Victorian Whitby Jet Lorgnette Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian matt black Whitby Jet lorgnette bead necklace.
Antique 1890s English Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Enamel, Steel
Victorian Whitby Jet Lorgnette Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian matt black Whitby Jet lorgnette bead necklace.
Enamel, Steel
Victorian Large Whitby Jet Graduated Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning chunky necklace is held together by large bolt clasp. The beads graduate in size, starting large at the centre and the smallest on the outer edges. Length: 58.5cm La...
Antique 1870s Victorian Jet Mourning Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
This striking Victorian mourning locket is carved from glossy Whitby Jet, a lightweight fossilised material prized for its intense black sheen. Oval in form, the piece is set with wa...
Brass
Antique 1860s Victorian Jet Mourning Hairwork Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This deeply evocative Victorian mourning pendant is crafted from carved Whitby Jet, renowned for its lightness and mirror-like polish. The oval form is smooth and domed, highly refle...
Victorian French Jet Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Victorian French Jet pendant necklace of oval jet links with a 3 dimensional pendant of hexagonal cut jet stones.
Base Metal
$1,750
Victorian Jet Dog Collar
Located in New York, NY
Incredibly modern Victorian jet dog collar from the mid 1800's. Squares of faceted jet stones are bolted onto a japanned metal fretwork which is completely flexible. Striking and ele...
Gilt Metal
Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel Pearl Locket with Jet Bead Mourning Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Victorian-era mourning necklace features a long strand of black jet beads, culminating in an oval silver locket with a finely detailed front.
Pearl, Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian Festoon Hand Cut French Jet Bead Cameo Necklace Silver Clasp
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful detailed antique french jet necklace from the Victorian era. A rare find.
Silver
Long Victorian French Jet Chain, Lorgnette or Muff
Located in New York, NY
Super long Victorian mourning chain of french jet, which also was possibly used as a muff or lorgnette chain. Composed of polished rhombus and trapezoid shaped jet beads. The long li...
Brass, Gilt Metal, Steel
Antique Victorian Mourning 18 Karat Yellow Gold Jet Cameo with Diamonds
Located in San Francisco, CA
Um, wow! This is one amazing piece of jewelry!! I'm totally in love with it! Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, and topped in Silver, this gorgeous piece of Mourning jewelry features a beau...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Jet Locket With Natural Seed Pearls, 14k and Enamel Detailing
Located in New York, NY
A Antique Victorian Locket made up of 17 carved jet links connected by yellow gold rings. The center shield design drop is set with 15 natural seed pearls and a clasp set with enamel...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Pair of Antique Dutch 14K Gold Faceted Black Jet Mourning Pendants, Circa 1850
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A rare pair of antique mid-19th century black jet pendants mounted in 14 karat yellow gold, originating from the Netherlands and dating to circa 1850. These elongated pendants are ca...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$151Sale Price|40% Off
Victorian Frosted Glass and Black Jet Beaded Lariat Necklace
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Victorian beaded lariat necklace made with black jet faceted beads with unique clear frosted glass beads.
Opaline Glass
Victorian French Jet Pendant Necklace
Located in Wigan, GB
This beautiful multi-faceted black glass necklace is a rare, intricate example of late 1800s French Jet. Condition Report: Excellent The Details... This French Jet (black glass) nec...
Gilt Metal
Unavailable
Victorian French Jet Maltese Cross Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and dramatic Victorian French jet Maltese cross necklace. The necklace is designed with three Maltese crosses (the largest in center) and eight faceted drops in between.
Victorian 14k Jet & Pearl Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous jet pendant necklace from the Victorian (ca1880s) era!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Rare Victorian Whitby Jet Necklace C1860s with Jet Links Rose Carved Pendant
Located in Mona Vale, NSW
This is a beautiful piece of Victorian History and a rare find. It is crafted from Whitby Jet, a medium that was much loved by the Victorian people for it’s jet black colour, shiny l...
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Cameo Pendant Necklace, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A grand antique Victorian necklace made up of fancy links and a large pendant all modelled in Whitby Jet.
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Locket Silver, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This stunning Antique Victorian pendant locket has been modelled in black Whitby Jet. It is an impressive size and features intricate engravings across the front and edges, as well a...
Silver
Victorian Carved Jet Floral High Relief Pendant
Located in Bedford, NY
Victorian carved jet floral high relief pendant suspended on a faceted triple strand of jet beads. Sterling silver with jet stone closure
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Floral Heart Pendant, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A lovely antique Victorian Whitby Jet heart pendant C. 1900, featuring two fabulous engraved Flowers which blossom out of the piece. Whitby Jet was brought to the attention of the ...
