Oud Beads
2010s More Necklaces
South Sea Pearl
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Retro Brooches
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Italian Necklace Enhancers
Coral, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Modern Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Chalcedony, Yellow Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Brooches
Gilt Metal
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Beaded Necklaces
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Link Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
2010s German Contemporary More Necklaces
South Sea Pearl
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.