secured with a 14k yellow gold ribbed clasp. The "BL" hallmark signi...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Antique Mikimoto Pearl Graduated Necklace with Original Box
By Mikimoto
Located in beverly hills, CA
Presenting an exquisite mid-20th century Mikimoto Pearl necklace, circa 1950, in its original box. The necklace features a single strand of Japanese Akoya cultured pearls, numbering ...
Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto 14k Gold Pearl Station w/ Triple Strand Chain Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very elegant "by the yard" style vintage necklace that was designed by Mikimoto. It features 10 VERY FINE quality round cultured pearls equally spaced over this unique...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Blue Lagoon 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Beaded Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by Mikimoto, this elegant pearl necklace features lustrous, perfectly matched pearls, expertly strung and secured with a 14k yellow gold ribbed clasp. The "BL" hallmark signi...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 1940's Retro Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Scrolling Station Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cable link chain centering a swirling gold station with clustered pearls Ranging in size from 4.0 to 7.5 mm round - rose body color with strong iridescence Completed by...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Fine Mikimoto Pearl 6-8 mm & 34 Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Mikimoto Classic Akoya Pearl Triple Strand Necklace with Diamonds 6-8 mm Akoya round, cultured pearls 34 round diamonds, 2.32 Ct total weight 22-23 inches long Estate piece, Excel...
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace Pearl Bracelet Set Sterling Silver
By Mikimoto
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace Pearl Bracelet Set Sterling Silver You will treasure this outstanding authentic Vintage MIKIMOTO Sterling silver pearl necklace and bracelet set forever.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Pearl Sterling Silver Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Hicksville, NY
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Necklace - Sterling Silver, Pearls Features: 20 inch long Single Strand Necklace Pearls measure 3.5 - 7 millimeters Sterling Silver Fishhook Clasp with Pearl ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Horseshoe Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this unique vintage necklace! Material: 18K White Gold Designer: Mikimoto Pendant Width: 1 1/8 Inch Weight: 6.3 Grams Chain Length: 18 1/2 Inches Chain Can Be Shortene...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Double Strand Graduated Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This refined double-strand necklace is meticulously crafted with lustrous pearls. The necklace features a classic design with uniform pearls, each exhibiting a soft, creamy hue. The ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Double-Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mikimoto double strand Akoya pearl necklace from the 1970s, with a 18K yellow gold clasp and with 150 lustrous perfectly matched pearls, each pearl with excellent luster...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Vintage Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto Vintage Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp Metal: Sterling silver 925 Pearls: Graduated cultured pearls 3.5 - 7mm, white, medium luster Length: 17 inch...
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Three-Strand Pearl Coral Yellow Gold Bead Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
14k Yellow Gold Triple Stand Coral Pearl Bead Vintage Necklace by Mikimoto. With 2 stands of pearls from 6mm to 4mm 1 strand of coral beads 7.5mm each Details: Measurements: Necklac...
Coral, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Platinum Diamond Graduated Pearl Double Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Double Strand Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto. With pearls that range from 8mm to 4.5mm in diameter on a 22" double strand. Plus diamonds on the clasp. Details: Length...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Mikimoto Sterling Silver Pearl Graduated Beaded Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This refined beaded necklace is meticulously crafted with lustrous white pearls. The necklace is strung with uniform pearls, each exuding a soft, natural sheen. The clasp is made of ...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Cultured Pearl 18 Karat Gold Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand knotted strand necklace comprised of 7.8 mmm round cultured pearls Very well matched in white body color with subtle to moderate rosè overtones - excellent in luster Completed...
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Vintage 1960s Cultured Pearls Silver Matinee Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Strand necklace is hand knotted with 6.6 mm round cultured pearls Very well-matched and cream in body color with strong rosè overtones and excellent luster Completed by a deeply en...
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Strand Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 23.5" Length
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Mikimoto Pearl Strand Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 23.5" Length This necklace showcases a strand of ~7mm luminous white pearls, each with a smooth, radiant surface that catches...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Mikimoto Pearl 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Link Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Mikimoto Pearl 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Link Necklace is a timeless piece that embodies classic elegance.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 color with strong iridescence - knotted on silk cord Completed by decorous gold clasp c...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds Drop Pendant Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl single-strand necklace with a diamond pendant and gold and pearl clasp in 18-karat Yellow gold.
