Zuni Bear Pendant
Vintage 1980s American Native American Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
20th Century American Native American Pendant Necklaces
Agate, Turquoise, Pearl
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Late 20th Century American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Brooches
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Beaded Necklaces
Amber
Vintage 1970s American Native American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Agate, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Native American Brooches
Turquoise, Other, Sterling Silver
Antique 1750s Unknown Georgian More Necklaces
Topaz, 18k Gold
20th Century American Native American Pendant Necklaces
Onyx, Turquoise
Mid-20th Century American Native American Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
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.