Vintage Boucher Baguette Necklace
Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
People Also Browsed
Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1840s Italian Classical Roman More Jewelry
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
1950s French Evening Dresses
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Vintage 1960s American Egyptian Revival Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1950s French Pendant Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
20th Century Egyptian Egyptian Revival Choker Necklaces
Brass, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1940s American Contemporary Brooches
Mixed Metal
1990s Italian Modern Choker Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1910s European Retro Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Link Necklaces
Gold Plate, Rhodium
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Mixed Metal
Mid-20th Century More 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.