Cartier Tube Necklace
Early 2000s French Choker Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Choker Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Jade, Onyx, Rock Crystal
Antique Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Choker Necklaces
Moonstone, Cat’s Eye, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century French Greek Revival Drop Necklaces
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Brass
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2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Quartz, Gold Plate
Vintage 1950s Italian Artisan Bangles
Diamond, Chalcedony, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Charm Bracelets
Diamond, Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Jade, 18k Gold
2010s American Baroque Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Gilt Metal
2010s American Byzantine Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Early 2000s French Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Silver Plate, Bronze
2010s American Edwardian Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Rock Crystal
1990s French Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
1990s French Modern Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Jade, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s British Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Swedish Modern Chain Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s French Link Necklaces
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023To tell if a Cartier necklace is real, first look for the serial number and Cartier logo. On a genuine piece, the stamp will be clear, straight and in the correct Cartier script font. Also, check the clasps. Real Cartier jewelry will have high-quality clasps that are easy to work and free of signs of soldering. Find a selection of Cartier necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023While what the Cartier Love necklace means is truly up to the wearer, the accessory’s specific construction had deep meaning for its designer. When Italian-born American jewelry designer Aldo Cipullo (1935–84) created the Love bracelet, which was the first piece in the Love collection, he was inspired by chastity belts and the promise of romantic love. Although it’s since been updated to lock and unlock on its own, the original Love bracelet came with a gold-vermeil screwdriver. One lover wore Cipullo’s striking cuff, while the other carried the tool to open and close it. The piece would thus be an immutable symbol of a couple’s love — immutable, that is, until the guardian of the screwdriver agreed to remove it. The mock flathead screws motif that characterizes the original bracelet can also be seen on the Love necklace’s pendant. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Cartier Love necklaces.
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