Biwa Pearls Strands
21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic Multi-Strand Necklaces
Brown Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century Unknown Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Pearl, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
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Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indonesian Hoop Earrings
Zircon, Sterling Silver
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1980s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Stud Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Topaz, Kyanite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century British George III Drop Earrings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Titanium
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold-fille...
Vintage 1960s Dutch Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Chinese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pyrite, Pearl, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
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 Biwa baroque pearl?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Baroque pearls are pearls with an irregular, non-spherical shape. They are sometimes called Biwa baroque pearls because of their discovery in Lake Biwa, Japan. Baroque pearls are coveted for their uniqueness as no two baroque pearls are alike. Baroque pearls are long and round with dips along the surface. Shop a wide range of baroque pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023You can wear many kinds of earrings with a strand of pearls. Create a unified look by opting for pearl earrings like studs, clusters and drops. A pair of hoop earrings can also complement pearls, as can more dramatic dangle earrings set with gemstones. When choosing earrings, consider the occasion. Bolder, larger earrings tend to be more appropriate for night and special events. Explore a wide variety of earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023The tradition of the royals wearing three strands of pearls comes from Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, King George VI, presented her with a three-strand pearl necklace on her wedding day, and she wore the necklace many times in the years that followed. To honor the late queen, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of York, wore the queen's three-strand pearl necklace to Elizabeth II's funeral. The royal tradition of wearing pearls as mourning jewelry traces back to Queen Victoria. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of pearl necklaces.
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