Butterfly Lapis Necklace
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Greek Greek Revival Stud Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century European Modern Tables
Marble
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21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Wrist Watches
Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Band Rings
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Thai Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s French More Rings
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
2010s Thai Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches
Sterling Silver
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Amethyst, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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2010s Indian Artist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Artisan Choker Necklaces
Topaz, Turquoise Matrix, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Gold
1990s French Link Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Anglo-Indian Pendant Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, 24k Gold, Gold, 22k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Necklace Enhancers
Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Link Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Link Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Chain Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Choker Necklaces
Coral
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What butterfly necklaces mean is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Many people associate butterflies with change and rebirth because of the life cycle of the butterfly, which starts out its life as a caterpillar. You'll find a variety of butterfly necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023What wearing a butterfly necklace means is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Some people see butterflies as symbols of freedom and hope, while others believe they represent change. Shop a collection of necklaces from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
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