Pea Pod Necklace
20th Century Chinese Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Jade, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces
Jade, White Gold
2010s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Jade, Silver
Vintage 1940s Mexican Modern Link Necklaces
Silver
Mid-20th Century American Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s British Modern Choker Necklaces
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 17th Century Spanish Pendant Necklaces
Silver
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Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century Brooches
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1950s French Romantic Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel
Vintage 1980s French Choker Necklaces
Early 2000s French Evening Gowns
2010s Chinese Artisan Band Rings
Jade
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Egyptian Revival Drop Necklaces
Silver, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 2000s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Silver Plate, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Quartz, Turquoise, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Black Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
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2010s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces
2010s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces
2010s French Contemporary Choker Necklaces
20th Century American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
2010s French Contemporary Brooches
2010s Unknown Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Jade, 14k 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.
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