Vintage Cartier Simple Necklace
Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Early 2000s French Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Greek Revival Drop Necklaces
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Brass
Mid-20th Century French Chain Bracelets
Ruby, Platinum
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Early 2000s Aesthetic Evening Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Gilt Metal
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Jade, Onyx, Rock Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Hoop Earrings
Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Vintage 1970s American Beaded Necklaces
1940s Unknown Skirt Suits
Vintage 1980s British Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, Gold, Enamel
20th Century Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Gold
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2010s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s French Modern Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Link Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Early 2000s Modern Charm Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Modern Charm Bracelets
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Charm Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Link Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Modern Choker Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold
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.