Tiffany Rainbow Necklace
2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Peridot, White Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Tourmaline, White Gold, Enamel, Rhodium, Gilt Metal
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2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1930s American Brooches
Base Metal
2010s Pendant Necklaces
2010s Pendant Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Kunzite, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold,...
2010s American Clip-on Earrings
18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
20th Century Romantic Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s French Chain Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Stud Earrings
18k Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
White Gold
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Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Citrine, Iolite, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
White Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire,...
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.