Skip to main content

Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Italian, 1946-1997

The signature extravagance of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace — forever aligned with glamour, sex, celebrity and spectacle — can overshadow the Italian couturier’s broad and deep engagement with history and culture. Today, his vintage dresses and gowns, handbags, sunglasses and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.

More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration, and his subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” he once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life. 

Gianni Versace was born in Calabria, Italy. His mother was a successful dressmaker who employed more than 40 seamstresses. As a child, little Gianni marveled at her workshop, which would become a university of sorts, where he learned the exceptional construction techniques that were at the foundation of his creative expression.

In 1972, at age 25, he moved to Milan to work in fashion. He launched his first collection — and his label — in 1978, with his older brother Santo managing the business concerns. Soon, sister Donatella, whom Gianni dressed and took to discos when she was still a child, joined the family venture, where she had a creative role and managed enormously popular ready-to-wear lines such as Versus.

Vintage Versace — and Gianni Versace Couture, which debuted in 1989 — has become catnip for modern fashion enthusiasts who seek out the now-iconic house codes that originated in the designs of the 1980s and 1990s. His glamorous and seductive apparel — the clingy skirts and slender, strappy party dresses, as well as the erotic magazine ads that publicized them — looms large, but Versace’s art and historical influences were also vast.

Versace was an art collector, and he took on commissions to create costumes for theatrical performances during the 1980s and spoke of looking to numerous cultures for inspiration. The New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry “is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way.”

Insiders consider his 1991/1992 Autumn/Winter runway show — which featured supermodels Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista lip-synching George Michael’s “Freedom” — as the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.

Versace's adventurous spirit of design resulted in his creating jewel-toned prints rooted in Grecian motifs, Etruscan symbols, the Italian Baroque and Andy Warholʼs Marilyn Monroe. There were slinky dresses in Oroton, his patented chain-mail textile that draped like satin, and leather bondage ensembles. Sex sold, for both women and men. Wrote the late curator Richard Martin, “[Versace] became the standard-bearer of gay men’s fashion because he eschewed decorum and designed for desire.”

Following Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella took over the role of artistic director and continued to evolve the house codes with a twist of her feminine and feminist perspective. Today, Santo Versace is chief executive officer of Versace and Donatella is its chief creative officer.

Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Gianni Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses and more on 1stDibs.

to
4
4
4
3
1
1,335
254
220
172
114
4
4
Creator: Gianni Versace
Gianni Versace 1990 gold and silver metal rope necklace with silver pendent
Gianni Versace 1990 gold and silver metal rope necklace with silver pendent

Gianni Versace 1990 gold and silver metal rope necklace with silver pendent

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This Gianni Versace necklace is made up of a gold tone metal rope style chain, interlinked with a finer silver rope attached is the medusa head pendent with a cluster of crystals cir...

Category

1990s Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Gianni Versace 1990's gold tone medusa head pendant
Gianni Versace 1990's gold tone medusa head pendant

Gianni Versace 1990's gold tone medusa head pendant

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This traditional Gianni Versace pendant necklace is a staple piece for any Versace enthusiast. The lightweight gold tone chain features a double anchor styled chain with a orange cle...

Category

1990s Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Gianni Versace 1990s necklace with circular medusa head pendent
Gianni Versace 1990s necklace with circular medusa head pendent

Gianni Versace 1990s necklace with circular medusa head pendent

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This rare Gianni Versace necklace is in true style of the designer himself. The 1990's gold necklace features beautiful circle interlocking chain wit...

Category

1990s Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Gianni Versace silver double medusa head necklace with rhinestones, 1990s
Gianni Versace silver double medusa head necklace with rhinestones, 1990s

Gianni Versace silver double medusa head necklace with rhinestones, 1990s

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This is a iconic necklace from the famous Italian designer Gianni Versace from the 1990s. The necklace features a silver toned metal chain with a unique style link covered in rhinestones. In the centre of the chain there are two circle medallions with the designers well know medusa head motif. The simple yet stunning piece is a statement to any outfit and a must to any collection. The finishing designer touch includes Gianni Versace greek tile...

