Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Vintage Beaded Bone Scrimshaw Necklace

$1,895
£1,424.54
€1,651.49
CA$2,645.71
A$2,963.34
CHF 1,541.92
MX$35,989.56
NOK 19,547.69
SEK 18,444.70
DKK 12,322.49
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This Vintage Beaded Bone Scrimshaw Necklace is a captivating piece of wearable folk art, rich with natural texture and artisanal history. Featuring hand-carved bone beads etched in the traditional scrimshaw style, each piece is carefully detailed with nautical or tribal-inspired motifs, using fine linework to create intricate imagery. The creamy bone surface, aged to a warm patina over time, provides the perfect backdrop for these delicate engravings. The necklace is strung with an earthy rhythm, combining etched focal beads with smaller natural bone spacers or complementary beads—sometimes interspersed with wood, horn, or vintage metal accents depending on the era and region of origin. Likely handcrafted in the mid-20th century, this piece reflects a blend of indigenous craftsmanship and maritime tradition, making it both a cultural artifact and a distinctive fashion statement. This scrimshaw necklace can be worn alone for a rustic, tribal-inspired look or layered with other natural pieces for a bohemian effect. Its organic charm and hand-worked artistry make it a favorite among collectors of ethnographic jewelry, bone carving, and vintage folk adornments. A rare and soulful necklace that tells a story through every carved line and weathered bead.
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 32 in (812.8 mm)
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. In great as found condition. Minor scuffs and blemishes appropriate with age.
  • Seller Location:
    West Palm Beach, FL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4227226156762

More From This Seller

View All
Vintage Beaded Bone Elephant Scrimshaw Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Beaded Bone Elephant Scrimshaw Necklace is a captivating piece of wearable folk art, rich with natural texture and artisanal history. Featuring hand-carved bone beads et...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Beaded Necklaces

Vintage Beaded Bone Elephant Scrimshaw Necklace
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Vintage Boho Buffalo Bone Beaded Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Vintage Boho Buffalo Bone Beaded Necklace is a beautifully crafted and distinctive piece of jewelry that combines earthy, natural elements with the artistic, eclectic flair of bohe...
Category

Late 20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Vintage Carved Chinese Ivory Emperor 14kt Gold Chain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite Vintage Chinese Ivory Pendant, masterfully carved in the likeness of an emperor, is a striking representation of traditional Chinese artis...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Vintage Carved Chinese Ivory Emperor 14kt Gold Chain
$636 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Vintage Jane Diaz Gemstone Beaded Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jane Diaz's necklaces often feature handcrafted elements such as chains, pendants, and charms, incorporating materials like sterling silver and gold plating....
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Chinese Blue Porcelain Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Chinese Blue Porcelain Necklace is a unique and elegant piece of jewelry that showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese porcelain a...
Category

Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Vintage Gemstone Beaded Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage gemstone beaded necklace draws inspiration from the warm, sun-washed hues of coral. Featuring an exquisite mix of genuine gemstone beads in shades of soft coral, peach, ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Silver

You May Also Like

19th Century African Bone Bead Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Carefully carved from bone, these beads boast a natural luster and individuality, each one bearing unique textures and patterns. The earthy tones and smooth finish evoke a sense of c...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century African Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bone

Vintage Native American Buffalo Bone Beaded Row Tie Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Native American Buffalo Bone Beaded Row Tie Necklace is a stunning testament to the artistry of indigenous craftsmanship. This unique piece showcases an intricate design ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Beaded Necklaces

Shells Necklaces
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The necklace was placed on a SMALL BASE of cm. 26x h.31, so it SEEMS very BIG, but it is instead of a NORMAL SIZE. Necklace total lenght : cm.38 x h. 7 cm. + cm. 20 rope on each side...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Other Nautical Objects

Materials

Shell

Long Mother of Pearl Bead Necklace
Located in London, GB
Lovely long mother of pearl necklace with oval shaped beads, small mother of pearl spacers., and a rhinestone set clasp. Measuring necklace length 130 cm / 51 inches. The necklace has graduated sized beads. It has been re-designed and restrung in the past, the string has stretched. The design is not symetrical, the necklace will need re-designing. The mother of pearl beads...
Category

Mid-20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Mother of Pearl Bead Necklace circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
Lovely mother of pearl necklace with irregular shaped beads and small round glass spacers. Measuring necklace length 47.5 cm / 18.7 inches. The silver tone clasp is a little stiff bu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Coral Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
White Coral Bead Necklace Beads Approximately 9 mm Approximate Length: 19 inches
Category

20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral