Antique Victorian Silver Pearl Locket Pendant Box Peacock Feather Flower Leaf
Located in New York, NY
This is just a stunning Victorian Belle Epoque locket or jewelry, ring, pill or keepsake box.
Pearl, Silver
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
$544Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Shell Cameo and Gold Tone Spinning Locket Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
[Details] • Era: Late Victorian (circa 1890) • Materials: Hand-Carved Natural Shell, Gold-tone Metal • Features: 360-degree Rotating Mechanism, Hidden Locket Compartment • Design Mot...
Other, Gold-filled
Antique Victorian 14K Gold Etruscan Revival Locket Brooch, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Fitted with its original pin and C-clasp closure, this brooch remains in very good antique condition and exemplifies the refined beauty of its period. Details Period: Victorian, ci...
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 9ct Rose Gold Locket with Rubies and Seed Pearls, England
Located in New York, NY
This charming Victorian round locket is a classic example of sentimental jewellery from the late 19th century.
Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Almandine Garnet Etruscan Design, Locket Back Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Embrace the elegance of Victorian jewellery with this breathtaking brooch, perfect for any collection.
Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Gold & Agate Cabochon Double-Sided Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian gold & agate pendant. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a flat banded agate cabochon prong-set to either side - one white & pink and the other black and white....
Agate, 14k Gold
Victorian Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart shaped locket with a slightly domed face Centering a single bead set old mine cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.10 carat total - eye clean and bright Glossed w...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 1880 Locket Pendant Horn Mother of Pearl Metal Inlay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This good size locket has been handcrafted around 1880 out of horn. The front shows fine lines typical for horn. Surrounded by fine lines the locket has been decorated with a flower ...
Mixed Metal
Victorian Gibson Girl Maiden Woman Locket Pendant Circa 1890 Art Nouveau
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous antique gold filled Victorian - Art Nouveau locket pendant which features a beautiful Gibson Girl woman maiden lady with flowing hair adorned with flowers wearing ...
Gold-filled, Gilt Metal
Victorian 14K Gold Black Onyx Wheat Sheaf Locket Necklace Flower Pearl
Located in New York, NY
The locket is a wonderful size. It is antique and dates to the Belle Epoque, Victorian period.
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Oval Locket & Chain, circa 1890
Located in Nottingham, GB
A charming late Victorian sterling silver oval locket and chain dating to circa the 1890s, displaying the distinctive decorative character of the Aesthetic Movement.
Sterling Silver
Victorian Glass Medallion Locket in Brass, circa 1880
Located in Berlin, BE
A rare antique glass medallion from around 1880, set with detailed brass elements. This locket was likely intended as a reliquary or keepsake holder, designed to encase a photograph ...
Brass
Victorian 18K Gold Amethyst Locket by Carlo Giuliano, Circa 1850-60
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in Napoli, IT
Investment antique jewellery Magnificent large locket from the Victorian period, artfully crafted by Carlo Giuliano One of the leading jewellery masters during the Victorian period, ...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Harp-shaped Locket with Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Harp-shaped Locket with Rose-cut Diamonds c.1900
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Early Victorian Floral Engraved Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1860 * The chain is sold separately This exquisite 15-carat yellow gold locket is a stunning example of craftsmanship and timeless bea...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Hardstone Cameo Locket Necklace Hand Carved Antique Book Chain 1870
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB VICTORIAN PICTURE LOCKET NECKLACE WITH A HAND CARVED HARDSTONE CAMEO OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN.
Onyx, Gold-filled
Antique Victorian 15ct & 9ct Gold Starburst Pearl Onyx Mourning Locket Brooch
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful antique Victorian mourning brooch features navette shaped onyx applied with a 15ct gold star set with seed pearls, to 9ct gold frame and rear locket compartment with lock...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 9k Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Early Victorian Round Pocket Watch Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Step back in time with this exquisite early Victorian pocket watch locket, crafted from 15ct yellow gold.
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel Pearl Locket with Jet Bead Mourning Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Victorian-era mourning necklace features a long strand of black jet beads, culminating in an oval silver locket with a finely detailed front.
Pearl, Silver, Enamel
Victorian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a Victorian heart-shaped pendant featuring a rich red central ruby which is surrounded by old cut diamonds. The pendant is crafted in 15ct gold with a silver setting for...
Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Floral Engraved Peony Oval Shaped Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY This exquisite 15ct yellow gold locket is a stunning example of craftsmanship and timeless beauty....
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Locket with Onyx, Pearls, and Enamel.
Located in San Francisco, CA
These Victorian Onyx Lockets are so spectacular! I just love them for making a big, bold statement!
Onyx, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Mine Diamond Gold Locket Pendant Necklace Aesthetic Period Scene
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Diamond Victorian Belle Epoque picture locket. It is in a lovely solid 10 Karat gold.
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Floral Engraved Oval Locket with Split Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 * The chain is sold separately This exquisite 15ct yellow gold locket is a stunning example of craftsmanship and timeless beauty....
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,693Sale Price|21% Off
Rare Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette / Scent Bottle / Case / Locket 1865
Located in London, GB
A wonderful Antique Victorian solid Silver Gilt Travelling Case with a Perfume / Scent Bottle in one end (glass lined). The lid of this Rare Scent Bottle has a screw top lid which ha...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Locket Pendant Necklace Sun Motif
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Diamond Victorian Belle Epoque picture locket. It is in a lovely solid 10 Karat gold with a 14 Karat Gold Bale.
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Gold Book Locket Pendant with Onyx Hand
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This piece dates from the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1860–1880). During the Victorian era, lockets and charms in the form of books were very fashionable, often symbolizing devot...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Garnet and Pearl Gold Locket Pendant, ca. 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A beautiful example of Victorian jewelry, this ornate locket pendant is crafted in warm 9K yellow gold and showcases the elegant craftsmanship of the era.
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Turquoise Lovers Knot Memorial Locket Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This stunning brooch is beautiful in its Victorian design. Fashioned as a knot, there are delicate feather-like details across the piece.
Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,209Sale Price|27% Off
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Diamond & Pearl Locket Pendant & Fancy Link Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
This large and unique antique pendant necklace was crafted in solid 14k yellow gold during the Victorian era and features an oval locket adorned with cultures pearls and numerous old...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Diamond Pearl Enamel Locket Pendant Brooch, 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 1.90 carat diamond, pearl and enamel, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set locket pendant//brooch; part of our Victorian jewelry coll...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 15K Gold Oval Black & White Enamel & Pearl Mourning Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique yellow gold locket, comprising seven seed pearls, black and white enamel, and one panel of glass, within a 15 karat yellow gold locket. The locket is oval in shape, with...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Micromosaic Love Bird Dove Locket Necklace Etruscan Revival Victorian 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
The locket is 22 Karat Gold atop 14 Karat Gold. The locket dates to the Victorian period, circa 1830-1860.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Garnet Locket Pendant, with Floral Diamond Setting
Located in Brighton, GB
The back of the pendant reveals a hinged glass locket, perfect for keeping a cherished photo or memento close to your heart.
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Garnet Heart Locket Necklace, Circa 1870/80
Located in Napoli, IT
This pretty necklace is Victorian era, 1870/80 ca Glorious workmanship of the period all made of solid 18 Kt gold, English origin Sign that it has been long treasured through centuri...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Banded Agate & Rose Cut Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Additionally, the pendant is designed with a locket back, offering a personal touch for those who wish to keep a cherished memory close.
Agate, Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Clover Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart-shaped locket pendant suspending from a jump ring bale Featuring a gemstone clover motif bead set with ruby and diamonds Ruby is cushion cut and transparent mediu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold and Black Enamel 'In Memory Of' Mourning Locket
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A very charming antique Victorian rose and yellow gold mourning locket. This beautiful oval locket features an engraved front and back.