Category

1990s British Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Related Items
Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Drop Pendant with Diamonds
Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Drop Pendant with Diamonds

Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Drop Pendant with Diamonds

By Syna Jewels

Located in Fort Lee, NJ

Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 35 carats minimum Diamonds 0.14 carat approx. Chain sold separately Handcrafted from 18 karat yellow gold...

Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20kt Yellow Gold 13.53cttw Sapphire 1.67cttw Diamond Leaf Necklace, 24.85gr 18in
20kt Yellow Gold 13.53cttw Sapphire 1.67cttw Diamond Leaf Necklace, 24.85gr 18in

20kt Yellow Gold 13.53cttw Sapphire 1.67cttw Diamond Leaf Necklace, 24.85gr 18in

Located in San Diego, CA

Exquisite Vintage 20kt Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Necklace Indulge in the elegance of this breathtaking vintage necklace, which is a true work of art. Crafted from rich 20kt y...

Category

20th Century Unknown Artisan Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s Diamond and 18K White Gold Heart Pendant
Vintage 1980s Diamond and 18K White Gold Heart Pendant

Vintage 1980s Diamond and 18K White Gold Heart Pendant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 0.55 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold heart shaped pendant; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage diamond...

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Landscape Agate Gold One of a Kind Drop Necklace, Talkative, 2023
Natural Landscape Agate Gold One of a Kind Drop Necklace, Talkative, 2023

Natural Landscape Agate Gold One of a Kind Drop Necklace, Talkative, 2023

By Talkative

Located in Dallas, TX

One of a Kind Landscape Agate Necklace hand-fabricated in Japan by jewelry designer Shinobu Marotta of the renowned Talkative Atelier, showcasing a spectacular and picturesque, compl...

Category

2010s Japanese Artist Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Norwegian Sterling silver Necklace Anna Greta Eker Choker
Norwegian Sterling silver Necklace Anna Greta Eker Choker

Norwegian Sterling silver Necklace Anna Greta Eker Choker

Located in Wallkill, NY

Norwegian Design sterling silver handmade Necklace. Vintage designer necklace by Anna Greta Eker mid century, modernist, 1960s with original box. Sleek Modernist design Collar with d...

Category

1950s Norwegian Modernist Vintage Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Coral Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Coral Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

Coral Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

This elegant 14-karat yellow gold necklace embodies a perfect balance between artisanal tradition and contemporary charm. The piece is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, adding lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Handcraft Coral 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Handcraft Coral 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace

Handcraft Coral 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Jet and Marcasite Pendant
Art Deco Jet and Marcasite Pendant

Art Deco Jet and Marcasite Pendant

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco French jet, hematite,and marcasite sautoir set in silver gilt filigree, with original twisted silk cord. L. pendant 2.50", Length Cord 29". France 1920's. Excellent cond...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Hematite, Marcasite, Gilt Metal, Silver Plate, Cut Steel

Zodiac Pendant Neckace, Coco Chanel, Goosens
Zodiac Pendant Neckace, Coco Chanel, Goosens

Zodiac Pendant Neckace, Coco Chanel, Goosens

By Chanel

Located in Riverdale, NY

Important necklace in Chanel's zodiac style with a Capricorn pendant suspended from a elaborately wire wrapped collar. The Zodiac again figures prominently here in her lexicon of mot...

Category

1970s French Vintage Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Alex Jona White Diamond Moon 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Alex Jona White Diamond Moon 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace

Alex Jona White Diamond Moon 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace

By Alex Jona

Located in Lugano, TI

Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold necklace suspending a half moon pendant set with nine round cut white diamonds weighing 0.192 carats. Chain Le...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Jacob Bengel Art Deco Chrome and Galalith Pendant Necklace

Jacob Bengel Art Deco Chrome and Galalith Pendant Necklace

Located in New York, NY

Jacob Bengel Machine Age Pendant necklace,chrome and deep blue galalith. Chain L26", Pendant L1.75", W 1.50". Excellent condition. Jakob Bengel began...

