Modernist Torque Necklace
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Choker Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century More Necklaces
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modernist Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces
Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s European Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Swedish Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Greek Modernist Necklace Enhancers
Silver
1990s French Modernist Choker Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s French Modernist Choker Necklaces
Gilt Metal
2010s Greek Modernist Necklace Enhancers
Silver
Early 2000s British Modern Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, 18k Gold
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Crystal, Silver
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Sterling Silver, Silver
20th Century Danish Modernist Clip-on Earrings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Bangles
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces
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Agate, Sterling Silver
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Gold, 18k Gold
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14k Gold
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cuff Bracelets
Onyx, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
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Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Belgian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Modernist More Necklaces
Vintage 1940s German Retro Link Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectible Jewelry
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Early 2000s French Modernist Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 15k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
Modernist Torque Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Modernist Torque Necklace?
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.
- What is a torque necklace?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A torque necklace is a stiff metal ring or more aptly, a collar, made from a single piece or strands twisted together featuring an opening to slip it onto the neck. Torque is also frequently spelled torc or torq. Find a collection of vintage and modern torque necklaces on 1stDibs.