Enamel Locket Cherub
Antique 1860s American Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Drop Necklaces
Gold, Enamel
Antique 1860s English Victorian Drop Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Enamel
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Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s English Victorian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s Cluster Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1760s British George III Dangle Earrings
Crystal, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Cocktail Rings
Natural Pearl, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Revival More Jewelry
22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Edwardian More Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18th Century English George II Solitaire Rings
Crystal, 15k Gold
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Retro Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1890s Hungarian Victorian Drop Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, Silver, Gilt Metal
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Antique Early 19th Century Swiss Georgian Brooches
15k Gold
Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Gold
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Necklace Enhancers
Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1870s Victorian Necklace Enhancers
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Topaz, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1870s Swedish Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Dangle Earrings
Gold Plate, Brass
Antique 1880s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century German Victorian Pendant Necklaces
15k Gold
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.