Harry Winston Emerald Necklace
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
20th Century French Art Deco Figurines and Sculptures
Rock Crystal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver
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1960s American Cocktail Dresses
2010s French Top Handle Bags
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Early 2000s Italian High Heels
Antique Early 19th Century British George III Drop Earrings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
2010s Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Italian Mini Dress
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
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21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Late 20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
American More Necklaces
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
20th Century American Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1960s American Beaded Necklaces
Coral
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.