Tiffany Sparkler Necklace
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Citrine, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings
Citrine, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Artisan Drop Earrings
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, White Gold
Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Late 20th Century Engagement Rings
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century European Baroque Revival Solitaire Rings
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, Stainless Steel
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Finding the Right Pendant-necklaces for You
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.