Victorian 14 Karat Gold Pearl Snake Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian snake heart locket pendant. It is crafted in 14K gold.
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Victorian Lockets
Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Pearl Snake Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian snake heart locket pendant. It is crafted in 14K gold.
Gold
Victorian Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Portrait Locket Pendant
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Victorian 14K yellow gold enamel oval locket featuring a beautifully detailed portrait of a woman wearing a black mask.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Enamel and 15 Carat Gold Memorial Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this locket is black and wonderfully glossy, it really makes the gold pop. The locket also holds a cross on the front with the words 'in memoriam'. The back of the lock...
Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Gold Folding Ball Locket Pendant, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This beautiful antique Victorian folding ball locket pendant is masterfully crafted in solid 18-karat gold.
18k Gold
Victorian diamond onyx 18k yellow gold mourning locket pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian mourning locket pendant carries an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.40 carat, graded I-J color and I clarity, its warm, candlelit facets set against a som...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890 Victorian Diamond and Pearl Black Onyx Locket
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a spectacular 1890 Victorian Black Onyx, Diamond, and Pearl Locket! This locket features 10 lovely rose-cut diamonds that surround one of the pearls in a lovely petal-like pa...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 15 Carat Gold, Enamel and Pearl Locket
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lovely 19th century locket made of 15 carat gold with a cross motif in blue enamel and natural pearls. 2 1/2" long and 1 1/2" wide.
18 Karat Gold Victorian Ruby & Diamond Starburst Locket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian era Ruby & Diamond Starburst Locket composed of 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Bloomed Gold Mourning Locket, Oct. 3rd, 1896
Located in Upland, CA
About This Locket: This Victorian mourning locket, dated October 3rd, 1896, features woven hair inside, preserved with care.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Locket with Woven Hair, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This exquisite antique Victorian mourning locket, crafted in 14 karat gold, is a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry.
14k Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Green Paste Rose Gold Pendant / Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.20 Carat ruby, 0.38 Carat diamond and green paste, 9 karat rose gold and silver set pendant/locket; part of our Victorian jewelry ...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Victorian Sterling Silver Photo Locket Necklace 2.75" Etruscan Flower Monogram
Located in New York, NY
The locket dates to circa 1850 - 1900. This is one of the most beautiful antique Victorian silver lockets we have seen.
Sterling Silver, Silver
Victorian 18k Gold 2.15ct Diamond Star Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Absolutely stunning Victorian Enamel Diamond Star mourning locket in 18K yellow gold, and heavy Victorian 14K gold chain.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Gold Heart Shape Locket Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This exquisite 14-karat gold heart-shaped locket pendant from the 19th century is a stunning example of antique Victorian craftsmanship.
Gold, 14k Gold
Sterling Silver, Victorian Book Chain Necklace with Silver Engraved Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Book Chain Necklace & Locket Sterling Silver Elegant circa 1900 solid silver locket on its original Victorian book‑chain necklace.
Sterling Silver
Victorian Diamond Crescent Moon Locket of 9k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A Victorian-era locket dating from approximately 1890–1900, featuring a crescent moon and star motif set with rose-cut diamonds in 9K gold.
Diamond, 9k Gold
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Style Silver Oval Filigree Locket/Reliquary Pendant
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a large oval silver locket/reliquary pendant. The oval shaped silver case is decorated around its border by different kind of large and small filigree flowers with foliage. Ther...
Silver
Victorian Blue Enamel and Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a rare and wonderful pendant dating back to the Victorian era. The pendant is crafted in a Holbeinesque style and features a central rose cut diamond, beautiful blue ena...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Aesthetic Photo Locket Necklace Flower Bouquet Aesthetic Period 2.5"
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful Victorian Aesthetic Period Locket Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver with a gorgeous Applied and Engraved Flower Bouquet Urn motif of great beauty.
Silver, Sterling 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.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Book Locket, Circa 1880s, Antique Pendant
Located in Upland, CA
About This Locket Transform your style with this exquisite Victorian Book Locket.
Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold & Enamel Victorian Marquise Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Locket 9ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1870 Fabulous, Victorian gold locket.
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Hand Painted Miniature Portrait Locket Pendant
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Gorgeous antique Victorian 14kt gold , hand painted girls miniature portrait pendant/ locket .
Gold
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold Amethyst, Pearl, & Diamond Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This antique Victorian mourning locket is crafted in yellow gold and centers on a vivid oval amethyst, faceted to catch the light.
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise and 9 Carat Gold Locket Back Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet brooch has a secret. The secret is that it has a round locket on the back of it! The front of the brooch holds marcasite stones and turquoise. The turquoise adds a perfect...
Marcasite, Turquoise, 9k Gold
Victorian Archeological Revival Yellow Gold Turquoise Glass Locket Pendant 1800s
Located in Towson, MD
This archeological revival pendant deserves a place in the collection of anyone drawn to Victorian jewelry, or as a distinctive locket gift for someone who treasures pieces with hist...
10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Emerald and Pearl Heart Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful locket pendant dating back to the Victorian era. This romantic piece has been crafted into the shape of love heart with a single round faceted emerald set a...
Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Shell Floral Locket Pendant, Circa 1890, W & H Co
Located in Portland, England
A beautiful Victorian round locket pendant, dating to the late 19th century.
Antique Victorian Scottish Granite Bracelet Sterling Silver Padlock Hair Locket
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Victorian bracelet was handcrafted in the middle of the 19th century in Scotland.
Sterling Silver
Victorian Fancy Yellow Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite locket pendant crafted from a blend of gold and silver during the Victorian period.
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Victorian 14K Gold Lion Locket Necklace with Diamond & Ruby Eyes
Located in New York, NY
The reverse has a beautifully done Victorian engraved monogram. The locket opens to reveal places for two photos.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Dove Bird Swallow Locket Pendant Etruscan Revival, Circa 1860
Located in New York, NY
The picture locket dates to the Victorian to Belle Epoque period circa 1840-1890.
Gold-filled
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Floral Engraved Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 * The chain is sold separately This exquisite 18-carat yellow gold locket is a stunning example of craftsmanship and timeless bea...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl Coral Diamond Locket Flower Bangle 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Fascinating romantic example of antique bangle, engraved inside 10th April 1856 – hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold – English origin Beautiful carved flower design center piece, decor...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Memorial Locket Pendant, UK
Located in Queens, NY
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Memorial Locket Pendant, decorated with engine turned guilloche enamel finish, featuring twelve seed pearls approx. 3.0 mm., designed with crysta...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Pearl Floral Motif Rectangular Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian floral motif rectangular locket pendant.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Silver Early Victorian Garnet Large Aesthetic Glass Backed Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Bohemian Garnet Locket Silver Tested Circa 1875 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step into the elegance of the Early Victorian era with this stunning large oval-shaped loc...
Garnet, Silver
Victorian Diamond Enamel 18K Antique Psyche Portrait Locket Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and an oval-shaped locket pendant centering a limoge miniature enamel painting Measuring 28.0 x 20.0 mm - depicting the Goddess Psyche riding a giant winged butterfly Depict...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this pendant is stunning blue. The front holds a portrait surrounded bu a gold frame and clue enamel, finished with a pearl halo. The back of the locket has a hinged gl...
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Victorian Garnet 15 Carat Gold Bracelet With Padlock Heart Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This bracelet is modelled in 15ct gold. The bracelet is fastened using a heart padlock which is super detailed and set with garnet. The back of the heart has a locket. Comes in origi...
Garnet, Gold
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Star Shape Locket Pendant Necklace Brooch Pin
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Inside, you'll find the original photo of a Victorian gentleman, adding a poignant touch to its history.
Garnet, Silver
Victorian Tulip Crest Shield Intaglio Locket Pendant Necklace Agate Etruscan
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique carved Crest Shield Victorian Etruscan Revival Locket Pendant with Banded Agate or Sardonyx gems.
Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Daguerreotype Locket Pendant Necklace 10 Karat Gold Handsome Man
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique Daguerreotype Locket Pendant Necklace with a daguerreotype image of a handsome man in 10 Karat Gold. The locket has a wonderful large size and i...
Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Large Mourning Belt Locket 18 KT Natural Split Pearl
Located in Napoli, IT
The dark beauty of Mourning jewellery, so wearable and desirable in modern life style, dramatic an eye-catching yet meaningful and collectible along the time This large rectangular s...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Gold, Enamel, & Hair Art Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian mourning pendant for a necklace. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a converted pocket watch pendant. With strands of hair behind a bezel-set glass ...
14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Gold and Onyx Locket Pendant, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
The combination of black onyx, ornate gold detailing and the sentimental locket form is characteristic of Victorian jewelry from the second half of the 19th century.
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Seed Pearl & Antique-Cut Red Stone Locket Pendant
Located in Flushing, NY
A Victorian oval locket pendant crafted in 14-karat yellow gold.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Locket 16 Karat Etruscan Pearl, circa 1860
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Victorian - Belle Epoque Picture locket pendant in an Etruscan open work motif set with pearls in the most stunning warm brushed 16 Karat Rose Gold.
Pearl, 15k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold & Enamel Mourning Hair Locket Brooch Seed Pearls
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful VICTORIAN 14K GOLD Mourning Pin Locket. This has a glass back that would have housed a lock of hair or a picture of your loved one that had passed on.
Onyx, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Black Enamel Locket Front 18ct Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique Victorian Black Enamel Locket Front 18ct Yellow Gold Ring inscription reads “ for memory of my dear mother May 10/94” The item comes without the box in the photos but wil...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Padlock Heart Turquoise Yellow Gold Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Antique Victorian 15 karat (15K) yellow gold heart-shaped pendant mourning locket set with five turquoise cabochons in a flower design centring on a gold bead.
Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9ct Gold Engraved Oval Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully detailed antique Victorian oval locket is crafted in warm-toned gold—richer than yellow gold but not quite rose gold.
Gold, 9k Gold
Large Victorian 15K Gold Diamond & Onyx Monogrammed Double Mourning Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian Gold Diamond and Onyx Locket is the striking diamond monogram.
Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Diamond and Ruby Miniature Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique locket pendant showcases a beautifully hand-painted miniature scene encased within 14k yellow gold, accented by 0.414ctw of sparkling diamonds and 0.415ctw of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Treblant Bird Brooch and Heart Locket
Located in London, GB
Here we have a remarkable drop brooch taken from the Victorian period. This eye-catching piece features a striking design of a mid flight bird with outstretched wings, adorned with v...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Two-Colour Gold, Victorian Cabochon Garnet Locket Back Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Pendant 15ct Yellow & Rose Gold Circa 1870 * The chain is sold separately Step back in time with this stunning piece of Victorian history. Crafted in the ea...
Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian French Butterfly Rock Crystal Gem-set Rare Locket Chain
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Marvel A very rare Victorian period locket pendant plus chain – French origin 1860/1880 ca The large locket is of circular shape carved from polished Rock Crystal – nestled...
Crystal, Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$2,390Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Gold & Platinum Star Pave Diamond Grooved Basket Weave Swivel Locket
Located in Montclair, NJ
Overall Height: 35.9mm (1.4") (including bail) - 30.1mm (1.1") (not including bail) Locket Dimensions: 20.4x19.8mm (0.80"x0.78")(not including the swivel piece) Interior Dimensions: ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Victorian Garnet & Starburst Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
A gorgeous garnet and diamond locket pendant from the Victorian, circa 1870's era.
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sterling Silver, Victorian Book Chain Necklace with Silver & Gold Inlaid Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
The artistry of the locket captures the essence of Victorian elegance, making it a perfect statement piece for any occasion.
Gold, Sterling Silver
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
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.
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.