Antique Russian Old Mine Cut Diamond And Ruby Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial Russian era 1917s pendant with chain made in Moscow city in art deco style with estimate old mine cut Diamond weight of 1 carat centered with red spinel hall marked ...
Antique Russian sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch And Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian brooch pendant with multi gem color stones and diamonds consists of natural ruby /demantoid sapphire/ emerald/old mine cut diamond/ rose cut diamonds in 14k gold sett...
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket METAL 14K gold GEMSTONE rosecut diamonds, ruby, pearls, onyx WEIGHT 18 grams SIZE 45mm CONDITION Go...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Edwardian Synthetic Ruby and Seed Pearl 15K Yellow Gold Lavaliere Style Pendant
Located in London, GB
Gracefully and delicately crafted in rich 15 carat gold, this 1910s English Edwardian pendant showcases an intricate design of fine sweeping curves intertwining around four raspberry...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coomi 20 Karat Gold Ancient Artifacts Charm Necklace with Multi-Gemstones
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
ABOUT THE MATERIALS Coomi Antiquity necklace set in 20K yellow gold with 13.92cts blue topaz, 11.28cts amethyst, 10.45cts citrine, 7.04cts cognac quartz, 2.89cts peridot, 2.57cts dia...
White Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Quartz, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, ...
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Ruby Rosecut Diamond Pearl Gold Inlay Locket METAL 14K gold GEMSTONE rosecut diamonds, ruby, pearls, onyx WEIGHT 18 grams SIZE 45mm CONDITION Go...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian Pearl Gemstone Silver Gold Butterfly Pin Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Crafted of silver and 18k yellow gold, set with a symmetrical pattern of diamonds, sapphires and rubies and anchored in the center by a pearl. Approximately 1 carat of diamonds, plus...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique French 18K Gold Cameo Demi Parure with Rubies and Pearls
Located in New Orleans, LA
An exquisite 19th century French hardstone cameo suite in 18K gold, consisting of a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The pendant can also be worn as a pin or mounted on the bangle. ...
Ancient Roman Coin 2nd Cent. AD Pendant w/rubies depicting Emperor Hadrian
Located in Roma, IT
This sterling silver pendant holds an authentic Roman coin dating back to the 2nd century AD, depicting Emperor Hadrian, surrounded by 8 Rubies totaling 0.60 KT. The reverse side fea...
Sapphire, Silver
Antique Mother of Pearl Virgin Marry Diamond And Ruby 18k Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 18k gold pendant with virgin marry portrait in mother of pearls flakned with natural baguet cut rubies and old diamonds with total pendant lenght 5cm hall marked 18k gold dat...
Finely detailed antique Edwardian carved opal cameo necklace (circa 1910s), craf
Located in Torrance, CA
Old European and rose cut diamonds total an estimated 0.15 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). 3 small calibre cut rubies (lab). The bold and beautifully detailed...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$18,850
Egyptian Revival Pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
This bold necklace features a colorful, intricately crafted Egyptian Revival pendant.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique gemset heart locket
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian gold heart locket set with cabochon ruby, emerald, and sapphire trefoil motif, in 15k. 1" height
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Antique Pink Sapphire Heart and Rose Cut Diamond Bird Drop Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking pendant taken from the late Georgian period. Crafted from silver gilt, the design features a heart-shaped form adorned with round faceted pink sapphires, crea...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver
Antique Gemstone Flower Pendant of Silver and 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An exceptional Eastern European jewel, featuring a floral motif set with an array natural rubies, emeralds, and sapphires in 91 zolotnik silver (approximately 950 silver purity). The...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Gemstone and Yellow Gold Bracelet and Pendant Suite
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The bracelet is composed of eight claw-set cabochon cut gemstones including: 2.95ct ruby, 2.98ct yellow sapphire, 5.90ct garnet, 1.52ct opal, 1.80ct moonstone, 1.95ct green quartz an...
Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Opal, Quartz, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Cabochon Garnet and Diamond Snake Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating pendant taken from the Victorian era. At its heart lies a large cabochon garnet, exuding a deep, rich red hue. Surrounding this focal stone is an intricate...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Griffin Pendant of 14k Gold by Riker Brothers
By Riker Brothers
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An antique pendant created from a hatpin dating to 1910, featuring a finely sculpted griffin crafted in 14K gold with a ruby eye, an emerald accent, and an old European-cut diamond h...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant in 14k gold. Beautiful detailing with tiny ruby eyes. 1870's USA. 18" chain in 14k gold, pendant .5 high.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 27" Two-Strand Prince of Wales Slider Chain in 14K Gold with Tassels
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This amazing, highly wearable early 20th century necklace features 28" of double-strand Prince of Wales chain joined by a shield-shaped slider pendant with a raised design, ruby cabo...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Enamel Bird Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Romantic and symbolic, this Victorian-era pendant (circa 1870) was originally a brooch, later transformed with the addition of a 14k gold bail for modern wear. The jewel depicts a fi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Garnet Locket Pendant
Located in Westport, CT
A functioning Victorian Revival 14K yellow gold amethyst and garnet locket pendant, circa 1900s. Featuring a star-shaped central plaque with a hand-engraved Florentine finish giving ...
Amethyst, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gemstone Pendant Enamel 14k Yellow Gold Etruscan Greek Key
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct antique Victorian Etruscan Revival pendant (circa 1860s to 1880s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Small approx. 1.5mm to 2mm rubies and an emerald adorn the mount. Small ...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
17th Century Cross Table-Cut Diamonds Colombian Emerald Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Iberian Peninsula 17th Century Silver Cross Table Cut Diamonds Colombian Emerald and Burma Ruby Pendant H 7.28 cm x W 5.27 cm / H 2.86 in. x W 2.1 14.75 grams Ribbon included 18th ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
$40,606
Salamander-shaped pinjante.
Located in MADRID, ES
Its devotional pinjante votive offering which origin is Spanish, of Canarian manufacture. The piece represents a salamander crafted in solid gold, richly adorned with emeralds, rub...
Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 22k Gold
15.00 Carat Aqua Double Lavaliere Dangle Drop Gold Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Unique natural untreated Aqua lavaliere style pendant necklace. 1 oval set side ways aquamarine with two pear shaped aqua dangles, accented with 2 round cut rubies.
Aquamarine, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Large Art Nouveau Antique Guilloche Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 This very large ornate 14K gold locket pendant is designed in Art Nouveau taste of the period. The pendant is embellished with excellent bluish white guilloche enamel. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Charles Boutet de Monvel Art Nouveau Peacock Pendant
Located in London, GB
A beautiful documented Art Nouveau Peacock pendant by Charles Boutet de Monvel. The mirrored image of the bird creating a heat shaped pendant. Gilded silver, pique-à-jour enamel, rub...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Silver
Early 19th Century Italian Coral Cross Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning coral cross formed by tubular reddish-organge pieces of coral, capped with 14k gold mounts. Overlaid with an intricate silver filigree rosette embellished with turquoise, ...
Coral, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Silver
18K Victorian Photo Locket - 18 karat solid gold pendant - Floral round locket
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful Victorian 18 Karat dainty solid yellow gold photo locket covered with marvellous decorations. The front is set with a small but beautiful seed pearls and t...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Jade Fine and Precious Stones Metal 18 Karat Gold Birds Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
This pendant consists of a large oval jade plate, held in place by a gold-plated and 18-karat gold bail. On the front, the plate is decorated with a gold-plated metal floral and plan...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Garnet, Jade, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow G...
Vintage Art Deco Charm Easter Bunny in Egg Basket Pendant Platinum Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era charm crafted in 900 platinum (circa 1920s to 1930s). Lapis, coral and turquoise are set into the charm (4mm x 3mm). One estimated 0.01 carat ...
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Turquoise, Platinum
Victorian Multi Gemstone Dragonfly Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful antique locket dating back to the Victorian era. This oval shaped piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases a highly detailed gem set dragon...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Aztec Sun Pendant in 18k Gold with Granate and 8 Sapphires
By NIBIRU Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The aztec sun is highlighted pendant, with a weight of 10 grams of solid gold 18k, with a central granate of 0,30 carat and 8 sapphires that surround the central stone is a artesian ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Bar Necklace In 18 Kt Rose Gold, Sapphires, Rubies and Tzavorite
Located in Cattolica, IT
This 18kt rose gold necklace is handcrafted in Italy. The central bar is composed of sapphire garnet and ruby, while the tips that stop the stones have been burnished to make them s...
Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Serpent Snake 18K Yellow Gold Gem Set Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold and gem set pendant designed as a yellow gold snake or serpent entwined around itself with a gemset pendant bail. Gemstones including moonstone, turquoi...
Chrysoberyl, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Multi-g...
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Aquamarine & Pearl Floral Pendulum Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1910 Step into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this stunning 9ct yellow gold pendant necklace, beautifully showcasing a captivatin...
Aquamarine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, French Art Nouveau Gold Love Medallion
By Frédéric-Charles Victor de Vernon
Located in Brighton, GB
Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram @ruby_lovestuesday Antique boxes are for display purposes only.
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold , Edwardian Peridot & Seed Pearl Flower Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Pendant 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 * The chain is sold separately A highly versatile Edwardian era pendant–brooch, exquisitely crafted in 15ct yellow gold and s...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Pendant: Victorian Engraved Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Watch Key 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Discover the elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece is beautifully engrav...
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl & Diamond Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately An ornate antique jewel crafted in yellow gold, designed to be worn...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold and Seed Pearl, Victorian Ornate Pendant, Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold and Seed Pearl Pendant 15ct Gold Circa 1880 * The chain is sold separately This beautiful Victorian gold pendant features a central star motif set with nine natur...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burmese Ruby Cabochon and Old Cut Diamond Necklace/Bracelet, circa 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A rare Victorian ruby cabochon and diamond necklace/bracelet in yellow gold, ca. 1890s.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Necklace Pin Brooch Diamonds and Ruby circa 1900's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
14k Gold Brooch about over 100 years old Vantage beautiful Brooch Pin New Addition to the piece made recently also can be a Pendant. chain not included. Unique piece of art ! Natura...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,368Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Circa 1850 Ruby Cameo Pendant Necklace, 14k Gold & Silver
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Spectacular, Art Deco, pendant, depicting an encased, renaissance cameo of a Cupid baby and mother lying on a cloud in sky background. This unique art piece measures 3 inches in len...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Retro Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace and Huggie Hoop Earrings Set 18K Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
The pendant necklace and earrings showcases a bow ribbon design with enchanting craftsmanship of channel set Burma rubies and single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Empress Joséphine Bonaparte Porcelain Floral Pink Serving Bowl
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A green corseted dress with short balloon sleeves can be seen behind her veil. A matching ruby and diamond necklace drapes around her neck.
Gold
Early Victorian Diamond and Ruby Cross
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian diamond and ruby cross, the eleven old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 6.25 carats in total, surrounded by a frame consisted of forty-four rectangular fac...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Heart-Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby heart-locket pendant from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III, to the centre a cushion-cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Renaissance Revival Emerald, Ruby and Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Renaissance revival emerald, ruby, pearl and enamelled gold pendant, the rectangular-cut emerald estimated to weigh 1.5 carats rub-over set to the centre, flanked with one diamond-...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gol...
An Archaeological Revival Gold Cross Brooch/pendant
Located in London, GB
An archaeological revival gold cross brooch/pendant, consisted of five square panels, each with a concave rosette, the central one set with a square-cut ruby, the other four set with...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Late 19th Century Gem-Set Fly Locket
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century gem-set fly locket, the thorax an old cushion-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, the eyes and wings set with rose-cut diamonds, the abdomen set wit...
Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold
A Victorian Renaissance Revival Gem-set Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Renaissance revival gem-set pendant, the central cushion shaped faceted ruby set to the centre of an old brilliant-cut diamond encrusted yellow gold 8-point star, set wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Chick Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a chick in gold and silver set with 21 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.32 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but test...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau Butterfly Pendant Brooch 30 OMC Diamonds Ruby Enamel 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful and rare early Art Nouveau Brooch Pendant in the form of a Butterfly. The magnificent Butterfly is 18 Karat Gold. It is set with 30 gorgeous Old Mine Cut Diamonds. The...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
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. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
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 David Webb necklaces — 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 Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
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.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
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.