Necklaces & Pendants

Necklaces & Pendants are wonderful pieces of jewelry that add the perfect finishing touch to any dress. Remaining an integral part of any outfit since the Gothic and Renaissance periods, love for this piece of jewelry has cut across boundaries, changing in designs and styles in keeping with existing fashions and with an aristocratic appeal throughout the eras. Our fascinating collection of rare and timeless necklaces and pendants features a selection of antique jewelry from the Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, and Art Deco periods that display the beauty and quality craftsmanship of these timeless periods. 

Necklaces & Pendants - A Brief History

Some of the oldest necklaces date back to the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods and were made of precious metals along with inset stones. More than just a decorative art piece, these items were often symbolic and reflective of the social climate of the times. In between periods, necklaces became an essential element of the attire that symbolizes prosperity and status.

The Victorian era was the most significant period of antique and estate necklaces and pendants. Necklaces with black onyx, amethyst, sapphires, zircon, garnets, ruby, jet, along with the sapphire necklace, gold necklace, and diamond necklace became fashionable in this period. One of the classic forms of the necklace, a pendant, was worn as amulets and used to heal and protect. The famous sautoir necklace during the Art Deco movement is similar to today’s ultra-long pendant necklace. The main characteristics of these pendants were streamlined designs with white diamonds and a platinum mark.

Antique and Vintage Necklaces and Pendants

The vintage and antique necklaces and pendants have various forms, ranging from valuable chains and beads to precious stones and pearls. In jewelry trade terms, antique necklaces describe a piece of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau jewelry, whereas the vintage necklaces include Art Deco, Retro, and Mid Century jewelry pieces.  Historically, vintage and antique necklaces and pendants have never been out of fashion.

Here at Bidsquare antique auctions, we include stylish antique necklaces on sale at our online auction that, in addition to being rare and valuable items, represent secure investments to the discerning collectors. Some of the elegant pieces of these iconic necklaces and pendants at jewelry auctions featured on Bidsquare are designed by leading brands such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, George Jensen, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and more.

Quick Facts about Necklaces and Pendants

• A 1,00,000-year-old bead necklace made out of Nassarius shells is the oldest known jewelry known to humans. 
• Necklaces only became a feminine item beginning in the 18th century.