Silver Clasp Mikimoto Pearls
1990s Japanese More Jewelry
Pearl, Silver
Mid-20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century Brooches
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
People Also Browsed
1990s Japanese More Jewelry
Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Artist Pendant Necklaces
Gold, Silver, Bronze
Antique 1810s French Empire More Jewelry
Onyx, Gilt Metal
Early 2000s Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s American Artisan Brooches
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Gilt Metal, Steel
1990s French Visite Jackets
Vintage 1930s American Brooches
Vintage 1980s Brooches
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century American Boxes and Cases
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Stud Earrings
1990s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Mid-20th Century Unknown Artisan Necklace Enhancers
Cultured Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Silver
Mid-20th Century Retro Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Japanese Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1960s Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Silver
2010s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Japanese Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Silver
Mid-20th Century Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century Japanese Edwardian Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1920s Asian Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Silver
20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
20th Century Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1930s Japanese Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1950s Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
Vintage 1920s Japanese Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Silver
1990s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl
20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Silver
2010s Unknown Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1970s Japanese Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
2010s American Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Early 2000s American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Silver
Vintage 1950s More Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Silver
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.