Category

1920s German Art Deco Vintage Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

Previously Available Items
Gianni Versace silver gunmetal medallion necklace, 1990s
Gianni Versace silver gunmetal medallion necklace, 1990s

Gianni Versace silver gunmetal medallion necklace, 1990s

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This Gianni Versace chain is the perfect representation of his 90's style. The bold curb chain features a dark gunmetal tone back with the front of the chain being silver in tone and...

Category

1990s Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

1990s Gianni Versace cross pendant necklace
1990s Gianni Versace cross pendant necklace

1990s Gianni Versace cross pendant necklace

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This 1990's Gianni Versace cross pendent necklace is masterpiece whilst offering a timeless classic style. The silver tone metal curb chain has a beautif...

Category

1990s Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

1990s Gianni Versace gunmetal and gold tone medallion chain
1990s Gianni Versace gunmetal and gold tone medallion chain

1990s Gianni Versace gunmetal and gold tone medallion chain

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nottingham, GB

This Gianni Versace chain is the perfect representation of his 90's style. The bold curb chain features a dark gunmetal tone back with the front of the chain being gold in tone and ...

Category

1990s Italian Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

Gianni Versace drop necklaces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Gianni Versace drop necklaces available on 1stDibs. We have 6 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler.

Questions About Gianni Versace Drop Necklaces

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Giovanni Maria “Gianni” Versace was an Italian fashion designer and the founder of the brand Versace. He was known around the world for high-end, luxury designs that featured bold colors and prints with a sexy attitude. Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio Calabria, Italy and was killed outside his Miami Beach home in 1997. Find a collection of authentic Versace clothing, shoes and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The difference between Versace and Gianni Versace is that one is a brand and one is a person. Gianni Versace was an Italian fashion designer who launched his own luxury fashion house in 1989. The name of his brand is Gianni Versace SpA, but today, people typically call it simply Versace. Find a diverse assortment of Versace apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The name of Gianni Versace, the designer who revolutionized luxury fashion with his ultra-glamorous designs and theatrical bent beloved by supermodels and everyday people alike, is pronounced "jee-AH-nee ver-SAH-cheh." On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Versace haute couture from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Donatella Versace is Gianni Versace's younger sister. Following his death in 1997, she took control of his eponymous luxury fashion house, Versace. A year prior, she had already begun making business decisions on behalf of the maison, temporarily filling in for Gianni while he underwent cancer treatment. Shop a range of Versace apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Gianni Versace did not make his own fabric. Today the company uses fine fabric and leathers from Italy. Gianni Versace is often credited with inventing Oroton fabric, which is very fine chain mail, similar to the military chain mail which was first used around the 3rd century BC. Obviously, he did not invent this technique, but using very fine chain mail for high-end fashion can be attributed to his artistic vision. Find vintage and contemporary Versace bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    Yes, Donatella Versace is related to Gianni. She is his younger sister. In 1972, at age 25, Gianni Versace moved to Milan to work in fashion. He launched his first collection and label in 1978, with his older brother Santo managing the business concerns. Soon Donatella joined the family venture, where she had a creative role and managed enormously popular ready-to-wear lines such as Versus. Following Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella took over the role of artistic director and continued to evolve the house codes with a twist of her feminine and feminist perspective. Today, Santo Versace is the chief executive officer of Versace, and Donatella is its chief creative officer. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Versace apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Gianni Versace designed haute couture clothing, as well as ready-to-wear styles. His more adventurous clothing was known for combining elements of luxurious classicism with overt sexuality. His clothing was glamorous and often worn by the rich and famous, yet still had an edgy vibe that people felt pushed the limits of good taste. You’ll find a large collection of Versace clothing from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.