$870 / item
Kenneth Jay Lane Grey Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane Grey Pearl Necklace — Iconic Signed KJL Statement Strand, Gunmetal Luster, Vintage Couture Jewelry A sophisticated and instantly recognizable design by Kenneth Jay ...
Crystal, Pearl
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Kenneth Lane Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning Kenneth J. Lane pearl collar necklace featuring clear rhinestones in a silver-tone setting.
Pearl
Kenneth Jay Lane Laguna Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous Kenneth Jay Lane, Laguna multi strand faux pearl necklace with elaborate jeweled clasp of faux sapphires and emeralds in the style of David Webb. 1960's USA.
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Lane Long Pearl Necklace with Goldtone Balls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Alford, MA
Kenneth Lane c.1990s long, single strand of pearls interspersed with 6 goldtone sputnik-like spheres in goldtone metal, spaced between invervals of 13 pearls at center and 8 pearls o...
Pearl
$840Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl & Cabochon Emerald Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane large knotted faux-pearl necklace with over sized poured green glass pendant set in gold-plated metal, 1980s.
Pearl, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearls from the 1980's. Four strand cream faux pearls with pave Art Deco inspired clasp. Signed. 1980's USA. Lengths 15-18", 1.25" wide.
Rhodium
Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Necklace with Large Pearl and Rhinestone Embellishment
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stunning and impossible to find Kennth Jay Lane seed pearl necklace with the most amazing faux baroque pearl clasp framed in gold plate and rhinestones.
KENNETH LANE signed vintage glass pearls jewel massive beaded designer necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with glass beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
$412Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Floral Gold Crystal and Faux Pearl Leaf Link Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An extravagant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane! Features flower-branch motif links, accented with clear Swarovski crystals and glass pearls.
Crystal, Gold Plate
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Multi Strand Collar Necklace in Gold, Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An extravagant collar necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane! Features strands of faux pearl, mother of pearl, and lapis lazuli beads on gold link chains.
Gold Plate
$256Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Clear Crystal and Faux Mother of Pearl Gold Collar Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A faux mother of pearl and clear emerald-cut crystal collar necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane.
Crystal
Vintage Statement KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Ruby Crystal Clasp & Pearl Torsade 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A fabulous Vintage Kenneth Lane Ruby Pearl Torsade. Featuring a huge ruby red crystal mounted in a high setting adorned with baguette and chaton crystals giving an Art Deco vibe. Row...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Triple Strand Faux Pearl Necklace Gold Geometric Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Triple-Strand Pearl Necklace Oversized Faux Pearls, Gold Geometric Clasp Description A glamorous and iconic Kenneth Jay Lane triple-strand pearl necklace featu...
Pearl
KJL KENNETH JAY LANE signed vintage gold pearl blue glass brooch necklace
By KJL
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL KENNETH JAY LANE • gold tone with faux stones • vintage designer necklace / brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal...
Long KJL Pearls with Pave Stations
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Long Pearls attributed to KJL with pave rhinestone stations and faux lapis poured glass spacers. Excellent quality with hand knotted pearls. 40" total. American 1960s.
pearls...
K.J.L. Neptuna for Laguna Suite in Box
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane faux pearl 4 strand necklace and drop earrings with faux turquoise, lapis and crystal pastes.
Gilt Metal
Signed Kenneth J. Lane Faux Pearl & Green Pendant Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This Kenneth J. Lane necklace features a large floral pendant with green resin and faux pearl accents in a gold-tone setting.
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Tahitian Pearl Necklace and Jeweled Clasp
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane deep grey charcoal faux pearl necklace with a pave set jeweled clasp.
Kenneth Jay Lane Sunflower Necklace and Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Mastic Beach, NY
Vintage KENNETH LANE PEARLS *signed* Sunflower Necklace & Clip-on Earrings ~ 22K Gold Plating with Simulated Pearl and Onyx Demi Parure The necklace and earrings are 22K gold plated ...
KJL Kenneth J Lane Impressive Bib Necklace Turquoise Moonstone and Pearl
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New Hope, PA
A striking combination of large and small turquoise stones, cabochon and faceted moonstones in two sizes and lustrous pearls that are set into the necklace as well as suspended along...
