Rosicrucian Cross
Antique 17th Century European Baroque Pendant Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
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20th Century Italian Beaded Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1920s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Byzantine Pendant Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 1860s British Victorian More Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Pendant Necklaces
22k Gold
Antique 16th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Finding the Right pendant-necklaces for You
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.