Extra Large Chanel Pearl Necklace
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1980s French Baroque Beaded Necklaces
2010s Blouses
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1990s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Choker Necklaces
Crystal, Pearl
1990s French Blazers
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Italian Double-Breasted Jackets
1990s French Blouses
1990s Italian Coats and Outerwear
1990s French Skirt Suits
1980s Italian Blazers
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Vintage 1980s American Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
1990s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Crystal, Pearl, Gold Plate
1990s British Skirts
Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
Early 2000s French Chain Necklaces
1990s French Brooches
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s French Choker Necklaces
2010s Choker Necklaces
Early 2000s Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
Pearl
2010s More Necklaces
2010s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
Pearl
1990s French Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces
Mixed Metal
1990s French Beaded Necklaces
1990s French Choker Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Early 2000s Drop Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary French More Necklaces
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.