Locket Watch Ring
Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Silver
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Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Jade, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Amber, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Chain Necklaces
Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Greek Art Deco Link Necklaces
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Gold-filled
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1840s British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century European Contemporary Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Retro Chain Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 1880s British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Antique 1880s English Victorian Chain Necklaces
15k Gold
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
2010s American Wedding Rings
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modernist Vanity Items
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century American Pendant Necklaces
10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French High Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Chain Necklaces
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
Silver
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Chain Necklaces
Silver
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1870s British Victorian Signet Rings
18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Carnelian, 15k Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Chalcedony, Emerald, 9k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Brooches
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 9k 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.
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Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
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