Monet Necklace Set
Vintage 1980s American Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1970s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
20th Century More Necklaces
Vintage 1980s American Stud Earrings
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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Vintage 1980s British Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
20th Century Chain Necklaces
1970s French Top Handle Bags
Vintage 1980s Unknown Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
Vintage 1970s American Beaded Necklaces
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1980s American More Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1940s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1980s Modern Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
20th Century More Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces
Vintage 1960s Mexican Modernist Brooches
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Modern Brooches
Gold Plate, Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
Antique 17th Century Australian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Jade, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Other, Agate, Amber, Carnelia...
Vintage 1970s American Pendant Necklaces
Gold Plate
1990s American Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Base Metal
Vintage 1980s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Gold Plate
Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1970s American Link Necklaces
Vintage 1940s American Link Necklaces
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.