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Necklaces

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Necklaces For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1940s
Vintage Two Carved Shell Cameos and Seed Pearl Gold Lavaliere Statement Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Oscar worthy Antique Carved 2 Shell Cameo and Seed Pearl Gold Lavaliere Statement Necklace. Suspending 2 Shell Cameos, each Hand Carved with the Profile of a Classi...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1873 Nordic Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 3.25 gr
Located in SE
Hand-made in 18K Gold - Pendant / Locket with hand-engraved ornaments of Greek Key on both sides. Made in solid 18K Yellow Gold. One internal removable bezel inside, no glass. All pa...
Category

1860s Swedish Greek Revival Antique Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Bird Locket
Located in Portland, GB
Antique Victorian sterling silver locket dated 1876. This extraordinary silver locket is hallmarked for Birmingham and made by Horace Woodward & Co. The front depicts a Japonesque-st...
Category

1870s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian natural pearl and enamel locket, English, circa 1870.
Located in London, GB
Victorian natural pearl and enamel locket. Set to centre with a natural half pearl in a closed back grain setting, encircled by a single row of eight natural half pearls in closed ba...
Category

1870s English Antique Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian British 15k Yellow Gold 55 Inch Long Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This interesting 55 inch long 15k yellow gold Victorian period British necklace is comprised of a single line of double spiral links punctuated by knot motif links at 4 1/4 inch inte...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Onyx & Banded Agate Victorian Fob Pendant 9k Carved Intaglio Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Victorian Date: 1870s - 1880s Metal Content: 9k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Onyx Cut: Carved Intaglio Color: Black Size: 19.6mm x 19.7mm Natural Banded Agate Color:...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Turquoise and Pearl Horseshoe Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a 15ct yellow gold pendant dating back to the Victorian era. The pendant features a horseshoe design formed out of turquoise and pearl with a blue enamel border. The loc...
Category

19th Century Antique Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond star pendant, sterling silver necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't help but be enchanted by this beautiful antique diamond star pendant. A wonderful twelve point star with smaller rays peeking out from between the larger points. To the centre there is a superb old cut diamond with an estimated 0.40ct weight, this is surrounded by a mesmerising plethora of old cut and cushion cut diamonds giving this star the most alluring twinkle. It is crafted in cool crisp sterling silver, this was common on Victorian diamond pieces as the fresh silver tone enhances the colour of the diamonds. Stars were a very popular motif in Victorian jewellery and they still are today, they provided a symbol of guidance, light and wisdom. This beautiful antique star pendant...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Gold Nugget Necklace 18" Chain Drop Fine Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian gold nugget necklace (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted with a 14 karat yellow gold chain and 22k to 24k natural gold nuggets. The bold and distinct ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Belle Époque Diamond Amethyst Pendant Platinum 14 karat Yellow Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This striking piece of Belle Époque jewellery was created around the last decade of the 19th century. The pendant is set with a fine size round am...
Category

1890s European Belle Époque Antique Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

9ct Rose Gold Victorian Fancy Trombone Fetter Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Hallmarked Chester 1888 This exquisite Victorian-era Albert chain is a true masterpiece crafted from 9ct rose gold. It boasts long trom...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Late Georgian/Early Victorian 18 Karat Gold & Turquoise Muff Chain
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A fine and detailed late Georgian/early Victorian muff chain crafted from 18 karat yellow gold. The chain which dates to the first half of the 19th century comprises of delicate belc...
Category

19th Century British Georgian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Whitby Jet Lorgnette Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian matt black Whitby Jet lorgnette bead necklace. Composed of small round hand knotted beads, six large elongated kite shape beads flanked by round beads of woven matt Whitby ...
Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Medallion pendant of lapis lazuli and set with diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold medallion pendant with lapis lazuli and rose diamonds set on silver. 0.15ct – G/H – SI Detailed description the size of the pendant is 5.5 cm long by 3.3 cm wide weight 1...
Category

1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian 5.50ct Amethyst Peridot and Pearl Necklace, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian necklace exudes elegance with a series of rub over set amethysts, including a central pear cut and four round cuts totalling 5.50 carat. Sitting in between the amethys...
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, 15k Gold, Silver

Sapphire Diamond Platinum Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful late 1800's handmade sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. The center gemstone is a natural cabochon sapphire accented by 25 rose and round cut diamonds. There are also 3 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum,...

