Judith Ripka Cross
2010s More Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Citrine, Onyx, Tiger's Eye
Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Sterling Silver
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s French Wrist Watches
Silver, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Bangles
Antique 1860s European Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American More Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Tennis Bracelets
Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces
Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Artisan Boxes and Cases
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British George III Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Recent Sales
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century American Necklace Enhancers
Chalcedony, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Necklace Enhancers
Chalcedony, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Spinel, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century American Necklace Enhancers
Quartz, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
American Chain Necklaces
2010s More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.