Vintage Pearl Necklaces
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Belle Époque Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1980s Contemporary Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Cultured Pearl
1970s Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century German Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
20th Century American Modern Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Unknown Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
1980s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl
1990s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
1980s Modernist Vintage Pearl Necklaces
1950s Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Pearl Necklaces
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
20th Century Modern Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1960s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
1960s American Modern Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
1950s American Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Contemporary Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Mosaic
1980s American Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century Art Nouveau Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s American Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1980s American Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century European Artisan Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s North American Art Deco Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, White Gold
1990s American Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Enamel
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s French Retro Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gold Plate
1970s Japanese Modernist Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
1980s French Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1970s American Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Vintage Pearl Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Unknown Modernist Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
1970s German Jugendstil Vintage Pearl Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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Shopping for a Vintage Pearl Necklace?
Vintage pearl necklaces have been a jewelry-box essential since, well . . . let’s call it forever. The 16- or 18-inch strand, made popular in the 1950s by Marilyn Monroe (whose Mikimoto akoyas were a gift from Joe DiMaggio), is exceptionally chic, beloved by ingenues and grande dames alike. Plus, the natural oils and warmth of your skin will enhance their luster over time.
Pearls are elegant and 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.
“Pearls remain timeless because they are an organic matter that renews itself over the generations; as long as there is life there will be pearls,” says Talila Gafter, president of Ella Gafter, a New York–based pearler specializing in classic necklaces and statement designs.
Adding a subtle glow to your face and skin, a string of pearls is appropriate for every occasion, whether you’re interviewing for a job or sipping swanky cocktails. And if you already own a necklace? The next must-have, according to Gafter, is earrings or a longer style that incorporates colored gemstones.
Find antique, new and vintage pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022To determine whether a pearl necklace is modern or vintage, first look for signs of wear, such as blunted edges on the prongs. The pearls will likely have dull spots where they came into contact with skin. The clasp can clue you in, too. Lobster clasps appeared in the 1970s, while early 20th century clasps were generally safety-pin style or C-clasps. Modern necklaces typically have a spring-loaded clasp. Shop a selection of vintage pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The TikTok pearl necklace is the Vivienne Westwood Orb necklace. It features a string of pearls accented by a unique pendant. Shaped like a ball surrounded by a ring and topped off with a cross, the orb is the logo of Vivienne Westwood. Find a selection of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Who wears pearl necklaces?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Many people wear pearl necklaces. The versatility and timeless appeal of pearls have made necklaces featuring them popular among women for generations, and today, their appeal isn’t limited to any specific gender. Famous people who have been photographed wearing pearls include Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, Harry Styles, Angelina Jolie, Zendaya and Usher. Explore a wide range of pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- Are pearl necklaces in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Although fashion trends do come and go, pearl necklaces generally remain in style season after season. Many people prize the color and shimmer of pearl necklaces, and since they can easily be mixed and matched with casual, business and dressy attire, they are highly versatile. In recent years, even men have begun sporting pearls, with celebrities like Harry Styles and Pharrell Williams driving the trend. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of pearl necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023There isn't a hard-and-fast rule about whether you should wear pearl earrings with a pearl necklace. While pearl earrings can complement a pearl necklace, you're free to mix and match pieces as you see fit. For example, you might join a multi-strand statement necklace with a pair of simple gold hoops or diamond studs. A dramatic gemstone necklace can be balanced with a pair of understated pearl button earrings. On 1stDibs, shop a large assortment of pearl jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023What necklace you wear with pearl earrings is ultimately up to you. Pearl earrings are very versatile and coordinate with many different necklaces. One way to approach pairing is to consider scale. If you're sporting a large pair of pearl studs or dramatic dangling pearl earrings, choose an understated necklace like a single string of pearls or a pendant necklace. Or, balance small pearl studs or button earrings with a bolder statement necklace like a chunky gold collar, dramatic festoon or multi-strand pearl necklace. Find a large selection of necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To put a clasp on a pearl necklace, enlist the help of an experienced jeweler or jewelry repair shop. The strings commonly used to produce pearl necklaces are very delicate. Attempting to add a clasp on your own could damage your necklace. Find a variety of pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023To tell a quality pearl necklace, examine the individual pearls one by one. Each pearl has its own unique texture. If all of the pearls on a piece look and feel completely identical, the necklace may not be genuine. Also, look at how light reflects on the surface of the pearls. On high-quality pearls, reflections will look bright and sharp, while fairer pearls will show off weak or blurred reflections. You can also have your necklace evaluated by a licensed appraiser or knowledgeable dealer to assess its quality. Find a large assortment of pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What earrings you wear with a pearl necklace is up to you, as there are no hard-and-fast rules for mixing and matching jewelry. A unified look can include a pair of pearl studs or dangles, while one that mixes things up can feature diamond studs, gold or platinum hoops or dramatic dangle earrings. Selecting pieces that contrast with the scale of your necklace can create dynamic looks. For example, you could pair simple earrings with a multi-strand pearl necklace or bold statement earrings with a single strand of pearls. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell who made a pearl necklace, look at the clasp. That's where jewelry makers typically place a maker's mark. Once you've located this hallmark, you can try snapping a photo and performing a reverse image search to identify who produced your piece. If this approach fails to yield results, you can type a description of the hallmark into a search engine and then use trusted online resources to determine the jewelry maker. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or other expert perform the identification process for you. Explore a collection of pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Some guys are wearing pearl necklaces now simply because they like how they look. There have never been any real rules for men's jewelry, but in recent years, more men have become willing to experiment with wearing different types of pieces. Pearl necklaces are just one of the many types of jewelry that some men now sport, and celebrities like Elton John, Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles and Pharrell Williams have further popularized this type of necklace by showing off their own strands of pearls. Find a diverse assortment of pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a white pearl necklace means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Some people associate pearls with purity and innocence due to the color. Others believe they represent truth and sincerity. You'll find a wide range of white pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What the planet pearl necklace means is open to interpretation. Vivienne Westwood is the designer of the popular necklace, and its actual name is the Orb necklace. The orb is the logo for Vivienne Westwood, so to some people, the necklace simply represents the brand. When designing the logo, Westwood drew inspiration from the Queen's scepter. As a result, some people associate the Orb necklace with power and prestige. Find a selection of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, the pearls on some Vivienne Westwood necklaces are real. The luxury brand produces some necklaces out of real cultured pearls. Others feature imitation pearls. If you're unsure whether a particular piece has real or synthetic pearls, examine the necklace closely. Real pearls will usually have a rough or sandy texture and will show off slight variations in shape, while synthetic pearls tend to be smooth and uniform. Find an assortment of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Whether the pearls on Vivienne Westwood necklaces are real or not depends on the piece. Some of the brand's necklaces, like the iconic Orb Necklace, feature genuine pearls. Others feature synthetic pearls or white beads that resemble pearls. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Vivienne Westwood jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, Vivienne Westwood pearl necklaces can tarnish if they're made of sterling silver. Any sterling silver piece may develop a tarnish over time. Tarnishing occurs when sterling silver reacts with compounds found in chlorine, salty or humid air, chemicals in cleaning and beauty products and other substances. To reduce the risk of tarnishing, remove your necklace before you shower or apply skin care products. You should also clean it regularly, following the care instructions provided by Vivienne Westwood. Find a selection of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021An old pearl necklace can cost as little as $100 to as much as $10,000 or more. There are certain factors — such as shape, size, luster and more — that determine the value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry. Find a range of antique and vintage pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, you can wear pearl earrings with a gold necklace if you wish. Pearls can complement yellow, white and rose gold equally well. You can create a more cohesive look by choosing pearl earrings that feature gold settings in the same tone as your necklace. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A real pearl necklace can cost between $100 and $100,000—sometimes even more depending on when it was made. Pearl price is typically dependent on both the type of pearl (freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, to name a few) and the designer. If you're buying a strand of pearls from an established jewelry house, they will likely be on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How to attach a Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace depends on the style of clasp. Many of the luxury brand's necklaces feature a toggle clasp with one round charm end and one hoop end. To secure, simply pull the charm through the hoop and twist to close. Shop a variety of Vivienne Westwood pearl necklaces on 1stDibs.
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