An extraordinary vintage Hattie Carnegie multi-strand glass necklace, composed with layer upon layer of richly colored, beautifully shaped glass beads in deep amethyst purple, jet black, smoky lavender, crystal and iridescent jewel tones.
This is not a delicate little strand. It is substantial, heavily beaded and wonderfully dramatic, with a luxurious weight that immediately speaks to the quality of the construction.
The necklace features an eclectic assortment of genuine glass beads: oversized faceted rounds, softly squared purple beads, angular jet-black faceted beads, luminous lavender foil-glass beads, clear crystal faceted beads and smaller iridescent beads flashing shades of teal, violet, blue and green. The varied shapes and finishes keep the eye moving throughout the entire composition.
Three graduated strands create a beautifully layered collar effect, becoming fuller and more dramatic toward the center.
At the back, ornate gold-tone Hattie Carnegie hardware finishes the necklace with a decorative shepherd’s-hook style closure and coordinating extension chain. Even the extender is embellished with individual glass beads—a lovely detail that makes the back of this necklace nearly as beautiful as the front.
A true statement piece from one of the most important names in American costume jewelry.
Details
• Designer: Hattie Carnegie
• Era: Circa 1950s–1960s
• Style: Multi-strand statement / collar necklace
• Construction: Three graduated strands
• Materials: Glass beads with gold-tone metal hardware
• Colors: Amethyst purple, jet black, lavender, crystal, smoky violet and iridescent jewel tones
• Beads include: faceted rounds, angular geometric beads, softly squared glass, foil-glass beads, crystal beads and iridescent faceted glass
• Closure: Decorative shepherd’s-hook closure
• Signature: Hattie Carnegie signed hardware
• Substantial heavyweight construction
Measurements
• Shortest strand: Approx. 13 inches
• Longest strand: Approx. 16 inches
• Extender: Approx. 3 inches
The graduated construction allows the strands to fall naturally at slightly different levels across the neckline.
Condition
Beautiful vintage condition with the glass retaining wonderful depth, brilliance and color. The gold-tone hardware presents beautifully and the necklace remains structurally strong and wearable.
As with all authentic vintage jewelry, very minor age-related evidence of previous ownership may be present upon close inspection.
Styling Notes
This is the necklace you build the outfit around.
Against black, the purple and foil-glass beads become incredibly rich and moody. Against ivory, cream or champagne, the individual colors and iridescent flashes become much more pronounced.
It would be stunning worn with a simple strapless dress, tailored black jacket, silk blouse or an understated evening neckline.
Collector’s Notes
Hattie Carnegie jewelry is admired for its imaginative use of color, glass and unexpected combinations of materials. This necklace captures that aesthetic beautifully.
What makes this example especially compelling is its scale and variety. Rather than repeating one bead throughout, the design mixes transparent crystal, saturated purple glass, opaque jet black, luminous foil glass and iridescent faceted beads in different shapes and sizes.
The result feels collected rather than manufactured—rich, dimensional and unmistakably vintage.
This is precisely the type of substantial Carnegie statement necklace that belongs in a serious vintage costume jewelry collection.