Moonstone, Pearl, Turquoise
CZ By Kenneth Jay Lane Fresh Water Pearl Tassel Pendant Cubic Zirconia Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Extravagant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring clear cubic zirconia links and a pendant with strands of genuine pearls.
Crystal, Pearl
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Necklace Yellow White Enamel Faux Pearl & Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
This textured 22K gold-plated metal features an assortment of linked white and yellow enameled flowers, accented with crystals and faux pearls. By Kenneth Jay Lane, made in USA. Wei...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Necklace Red White Enamel Faux Pearl & Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
This textured 22K gold-plated metal features an assortment of linked white and red enameled flowers, accented with crystals and faux pearls. By Kenneth Jay Lane, made in USA. Weight...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's 8-Strand Pearl & Rose Motif Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's 8-Strand Pearl & Rose Motif Necklace.
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Art Deco Faux Jade Carved Pendant Faux Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An art deco inspired pendant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a faux pearl bead necklace, accented with coral and black resin motifs.
Crystal
Sold
D 2.76 in L 15.25 in
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Red and Green Drop Accents Necklace w Faux Pearls, Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An ornate necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane. Features emerald green textured resin accents, set in gold plated floral setting and accented with clear crystals.
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Flower Necklace, Crystal and White Pearl Centers
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Glowing feminine beauty! This satin gold flower collar necklace with crystal and white faux pearl centers elevates any look with sparkling, blooming flowers cast in a golden gleam. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
CZ By Kenneth Jay Lane Fresh Water Pearl Danglig Cubic Zirconia Clip Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Extravagant pair of earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring clear cubic zirconia crystals and strands of genuine pearls. Cubic Zirconia line by KJL. Designer sign.
Crystal, Pearl
Kenneth Jay Lane for Avon Grey Faux Pearls with Tiger Necklace
By Avon
Located in Capri, IT
Kenneth Jay Lane for Avon Grey Faux Pearls with Tiger Necklace Gold tone tiger with swarovski
Kenneth Lane Pearl and Rhinestone Choker
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Alford, MA
Nothing is as feminine and flattering as a choker. Here is an example by Kenneth Lane composed of three rows of pearls centering a rectangular silver metal piece set with small rhine...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Three Strand Faux Pearl Necklace, Clear Crystal Clasp
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish triple-strand necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features three strands of glowing faux pearls.
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Necklace Purple White Enamel Faux Pearl & Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
This textured 22K gold-plated metal features an assortment of linked white and purple enameled flowers, accented with crystals and faux pearls. By Kenneth Jay Lane, made in USA. Wei...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilt Metal Necklace with Emerald Green Crystals and Pearls 80s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This pretty little necklace was made by Kenneth Jay Lane, most likely in the 1980s.
Kenneth J Lane KLJ Purple Cabochon Pearl Rhinestone Enhancer-Brooch Pin- 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning KJL Enhancer - Brooch with Pearls, Rhinestones and a wonderful purple Cabochon Center. This un-clips from your necklace as well as being a pin. measures 1.89 in x 1.68 in. T...
Sold
D 2.76 in L 15.25 in
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Red and Green Drop Accents Necklace w Faux Pearls, Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An ornate necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane. Features emerald green textured resin accents, set in gold plated floral setting and accented with clear crystals.
Crystal, Gold Plate
Sold
D 2.76 in L 15.25 in
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Red and Green Drop Accents Necklace w Faux Pearls, Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An ornate necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane. Features emerald green textured resin accents, set in gold plated floral setting and accented with clear crystals.
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Flower Necklace, Crystal and White Pearl Centers
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Glowing feminine beauty! This satin gold flower collar necklace with crystal and white faux pearl centers elevates any look with sparkling, blooming flowers cast in a golden gleam. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Multi Strand Faux Pearl Necklace Gold Plated 3-Strand Collar
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your jewelry collection with the Kenneth Jay Lane multi-strand faux pearl necklace.
Gold Plate
Vintage Four Strand Multi Color Faux Pearl Necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 19" length - Gold plated hardware - Four simulated pearl strands (Champagne, Light Grey, Night Blue, Maroon) - Hook clasp - By Kenneth Jay Lane (signed on clasp...
K.J.L. Turquoise Emerald and Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Striking torsade multistrand bead necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane made circa 1970. Enamelled clasp to match the emerald, turquoise and pearl faux beads.