Silver
1880s French Jet Antique Necklace with Golden Metal Clasp
Located in roma, IT
French jet antique necklace from around 1880 with gilt metal clasp; in the mid-1800s many precious and elegant jewels were forged, especially in the Victorian era.
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Choker Necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian era Whitby Jet choker necklace. It is made up from high polished rectangular, domed Whitby Jet beads with a large engraved centre pendant bead with an A...
Victorian Large Whitby Jet Graduated Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning chunky necklace is held together by a wide black ribbon which can be tied is a gorgeous bow when being worn. The beads graduate in size, starting large at the centre an...
Antique Jet Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Graduated Antique carved Jet Necklace - double strung on thread with large rings for wearing with a velvet Ribbon or cord. Circa 1870/80.
Victorian Jet, Rose Cut Diamond and Natural Seed Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian necklace made up of sixteen carved jet links connected by yellow gold ring.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Whitby Jet Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Dramatic Whitby jet necklace with a large drop, ties with a ribbon so the length can be adjusted. Jet, a fossil of carbonized driftwood, was mined at Whitby, Yorkshire, beginning in ...
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Cross c. 1860
Located in Stamford, CT
Polished to a gloss, this Victorian Whitby Jet Cross is voluptuous in density and detail and smooth to touch.. It is hand carved and sculptural. Note the three curves at the cross en...
Victorian Jet Whitby Choker Flower
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
A perfect example of Victorian jewelry. Jet Whitby Choker elegant and strict with a small flower in the middle. 1870. The condition is good enough for occasional wear, but it’s a cl...
Victorian Carved Jet and Yellow Gold Pendant Locket
Located in Towson, MD
One Victorian jet and yellow gold pendant locket carved with a floral design. The pendant measures 3.25 inches long and 1.75 inches wide.
Yellow Gold
C.1880 French Jet Collar with Ribbon on Victorian Silk
Located in Baltimore, MD
Often confused with Whitby Jet, French Jet is polished glass with a more brilliant luster and flashier. Like Whitby Jet, it is truly antique, of the (Victorian) period, and no longer...
Victorian 1860 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Jet Cross Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
This commanding Victorian pendant in 14k yellow gold and jet is from the 1860s and comes with all the charm and elegance of antebellum eras. The pendant has a bold, geometric design ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.65 in W 0.55 in L 1 in
Victorian Memento Mori Jet or Charcoal Skull with Rose Cut Diamond Eyes
Located in Fairfield, CT
This striking vintage skull pendant is a captivating piece of jewelry that blends gothic charm with classic elegance. The pendant is skillfully carved from what appears to be jet or ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.25 in W 0.75 in L 15 in
Victorian Mourning Set Necklace and Drop Earrings in Jet with Seed Pearls
Located in Pasadena, CA
Antique Victorian cut black onyx large elongated hexagonal center stone bordered with small cut onyx shapes and 9K gold drop earrings with delicate seed pearl accents and a matching ...
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, 9k Gold
Victorian Large Whitby Jet Graduated Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning chunky necklace is held together by giant bolt clasp. The beads graduate in size, starting large at the centre and the smallest on the outer edges. Length: 44.5cm La...
Victorian Large Whitby Jet Graduated Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning chunky necklace is a complete loop and does not have a clasp. The beads graduate in size, starting large at the centre and the smallest on the outer edges. Length: 70...
Antique Victorian Graduated Jet Beads Mourning Necklace
Located in Milford, DE
A remarkable Victorian mourning necklace. Graduated jet beads, varying in size from 4x3mm to 10x8mm, hang on a black string, separated with small jet circlets. 51 cm in length, with ...
Brass
Victorian polished Whitby Jet Beaded Necklace 34”
Located in Baltimore, MD
This nineteenth century Whitby Jet strand of beads has 65 beads- yes, we counted, and is 34 inches long. It is lightweight around the neck (as jet, a form of fossilized coal, is know...
Victorian Jet Collar
Located in New York, NY
Victorian jet collar from the late 19th Century. Beautifully faceted hexagonal links with teardrop shaped jet pendants. Set in japanned metal. Soft faceted sheen.
Excellent c...
Victorian Jet Fringed Statement Lariat Necklace or Belt, 1890s
Located in Tucson, AZ
The ultimate multi-tasker, this five foot braided length of jet beads can be worn around the neck, wrist, waist or head and looks like a completely different piece of jewelry each ti...
Other
Victorian Whitby Jet Floral Pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty antique Victorian Whitby Jet floral pendant. Teadrop shaped high polished jet with a high relief carved floral design to the centre. It has a high profile and wonderful de...
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet mourning locket, Mining
Located in NEWARK, GB
A very interesting and unique Victorian era mourning locket. It is made from Whitby Jet with an intricately carved front, the locket reads MAS from MRWS, Kilton, 1875.
