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14K Yellow Gold 0.85ct Diamond Station Necklace for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
; colours available in white and yellow gold. Adjustable length 16"-18" Inches. Surprise Your Loved Ones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

0.6 Ct Pear Cut Natural Diamond Teardrop Pendant Necklace 18K Solid Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Pear Cut Natural Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace features a pear-shaped diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Love Necklace for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
Diamonds Diamond Color GH Clarity SI1 16"-18" Inch Adjustable Chain with a Spring Ring Closure Gift Box
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Miriam Salat Resin Link Beach Necklace, 18K Sterling Silver White Topaz
By Miriam Salat
Located in New York, NY
plating. White Topaz full diamond facet rounds, prong set. Measures apx 16 inches 1/2 inches in width
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo-Indian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Topaz, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

0.6 Ct Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold Anniversary Gift
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The Brilliant SI/H Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Chain Necklace features a round-shaped diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rachel Koen Seven Quartz Ladies Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This necklace is crafted in 14k yellow gold and encrusted with 7 white clear quartz stones. The
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Bracelet G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be Requested in 16'' or 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat Rose Gold 0.23 Carat Diamond Evil Eye and Hamsa Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
approximately 0.23 carat, and suspends from an adjustable 16-18" inch cable chain that secures with a lobster
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

2.00 Carat Diamond by the Yard Paper Clip Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
BE ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Black Diamond Bumble Bee Necklace for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
White Diamonds and 0.06 ct. of Black Diamonds. Chain is adjustable to 16"-18" 14K Yellow Gold 0.16
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Paper Clip Bracelet G SI 14K Yellow Gold 7
Located in New York, NY
/16 inch in width B5978S1Y ALL OUR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE TO BE ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Natural Turquoise 17.90cts Diamond 1.23cts Necklace in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
❋ Metal Color : White Gold ❋ Necklace Length : 16 Inches Approx. ❋ Gross Weight : 12.76 Gms. Approx
Category

2010s Indian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold SI/H Heart Cut 0.5 Ct Diamond Solitaire Necklace Wedding Gift
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 18 Karat Yellow Gold SI/H Heart Diamond Pendant Chain Necklace features a heart-shaped diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat Riviera Round Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
. They look especially white as they are set in this 18 carats yellow gold necklace. Each diamond is also
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.00 Carat Natural Diamond Choker Necklace G-H SI 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be Requested in 16
Category

2010s North American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

0.50 Carat Diamond by The Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold 14 Stones
Located in New York, NY
IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be Requested
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

White Topaz with South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
white gold Dimensions Length 16 inches Made in Newport Beach, California. USA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Topaz

13.10cttw Baguette Cut Diamond Tennis Statement Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
. Crafted in fine 18k yellow gold. The necklace is secured by a hinged locking clasp. Length: 16 inches
Category

2010s Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Large Yellow Gold and Diamond Love Script Necklace Sydney Evan
Located in New York City, NY
TCW 0.40 (68) "Love" is approximately 1.25" across 16 inch chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.50 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Bezel Bracelet G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold 7 Stones
Located in New York, NY
14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be Requested in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.50 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14K Rose Gold 14 Stones
Located in New York, NY
ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bezel Bracelet G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold 14 Stones
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
OUR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE TO BE ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Paper Clip Bracelet G SI 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be Requested
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

0.50 Carat Diamond by the Yard Paper Clip Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be
Category

2010s American Art Nouveau Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

7.1 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
) Chain Length :- 16 Inches Long ✦ Sizing ..................... We can adjust most items to fit your
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

7.1 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
& COLOR H-I ) Chain Length :- 16 Inches Long ✦ Sizing ..................... We can adjust most items to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

3.00 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold 14 Stones
Located in New York, NY
ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.50 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold 14 Stones
Located in New York, NY
ALL OUR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE TO BE ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Big and Bold 18K Yellow Gold Large Link Necklace with One Diamond Link
By Abel Zimmerman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
venerated German maker, Abel & Zimmerman. It measures 16 inches in length and a very substantial 13/16
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

J. Birnbach 14K Gold GIA Certified 1.52 Carat Total Oval Diamond Lariat Necklace
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
oval diamonds: 0.72 carats total weight - Length: 16 inches Purchase includes complimentary chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Striking La Pepita Round Wheat Link 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Choker Necklace
By La Pepita
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This stylish necklace by La Pepita is comprised of one continuous 16 1/2 inch length of fine round
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Natural Diamond Pave 14-Karat Cuban Link Necklace In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold Natural Diamond Pave Cuban Link Necklace Product: Diamond Pave Cuban Link Necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.21 Carat Diamond Flower Pendant Black Diamond Briolette Cut Necklace
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
the pendant is 3.21 carats. The pendant is curated in 14 Karat White Gold and weighs approximately 7.5
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Ruby Bow Rubies Motif Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
. The design features fine gold wire elements, measuring approximately 16–22 mm in length, fashioned
Category

