Georgian Cannetille Cross
Antique 1830s Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Gold
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Vintage 1980s American More Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
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Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Italian More Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chandelier Earrings
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Vintage 1960s Italian More Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Antique 1890s English Victorian Dome Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Silver, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Drop Necklaces
15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1890s Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late 18th Century Portuguese George III Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Antique 1860s British Drop Earrings
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 18th Century Georgian Link Bracelets
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, Gold, Enamel
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Antique 1830s British George IV Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1810s British Georgian Pendant Necklaces
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Antique 1830s Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Carnelian, Turquoise, 22k Gold
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Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Antique 18th Century Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Carnelian, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Georgian Drop Earrings
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Amethyst, 18k Gold
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A Close Look at Georgian Jewelry
Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.
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.