Assael Tahitian Pearl Necklace
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary American Stud Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Artist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Platinum
1990s Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Art Deco More Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Belle Époque Brooches
Peridot, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s French Retro More Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, South Sea Pearl
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Beaded Bracelets
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century French Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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21st Century and Contemporary American Choker Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American More Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 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.