Drop Necklaces
1990s Italian Retro Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2010s Italian Drop Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Antique Drop Necklaces
Tourmaline, Silver
Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
2010s French Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gilt Metal
1920s Art Deco Vintage Drop Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Onyx, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modernist Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Druzy, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Drop Necklaces
Citrine, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Citrine, Quartz, Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
19th Century Austrian Renaissance Revival Antique Drop Necklaces
Opal, Tourmaline, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Silver, Gilt Metal
Early 20th Century Unknown Retro Drop Necklaces
Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Drop Necklaces
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s European Vintage Drop Necklaces
Quartz, 14k Gold
Vintage Drop Necklaces
Also called Y necklaces as they are designed to hang a certain way, vintage drop necklaces are striking and adaptable. They can enhance everything from a casual sweater-and-jeans combo to an elegant heels-and-evening-dress pairing.
Adornment is an ancient human practice, with archeologists identifying early jewelry made from bones, claws and shells. As technology has advanced, so too have jewelry designs and the design of necklaces, from the simple to the intricate.
Drop necklaces come from lariat-style necklaces, which are chain necklaces that end in a tassel or pendant. A drop necklace’s design, meanwhile, is long with open ends, and it usually does not have a clasp. It consists of a single chain that wraps around the neck and a centerpiece — sometimes featuring a diamond or pearls — that hangs down to the middle of the chest. Drop necklaces frequently come in lengths from 16 to 20 inches, with the vertical lines making them appear longer than other necklaces of the same length.
Drop necklaces are extremely versatile, able to be worn knotted, draped or looped. They can be chunky statement pieces or thin, minimal designs. The range of drop necklaces that can be found on 1stDibs can accentuate the plunging necklines of modern looks or add flair to a basic ensemble.