Opal Bead Necklace
1990s Thai Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Chain Necklaces
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century English Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Crystal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Opal, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Danish Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
2010s American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Anglo-Indian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s Multi-Strand Necklaces
Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, Opal, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Italian Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Jade, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces
Crystal
Early 2000s Italian Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Italian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold
American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Topaz, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
2010s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Retro Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Malachite, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver
2010s Peruvian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Vermeil
2010s North American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold-filled
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Indian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Topaz, Gold, Gold Plate
Late 20th Century American Classical Greek Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Topaz, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Topaz, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Beaded Necklaces
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
American Beaded Necklaces
2010s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Black Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s North American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Morganite, Onyx, Opal, Quartz, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
Early 2000s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Amber, Opal, Hessonite, Sterling Silver
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Opal Bead Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Opal Bead Necklace?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
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.
- What is a Samoan bead necklace?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023A Samoan bead necklace is a type of jewelry produced by the Indigenous people of Samoa, an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean. Also called ula, the necklace features natural materials like leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, shells and whale's teeth. Visitors arriving in Samoa are often presented with ula necklaces as a sign of welcome. Explore a variety of bead necklaces on 1stDibs.
- What do amber bead necklaces do?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Amber bead necklaces are believed to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Amber is a fossilized tree resin that contains succinic acid. Many believe that when amber is heated against the body, it releases the acid onto the skin where it is absorbed, providing a boost to the body’s immune system. Find an assortment of amber bead necklaces on 1stDibs.
- Why do guys wear bead necklaces?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Why guys wear bead necklaces varies. Bead necklaces may represent a person's cultural heritage, as many artisans from Africa and North American Indigenous tribes produce intricate handmade bead necklaces. In addition, bead necklaces have become associated with certain fashion styles, including surfer and boho. Men may also wear bead necklaces because they like their appearance. Find a large selection of bead necklaces on 1stDibs.
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