Tribal Necklaces Make a Hardware-Heavy Statement

By Jen Smith
March 14, 2011

Proenza Schouler, Lanvin, YSL

Spring 2011 Runway Fashions: Proenza Schouler (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Lanvin (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images); Yves Saint Laurent (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Tribal necklaces have captured the fancy of fashion nomads. Whether you dig one out of your mom’s jewelry box or hunt some down on eBay, the accessory fashion statement you want to make in spring 2011 is hardware-heavy and bedecked with natural stones and artisan-style embellishments. Tribal necklaces are powerful accessories—a directional, edgy update to your favorite slouchy tee, Little Black Dress or summer prints and with a story to share. Keep an eye out for collected amulets, talismans, charms, trade beads, discs, coins, crystals, bones, rocks, and shells strung on leather, suede, metal, mixed metals or string. There are over 4,000 options to choose from on eBay auctions, where online sales are up 35 percent in a recent 30 day period (1/31-3/1) compared to the prior period.

Roll over items for details

Superb Old Tribal Berber Necklace Morocco-Coral-Amber

(buy it now price, $418.50)

Ethnic Tribal Old Silver & Gold Covered Necklace

(buy it now price, $499)

Antique Tribal 18K Gold Red Claw Rhodonite Necklace

(buy it now price, $230.18)

Woven Naga Necklace India Old Authentic Tribal

(buy it now price, $75)

Wampum & Animal Claw Sterling Squash Blossom

(buy it now price, $1,250)

Nepal Tribal Amber Resin Bead Necklace

(buy it now price, $28)

Southwest Indigenous Black Coral Branch Necklace

(buy it now price, $114)

Vintage Tribal Collar Necklace 1980s

(buy it now price, $135)

Tribal Art West Papua Indonesia Crystal Necklace

(buy it now price, $99.95)

African Tribal Red Amber, Bronze Trade Bead Necklace

(buy it now price, $665)

Tribal Necklaces Make a Hardware-Heavy Statement

1. This string of relics is of the land and sea—cowrie shells, amber beads, sun and moon pendants, coral and antique Moroccan silver.

2. Make a rock angel statement with this stunning investment piece of trendy jewelry. Deep blue wampum shell beads and natural claws are a rare exception to the usual turquoise of iconic squash blossom necklaces, the cornerstone of most Native American jewelry.

3. Sunset-hued organic simplicity can sometimes be statement enough.

4. These cooler than cool chunky antique claw jewelery pieces go all-out Studio 54 with a shiny seventies S-chain.

5. The sellers of this tribal necklace describe it as "Modernist meets tribal”—with a chic warrior-like result.

6. The graphic push/pull of gold metal against silver will accentuate the simple elegance of a plain white shirt.

7. The sophisticated palette of this delicately woven tribal necklace makes it a standout among other bright bead choices.

8. The seller of this regal beauty tribal necklace believes the rich red beads were restrung in Africa as they were handed down from generation to generation.

9. Black coral is such a nice Goth surprise.

10. This leather and rough-hewn crystal vision would be super sexy against summer skin.

Tags: