Amulet Thick Chain
2010s American Classical Roman Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Chinese Figurines and Sculptures
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s American Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces
Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Pendant Necklaces
Jade
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Hoop Earrings
Jasper, 18k Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald, Beryl, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gol...
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
2010s Indian Modern Band Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 1810s French Empire More Jewelry
Onyx, Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces
Topaz, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Early 1900s Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Iolite, Quartz, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Link Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
2010s Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
20th Century Mexican Modernist Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Pendant Necklaces
Jade
American Choker Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Pendant Necklaces
Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold
Early 20th Century Chinese Tribal Tribal Art
Metal, Silver
Early 20th Century Chinese Tribal Tribal Art
Metal, Silver
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Moonstone, 9k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Drop Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The thickness of a chain should depend on your choice. If you are slim built, you can choose a slim chain (2mm to 4mm). If your neck and shoulder area are large-built, choose a wider chain up to 8mm thick. There are also eye-catching chains as thick as 12mm. Find vintage and antique chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- Are thick gold chains in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes. Thick gold chains are in style, but whether they’re the right style for you depends on your personal preferences and the way you choose to dress. Thick gold chains look great with t-shirts, suits and sweaters, and you can layer them with other chunky or slim gold chains. Gold chains come in different link types, including Cuban, mariner and cable links and wheat and Figaro chains. Shop a selection of vintage and modern gold chains from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023How thick a micro tennis chain is varies. Generally, the term "micro" refers to tennis chains that are 1 to 4 millimeters thick. Their designs usually feature smaller diamonds than standard tennis chains, so they typically have lower total karat weights. On 1stDibs, explore a range of tennis chains.
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