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Signed Faux Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kenneth Lane necklace features faux pearls encircling a black enameled hoop in a nickel-free gold-plated base metal setting.
Signed Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl Bib Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kenneth Lane bib necklace features faux pearls in a mottled nickel-free gold-plated base metal setting.
Kenneth Jay Lane Swirling Faux Pearl & Crystals Drop Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This is a showstopper necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane with faux pearls with crystal accents in a swirling gold-tone setting.
Signed Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Faux Pearl Nugget Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This dramatic necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane features pearly medallions with large vertical crystal baguette in-between in a gold-tone setting. This piece measures 18” x 1-1/2” and is...
Kenneth Jay Lane Synthesis Pearl Necklace With Red Swarovski Rhinestones
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milano, IT
Kenneth Jay Lane Synthesis Pearl Necklace With Red Swarovski Rhinestones is a choker with large elements designed by Lane as a tribute to the Renaissance jewelers.
Vintage Kenneth Lane Double Strand Faux Black Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning vintage Kenneth Lane two strands of brilliant, heavy, well made faux black pearls. It has a gold tone hook clasp for easy closure. Its simplicity is a classic look...
Kenneth Jay Lane Mother-of-Pearl Bib Necklace and Drop Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This Kenneth Jay Lane necklace & earrings feature faux “mother-of-pearl” cabochons in a nickel-free silver-plated base metal setting.
Signed Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Strand Faux Pearl, Green & Red Stone Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kenneth Lane necklace features 5 strands of faux pearls with green & red stone accents in a nickel-free gold-plated base metal setting.
VINTAGE KJL For Laguna PEARL NECKLACE
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dating from the mid 1960's, this is a stunning 3 strand faux pearl necklace with an elaborate pave and cabachon clasp. The shortest strand--including the clasp--is 16" (41cm) long. ...
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl Multi-Strand “Bubble” Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Yes, I found one bubble necklace in pearl, and I got happy again. This signed Kenneth Jay Lane necklace features 3 strands of faux pearl resin beads in a silver-tone setting.
Vintage Kenneth J Lane ( KJLN ) Pearl Choker Necklace with Rams Head Clasp
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Offered for sale is this beautiful KJL crystal embellished Rams Head necklace with 8 strands of white simulated pearls. The rams head is gold plate with clear crystals and a dark bl...
Pearl, Gold Plate
21st Century Faux Pearl Bead Choker Style Necklace By, Kenneth Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
2009 Faux Pearl Bead Multi Color Choker Style Necklace By, Kenneth Jay Lane.
20th Century Kenneth Jay Lane Double Strand Faux Pearl & Gold Lion Head Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
20th Century Kenneth Jay Lane Double Strand Faux Pearl, Austrian Crystal & Gold Lion Head Choker style Necklace.
Gold Plate
1960's Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Strand Faux Pearl Necklace with Iconic Shell Clasp
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in San Francisco, CA
His jewelry during this period used fine stones that he personally developed with his supplier in Germany. The logo Kenneth © Lane is an early mark for his pieces sold exclusively at...
K.J.L. Laguna Imitation Black and Cream South Sea Pearl Double Strand Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fabulous K.J.L. (Kenneth Jay Lane) double strand imitation black and cream South Sea Pearl necklace.
Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Fonce Matte Porosus Crocodile Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional Hermès Birkin 30 featured in deep Vert Foncé matte Porosus crocodile, one of the most coveted exotic leathers in the world. This rich, dark green ton...
$3,625
H 10 in W 3 in D 1 in Dm 6 in L 17 in
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Pearl & Faux Turquoise Couture Necklace, France 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture 3 Strand Faux Pearl and Faux Pearl Necklace Circa 1980. It is not signed as its couture, which was never signed but attributed to Yves Saint...
Mixed Metal
Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress
By Missoni
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous colorful fine silk knit halter dress from Missoni in a red, orange, blue, yellow, white, lavender and black abstract pattern. It slips on over the head and has 2 black str...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
2.5ct Natural Emerald & Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Refined Luxury. Timeless Beauty. A Statement of Emerald Elegance. Unapologetically elegant, this statement engagement ring showcases an approx. 2.5ct natural Emerald, glowing with r...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$175,030
W 0.87 in D 0.2 in L 1.97 in
Big Opal Boulder Australian Fine gemstone Freeform 47 ct Neon Blue SSEF cert
Located in Berlin, DE
Boulder Opal from Queensland, Australia is one of the rarest gemstones on earth. Spectacular in size, color, shape and exhibiting a full rainbow of colors, this 47.50-carat free shap...
