Pistachio Tahitian Baroque Pearl
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Ruby, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gol...
2010s North American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Go...
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21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
Antique 1870s British Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1880s Unknown Etruscan Revival Signet Rings
Agate, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Coral, Steel, Stainless Steel
1990s Japanese Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings
Pink Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Go...
1990s French Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Sapphire, Pin...
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Georgian Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Coral
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
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2010s British Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Oceanic Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Oceanic Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings
Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Finding the Right Necklaces for You
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.