Antique Griffin Necklace
Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s English Gothic Revival Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Carnelian, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces
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21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers
Carnelian, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-17th Century Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Emerald
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Turkish Modern Stud Earrings
Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s Dangle Earrings
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Antique 18th Century European Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Carnelian, 9k Gold
20th Century English Chain Necklaces
9k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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French Chain Necklaces
2010s Australian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Rope Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Necklace Enhancers
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Georgian Choker Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Silver
Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Agate, 15k Gold
Antique 1840s English Victorian More Jewelry
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Carnelian, 9k Gold
20th Century Pocket Watches
Diamond, 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.
- What is a griffin necklace?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023A griffin necklace is a necklace that depicts a mythological creature called a griffin. Featured in myths from Ancient Greece, Persia and Egypt, the griffin is a beast that is part lion and part eagle. Griffin necklaces may feature a coin pendant that shows a griffin in relief or a pendant shaped like a griffin. Explore a large collection of necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023To tell if a necklace is antique, first look for hallmarks that indicate the maker. If you locate them, you can consult trusted online resources to find out when the company or artisan was active. To qualify as an antique, a necklace must be at least 100 years old. The presence of materials that are no longer commonly used to produce jewelry, like bakelite, camphor glass, foil opals and paste, can be good indicators that a piece is an antique. Antique jewelry is also more likely to have European- and rose-cut gemstones than modern cuts like the brilliant round. Because it can be difficult to date jewelry on your own, you may wish to consult an expert, like a certified appraiser or experienced dealer, for assistance. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique necklaces.
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