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Mid Century Necklaces

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Gold and silver vintage beads
Located in New Orleans, LA
the twentieth century.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Mixed Metal

Beautiful Strand of Angelskin Coral Beads with Custom Gold Rondels and Clasp
Located in New Orleans, LA
are of excellent craftsmanship. As an aside I have an image of a Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace with
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Antique Vintage Retro Solid Green Rose Gold Swan In Lake Hand Held Fan Charm
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Green Rose Gold Weight: 2.2 Grams Chain : Not Included Width: 17.8mm (0.70") Height (w/ bail): 33.4mm (1.3") Thickness: 2.5mm Inside Bail Dimensions: 5.6x3....
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Enamel Hand Pendant of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A masterful expression of Victorian symbolism and craftsmanship, this antique hand pendant (circa 1860–1870) is an exceptional jewel transformed from its original brooch form into a ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage White Gold Emerald and Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
of mid-century jewelry design, perfect for collectors and gemstone enthusiasts alike. Weight: 5.5
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold

Hand-Carved Carnelian Leaf Pendant with Gold-Filled Vine Detail
Located in Milford, DE
: Leaf motif with textured vine embellishment Era: Likely mid-century or later artisan Condition
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Carnelian, Gold-filled

Vintage Hot Dog Charm 14k Yellow Gold Pendant Red Yellow Enamel Food Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
necklace. The charm is in good condition with small loss to the enamel (see photos). Particulars: Weight
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

18k gold Saint Thérèse charm - Vintage religious pendant - 1960 s - Lisieux
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning Catholic charm. This royal charm depicts Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Little Flower of Jesus. She loved flowers and saw herself as the "little flower o...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Portrait Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique unuswal gold pendant in woman portrait decortated with real diamond necklace and crown with
Category

Mid-20th Century European Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Enamel Racing Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
most respected jewelry firms of the mid-20th century, celebrated for their quality and design. The gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Masonic Mother of Pearl Charms
Located in London, GB
A very rare mid-19th century French masonic mother of pearl charm pendant. It is truly remarkable
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Georgian Tear Drop Amethyst Pendant, Circa 1850
Located in Brighton, GB
, both set in closed-back gold mounts. The settings are simple and elegant, typical of mid-19th century
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Georgian era Rose Cut Diamond Silver Star Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Star Pendant Silver Tested Circa 1850 * The chain is sold separately Step into the elegance of the past with this exquisite 8-pointed star pendant. This stunning piece f...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Vintage Gold Railway Lantern Charm Pendant with Green and Red Glass
Located in Rotterdam, NL
-mid 20th century, when railway travel was at its peak and romanticized in popular culture. Although
Category

Mid-20th Century European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage Hot Dog Bun Charm 14k Yellow Gold Pendant Red Yellow Enamel Food Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
necklace. The charm is in good condition with small loss to the enamel (see photos). Particulars: Weight
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage 14k Gold Boy Silhouette Disc Medallion Charm Charm
Located in New York, NY
name, message and/or birthdate. This is a retro and chic medallion for a necklace chain or the perfect
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Asymmetrical Star Sapphire Pendant in 14k Two-Tone Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
crafted in 14k two-tone gold and features an asymmetrical, sculptural design characteristic of mid-century
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yell...

Van Cleef Arpels "Delphe" Convertible Sautoir
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1970s, this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris "Delphe" collection pendant necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, 18k Gold

Vintage Native American Silver Inlaid Turquoise Pendant
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Native American silver inlaid turquoise pendant is a striking example of traditional Southwestern artistry. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, it features a genuine turquo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Native American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Silver

Vintage 9K Yellow Gold Kinetic Royal Guard Sentry Box Charm Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This charming vintage piece is crafted in 9k yellow gold and features a miniature Royal Guard inside a detailed sentry box. The design includes a clever kinetic mechanism -when the s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Retro 1950s Amethyst Drop Pendant in Beaded 14K Gold Frame
Located in Rotterdam, NL
exemplifies mid-century modern aesthetics, balancing ornate detailing with clean lines. Era: 1950's–1960's
Category

