Yaraka Boulder Opal Drop Pendant with Diamond Box Bale in 18K Gold & 14K Collar
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The 18 karat gold bale is pavé-set on three sides with forty-four earth-mined natural and untreated white diamonds -- a total diamond weight of 0.49 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sal Praschnik 18 Karat Diamond Golf Ball Tee Pendant Necklace
By Sal Praschnik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Sal Praschnick Designer 18 karat yellow gold bale and golf tee .74 total carat weight pave set diamonds in a round "golf ball" on the tee Pendant is approximately 26mm x 12mm x 6.5mm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Goddess Cherub Enamel Pendant Necklace Neoclassical Etruscan Revival 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
The pendant is 18 Karat Gold. The bale is 10 Karat Gold. The pendant is 1 3/4 inches (45mm) long including bale.
Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Portrait Locket Pendant Pearls 18k Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The pendant measures 2 x 1 inches (including the bale). Metal & Hallmark: 18 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard .96 Carat Diamond Happy Snow Flakes Pendant, Double Chain
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
There are diamonds on the three floating snowflakes, and on the pendants bezel and bale. The 18 karat white double cable link chain measures 16" long.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Mauboussin Paris 1950 Mido Skeleton Round Watch pendant Stainless 18kt And Onyx
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
This pendant skeleton watch was crafted with stainless steel parts, a 18 karats white gold bale and a sharp round element carved from natural black onyx.
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 2 in L 32.67 in
18 Karat Rose Gold Gr. 20.75, Engraved Turquois Gr. 7.90, Acquamarine, Necklace
By Federica Rettore
Located in Milan, IT
"Crisa" long Necklace with opening bale Pendant; 18 Karat Rose Gold gr. 20,75; Brilliant cut White Diamond ct. 0,28; Facetted Drop shaped Aquamarina ct. 0,34; Round cut Blue Topaz ct...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable
W 0.48 in L 1.34 in
White Gold Princess-Cut, 1.50 Carat Blue and White Diamond Invisible Pendant
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
The total weight of the diamonds are approximately 1.50 Carat. Over-sized, 18 karat white gold bale creates a dramatic effect.
Diamond, Blue Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Inverted Heart Turquoise Moving Drop Pendant
By Dana Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
A simple but statement-making drop pendant, with a modern oculus 18 karat yellow gold bale, rose cut natural black diamond with plenty of fire, and soft heart-shaped baby blue sleepi...
Black Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Maltese Cross Black Onyx White Agate 18 Karat Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular Maltese Cross Pendant in gorgeous carved White Agate with a faceted square Black Onyx center set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with an 18 Karat bale. The stunning cross is s...
Onyx, Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Cabachon Tourmaline Pendant 18 Karat Retractable Bale
Located in New York, NY
30x20 natural red orange cabachon tourmaline pendant. Translucent even tone. Exterior frame measures 36x28 mm Bale is retractable for beads 14 grams 18kt gold
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Pheasant Bird Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Charm depicts a pierced stylized pheasant with engraved face and tail details Body features a milgrain edge and is set throughout by diamond accents Completed by 18 karat jump ring...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Paperclip Link Chain Necklace
By Nicolis Cola
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized paperclip-style chain with alternating round and oval links Connected via flat bar links and suspending an antique-style fob bale Competed by a concealed cla...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Matador Bull Fighting Charm 18 Karat Gold Chrysoprase Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The pendant measures 1 1/4 (including the bale) x 1 inch. Metal & Hallmark: 18 karat yellow gold.
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Prasiolite Diamond Halo Pendant 18 Karat Gold Round Enhancer Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The pendant measures 1 x 3/4 inches. Metal & Hallmark: 18 karat yellow gold. The bale is hallmarked "18k”.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 20.50 Carats Aquamarine Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Enhancer Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a basket set oval cut aquamarine weighing approximately 20.10 carats Transparent with strong and uniform greenish blue color Topped by a cluster of round brilliant and ba...
CARTIER Gold Bracelet with Charms
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
, both charms are hallmarked with French 18 karat gold marks on the bales; the mushroom form two color gold charm is signed Cartier 00036(?)
14k Gold, 18k Gold
Verdura Byzantine Sapphire Emerald Ruby Semi-Precious Gemstone Gold Necklace
By Verdura
Located in Greenwich, CT
Width of pendant is 1 3/4" by 2" in height to the top of the bale. 18 karat gold Verdura 18" chain included.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Chopard So Happy Floating Diamonds and Pink Crystal Heart Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
The pendant comprises of a claw set pink heart shaped crystal made from pink quartz which contains three of Chopard's iconic floating diamonds each individually set within a fine bez...
Crystal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unusual Rare Double-Sided Amethyst Intaglio Pendant, circa 1920
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The triangular claw set facetted amethyst mounted in pierced engraved foliate 18-karat white gold, tapered bale with four single cut diamonds.
