Russian Weave Necklace
2010s British Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, ...
Early 20th Century Russian Arts and Crafts Signet Rings
Onyx, 14k Gold
People Also Browsed
Antique 18th Century Italian Victorian More Jewelry
18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Signet Rings
Hematite, 18k Gold
20th Century Italian Signet Rings
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Signet Rings
Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary George III Band Rings
Gold, Enamel
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Onyx
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Signet Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Signet Rings
Moonstone, 14k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings
Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Signet Rings
Jasper, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Signet Rings
Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
2010s Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
20th Century American Choker Necklaces
Yellow Gold
20th Century American Choker Necklaces
14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Italian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
1990s Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces
14k Gold
Late 20th Century More Necklaces
18k Gold
20th Century American More Necklaces
14k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
18k 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.