Ancient Beads
2010s American Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Jade, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Garnet, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Garnet, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Turquoise
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Quartz, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, 24k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, 24k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Onyx, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Chalcedony, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Quartz, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Vermeil
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Turquoise, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Chalcedony, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Carnelian, 22k Gold
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Ancient Beads For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Ancient Beads?
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.
Read More
This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
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.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
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.