Saint George Pendant
20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
20th Century North American Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1870s English Gothic Revival Pendant Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k G...
20th Century French Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Antique 19th Century French Artisan Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
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Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1880s English Victorian Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1850s Portuguese High Victorian Brooches
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings
Carnelian, 22k Gold
Antique 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique Early 19th Century British George III Drop Earrings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Early 20th Century European Egyptian Revival Brooches
Ruby, Gold, Enamel
1990s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1880s French Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
20th Century Romantic Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Recent Sales
2010s Greek Medieval Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Unknown Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1870s British Modern Pendant Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, 22k Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Brooches
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Necklace Enhancers
18k Gold
Antique 1890s Hungarian Baroque Revival Pendant Necklaces
Silver, Enamel
20th Century Austrian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century Necklace Enhancers
Silver
Early 20th Century More Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian Brooches
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces
Vintage 1970s American More Necklaces
Coral, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1960s American Brooches
Gilt 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.
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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.