Brass
Antique French Jet faceted bead necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique late Victorian era French Jet bead necklace. It is both dark and twinkly at the same time with a similar dark aesthetic to cut steel, it's all about the craftsman...
Brass
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet heart pendant, Puffy heart
Located in NEWARK, GB
The sweetest little antique puffy heart pendant. Victorian era it is carved from inky black Whitby Jet with a silver plated jump ring and Jet bale. Well carved with a lovely chunky...
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet mourning locket, AEI, hairwork
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian era mourning locket. It is finely hand carved from inky black Whitby Jet, domed at the front with the engraved letters AEI which stand for Amity Eterni...
Sold
H 2.25 in W 1.5 in L 18 in
Victorian Mourning Cameo Pendant Whitby Jet on Velvet Ribbon Necklace c.1880s
Located in Milford, DE
Victorian Mourning Cameo Pendant on Velvet Ribbon Necklace — Hand-Carved Shell Cameo, Whitby Jet Black Frame, c.1880s A hauntingly beautiful example of Victorian mourning jewelry, t...
Antique Victorian Large Faux Jet Queen Victoria Mourning Pendant and Ribbon
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian large faux jet moulded pendant, hung on black ribbon with a pinchbeck dog clip.
Antique Victorian Faceted French Jet and Silver Cross Pendant and Chain
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian faceted french jet cross pendant with a silver bail.
Silver
Sold
H 2.25 in W 1.25 in
Victorian Locket Pendant Whitby Jet Enamel Edelweiss Flower Pendant, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
A rare and wonderful Victorian Locket pendant with gorgeous hand painted enamel of an Edelweiss Flower motif. The locket is Black Whitby Jet. It has a Jet bale. The reverse has a...
Enamel
Victorian I cling to thee locket, Whitby Jet and sterling silver
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique Victorian Whitby Jet and sterling silver locket is truly unique and incredibly beautiful. This locket is an oval shape with a smooth polished jet front and back, mounte...
Sterling Silver
Pansy Flower Pendant Charm Black Jet 10 Karat Gold Victorian Art Nouveau
Located in New York, NY
A VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU CARVED BLACK JET AND 10 KARAT GOLD LAVALIERE PENDANT IN THE FORM OF A PANSY FLOWER . THE PENDANT IS SO STUNNING WITH THE MOST DELICATE CARVING OF THE PANSY...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Sold
W 1.42 in L 2.52 in
heavy 18K mourning pendant - solid gold Victorian Jet charm - Antique star 1870s
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful Victorian 18 K yellow gold Jet pendant. The front is decorated with many small and larger pearls set in a star shaped formation. Deep black jewels were mos...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Locket, 15k Gold and Pearl Star, Whitby Jet, Cased
Located in NEWARK, GB
You will be enamored by this stunning antique, Victorian era mourning locket pendant. Smooth highly polished rich and inky black Whitby Jet with a beautiful central gold star motif ...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique French Jet Ornate Snowflake Droplet Collar with pin Victorian 1860s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A splendid Antique French Jet Collar from around the 1860s. The collar is the main focus of this offering and we are including a small brooch that compliments the style of the neckla...
Victorian French Jet Star Necklace
Located in Wigan, GB
French jet necklaces look fabulous on top of white t-shirts.
Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Necklace Three Jet Pendants, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous Victorian Whitby Jet cameo necklace is Circa 1860 Hand carved beautifully to show fabulous all round workmanship Three large hand carved floral droppers are cascading...
Victorian Whitby Jet and Shell Cameo Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique faceted Whitby jet necklace with hand-carved shell cameo of Medusa (classic Greek mythological figure who had snakes in place of hair). English, c1860.
Victorian Black Jet Beaded Choker
Located in Oradell, NJ
Offered for sale is this exquisite Victorian (1837-1901) black jet beaded choker. Rows of black jet beads encircle the throat both horizontally and vertically and both sides of the c...
Victorian Black Jet Beaded Choker
Located in New York, NY
SALE Originally $275 This Victorian necklace is a stunning piece. Multiple strands of delicate beads hang elegantly between large oval jet stones.
Antique Victorian Jet AEI Locket Pendant
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A cool antique AEI locket with silver lettering set on black jet. It dates from the mid Victorian period, circa 1870, clearly intended as a mourning/memorial piece. It's a good size ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian French Jet Mourning Pendant
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
An Antique Victorian c.1860-1880s French Jet (glass) Mourning pendant. The pendant in shape of Maltese cross with chased yellow gold-filled glazed locket in the middle. Originally wo...
