Cloisonne Enamel Egg Pendant
Mid-20th Century Russian Russian Revival Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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Antique Mid-19th Century French Belle Époque Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s American Bangles
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s French Revival Drop Necklaces
Agate, Coral, Labradorite, Quartz, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Drop Earrings
Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
1990s French Link Necklaces
Diamond, Malachite, Pearl, Quartz, 18k Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
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Diamond, Jade, Ruby
Antique 1770s Unknown Georgian Brooches
Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver
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Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Bangles
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Necklace Enhancers
18k Gold
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1970s British Baroque Brooches
Diamond, Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Enamel, Silver
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Early 20th Century Unknown Artisan Pendant Necklaces
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Finding the Right pendant-necklaces for You
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
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