Pearls, Beads & Clasps

Pearls have long been prized above all other precious gems. Antique pearl jewellery is defined by its era, ranging from the intricate seed pearl work of the Georgian period to the delicate platinum set open "lace" designs of the Edwardian era. Historically, natural saltwater pearls were so rare they often exceeded the value of diamonds, as evidenced by Cartier famously trading its New York headquarters for a double strand of natural pearls in 1917.