Antique Amethyst, Pearl, and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique Amethyst, Pearl, and Diamond Cross Pendant. This cross pendant has round amethysts, pearls, and 26 old-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.75 carats all set in silver and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Silver Niello Locket Pendant Necklace Stars Initials A W
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderful silver niello locket is suspended from a double row silver foxtail necklace. The foxtail chains terminate in a silver element decorated on both sides with a flower in...
Category

1880s Antique Necklaces

Materials

Silver, Niello

Bohemian Garnet Necklace with 7 drops
Located in Big Bend, WI
Victorian gilt jewelers brass Bohemian garnet necklace with rose cut garnets. There are seven small rosettes with drops and a chain made of three stone segments. The center rosette w...
Category

1880s Antique Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Brass

Antique Victorian Vulcanite grapes pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive and interesting antique Victorian grapes pendant. The pendant is crafted in rich black Vulcanite and it a teardrop shaped pendant with a...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Necklaces

Chain with Pendant set with diamonds 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
gold with silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds 2.00ct on a 14k yellow gold necklace - 45 cm detailed description: The length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 1.4 mm wide the ...
Category

1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 18K Rose Gold Double Curb Link Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Rendered in gleaming 18k rose gold, this Victorian era watch chain features a mesmerizing double curb link design. This chain features a large spring ring that can be used to suspend...
Category

1880s Antique Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 18ct Gold & Blue Enamel Victorian Belt Buckle Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belt Buckle Locket 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Lovely, Victorian oval shaped locket. Features a beautiful, royal blue coloured enamel buckle/...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Turquoise Pendant Necklace Brooch 18K Gold Etruscan c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian turquoise cabochon cluster pendant necklace made in the Victorian era, c.1880. This exemplary pendant is of Victorian E...
Category

19th Century Antique Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise

Victorian Era Gold Filled Charm Pendant
Located in Montgomery, AL
This lovely piece was crafted during the Victorian Era, 1840 - 1900. The Charm is double sided and features 3 female figures. It would be lovely worn either on a short or long chain...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Gold-filled

Victorian Emerald and Pearl Heart Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful locket pendant dating back to the Victorian era. This romantic piece has been crafted into the shape of love heart with a single round faceted emerald set a...
Category

19th Century Antique Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Georgian Agate Riviere Necklace and Bracelet Demi-Parure
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Dating to the early nineteenth century, this Georgian demi-parure gracefully endured the passage of time together. Composed of graduated translucent agate panels mounted in crimped 1...
Category

1810s English Antique Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian bog oak flower pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian bog oak floral pendant. It is crafted from bog oak which is a type of oak wood that has been buried in a peat bog for ...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Necklaces

Carnelian & Agate Cameo Pin or Pendant
Located in Solvang, CA
Antique Victorian carnelian & agate cameo pin or pendant, circa 1880. This antique cameo is very finely carved in agate and carnelian. The hardstone cameo is set in a 14 karat yellow...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pendant set with diamonds 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver pendant set with rose diamonds up to 0.30ct – G/H – SI – size. 1.7cm x 9.7mm detailed description: the size of the pendant is 1.7 cm long by 9.7 mm wide...
Category

1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian 18k Onyx Gold Ball Festoon Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely stunning mourning necklace from the Victorian (ca1880) era. Crafted in vibrant 18k yellow gold, the necklace is comprised of a single strand of graduated gold beads whi...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Georgian 18k Yellow Gold Muff Chain Circa 1820
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, antique early 19th century 18 karat yellow gold muff chain; part of our diverse antique Georgian jewelry collections. Th...
Category

1820s Antique Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Gold-Filled Red Jasper Carved Intaglio Diana Pendant or Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian carved intaglio pendant or charm. Comprising a red jasper cabochon set in a gold filled mounting. The intaglio carving depicts the bust of the goddess Di...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Jasper, Gold-filled

