Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Warrior with Helmet Coin 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "stater" coin from Tarsos in Cilicia (now a region along the coast of Turkey below the Hellespont) depicts Pharnabazus II (379-374 BC), a Persian soldier and stat...
18k Gold
George L'Enfant for Tiffany & Co. Medieval Jousting Helmet Flip Watch Pendant
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Here we have a rare watch pendant by George L'Enfant for Tiffany & Co. This vintage piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the shape of medieval jousting helmet...
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Spartan Goddess Athena Helmet Charm Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This charm pendant is a bold and highly distinctive figural piece, designed as the helmet of the Spartan goddess Athena in rich 18k yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Onyx Diamond Helmet Diamond Men's Pendant
Located in Istinye, TR
Inspired by the defenders of mighty castles and ancient armours the Guard of Men collection presents bold angles and oxidized color tones. The limited edition collection is handcraft...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 18K Gold Polo Riding Helmet and Polo Stick Charm Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This is a vintage horse polo riders equipment charm pendant, consisting of a riding helmet and polo stick. The 18 karat yellow gold riders helmet and polo stick are beautifully craft...
18k Gold
Knight In Armor Helmet Gem Set Gold Charm Pendant
Located in Montreal, QC
Full Helmet Gold Charm Pendant set with Turquoise stones; hand chased and crafted in 18k yellow gold; marked: 18K AR; measuring approx. 1.5” high.
Turquoise, 18k Gold
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.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
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.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
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.