Meerschaum Reliquary
Antique Mid-19th Century American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Morganite, Topaz, Brass, Vermeil, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
People Also Browsed
Antique 1810s French Empire More Jewelry
Onyx, Gilt Metal
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Moonstone, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Vermeil, Sterling Sil...
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Mid-17th Century Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Amazonite, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Turquoise, Vermeil, Sterling Si...
Vintage 1920s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Gothic Revival Beaded Necklaces
Brass
Antique 16th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique 1880s English Etruscan Revival Bangles
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Beaded Necklaces
Labradorite, Cultured Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Georgian Beaded Necklaces
Aquamarine, Cultured Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Moonstone, Vermeil, 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.