Graduated Pearl Necklace
Early 20th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Beaded Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1950s American Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cook Islands Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Indonesian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indonesian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
2010s Indonesian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver Plate, Mixed Metal
20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s American Retro Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
1990s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Morganite, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Go...
2010s Chain Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Yellow Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Choker Necklaces
Mid-20th Century Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century North American Retro Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 9k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Rope Necklaces
Pearl, Platinum
Early 2000s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum
2010s Spanish Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Base Metal
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Early 2000s Beaded Necklaces
Black Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s British Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Gold Plate
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Graduated Pearl Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Graduated Pearl Necklace?
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 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 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 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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