Jeweled Cross Pendant
Antique 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Silver
Vintage 1980s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Brooches
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Retro Pendant Necklaces
Crystal, Gold Plate
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Deco More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s European Modern Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Indian Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Native American Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
2010s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces
Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold, Gold Plate
Early 20th Century Portuguese Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
1880s Spanish Miscellaneous
Early 20th Century German Gothic Revival Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
2010s Greek Byzantine Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Topaz, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s French Baroque Revival Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces
Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Late 20th Century French Byzantine Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise
Vintage 1980s French Byzantine Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Medieval Drop Necklaces
Blue Sapphire
Early 2000s French Brooches
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chain Necklaces
Vintage 1980s French Byzantine Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Late 20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s French Medieval Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Late 20th Century More Necklaces
20th Century American Retro Brooches
Crystal, Gold Plate
Vintage 1980s American Byzantine Chain Necklaces
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century French Brooches
Vintage 1980s American Byzantine Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Pendant Necklaces
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
1990s French Necklace Enhancers
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.
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 necklaces designed by David Webb — 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 Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021The meaning of a cross pendant is generally that it is a symbol of the Christian faith. It represents a person’s belief, provides comfort for the wearer, and promotes awareness of the religion. Cross pendants have been worn for centuries and are popular today. Shop a range of antique and vintage cross pendants on 1stDibs.
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