Gold, 9k Gold, Base Metal, Enamel
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Floral Locket- 1882
Located in Portland, England
A wonderful large sterling silver locket made in 1882, at the height of the Aesthetic Movement. The front face is hand-engraved with a naturalistic spray of garden flowers and foliag...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond 15K Gold Locket Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Antique Victorian Diamond 15K Gold Locket Brooch. Center set with a 0.12ct Diamond.
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 Carat Gold Locket with Turquoise Enamel on Both Sides
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 14 carat gold locket with blue enamel on both sides and on the front of the bail has two compartments, American, end 19th century. weight: 12.2 grams dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 cm
Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
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
Antique Victorian 10k Gold Old Mine Diamond Monogramed Circle Locket Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - 0.015ct (approx.) Material: Solid 10k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.17 Grams Chain Type: Not Included Pendant Height (...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Etruscan Revival Cabochon Garnet and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating pendant taken from the Victorian era. At the centre of this ornate piece is a cabochon garnet with its deep red hue drawing the eye.
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Floral Motif Round Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian floral motif round locket pendant crafted in 14K gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
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
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian, Long Onyx Starburst Memorial Locket Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
It features a locket back which would have traditionally held a lock of hair.
Onyx, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Pearl Gold Inlay Locket 14K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Pearl Gold Inlay Locket 14K Solid Gold METAL 14K gold hallmarked GEMSTONE pearls, onyx CONDITION Good condition *Chain not included message us fo...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Onyx Rose Cut Diamonds and 14 Karat Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique Victorian oval onyx locket pendant with a silver flower applique set with rose diamonds on foil.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, Silver
Victorian Cabochon Garnet Snake Necklace with a Heart Locket in Original Case
Located in London, England
This extraordinary Victorian necklace takes that symbolism one step further, with the serpent clutching a beautifully engraved heart-shaped locket suspended below.
Garnet, 15k Gold
Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Acid Etched Old European Diamond Locket Necklace
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Pendant Composition: 10K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Antique Old European Cut Diamond Carat Weight: 0.05 Carats Color/Clarity: H / I1 Pendant Dimensions: 1.5'' Length x...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Pearl Gold Inlay Locket 14K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Mourning Onyx Pearl Gold Inlay Locket 14K Solid Gold METAL 14K gold hallmarked GEMSTONE pearls, onyx CONDITION Good condition *Chain not included message us fo...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
15ct Gold, Early Victorian Floral Garnet & Pearl, Etruscan Locket Back Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Embrace the elegance of Victorian jewellery with this breathtaking brooch, perfect for any collection.
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Egyptian Revival Obelisk Hieroglyphics Locket Necklace Art Deco Victorian
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an exceedingly rare antique Art Deco to Victorian Egyptian Revival Locket Pendant Necklace with a fabulous three dimensional image of an Obelisk with Egyptian Hieroglyphic...
Gold-filled, Gilt Metal
Victorian Enamel Pearl Locket Necklace 16 Karat Gold Etruscan Revival circa 1860
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely gorgeous Royal Blue Enamel, Pearl and 16 Karat Gold Antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Picture locket pendant necklace in an Etruscan Revival motif.
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Sweetheart locket pendant 18K gold diamonds pearls amethyst glass past
By Cartier, Christian Dior, Chanel
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique 19th century 18K gold sweetheart locket pendant with purple glass paste and natural certified diamonds and pearls In the center of the purple glass paste amethyst the letter ...
Amethyst, Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Woven Hair Pearl Locket Multi-Strand Chain Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an amazing Victorian multi-strand chain bracelet crafted in 18K gold.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 4.08 CTW Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed round-shaped pendant suspending from a fancy split bale Displaying a checkerboard pattern comprised of bead set diamonds and enamel Diamonds are old mine cut with...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Diamond Pearl Enamel Navette Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely beautiful antique mourning locket pendant which was crafted from solid 14k yellow gold during the Victorian era.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.