1990s American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kieselstein Cord 18K Two Tone Diamond Flower Drop Dangle Tassel Necklace
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in New York, NY
-cut diamonds. Cascading from the floral design are elegant white gold chain tassels, adorned with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Hearts Choker Necklace Diamond Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
—for a total of twenty-one stones—linked together on an 18k gold-plated silver chain. White diamonds
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Diamond Sapphire Necklace 1.30 TCW Women Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
28 Single Cut Diamonds: 0.36 Ctw (G-H/VS-SI) Total Carat Weight: 1.3 Length: 16 Inches Weight
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

.33 Carat Natural Diamonds Dangle Necklace 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
-color, Vs2 clarity 1.1 x .2 inch 16 inch necklace Total 5.2 grams Pressure clasp and safety catch
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

5.50 Carat Natural Diamonds Floating Cluster Earrings Necklace Suite 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
-2 & Si-1 Clarity. G-colors. 18kt. white gold 19.7 grams. Necklace: may be worn as 16 inch
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

.54 Carat Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Necklace i/vs2 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Clarity. I- color. 14kt. white gold. Necklace: 16 inches. 3.6 grams. Diamond solitaire: .25 inch
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Judith Ripka 18KW Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
By Judith Ripka
Located in Cincinnati, OH
great everyday piece to add to anyone's jewelry collection. Solid 18 karat white gold. 8mm cable chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond-set Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
would seem everyone from the Georgians to eighties club culture all ggggga-get it.” SIZE: 16 inches
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.76 Carat Heart Shaped Diamonds Round Shaped Diamonds Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted white gold necklace with hearth shape and round shape diamonds 2.76 total diamond
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

18K Flower Baguette Necklace 2.50 Ct.
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Diamond necklace set in 18K white gold. The necklace is set with 5 sections of baguette and round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Tennis Necklace 11.50 Carats
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Diamond tennis necklace set with 0.10 carat stones each in 14K white gold. The total weight is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Diamond by the Yard Necklace
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Italian made Diamond by the yard necklace set in 14K white gold. The total weight is 0.84 carats
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

18ct 750 Diamond Necklace by FB Gioielli
Located in London, GB
Design / White & Yellow Gold White 9ct 375 Gold Box Chain Stamped with Italian Provence marks and makers
Category

Late 20th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Large lustrous Keishi Pearl Station Necklace 50"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15pc of large and lustrous white Japanese Keishi Pearl appx 16-17mm on White gold plated sterling
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

GIA 12.3 Carat NO HEAT Montana Marquis- Sapphire, Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Carat Diamond chain in 18 Karat White Gold. Measurements Width 2.2" Height 0.8" Gemstone Detail 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier Vintage 18K White Gold LOVE Charm Necklace 16 Inch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
a classic 16-inch white gold cable chain, it rests gracefully at the collarbone — the perfect length
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.80ct Diamond pendant necklace in 18k white gold 16 inches.
Located in London, GB
necklace in 18ct white gold. Diamonds total weight 0.80ct F colour VS1 clarity. Chain length 16 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.63tcw Diamond Ribbon Heart Pendant Necklace 16 Inch
Located in Miami, FL
suspended from an elegant Italian 14K white gold chain. The dramatic, dimensional heart form features
Category

1990s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

0.60ct diamond cross pendant necklace in 18k white gold 16 inches.
Located in London, GB
pendant necklace in 18k white gold. Large diamond solitaire pendant necklace, chain length 16 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14k 2 tone gold rope pendant with diamond pave on a 16 inch chain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond 1.51cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Size: 16 Inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

18ct White Gold Diamond Butterfly Pendant On 18"/16" 18ct White Gold Chain
Located in London, GB
-white gold chain that measures 18 inches adjustable at 16". Chain Length: 18" / 16" Pendant Length
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Baguette Round Cut Diamond Lariat Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 16 inches
Located in New York, NY
SI. Chain length: 16 inches. Square pendant size: 10mm. Drop length: 1.6 inches. Total weight: 3.05
Category

2010s Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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16 Inch White Gold Chains For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of 16 inch white gold chains. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 14k gold and white gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 308 vintage editions and 2586 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. contemporary and modern are consistently popular styles when it comes to 16 inch white gold chains. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but David Morris, Roman Malakov and Galt Bro. Jewelers produced popular versions that are worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut 16 inch white gold chains and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and brilliant cut alternatives. If you’re browsing the variety of 16 inch white gold chains 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 16 Inch White Gold Chains?

Prices for 16 inch white gold chains start at $1 and top out at $780,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,699.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

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. 

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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

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.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

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.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

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.