Necklaces
1950s French Post-War Vintage Necklaces
1950s Unknown Vintage Necklaces
Crystal
1960s Unknown Modern Vintage Necklaces
Jade, 18k Gold
1950s Vintage Necklaces
Crystal
1960s Uruguayan Modernist Vintage Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1960s French Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1960s Finnish Vintage Necklaces
Moonstone, Silver
1960s Italian Vintage Necklaces
White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
Turquoise, 18k Gold
1950s American Modernist Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1960s Vintage Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1960s Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1960s American Art Nouveau Vintage Necklaces
Crystal, Base Metal
1960s French Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1950s Italian Modern Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold
1960s Italian Modernist Vintage Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s French Artisan Vintage Necklaces
Brass, Gilt Metal, Bronze, Gold Plate
1960s Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold
1950s Italian Baroque Revival Vintage Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1950s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1960s German Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate
1960s German Art Nouveau Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Spinel, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s German Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1950s Greek Neoclassical Vintage Necklaces
Turquoise, 18k Gold
1950s American Artisan Vintage Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
1960s Danish Modernist Vintage Necklaces
1960s German Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1950s American Artisan Vintage Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
1950s American Art Nouveau Vintage Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl
1950s Vintage Necklaces
1960s Danish Post-War Vintage Necklaces
Amber, Silver, Sterling Silver
1950s French Modern Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
18k Gold
1960s Italian Artisan Vintage Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Modern Vintage Necklaces
Tiger's Eye, Brass
1950s Unknown Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1960s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage Necklaces
18k Gold
1950s Dutch Retro Vintage Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Mixed Metal
1950s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1950s American Art Nouveau Vintage Necklaces
Spinel, Black Spinel
1960s German Art Nouveau Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate
1950s American Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1960s Swedish Vintage Necklaces
Silver
1960s French Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Necklaces
Garnet, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1960s American Modern Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1950s European Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
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.
Read More
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.