Graduated Pearl Strand
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century French Baroque Revival Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s Multi-Strand Necklaces
Jade, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Multi-Strand Necklaces
Vintage 1940s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, Onyx, Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Yellow Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Japanese Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 19th Century Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s British Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Dangle Earrings
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Dangle Earrings
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
20th Century Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century British Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s European Modern Necklace Enhancers
Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Stud Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Beaded Necklaces
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Tourmaline, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s French Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Chain Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl
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Graduated Pearl Strand For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Graduated Pearl Strand?
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.
Finding the Right Necklaces for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023You can wear many kinds of earrings with a strand of pearls. Create a unified look by opting for pearl earrings like studs, clusters and drops. A pair of hoop earrings can also complement pearls, as can more dramatic dangle earrings set with gemstones. When choosing earrings, consider the occasion. Bolder, larger earrings tend to be more appropriate for night and special events. Explore a wide variety of earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The tradition of the royals wearing three strands of pearls comes from Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, King George VI, presented her with a three-strand pearl necklace on her wedding day, and she wore the necklace many times in the years that followed. To honor the late queen, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of York, wore the queen's three-strand pearl necklace to Elizabeth II's funeral. The royal tradition of wearing pearls as mourning jewelry traces back to Queen Victoria. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of pearl necklaces.
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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
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This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
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