Gold-filled, Brass
Victorian Jet Long Guard Chain 76 Inches
Located in Middleton, WI
This unique antique Victorian jet chain necklace was handcrafted in England around 1850-60.
Base Metal
Victorian Whitby Jet Pendant on Silk Ribbon
Located in New York, NY
"Modernist" Whitby jet pendent (made from antique brooches) on hand-made pleated silk ribbon and antique button closure. English c. 1860. *Not available for sale or to ship in th...
Three Strand Whitby Jet Graduated Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Whitby Jet Three Strand Graduated Bead Necklace with Triangular Spacers from England, circa 1890 *Not available for sale or to ship in the state of California.
Victorian Extra Long Beaded Jet and Locket or Watch Chain Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
One 1880's Extra Long And Extra Fabulous Beaded Black Jet Necklace Chain Measuring Approximately 72 Inches.
15k Gold
Antique Victorian French Jet Locket Turquoise Flower Forget Me Not, circa 1850
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This genuine Victorian French Jet locket is adorned with a forget me not on the front which is adorned with Turquoise’s. Genuine Victorian, Circa 1850. French Jet is a type of blac...
Turquoise, Gold
Victorian Mourning Necklace & Earrings of French Jet & Banded Agate, 1890s
Located in Burbank, CA
Offered here is a Victorian mourning necklace & matching drop earrings from the 1890s.
English Jet Gold Salamander Locket
Located in New York, NY
This charming locket is made of Jet and 15K gold. The best Jet was found off the coast in England. It is very tightly compressed wood that has fossilized over millions of years. It i...
15k Gold
Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The gold ring is set with ten natural half pearls within a wavy black enamelled surround. Inside the pearl surround the ring is decorated with a garnet that might have replaced a loc...
Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.25 in
Etruscan Revival 15k Gold Victorian Large Locket, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Stunning example of Etruscan Revival craftsmanship, this 15k antique Victorian locket is substantial in size with exquisite details. The center boasts a beautiful rose gold locket do...
15k Gold
Antique Florentine Large Etruscan Revival 14K Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional quality, on par with the finest Castellani pieces, antique Etruscan Revival large 14K yellow gold locket pendant/brooch 19th Century Featuring superb granulation and wire...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18ct gold band holds three diamonds. The diamond total of this ring is 9pts. The central diamond measures 15pts. Hallmarked Chester 1902. Ring Size: Q or 8 1/4 Band ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$35,000
H 2.76 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
1970s Ivory Silk Satin & Lace Hand Made Victorian Style Wedding Dress Medium
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1970s ivory silk satin & lace hand made Victorian style wedding dress. Beautifully made dress with lace insertion and tiny tucks everywhere. This gorgeous dress is perfect for any br...
Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful velvet Vivienne Westwood Jacket. Cut in a stunning velvet that seems to absorb and refract light like oil on water, the piece balances romance and rebellion with signature ...
Victorian French Jet Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian French Jet rectangular brooch from the late 19th Century. Round and Pear shaped jet "stones" are mounted on fine wire work mount. 1880's France. Excellent Condition. Leng...
Base Metal
Thierry Mugler FW 1995 Gold Silk Runway Jacket seen on Kate Moss
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare iconic Thierry Mugler Jacket from his legendary Fall/Winter 1995 Collection. The sculptural showstopper piece exudes theatrical grandeur and sculptural artistry. Seen...
Spectacular Alexander McQueen Runway Gown Black Silk Lace Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
As if conjured from midnight sea-spray, this Spring/Summer 2012 Alexander McQueen gown unfurls like a dark bloom caught in motion. The bodice - sculpted close to the torso -disappear...
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Black Enamel and Pearl Hinged Locket Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique gold, black enamel and pearl ring, comprising three seed pearls and black enamel, with a hinged locket compartment containing plaited hairwork, set in 18 karat yellow gold...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
EPIC John Galliano Evening Gown Black Silk Dress FW 08/09
By John Galliano
Located in Berlin, BE
This black silk evening gown by John Galliano, from his Fall/Winter 08/09 Collection is one of those moments: a love letter to the art of couture at its most theatrical and refined. ...
Iconic Spectacular Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gown 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman'
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Behold the breathtaking embodiment of high drama and couture mastery: The stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler "Kiss of the Spiderwoman" evening gown from the legendary Spring/Summ...
Thierry Mugler Silk Corset Dramatic Sculptural Bustier Top
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler Collectors piece. Dramatic pure Silk bustier, assuming Spring 1985 Collection. A masterpiece of sartorial artistry by the legend Mister Mugler...
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Manfred Thierry Mugler distilled the drama of midnight velvet and the intrigue of bare skin into this impossibly rare devoré cocktail dress: a piece that feels less like clothing and...
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
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. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
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 David Webb necklaces — 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 Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.