Antique Victorian Cameo 18K Gold Brooch/Pendant Necklace - c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this fabulous antique Victorian 18ct gold shell cameo brooch/pendant made c.1880. The cameo depicts a lady 'in profile' (side on) in exceptional detail an...
Category

19th Century Antique Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Victorian Aesthetic cross pendant, sterling silver and 9k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This beautiful antique Victorian aesthetic era cross pendant is striking and delicate at the same time. It is a large sized cross pendant crafted in sterling silver with applied yel...
Category

19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Antique Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Albert Chain Necklace 2 Dog Clips White Gold Filled Fancy Link T Bar
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FANCY LINK ALBERT CHAIN NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD FILLED WITH TWO FABULOUS DOG CLIPS INCLUDING A VERY LARG...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Gold-filled

Victorian Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Prussian Eagle Antique Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fancy link chain suspending a Prussian eagle pendant from white gold surmount Stylized with a floating banner crown, curling tail, tongue, and fanning wings Centering a...
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold pansy pendant or brooch with diamond, citrine and amethyst
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold pansy brooch or pendant set with three amethyst petals and two citrine petals on the sides, with a brilliant cut diamond at the heart of the flower French ass...
Category

1820s French Georgian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Imperial Silver Gilt Enamel Egg Pendant
Located in Chesterland, OH
Presenting a stunning pendant designed in the shape of a Russian Imperial gilt silver and enamel egg with a cartoon face on both sides. The body of the egg is enameled in a beautiful...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Russian Empire Antique Necklaces

Materials

Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal

Victorian 18K gold black enamel pearl locket pendant
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a magnificent French work, Victorian era 18K gold locket pendant. The front of the locket is adorned with a meticulously crafted black enamel cross, a symbol of faith, hope and benediction. Surrounding the cross are nine white half-pearls which are probably natural. One of the key highlights of this stunning piece is its remarkable condition. The black enamel, with its reserved and perfect antique finish, exhibits no signs of missing, or cracks, truly making it a rare find in such exceptional condition today. The pearls, with their enduring luster, create a captivating contrast against the warm golden hue of the 18K gold, adding softness and visual appeal to the locket. The locket has a glass window that divides it into two compartments. The door opens and closes seamlessly, allowing you to cherish and protect precious memories within. Whether you are a collector of antique lockets or someone who appreciates wearing a piece of history close to the heart, this antique photo locket...
Category

19th Century French High Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Poodle Dog King Charles Spaniel Coral Pendant Charm Victorian Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful antique Victorian - Art Deco Hand Carved Poodle or King Charles Spaniel Dog Coral Pendant or Charm in 10 Karat Yellow Gold. The head of the adorable dog is exqui...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Antique Silesian Wirework Cross and Chain Necklace C1830
Located in Hummelstown, PA
This is a beautiful Silesian wire work necklace c 1830, crafted of fine strands of iron or steel wire woven into a mesh. Necklace measures 15 3/4" long with a 2 1/8" drop. The cross...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Necklaces

Materials

Berlin Iron

1940s Sterling Silver Engraved Matchbox Pendent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite 1940s Sterling Silver Engraved Matchbox Pendant, a delightful fusion of function and style. Crafted from sterling silver, this pendant not only serves as a ...
Category

1940s Vintage Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian 1.10ct Diamond and Pearl Cluster Necklace, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian necklace is crafted from 15 carat rose gold and held on a 14.5 inch chain. Three rub-over set old cut diamonds are set in a row, with the central diamond wei...
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian 15kt yellow gold seal/fob pendant with carved carnelian
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 15kt yellow gold seal/fob pendant, adorned with a carved carnelian stone showcasing a family crest and the Latin motto 'Malo mori quam feodari.' The crest is believ...
Category

