Catalin Necklace
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco More Necklaces
Base Metal
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Base Metal
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Brass
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1970s French Coats
1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
Vintage 1950s French Beaded Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1960s Brooches
Vintage 1980s American Drop Necklaces
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Drop Necklaces
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Link Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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Other, Silver Plate
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Gold Plate
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Base Metal
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Early 20th Century American Link Necklaces
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Vintage 1930s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Vintage 1930s American Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1930s American Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century British Art Deco More Necklaces
Gold-filled
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.