Sold
W 0.71 in L 2.04 in
Italian Figa Hand Pendant-Charm Carved in Reddish Agatha 18Kt Yellow Gold Mount
Located in Miami, FL
The hand is carved from natural reddish purple agatha and is mounted on top with a 18 karats framed bale and the wrist embellished with a miniature chain bracelet.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.01 in L 1.65 in
Ancient Carthage Punic Gold Electrum Stater Coin 320 BC 18Kt Gold Diamonds Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Jenkins & Lewis, Group IV d, 224 (same dies) The coin is carefully mounted in a custom made frame, crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with a movable bale of 10 mm on top to ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
"Raphael" Pearl Fob with 18 Karat Gold Bale
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
11.8 pearl with 18 karat gold bale. Includes rubber cord chain.
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel Heart Pendant with Hinged Bale
By MAVITO NEWYORK
Located in New York, NY
The heart and bale measures 1 5/8" long and 1" wide. An 18 karat yellow gold 16" chain is included in the purchase.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Carved Lionshead Pendant
By Diane Griswold Johnston
Located in Cohasset, MA
18 Karat Hand carved Lapis Lazuli Carved Lionshead by Master Carver from Idar Obenstein 18 Karat Green bale
18k Gold
Modern Faberge 18 Karat Gold, Guilloché Enamel Oval Locket with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
The 18 Karat yellow gold bale opens allowing you to attach the locket on to various strands.
18k Gold
Old Mine Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pendant Lavaliere Art Deco Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The chain is only shown for display. The pendant tests for 18 Karat gold. The bale is 10 Karat gold and may be a later addition.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Perriwinkle Blue Enamel Heart Pendant Charm
By Modern Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
The heart measures 1" including the hinged 18 karat yellow gold bale. Stamped Faberge Germany 18K #288/500 Original Faberge Certificate of Authenticity included
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Guilloché Caged Locket with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
The 18 karat yellow gold bale is adorned with three diamonds totaling .035 carats, and opens easily, allowing you to attach the locket on to various strands.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Red Guilloché Enamel Oval Locket
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
The 18 Karat yellow gold bale opens allowing you to attach the locket on to various strands.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Freshwater Pearls Cluster Clover Pendant 18kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
Center Pearl measures 9.6 mm Side pearls 9x8 mm Smaller pearls 4 mm Overall pendant 31x30 mm 18 karat gold Bale 7.3 grams
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Large Oval Pearl Lily of the Valley Mourning Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, black paste, and seed pearl locket, comprising two oval cabochons of black paste, twenty-two seed pearls, set in 9 karat yellow gold, with an 18 karat yellow...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold
French Antique 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Pearl Cross Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Locket length: 35.5mm Locket width: 20.7mm Locket depth: 6.7mm Total ruby weight, estimated: 0.05ctw Pearl size, each, estimated: 2.2mm – 2.5mm Gross weight: 7.7g Hallmarks: F...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.06 in D 0.25 in L 1.38 in
Ancient Roman 193-211 AD Denarius Coin Pendant in 18Kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful classic pendant crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and fitted with a bale to display in a chain.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.99 in W 0.67 in
Garavelli 18 Karat White Gold Pavè Ruby Puffed Heart Pendant with Diamond Bale
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
Garavelli 18 Karat White Gold Pavè Ruby Puffed Heart Pendant with White Diamonds Bale.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
W 0.55 in D 0.34 in L 0.96 in
Kent Raible Moonstone, Diamond, Chrysocolla 18 Karat Gold Granulation Pendant
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
Chrysacolla (Gem Silica) 2.74ct Rainbow Moonstone .48ct Diamond G/SI .07ct 3.9 grams 18 karat Gold The bale on this pendant has an opening of 4.35 mm for your chain, beads, leather ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Other, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold
H 1.05 in W 0.5 in D 0.37 in
Kent Raible 18 Karat Gold Tanzanite and Ruby Necklace Enhancer with Granulation
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
Tanzanite .96ct Rubies .29ct total 3.6 grams 18 Karat Gold Bale fits up to 6.4mm cords and chains, etc Hand woven chain sold separately, please inquire.
Tanzanite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold
W 1.01 in D 1.01 in L 2.31 in
Kent Raible 18 Karat Golden Egg Pendant with Blue Sapphire and Fine Granulation
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
In classic Raible fashion all of this accompanies fine 18 karat gold detailing and granulation. The bale opens to receive your chain, pearls or beads, even if they have a larger clas...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.05 in W 0.5 in D 0.37 in
Kent Raible 18K Gold Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamond and Gold Granulation
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
Golden Sapphire (6mm round) 1.25ct Diamonds (4 X 2.5mm) DEF VS .28ct total 3.5 Grams 18 Karat Gold Bale accommodates up to 6.4mm beads, chains, etc.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold
W 0.51 in D 0.28 in L 0.69 in
Kent Raible 18 Karat Gold Opal Pendant Enhancer with Fine Granulation
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
.55 ct Ethiopian Opal (6mm round) 3.2 grams 18 karat Gold The bale on this pendant has an opening of 3.45 mm for your chain, beads, leather cord, etc.