1850s British Antique Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Imperial Silver Gilt Enamel Egg Locket Pendant With Imperial Wreath
Located in Chesterland, OH
Presenting a stunning locket-pendant designed in the shape of a Russian Imperial gilt silver and guilloche enamel egg. The body of the egg is enameled in a deep, beautiful red guilloche enamel. The repeating patterns of the enamel look like hundreds of sun rays shining on the egg, making the pendant very eye-catching. The case itself is meticulously adorned with an engraved foliage motif. The use of different materials also adds to the charm of the pendant: enamel makes the surface very silky, while gilt adds a matte texture. It is truly an enchanting piece of jewelry. This exceptional Russian Silver Gilt Jewelry item is a highly sought-after collectible, especially for enthusiasts. We assume that this is a 19th-century Faberge pendant...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Russian Empire Antique Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal

Victorian Egyptian Revival Multi-Gem Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a beaded multi-gem strand with scarab and bird motif stations Comprised of turquoise, carnelian, and lapis lazuli barrel beads Opaque light blue, medium blue, and transl...
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

Antique Victorian Banded agate cross pendant, 9k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique banded agate cross pendant. It is a lovely orange toned agate with both clear and white stripes running through it. The Cross h...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 9k Gold

Antique 1890s Russian Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era 1890s 14 gold locket pendant in art novea designe centered with natural ruby stone and a rose cut diamond stone and a green...
Category

1890s Antique Necklaces

1864 Nordic Eternity Knot Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 4gr
Located in SE
Antique Pendant / Locket in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Detailed hand - engravings of Eternity Knots in miniature proportions on both sides. One sections with inner removable bezel insid...
Category

1860s Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Locket Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat ruby and 0.13 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold snake locket pendant; part of our diverse snake jewelry collections. This magnificent, fine and impressive Victorian locket has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. This large and substantial antique Victorian gold locket has an oval design accented with an applied convex lobed interlacing snake design. The head of one snake is embellished with an impressive 0.30ct cushion cut ruby, and the other bears an impressive 0.13ct Old European round cut diamond. The posterior face of this hinged locket is plain and unembellished. This 1880's hinged locket opens to allow two photographs or small mementos to be placed behind removable, push fit transparent retainers. The locket pendant suspends from an exceptional antique link chain via a plain tapering bale to the upper border of the design; this substantial chain provides an aesthetically pleasing balance to the locket. This fine and substantial example of antique snake jewellery...
Category

1880s Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

7 Eye Ancient Dzi Bead Collar Necklace W Carnelian Beads, Silver Clasp, 18.5"
Located in Milford, DE
Ancient Himalayan 7 Eye Dzi Bead Collar Necklace With Carnelian Beads and Sterling Silver Clasp. A unique, valuable and powerful Protection Amulet from Tibet This necklace features a 7-eye Tibetan Dzi...
Category

19th Century Tibetan Artisan Antique Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Sterling Silver

RARE Victorian Etruscan 18/14K Choker Beads Necklace
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Gorgeous Victorian Etruscan 18/14K bright yellow butter gold beaded necklace. The beads are intricately adorned with little swirled filigree, which is not common on these Victorian beaded...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 19th Century 20kt. yellow gold rose-cut diamond and opal cross pendant
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 19th Century 20kt. yellow gold rose-cut diamond and opal cross pendant. X-Ray has been tested positive for 20 kt. gold. Dimensions - Len...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Antique Pearl and Enamel Shell Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a 15ct yellow gold pendant which has been crafted into the shape of an open shell. Fantastic bold blue enamel has been expertly applied on the reverse side whilst the sh...
Category

19th Century Antique Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 9k gold Dog watch key fob, Citrine, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
They say good things come in small packages and that is certainly the case with this magnificent piece. This is an early Victorian watch key and fob in 9ct gold, not just any old ke...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold and silver lock set with diamonds on a pearl bead necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver clasp set with rose diamonds. 0.30ct on a two-row pearl necklace - 38 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 38 cm long and 1.3 mm wide the size...
Category

1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Glass Pendant Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat yellow gold oval Victorian locket style pendant necklace with transparent glass and 18 karat yellow gold floral design, assembled to a handmade 18 karat yellow gold chai...
Category

1850s Victorian Antique Necklaces

Materials

18k 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. 

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