Antique Pearl Strand
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Indian Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 1940s Indian Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
2010s Italian Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Jade, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1870s Etruscan Revival Multi-Strand Necklaces
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Baroque Multi-Strand Necklaces
Amazonite, Amber, Amethyst, Jade, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Chain Bracelets
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s French Anglo-Indian Beaded Necklaces
Silver Plate, Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 24k Gold
Vintage 1910s Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-18th Century Indian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 24k Gold
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 15k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian More Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
White Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Etruscan Revival Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century American Georgian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Peridot, Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver
20th Century American Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Multi-Strand Necklaces
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Beaded Bracelets
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 1880s Italian Victorian Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1890s Unknown Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Silver
Early 20th Century Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s Italian Necklace Enhancers
Pearl, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1920s Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Palladium
2010s Italian Necklace Enhancers
Pearl, Emerald, Mixed Metal
Antique 19th Century Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Agate, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Beaded Necklaces
Garnet, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian More Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum
20th Century American Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1860s Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 10k Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Early 1800s Unknown Early Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 15k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century American Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1930s English Choker Necklaces
Topaz, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Coral, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century French Artist Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl
Vintage 1980s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1950s Dress and Coat Ensembles
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Yellow Diamond
Vintage 1960s French Retro Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century European Artisan Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Top Handle Bags
20th Century Romantic Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Antique Pearl Strand For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique 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 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.
- 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 20, 2024The process of telling an antique pearl varies based on whether it is set in jewelry or loose. In the case of jewelry, you can look for a maker's mark and then conduct online research to find out when the company existed and made similar pieces. To be considered an antique, pearl jewelry must be at least 100 years old. In the case of a loose pearl or if you have difficulty performing research on your item, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser, knowledgeable jeweler or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique pearl jewelry.
- Are antique pearls worth money?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Some antique pearls are worth money. How much a particular piece is worth depends on its age, style, type, maker and condition. The majority of antique pearls are likely to be uncultured pearls, as Kokichi Mikimoto didn't introduce the world's first true cultured pearl, produced by oysters with assistance from humans, until 1893. Generally, uncultured pearls are worth more than cultured ones. To learn more about your jewelry and find out what it could be worth, consult a certified appraiser, experienced jeweler or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of antique pearl jewelry.
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