Patti Cadby Birch
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Unknown Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Garnet, 22k Gold
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Vintage 1970s French Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 1750s Unknown Georgian More Necklaces
Topaz, 18k Gold
1970s French Evening Dresses
Antique 1890s Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1850s Persian Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 22k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Antique 16th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique 1860s British High Victorian More Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Silver, 14k Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches
1990s Italian Evening Dresses
Early 2000s American Modern Brooches
Brown Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century French Bangles
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Holbeinesque More Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 1880s Unknown Drop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
2010s Russian Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Finding the Right beaded-necklaces for You
Whether they’re chunky, statement-making accessories or a single strand of the understated sort, antique and vintage beaded necklaces are versatile pieces of jewelry. Indeed, the unique beaded necklaces in your jewelry box likely go with everything, from casual summer tops and shorts to dazzling evening gowns.
From the fish-bone and seashell jewelry of the prehistoric era to the breathtaking amulets and pendants of ancient Egypt to modern sapphire beads, people have been accessorizing with beaded necklaces for eternity.
Beaded necklaces — as well as other kinds of necklaces — were common in prehistoric times. Personal adornment was important, and jewelry was made for every part of the body. Beadwork is among the best known art forms attributed to Native Americans, and just as they had for saddlery and clothing, early populations would fashion beads for necklaces with stone tools or instruments made of wood. The making of colorful glass beads for beaded necklaces likely originated in Venice, Italy, during the 14th century, particularly given the growth of the decorative glass industry on the series of Venetian islands called Murano. During the Neolithic period, humans were buried with coral beaded necklaces from the Mediterranean, even as far north as the Alps.
Whether you’re seeking the pop of color you’ll get in a double-row jade beaded necklace from the Art Deco era — which encompasses the 1920s and ’30s and ushered in a very distinct look in jewelry design — or perhaps a simple strand of pearls for a blouse that leaves your neck bare, remember that different necklines call for different pieces of jewelry.
When accessorizing with a beaded necklace, a long piece with a pendant will likely pair best with your favorite vintage V-neck dress or V-neck tee, while beaded chokers and collar necklaces are a stylish fit for strapless tops. Bigger beads will hit your neckline in a different way than a more minimalist necklace might, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. Choose colors you like and pick items that will go with what is in your closet. When the occasion calls for it, don’t be afraid to stack. “More is more” for some, so pairing a delicate strand with a bolder piece might be the move for you.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of pearl beaded necklaces, antique emerald beaded necklaces, diamond beaded necklaces and more.