Hecate Pendant
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Sterling Silver
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21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Morganite, Sterling Silver
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Garnet, Quartz, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Brooches
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Morganite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Beryl, Morganite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings
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21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s North American Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Arts and Crafts Link Bracelets
Blue Zircon, Zircon, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Necklace Enhancers
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
2010s Burmese Contemporary Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Choker Necklaces
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21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
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.