Most Valuable Squash Blossom Necklaces
Late 20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces
Late 20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century American Native American Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s North American Native American Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1920s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Turquoise
Vintage 1960s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1940s American Cuff Bracelets
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Native American Drop Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Silver
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Drop Necklaces
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A squash blossom Indian necklace is a necklace made of silver and turquoise beads that look like they bloom. These necklaces are believed to have been originally handcrafted by members of the Navajo tribe. The name in their native language means “the bead which spreads out.” Shop for squash blossom Indian necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if a squash blossom necklace is real, check for a small amount of turquoise, the authentic squash blossoms don’t have much turquoise. Look for simple styles, wear and aging signs. Shop a large collection of squash blossom necklaces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.