Swarovski Aurora Borealis Necklace
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Necklaces
Crystal
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Beaded Necklaces
2010s American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Turquoise, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Clip-on Earrings
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1980s Beaded Necklaces
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Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Brooches
20th Century Bangles
Gold Plate
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Deco More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Italian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amber
Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Link Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Aquamarine, Turquoise
20th Century Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Choker Necklaces
Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
1980s Indian Evening Dresses
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Pink Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 22k Gold, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1960s American More Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1770s Portuguese Georgian Dangle Earrings
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Silver
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Art Deco More Necklaces
Crystal, Gold Plate
20th Century Link Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces
2010s Unknown Art Nouveau Modern Bracelets
Crystal, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces
20th Century American Drop Necklaces
Vintage 1980s More Necklaces
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Necklaces
Late 20th Century American More Necklaces
Mid-20th Century American Brooches
21st Century and Contemporary American Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1950s Choker Necklaces
Rhodium
Vintage 1950s American Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1950s French Drop 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.
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