Fish Bones Pendant
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Drop Necklaces
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s French Wrist Watches
Silver, Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Cuff Bracelets
18k Gold
1970s French Bolero Jackets
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Retro Bracelets
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modern Band Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Brooches
Gold Plate
1990s American Clip-on Earrings
Amber, Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Tennis Bracelets
Vintage 1970s Bangles
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold
1970s European Coats
1970s European Coats and Outerwear
Vintage 1970s Italian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Brooches
Agate, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
20th Century Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Vintage 1970s Italian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s British Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Chinese Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Silver, Gilt Metal
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.
Read More
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.