Vintage Foil Glass Beads

Browse a vast assortment of vintage foil glass beads for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gilt metal, gold and 18k gold, these items were constructed with great care. 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 20th Century. Our collection of vintage foil glass beads includes designs that are universally popular, but artisan and retro styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Louis Rousselet, Isabel Canovas and Miriam Haskell are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of crystal versions from the 1 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A selection of bead can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of vintage foil glass beads, as most of the options available are for women.

Prices for vintage foil glass beads start at $174 and top out at $2,494 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $535.

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.