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold
W 0.51 in D 0.28 in L 0.69 in
Kent Raible 18 Karat Gold Opal Pendant Enhancer with Fine Granulation
By Kent Raible
Located in Mossrock, WA
.55 ct Ethiopian Opal (6mm round) 3.2 grams 18 karat Gold The bale on this pendant has an opening of 3.45 mm for your chain, beads, leather cord, etc.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 1.2 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Approximately 6 x 8 mm and 7 x 9 mm oval and trillium shaped "Welo mine" Ethiopian opal cabochons are set in artisan crafted "line texture" 18K gold bezels with a double "jawan" gran...
Opal, 18k Gold
30 Carat Opal Pendant Necklace Red Fire 14 Karat Gold Antique Retro
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely spectacular 30 Carat Fire Opal Pendant in a stunning Flame Motif setting in 14 Karat Gold. The extraordinary opal is 1 3/8 inches tall and is 7/8 inch wide. T...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
If you're looking for an Australian opal with phenomenal play of color, then look no further. This absolutely stunning piece features a natural wavy Australian boulder opal that disp...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold necklace with natural boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 х 1.34 in / 4 х 14 х 34 mm opal weight - 32 carats pendant weight - 10.79 ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Renaissance Cameo Pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a...
Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
$3,650
W 0.75 in D 0.4 in L 7 in
20 Karat Gold Scarab Beetle Bracelet Antique Egyptian Revival Hieroglyphics
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare and wonderful antique Egyptian Revival Bracelet with eight graduated Scarab Beetles set in 20 Karat Yellow Gold with Hieroglyphics on the reverse of the Scarabs. ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Gold Ring Polychrome Gem Natural Harlequin Opal Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with doublet of a natural black opal on a petrified wood base opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.35 х 0.94 in / 3 х 9 х 24 mm ring size - 7 US...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,012 / set
W 0.79 in L 2.56 in
Antique Iberian Day & Night Rose Cut Diamond Herring Chandelier Earrings.
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Iberian (Catalan) Day & Night Rose Cut Diamond Chandelier Earrings. Ca. 1800´s (Spanish Georgian period) A lovely pair of original Georgian earrings set with foiled rose-cut...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Dalben Blue Green Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold satin finishing ring with a blue green colors solid Australian Boulder Opal rhombus shape weight 4,63 carats . Ring size US 7 - EU...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,000
H 2 in W 1.5 in
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Portrait Locket Necklace 14 Karat Gold Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is a Museum Quality Antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Locket Pendant with exquisite Enamel Portrait decoration, set with a Rose Cut Diamond and the word "Memoria." The locket is...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Egyptian Revival Turquoise Pharoah Sphynx Enamel Brooch Pin Art Deco Silver
Located in New York, NY
A rare Art Deco Egyptian Revival masterpiece. The stunning brooch is centered by the head of a Pharoah with a magnificent hand carved face in Persian Turquoise. The Turquoise face ...
Turquoise, Silver, Enamel
$5,450
H 2 in W 1.25 in D 0.5 in
Antique Victorian 14K Gold, Porcelain & Enamel Pendant Locket after Fontenay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique revival style pendant. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the style of Eugene Fontenay. Center-set with an oval enamel plaque depicting Venus & Cupid in a garden setting. ...
14k Gold, Enamel
$5,850
H 2 in W 2.25 in L 20 in
Antique Egyptian Revival Necklace Sapphire Turquoise Enamel Gold Pharoah Goddess
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare antique museum quality Egyptian Revival Necklace in Gold with Sapphires, Turquoise and Pearls with magnificent enamel work depicting images of the Pharoah or Godd...
Pearl, Sapphire, Turquoise, Enamel, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,320Sale Price|40% Off
W 0.82 in L 1.75 in
Michael Kneebone Opal Topaz Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Confetti Pendant
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
A boulder opal (origin: Queensland, Australia) is the centerpiece of this elegant "Confetti" pendant. "Boulder opal" refers to opal that has formed within the ironstone matrix. It ...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Diamond, Sapphire...
Victorian Cherub Angel Enamel Bangle Bracelet Putti Sterling Silver Rare
Located in New York, NY
This is very rare and wonderful Victorian Enamel Bangle Bracelet with an image of two Winged Cherub or Angels lying on a grassy meadow with greenery behind with a beautiful blue sky....
Enamel, Sterling Silver, Silver
$12,500
H 2.5 in D 0.5 in L 17 in
Medusa Snake Coral Necklace Antique Etruscan Victorian 14 Karat Gold Neoclassic
Located in New York, NY
This is a Museum Quality Antique Etruscan Revival Victorian Carved Coral Necklace depicting Medusa with a Crown of Snakes with two pear shape coral drop pendants. The Coral Medusa i...
Coral, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
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.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
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.