Mid-20th Century European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Vintage Art Deco Sterling Silver Carved Cameo Pendant
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Art Deco Sterling Silver Carved Cameo Pendant beautifully captures the elegance and geometric sophistication of the 1920s. Expertly hand-carved from genuine shell, the c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Amethyst Bird Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
. Dating to circa 1960–1970, this mid-century charm reflects both whimsical artistry and quality
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Etruscan Revival Vintage Gigantic Fob Ebe Eagle
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare and Unique surprisingly unique, gigantic in size, rare workmanship, mid century period
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, 9k Gold

Antique Swiss Painted Enamel Diamond Pearl Gold Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
A large antique finely painted enamel miniature of a Swiss girl set in a 14K gold, diamond and natural pearl pendant, made in Geneva, Switzerland, c. 1860. Estimated total diamond w...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Victorian Drop Necklaces

Vintage Natural Red Coral (Corallium Rubrum) Branch Pendant with Silver Cap
Located in Rotterdam, NL
highly desirable among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Details: Origin: Europe, mid-20th century
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Silver

Boucheron Vintage Granulation 18ct Yellow Gold and Diamond Suite Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
. The suite consists of a matching necklace, earrings and ring, all crafted with gold granulation in an
Category

Mid-20th Century French Choker Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

9ct Gold Cat / kitten Ball Pendant / Bracelet Charm Hallmarked Birmingham 1969
Located in Brighton, GB
lover or vintage jewellery enthusiast. This enchanting piece features a playful kitten captured mid
Category

Mid-20th Century English Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Antique Garnet and Diamond Pendant
Located in Lewisburg, PA
transformed elements from a broken 19th-century necklace into a timeless jewel by adding a 14k gold bail. The
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Silver

Signed Natan Italian 18K Gold Sardinian Coral Dual Figure Cameo Pendant/Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
, coral surface well-preserved, gold with warm original patina A fine and expressive signed example of mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Vintage Jewelry Set Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
example of mid-20th century craftsmanship, created in a harmonious combination of 18 karat yellow and
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Lizard Conversion Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Playful yet undeniably luxurious, this whimsical lizard pendant captures the spirit of mid-century
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Etruscan-Style Lantern Fob Charm Circa 1960, in 18 Karat Yellow Gold w Amethysts
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
, ornate charms. Since no rational 21st Century person can function with that much wrist luggage, and
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold 0.40tcw Diamond Modular Design Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
aesthetic reflects mid-century modern influences, offering a balance of sophistication and artistic design
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Locket Pendant Sentimental Jewellery Pansy Onyx Silver Natural Pearls
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This pendant was created in 1850 ca out of onyx and silver. The center of the pendant is decorated with a little pansy made out of natural pearls. Pansy translates as pensée in Fren...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Natural Pearl, Silver

Vintage 14K Gold Folding Locket Orb Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage 14K yellow gold pendant designed as a pierced dimensional sphere, depicting a scrolling heart motif throughout. The locket features a hinged curved arm that release to reveal...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Malachite Lizard Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This striking pendant is a masterclass in combining antique charm with mid-century elegance. At its
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold

Antique Gold-Filled Paste and Pearl Slide Chain
Located in New York, NY
This intricate necklace is crafted in gold-filled metal. The piece features a central pendant
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold-filled

Unique MidCentury Handcrafted Hammered 6BrassWires SpiralsLoopsSquiggles Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
from the lack of copyright/signature, modern mid-century distinct style, patina and single material. If
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Brass

Unique Vintage Handcrafted Hammered 6BrassWires SpiralsLoopsSquiggles Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
from the lack of copyright/signature, modern mid-century style, patina and single material. If
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Brass

Vintage Spinning Roulette Wheel Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Step into the glamour of mid-20th century design with this captivating roulette wheel pendant, a
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel

9ct Gold Hexagon St. Christopher Pendant
By Georg Jensen
Located in London, GB
9ct 375 Gold St.Christopher Hexagon Shaped Pendant with bezelled edge by Danish Goldsmith Georg Jensen Full British Hallmarks Dated 1965 by London Assay Offices Size - Diameter - 17...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