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Vintage Akoya Pearl Necklace Pristine
By Mikimoto
Located in Northampton, MA
This vintage 1970s-1980s strand of cultured Akoya pearls by Mikimoto represents the zenith of the Japanese jeweler's pearl culturing artistry.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Sterling Silver Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Mikimoto necklace is crafted in sterling silver and features a classic strand of luminous cultured pearls, exemplifying the brand’s renowned standards of quality and ele...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant. Pendant is 18k Mikimoto and Necklace chain 18k Mikimoto Details: 15in len...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This exquisite Mikimoto 18K yellow gold pearl necklace from the 1990s showcases a timeless and elegant design, featuring 108 lustrous pearls. Measuring 31 inches in length and 7mm in...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Exquisite 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless treasure from Mikimoto, the renowned house of cultured pearls. This vintage necklace features a luminous strand of fine Akoya pearls, individually hand-knotte...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Exquisite 14k Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vintage Mikimoto “Exquisite” cultured pearl necklace featuring a classic strand of luminous cream-toned pearls, each displaying Mikimoto’s signature soft luster and clean r...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Sterling Silver Graduated Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vintage Mikimoto Akoya pearl necklace featuring a classic graduated strand of luminous cultured pearls.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Vintage Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Graduated Necklace Sterling Silver Clasp with original Box & Papers Metal: Sterling Silver Weight: 13.64 grams Pearls: 3.5mm - 7.2mm white in color...
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mikimoto Sterling Silver Pearl Beaded Strand Choker Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
A timeless symbol of elegance and refinement, this vintage choker necklace from Mikimoto showcases the brand’s signature cultured Akoya pearls—known for their exceptional luster, rou...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Vintage AAA Japanese Akoya Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Stamford, CT
This 1970's Mikimoto Vintage AAA Japanese Akoya Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace exudes timeless elegance.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Emblem of Refined Taste Indulge in the elegance of Mikimoto, one of the world’s most iconic names in cultured pearls, with this vintage 18K yellow gold pendant necklace.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Vintage Pearl 14 Karat Yellow Gold Single Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 7.5-8MM Pearl 14K Yellow Gold 16.5" Single Strand Necklace Vintage Metal: 14K Yellow Gold 585 Length: approx. 16.5" Pearls measure approx. 7.5-8mm There is a small 4mm pear...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Graduated Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl strand necklace with a sterling silver clasp.
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Vintage Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Blue Lagoon Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This marvelous vintage Mikimoto necklace features 1 row of luscious Blue Lagoon pearls (measuring approx. 7.25mm - 7.5mm) VINTAGE PRE-OWNED ESTATE PIECE 100% NATURAL MIKIMOTO 18...
Pearl, 18k Gold
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 color with strong iridescence - knotted on silk cord Completed by decorous gold clasp c...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Graduated Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace Silver Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Mona Vale, NSW
Vintage Mikimoto Fine Pearl Strand Mikimoto are world renowned for their pearl quality and standards.
Pearl, Silver
Vintage circa 1970s Mikimoto Cultured off White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in Hamilton, AU
The Mikimoto Necklace Gem Details The 57 round, off-white, cultured Akoya pearls, with very high lustre, each measure approximately 7 millimetres.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$1,600,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 56 Carat Tennis Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional necklace showcases a breathtaking arrangement of round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 56 carats. At its heart lies a dazzling 3-carat centerpiece, sea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.70 Carat Natural Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.70Ct Natural Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Pendant Stamped: 14K Oval-Cut Ruby Weight is Approx. 6.00 Carats Ruby Measures: 12 x 10mm Ruby Treatment: Fractu...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Platinum 1.71ctw GIA Emerald Cut Diamond & Sapphire 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a incredible, brand new, custom made diamond and sapphire three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum. It features a gorgeous, GIA certified, 0.91 carat emeral...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$1,480Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.27 in L 17 in
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18K Gold studded with pear cut emerald and ruby. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dr...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Go...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 32 Tri-Colour Poussiere Poudre Ficelle Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier bag featured in a rare tri-colour Porosus Crocodile. The perfect neutral palette of Poussiere, Poudre and Ficelle. No longer produced thi...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 25 Bag Blanc Casse Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage limited edition Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in rare Blanc Casse lizard. Exquisite pale buttery cream perfectly complimented by lush Gold hardware. This ...
