estateRUTH.

Identification

14k Yellow Gold and Black Onyx or Glass Bead Necklace

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

Features a standard 14k yellow gold filigree fishhook clasp stamped '14K' with a 'CP' findings maker mark, typical of mid-to-late 20th-century construction. Seller confirms 14k gold via acid test.

Story

This piece features mid-to-late 20th-century construction, indicated by the standard 14k yellow gold filigree fishhook clasp and 'CP' findings maker mark. It is a classic, unbranded jewelry staple produced by numerous manufacturers and retailers during the era. The secondary market for mid-century 14k gold and black bead necklaces is steady but heavily saturated. Buyers primarily seek these as versatile wardrobe staples rather than collector pieces.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The seller notes the necklace is in excellent condition and has acid-tested positive for 14k gold. Final value will depend on the absence of chips or scratches on the black beads, secure stringing, and a fully functional clasp.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-century 14k gold and black bead necklaces is steady but heavily saturated. Buyers primarily seek these as versatile wardrobe staples rather than collector pieces. Unbranded examples trade largely on their intrinsic material value and aesthetic appeal, with fixed-price platforms like eBay and Poshmark seeing the most liquidity for pieces under $300.

Value Drivers

▲ Confirmed 24-inch matinee length provides excellent wearability and broad buyer appeal.

▲ Acid-tested 14k gold clasp and spacer beads provide a hard intrinsic value floor.

▲ Classic, versatile black-and-gold aesthetic remains a consistent seller on secondary markets.

Concerns

▼ Unverified bead material — if confirmed as glass rather than onyx, the value will skew toward the $150 low-end.

▼ Unknown total gram weight — a lower gold weight in the spacers will reduce the intrinsic value floor.

▼ Unknown bead diameter — smaller beads (under 6mm) typically command less presence and lower prices than chunky 10mm+ beads.

Best Venue

For a fast sale, list on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Poshmark with a Buy-It-Now price around $195-$225, clearly noting the 24-inch length and positive 14k gold testing. To maximize return, confirm whether the beads are onyx or glass (a simple temperature test can indicate stone vs. glass) and include the total gram weight in the listing.

Upside Potential

If the beads are confirmed as high-quality onyx, the total gram weight is substantial, and the beads are large (10mm+), the necklace could reach the $350-$450 retail tier on curated vintage platforms.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Kingston Auction House· 2026-05-06
    Black Onyx Bead Necklace
    Link could not be verified.
    $100