French 1980s Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Lapis-lazuli Bead Clasp Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
A necklace consisting of a single strand of round, pearl-white cultured pearls of uniform size.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Lapis Lazuli
Ciro 1960s 9ct Gold Clasp Vintage Cultured Pearl Necklace
By Ciro 8
Located in Wilmslow, England
Condition Report: Excellent The Details... This necklace is a single strand of graduated cultured pearls. It features a 9ct gold bayonet clasp.
Cultured Pearl, 9k Gold
Vintage Antique Mikimoto Pearl Graduated Necklace with Original Box
By Mikimoto
Located in beverly hills, CA
The necklace features a single strand of Japanese Akoya cultured pearls, numbering 98 and ranging from 3.5 mm to a central 8 mm pearl.
Pearl, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels New York Graduated Pearl Necklace Pavé Diamond Clasp
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl necklace featuring a single strand of graduated South Sea pearls finished with a platinum diamond clasp.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl
$7,120Sale Price|44% Off
Vintage 5.10 CT Diamond Pearl Rare Panel Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
This enchanting vintage necklace is 1935 circa Composed by a single strand of salt water cultured pearls ranging in sizes from 5 to 7 mm. - connected to an impressive large panel sur...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Waterfall White Freshwater Pearl Chunky Bangle In Gold Vermeil
Located in London, GB
Whether adorned with a single strand of pearls or an intricate design with gemstones, they make a statement of understated luxury, making them a coveted addition to any jewellery col...
Freshwater Pearl, Vermeil
9.9–11.7mm "Ocean Blue" Tahitian Pearl Necklace, Natural Silver, Aurora PSL
Located in 上海市, CN
This single strand gathers natural-color Tahitian pearls of 9.9–11.7mm in a rare, cool "Ocean Blue" — a silvery platinum-grey with a shifting blue-green aurora that PSL certified at ...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Waterfall White Freshwater Pearl Chunky Bangle In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Whether adorned with a single strand of pearls or an intricate design with gemstones, they make a statement of understated luxury, making them a coveted addition to any jewellery col...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Signed 33-Inch Akoya Pearl 18k Gold Bead Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant single strand of glowing Akoya cultured pearls from Mikimoto, this 33-inch necklace features a signature 18K yellow gold box clasp.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,500Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Akoya Pearl and Diamond Necklace 1 Carat of Natural Diamonds
Located in Chicago, IL
The necklace is composed of a single strand of Akoya cultured pearls ranging from approximately 7 mm, displaying soft pink and cream overtones with very good luster.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18KWG/Plat Aquamarine Bead, Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This David Webb necklace features a single strand of graduated cultured pearls, centered by a large, tumbled aquamarine bead that is flanked by two rondelles pavé-set with brilliant-...
Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
David Webb 18KWG/Plat Sapphire Bead, Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This David Webb necklace features a single strand of cultured pearls, centered by a large, tumbled sapphire bead that is flanked by two rondelles pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
David Webb 18KWG/Plat Amber Bead, Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This David Webb necklace features a single strand of graduated cultured pearls, accented by a large, tumbled amber bead that is set between two rondelles pavé-set with brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, Pearl, Amber, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, and Agate Cameo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, and Agate Cameo Pendant Necklace Description: This extraordinary luxury necklace features a single strand of classic white cultured pearls susp...
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Miriam Haskell Early Signature GrapeCluster Glass Pearls 1920s Pendant Necklace
By Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell
Located in Chicago, IL
According to Haskell-book author Cathy Gordon, early Haskell pieces often feature round instead of baroque glass pearls, while she has identified a round-pearl single-strand necklace...
Pearl, Silver
$6,920Sale Price|20% Off
Cream Keshi Pearl Necklace with Yellow Gold Plated Magnetic Ball Clasp
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Single Graduated Strand Cream Keshi Pearl Necklace on yellow gold plated magnetic ball clasp.
South Sea Pearl, Gold Plate
Two baroque pearl necklaces by Miriam Haskell US from the 1950s one with tassels
By Miriam Haskell
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Two single strands of faux silver baroque pearls necklace , on with a tassel with 6 filligree-cappet baroque pearls, 6 cm long.
Pearl
Art Deco Pearl Necklace with 2.90 Ct Sapphire and Diamond Clasp
Located in Napoli, IT
Art Deco Beautiful Find This charming original Art Deco necklace is 1920 ca It comprises a beautiful single strand of graduated salt water Pearls going from 8.8 to 5 mm. – good round...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
V-SHAPED NECKLACE, early 1940's, gold plated, handmade pearls, Made in France
Located in Stuttgart, DE
The last pictures with the French lily and very small letters 'Made in France' Dimensions Length of the 2 individual strands each 33 cm with pearl. Single strand 3.5 cm wide, both s...
Pearl, Gold Plate
Vintage Graduated Cultured Pearl Choker Necklace - 10K White Gold Clasp - C.1950
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage graduated cultured pearl choker necklace - cream color - good luster - featuring a continuous unknotted single strand of 89 pearls ranging in size from 7.0 mm. at the center ...
Cultured Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Morning Dew 18K Rose Gold 3 Diamonds 10MM Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Rose Gold Length: 18.00 inches Weight: 4.92 grams One ladies 18K Rose gold single strand collar diamond and pearl necklace. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
MONET - Vintage 12 mm. Faux Pearl Necklace - Hand Knotted - U.S. - Circa 1980's
By Monet
Located in Chatham, CA
MONET - Vintage 12 mm. hand knotted faux pearl statement necklace - featuring a single strand of 45 large simulated pearls - yellow gold tone box clasp - signed on both sides of the ...
Pearl, Gilt Metal
6.5 mm. White Cultured Pearl Necklace - 14K White Gold Clasp - U.S. - Circa 1980
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage 6.5 mm. hand knotted white cultured pearl necklace - featuring a single strand of 56 cultured pearls - 14K white gold box and hook clasp (14K and maker stamped on the hook) -...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
CHANEL CC Logo Bordeaux Pearl Choker Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Single strand bordeaux glass pearl necklace. - Each pearl has CC metal logo. - Adjustable hook closure. - Signed CHANEL 2 CC 8 Made in France on ...
Gold Plate
Miriam Haskell Pearl and Russian Gilt Long Necklace
By Miriam Haskell
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Haskell classic faux baroque pearl and Russian Gilt plate necklace. Composed of a single pearl strand with four smaller triple strand stations enhanced by Russian Gilt twisted...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal, Cut Steel
18K Yellow Gold 3.65ct Diamond, Emerald, and Ruby Cultured Pearl Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
An elegant necklace in 18K yellow gold, featuring a single strand of lustrous cultured pearls accented by diamond-set gold rondelle spacers throughout.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
24” Navajo Pearl Sterling Silver Necklace by Danny Jackson
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Sterling silver single strand necklace with handmade Navajo Pearl beads in graduated sizes with a polished finish.
Sterling Silver
King’s Manassa Turquoise Silver Pendant with a 20.5” Navajo Pearl Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Rick continues to embrace his culture and has been very inspiring to many young Native American silversmiths. The 20.5” silver single strand necklace with Navajo Pearl beads in the...
Silver
Portrait of a Lady, in Black Dress with Red Satin Sleeves and Pearls c.1660-1680
By Sir Peter Lely
Located in London, GB
She wears a black silk bodice cut low across the chest, softened by a fine gauzy scarf draped across her shoulders, and adorned with a single strand of pearls and matching drop earri...
Canvas, Oil
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.
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.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.