1960s Art Deco Style Tahitian Pearl 18k Solid Yellow Gold Pendant With Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite 1960s Art Deco-style pendant is a stunning testament to the elegance of a bygone era. Crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, it features a captivating Tahitian pearl, shape...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Pectoral Pendant from Castellani with a Cameo Attr. to Luigi Pichler 1773-1854
By Castellani
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1850s Provenance: collezione Guicciardini, Italy Dimension: 9 x 6,8 cm Weight: 105 gr Questo pendente in oro giallo 18 carati è attribuito a Castellani, maestro dell’arte or...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Antique Victorian 14K Gold Locket Pendant with Seed Pearls and Coral
Located in Rotterdam, NL
its antique authenticity. Details: Era: Victorian, circa mid-to-late 19th century Metal: 14K yellow
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 14k Gold

Elegant single strand rock crystal, lapis lazuli, green onyx, gold and pearl n
Located in New Orleans, LA
stones which enjoyed huge popularity in that mid-century era. This would be a lovely addition to
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Pearl, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Large 14k Gold Engine Turned Pearl and Sapphire Ballerina Dancer Charm
Located in New York, NY
exception. It's perfect for a long necklace chain or hanging from a chic, statement charm bracelet. 14k
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Antique Silver and 14K Gold Cross Pendant with Rose-Cut Diamonds, Circa 1850
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This elegant antique cross pendant is a refined example of mid-19th century devotional jewelry
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Amethyst Citrine Pendant of 15ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
brooch during the mid-19th century (circa 1860–1870) and has been masterfully transformed into a striking
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 15k Gold

Vintage Yellow Gold Masonic Pendant with Diamonds and Moonstone Face
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Modern Mid Century Yellow Gold Pendant. This remarkable pendant is crafted in yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Yellow Gold

Chinese Jade Pendant Medallion With Gold Setting
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Beautiful antique 1950's Chinese hand carved jade pendant with a gold colored setting. The jade stone symbolizes balance in feng shui (风水 fēng shuǐ) and is revered for its healing ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Jade

18ct Gold Religious Italian Pendant 18ct Gold Chain
Located in London, GB
hallmark stamp on reverse of pendant and on Chain Stamped 750 AUR - which is solid 18ct Gold as necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

A. Augis 18 Karat Gold “Plus Qu hier” Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a love charm pendant crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1950. The design of the pendant is created by French jeweller Alphonse Augis in response to the love poem written by Rosemond...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian gold and turquoise pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is an exquisite delicate little pendant. The styling is somewhat exotic, perhaps, Turkish, but it is of European or English manufacture. I suspect The cage like for is of yell...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

Statement Size Vintage 14k Gold and Blue Sapphire 3D Baby Shoe Book Locket Large
Located in New York, NY
necklace chain or dangling from a chunky charm bracelet. Estate Locket Opens 14k Blue Sapphires 1" X 3/4
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Hancocks Antique Diamond Heart Locket Pendant circa 1860
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
during the 19th century that the heart motif became highly prominent. The Victorian’s were hugely fond of
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Georg Jensen Denmark Vintage Sterling + Coral Dove Set
By Georg Jensen
Located in Narberth, PA
earrings. The simple curvilinear shapes and nature-inspired motif exemplify Jensen's unique Mid-Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Link Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Sterling Silver

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Mid Century Necklaces For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of mid century necklaces. Frequently made of Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 20th Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of mid century necklaces to choose from, but Modern and Victorian mid century necklaces are of considerable interest. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Georg Jensen, Tiffany Co. and Luigi Ferrara produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 549, are particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for round cut mid century necklaces and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and bead alternatives. If you’re browsing the variety of mid century necklaces for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Mid Century Necklaces?

On average, mid century necklaces at 1stDibs sell for $1,761, while they’re typically $76 on the low end and $1,565,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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. 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. 

Questions About Mid Century Necklaces
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

    Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

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