15 Inch White Free Form Choker
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Choker Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Other
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21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Zircon, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 22k Gold, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Choker Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Pearl, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Emerald, Tanzanite, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Vermeil
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Pearl, Gold Plate, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Freshwater Pearl, Diamond, Sterling Silver
Antique 1770s Portuguese Georgian Dangle Earrings
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Silver
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Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Choker Necklaces
Onyx, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Mixed Metal
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.