Opal
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
$560Sale Price / item|40% Off
W 0.62 in L 0.44 in
Pear emerald earrings studs. Emerald and diamonds earrings.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Earrings with pear natural emeralds and diamonds. May birthstone. Contemporary design earrings. Metal: silver 925, plus gold plating over Total weight: 3 g. Size: 15.5 x 11 mm. Cen...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$290Sale Price|34% Off
Exotic Oyster Silk Embroidered Gown from India for Bonwit Teller c 1970
Located in University City, MO
Exotic oyster silk embroidered gown from India for Bonwit Teller c 1970 The elegant vintage silk gown is embellished with elaborate floral embroidery that circles the hemline The i...
FENDI new pink sequins baguette 2024
By Fendi
Located in Rubiera, RE
FENDI New pink sequins baguette 2024 Iconic medium-sized Baguette bag, finely embroidered all-over with pink sequins in different shapes and sizes for a 3D effect and decorated with ...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alternating lines of lace and sheer. ...
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13' S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen. It skims the body has a scoop neckline and 3 rows of ruffles beginning at knee level in the front and 8 sta...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Go...
GUCCI by Tom Ford Pink GG Monogram Logo Satin Lizard Barbiecore Horsebit Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning Gucci clutch Made of finest pink satin Ruched style, with the famous GUCCI GG Monogram stamped on silk Exotic Lizard Skin Trimming Mat-gold hardware Horsebit detail Fully ...
Gianni Versace Backless Silk Dress with Leather Trim
By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous full length black silk gown from Gianni Versace Couture. It has a front scoop neck, a deep cut out back and fabulous tan leather shoulders. It is semi fitted though the ...
$1,380,000
Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MAGNIFICENT PIECE! An important emerald and diamond necklace. 144.07 carats of fine quality, "Vivid Green" emeralds. 171.40 carats of white diamonds all set in platinum. A re...
Diamond, Emerald
The father of so-called “fabulous fakes,” Kenneth Jay Lane was a spirited innovator within the jewelry industry, designing elegant and luxurious pieces without the use of real jewels. And while Lane aspired to create classic designs for earrings, bracelets and necklaces intended for everyday wear, his pieces caught the attention of celebrities, royalty and socialites.
From a young age, the Detroit, Michigan-born Lane was a lover of fashion. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Michigan. He pursued a design career in New York City, and a failed start in the art department of Vogue magazine led to a decade of designing shoes for the likes of Delman and Christian Dior.
Lane would occasionally develop shoe designs for friends he had in the fashion world such as Bill Blass and Arnold Scaasi. A show for the latter afforded him the opportunity to beautify shoes with rhinestones and create bangles and earrings to pair with the footwear — he found plastic bracelets at discount variety store and had them embellished by craftspeople at a shoe factory.
A love for costume jewelry design emerged thereafter. Lane created his own collection and admirers such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor showered him with praise. A pearl necklace he designed was worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In the early 1960s, ready-to-wear pioneer Hattie Carnegie purchased Lane’s jewelry line. Lane was given the position of design director for Carnegie but he soon changed course, moving instead into a small studio and pursuing his own path.
Lane worked with milk glass, gilded silver hardware, faux coral and other materials, and sold pendant necklaces, dangle earrings and modern bracelets to private customers. He was fond of renowned fine jewelry houses Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and designers such as Jean Schlumberger, and cited having found inspiration in Egyptian and Indian jewelry over the years as well as Art Deco jewelry. Lane’s designs, which he called “faque” and “junque,” became well-known for their distinctive color combinations and clever characteristics such as embroidery. By the time he purchased a small jewelry factory in Providence, Rhode Island, where his accessories would be made during the 1960s, Lane had secured relationships with top Manhattan boutiques and his work had caught the attention of fashion magazines.
Directed by the filmmaker Gisèle Roman, a 2018 documentary about Lane’s life and work called Fabulously Fake: The Real Life of Kenneth Jay Lane features interviews with legendary fashion designers Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch and Diane von Furstenberg.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kenneth Jay Lane brooches, rings and other accessories.
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. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
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 David Webb necklaces — 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 Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.