Necklaces
20th Century Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian Necklaces
Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold
1990s French Necklaces
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1970s European Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1990s American Necklaces
Black Diamond, Silver
1970s Italian Contemporary Vintage Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Modernist Necklaces
Silver
1950s American Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s French Artisan Vintage Necklaces
Brass
Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Antique Necklaces
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Silver
1990s European Retro Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1970s French Vintage Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1990s French Necklaces
Late 20th Century Necklaces
Topaz, Sterling Silver
1970s Artist Vintage Necklaces
18k Gold
20th Century Italian Necklaces
Gold, Steel
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Necklaces
Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
20th Century German Modern Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Retro Necklaces
Gold-filled
1980s French Vintage Necklaces
20th Century Italian Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Necklaces
1910s Unknown Edwardian Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Necklaces
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1960s Vintage Necklaces
20th Century German Retro Necklaces
1950s Vintage Necklaces
1990s American Necklaces
Black Diamond, Silver
20th Century French Necklaces
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20th Century Chinese Necklaces
Jade, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Necklaces
Silver
1970s French Modernist Vintage Necklaces
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1960s Vintage Necklaces
1960s Vintage Necklaces
20th Century North American Retro Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
1990s Necklaces
Silver
1990s French Necklaces
1980s European Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
20th Century Unknown Necklaces
Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century French Necklaces
20th Century Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1980s French Vintage Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Colombian Retro Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
1950s French Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s French Victorian Necklaces
20th Century Russian Retro Necklaces
Amazonite, Sterling Silver
1950s French Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
1990s Chinese Art Deco Necklaces
Mixed Metal
20th Century Necklaces
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.
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.