Copper Locket Necklace
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
Mixed Metal, Shakudo
Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Copper
1990s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Enamel, Gilt Metal
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21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Russian Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century Chain Necklaces
Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Russian Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century German Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 18th Century European Georgian Bridal Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Late Victorian Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
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Antique 16th Century Greek Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold
Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Niello
Antique 1870s Italian Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Drop Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
9k Gold, Copper
Early 20th Century Russian Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces
Silver, Niello
Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Drop Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Base Metal, Silver
Antique 1890s Russian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver, Niello
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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