Necklaces
1950s French Renaissance Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
2010s American Renaissance Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Necklaces
Gold
Early 1800s Italian Empire Antique Necklaces
14k Gold, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold
2010s American Renaissance Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Emerald, Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
1960s French Renaissance Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Necklaces
Amethyst, Citrine, Onyx, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
1950s American Renaissance Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal, Cut Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Necklaces
Coral, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Empire Necklaces
Malachite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Renaissance Necklaces
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Shop Antique, New and Vintage Necklaces 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.
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.