Heavy French Sterling Necklace
Antique 1780s French Georgian Link Necklaces
Quartz, Gilt Metal, Sterling Silver
20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
Vintage 1980s French Multi-Strand Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1940s Mexican More Necklaces
Topaz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1930s American Baroque Revival Chain Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold, Gilt Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Bangles
Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century British Edwardian Tableware
Crystal, Sterling Silver
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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Scarves
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Drop Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1980s French Modernist Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Egyptian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1840s Victorian Bangles
Diamond, Enamel
2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Trouser Pant Suits
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French For The Table
20th Century Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Dome Rings
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
Vintage 1950s French Beaded Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s French Baroque Choker Necklaces
Base Metal
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Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s French Multi-Strand Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Link Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century French Chain Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Gilded Age Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Early 2000s French Modernist Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Choker Necklaces
Silver
Vintage 1980s French Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Antique 1790s French Georgian Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century French More Necklaces
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Silver
Vintage 1970s French Chain Necklaces
Late 20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Early 20th Century American Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
American Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
1990s French Rope Necklaces
Sterling Silver
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.
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