Smiling Sun Pendant
2010s Japanese Artist Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Mexican Modern Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
Late 20th Century Mexican Modern Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
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20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Band Rings
Turquoise, 14k Gold
2010s Chain Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Moonstone, Sterling Silver, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Aesthetic Movement Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine
2010s American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Quartz, Silver
Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Charm Bracelets
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Apatite
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Ruby, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century European Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Black Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century Link Necklaces
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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2010s Italian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Brooches
Silver
Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Citrine, Pearl, Quartz, Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Beaded Necklaces
Amber, Gold, 14k Gold
Finding the Right pendant-necklaces for You
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
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This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
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