1992 Dior Necklace
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Quartz, Sterling Silver
20th Century Danish More Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s French Modernist Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Link Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist More Jewelry
Agate, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modernist Link Bracelets
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Vintage 1950s Mexican Modernist Link Bracelets
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Canadian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Indicolite, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold,...
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1880s English Victorian Cocktail Rings
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Mexican Link Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century Danish Romantic Cluster Rings
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Greek Greek Revival Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Choker Necklaces
Silver
Late 20th Century American Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Modernist Cocktail Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Danish Romantic Cluster Rings
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cuff Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist More Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Modernist Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
1990s Italian Link Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century European Modernist More Necklaces
Amethyst, Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s French Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s More Necklaces
Mid-20th Century Danish More Necklaces
Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Collectible Jewelry
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s More Jewelry
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1980s French Beaded Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s French Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Mixed Metal
20th Century Danish Modernist More Jewelry
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Chandelier Earrings
1990s Books
Paper
Vintage 1970s Danish Link Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Link Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Danish Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist More Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Danish Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Danish Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Danish Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Swedish Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish More Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Italian Bangles
Vintage 1970s French Modern Choker Necklaces
Mid-20th Century Danish Modernist Link Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Italian Chain Necklaces
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist More Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Bracelets
20th Century Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
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.
Read More
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.