Hudson Bay Trade Bead Cross
Antique 19th Century American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Silver
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s American Dome Rings
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Silver Plate
Vintage 1950s American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Turquoise
Antique 18th Century English Band Rings
Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Silver
Vintage 1950s American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Silver
20th Century Native American Cuff Bracelets
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Native American Pendant Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Native American Fashion Rings
Vintage 1950s American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise
20th Century American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Native American Drop Earrings
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Fashion Rings
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Fashion Rings
Sterling Silver
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.