Necklaces
1780s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Niello, Gold, Silver
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Gold, Sterling Silver
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Gold, Niello, Silver
19th Century Victorian Antique Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
15k Gold
1890s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
9k Gold
1890s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Citrine, Silver, Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Silver
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Necklaces
Mixed Metal
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Mixed Metal, Other
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Early 19th Century British George III Antique Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1880s Late Victorian Antique Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1880s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Gold
1970s American Late Victorian Vintage Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Necklaces
Niello, Rose Gold
1830s British Georgian Antique Necklaces
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Antique Necklaces
Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1820s British Georgian Antique Necklaces
Carnelian, 18k Gold
1840s English High Victorian Antique Necklaces
Cut Steel
Late 18th Century Portuguese George III Antique Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Indian Victorian Antique Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1880s American Victorian Antique Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Early 19th Century German Georgian Antique Necklaces
Berlin Iron
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Necklaces
Steel
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1860s American Victorian Antique Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
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.