Boucheron Diamond Platinum Necklace And Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A truly magnificent 1950's Boucheron diamond necklace. Designed as a stylised, flexible ribbon set with graduated and tapered baguette & step-cut diamonds, suspending an articulated ...
White Diamond, Platinum
$1,004Sale Price / item|20% Off
Genuine Diamond Stardust Unisex Band Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Diamond Stardust Unisex Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.057 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. April birthstone diamond brings...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Diamond Cluster and Pear-Shaped Dangle Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with GIA certified dangling Pear-Shaped Diamonds. One weighing 6.14 carats, E color, VS2 clarity. The other weighing 6.02 carats, E color, VS1 clarity. The...
Diamond, Platinum
Authentic Tiffany & Co. Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K Solid Gold Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Necklace of Akoya cultured pearls with an 18k white gold clasp. 16" long. Decorative tag in 18k white gold is inscribed with "Tiffany & Co." in script. Pearls, 6.5-7 mm. Disclaim...
Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Double Strand Pearl Necklace with White Gold and Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A refined vintage double strand pearl necklace centered by an elegant 13k white gold clasp set with diamonds. The luminous pearls are uniform in size and arranged in two balanced str...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
HARRY WINSTON Platinum & 18K White Gold No Heat Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Harry Winston necklace set with vibrant natural rubies surrounded by a spectacular arrangement of brilliant and pear-shaped diamonds. The design features a series of o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
L 19.5 in
TIFFANY & CO Elsa Peretti 18k Yellow Gold Open Heart Lariat Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Discover the elegance of this exquisite necklace, featuring a white mixed-cut pearl as its centerpiece. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, it exudes a refined charm. Designed by Elsa Pere...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Kelly Kellywood 22 Wood Kelly Barenia Leather Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite limited edition Hermes Kellywood "Kelly Wood" 22 bag featured in bog oak and Barenia leather. Not since the Sterling Kelly bag, has Hermes offered a ba...
HARRY WINSTON No Heat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary high jewelry creation from Harry Winston, this magnificent necklace exemplifies the house’s unrivaled command of colored gemstones and diamond artistry during the go...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Born to a noodle-shop owner, Japanese jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto (1858–1954) worked in the seafood business before shifting his focus to pearl cultivation. In 1893, he successfully developed the world’s first cultured pearls with a semispherical specimen. His further experimentation would include black and white South Sea pearls. This development gave Mikimoto a supply of what had once been a notoriously rare natural element and earned him the nickname “The Pearl King.” As he once said, “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.”
In 1899 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Mikimoto opened his first, eponymous store in a white-stone building reminiscent of the color of pearls. He quickly earned a reputation for dazzling designs that blended Japanese craftsmanship and European influence. Mikimoto sent his jewelers to Europe to study the latest trends in jewelry and design; they brought back knowledge of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, which were incorporated into designs featuring Mikimoto’s pearls.
But Mikimoto’s creations were not met with enthusiasm by all. In 1921, a London newspaper called the designer’s jewelry “only imitations of real pearls” and claimed the company was “misleading” its customers. It developed into a lawsuit in the French courts, which ruled in Mikimoto’s favor, and raised the jeweler’s global profile.
He also brought his work international acclaim through exhibitions and world’s fairs, including the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia where he unveiled a replica of the Liberty Bell covered with pearls. In 1927, Mikimoto met with Thomas Edison, who gave the jeweler’s invention probably its best compliment: “It is one of the wonders of the world that you were able to culture pearls. . . . This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl.”
Following World War II, Mikimoto opened stores around the world, with locations now in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles and Shanghai. Though its founder died in 1954, the Mikimoto company has continued to build on the legacy he established, producing collections of pearl necklaces and other pearl-centric jewelry that span a wide range of styles.
In 2017, the brand reopened its flagship Tokyo store, tapping architect Hiroshi Naito to design a new glittering facade whose 40,000 tiny glass plates are meant to evoke the movement of the ocean as they catch the light. The place where Mikimoto had his legendary success over a century ago is now known as Mikimoto Pearl Island and includes a museum on his life and pearls. A highlight is the “Boss’s Necklace,” which was the first made by Mikimoto and is the model for all the brand’s classic strands that have followed.
Find Mikimoto pendant necklaces, choker necklaces and a range of other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.