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Star Of David Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 2.35Cttw 16 Inches
Located in New York, NY
white gold. Total diamond weight: 2.35 carats. Get it for your loved one, or treat yourself to a classic
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sterling Silver Oval Locket Necklace • Cubic Zirconia, 16 Inch Chain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gold plated or rhodium white plated finishes. Hung on a 16-inch adjustable chain, it’s a timeless and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

18 Karat White Gold 5 Strands Wire Cable Contemporary Necklace 16 inches Long
Located in Washington, DC
This beautiful textured multi strand wire cable necklace is made from 18 Karat White Gold wire
Category

Early 2000s German Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18ct White Gold 0.80ct Diamond Halo Pendant Suspended from 16" Chain
Located in London, GB
diamonds in a halo setting, gracefully suspended from an 16-inch chain. A versatile and elegant addition
Category

2010s European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

27.60 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16 inches
Located in New York, NY
27.60 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

2010s American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

5.00 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16 inches
Located in New York, NY
5.00 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14kt Yellow Gold diamond Crab Pendant .20cttw 16 Inch 1mm Rope Chain 4.2 Grams
Located in San Diego, CA
with a 16-inch, 1mm rope chain stamped 14k BBB, secured with a spring ring clasp. The total weight of
Category

2010s North American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Gemistry 2.31 Cttw Natural Pink Tourmaline 16 Inch Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
elegance of the pendants. Crafted from high-quality 14K white gold, this necklace is both luxurious and
Category

2010s Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold

Zydo 16 Sapphire 68 Diamond Pendant Necklace 3.25 Inches 18 Karat White Gold
By ZYDO
Located in New York, NY
monumental pendant is 3 1/4 inches in diameter (8.2 cm) and is suspended from an integral white gold chain
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Unique Solid 14k Yellow White Gold 16" Swirl Rope Link Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Accents Weight: 9.10 Grams Chain Type: Swirl Rope
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rope Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold 2.18ctw Sapphire Diamond Pendant on 16" Wheat Link Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Pendant on 14k White Gold Chain Weight: 3.84 Grams Chain Type: Wheat Link Chain Length: 16 Inches Clasp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold

Fancy Cut Diamond Halo Necklace Estate 14k White Gold 16" Chain Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
measures 16 inches. The pendant measures 11.5mm diameter (0.45 inches). Metal & Hallmark: 14k white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Chopard 18K White Gold 16" 3mm Polished Box Link Chain Necklace w/ Lobster Claw
By Chopard
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 29.41 Grams Chain Type: Box Link Chain Length: 16 Inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cuban Link Chain Necklace – 22 Inches
Located in Chicago, IL
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Cuban Link Chain Necklace – 22 Inches, Approx. 16-18 Carats This bold and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

18k White Gold 1.92ctw Large Diamond Open Slide Heart Pendant on 16" Bead Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
Chain Weight: 6.39 Grams Chain Type: Ball Bead Link Chain Length: 16 Inches Clasp: Spring Ring Heart
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

10K White Gold 1/4 Cttw Diamond Flower Adjustable 16-18" chain Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Grams Metal Type: 10K White Gold Necklace Clasp Type: Spring Ring Necklace Chain Type: Cable Necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

New 14K White Gold 4.7ctw Pear Opal Diamond Halo Pendant 16" or 18" Chain Link
Located in Montclair, NJ
Carat Weight: 4.7 (exact) Material: Solid 14k White Gold Weight: 5.40 Grams Chain Type: Cable Link
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold

0.50ct Diamond GIA Certified Solitaire Pendant 18ct Yellow Gold 16 inches
Located in London, GB
inclusivity (VS1). The pendant hangs from a 16-inch gold chain, making it a perfect addition to any fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

8.5 Mm White Akoya Pearl Pendant on 16" Cable Link Chain
Located in Honolulu, HI
Akoya Pearl ​ ​Pearl and Bail Length: 0.65" ​ ​Pearl Diameter: 8.5 mm Chain Length: 16 inches ​ ​Chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

14k White Gold Filigree Diamond Pendant + Chain
Located in Lexington, KY
-noticed. The pendant is attached to a 16" 14k white gold chain that perfectly compliments the elegance of
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.34 Carat Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Chain Pendant
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.34 Carat Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Chain Pendant This beautiful chain necklace has
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

14K White Gold Diamond Key Pendant Necklace 1.5 Inch Long
Located in New York, NY
pendant is suspended from a classic 16-inch chain, creating a graceful silhouette that complements both
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier Diamond Star Necklace 18k Yellow Gold 16" Chain Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
). Diamonds adorn a graduated three-star motif. The necklace measures 16 inches in length and sits nicely at
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond and White Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Necklace. Get the best of every world with an 18-karat rose or white gold chain accented with a sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Gold Butterfly Pendant with White Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Gold Butterfly Pendant with White Diamond & 14 Karat White Gold Chain Very Delicate small
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

0.60ct Diamond bezel pendant necklace 14KT 16" inches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning 0.60ct diamond pendant necklace made in 14KT white gold on a 16 inches chain. Diamond is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Natural Round Cut Diamond Chain Pendant White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Round Cut Diamond Chain Pendant White Gold This necklace is a contemporary chain necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold .73 Carat Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace 18 Inches
Located in Eagan, MN
gold setting. The pendant is stamped 14k and it is on an adjustable 14 carat white gold chain that
Category

2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Gold Pendant with White Diamond in White Platinum Chain
Located in New York, NY
length of the chain 16 inch Amazing value for this beautiful pendant for little girls. Please look at the
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in New York, NY
. Suspended from a 16-inch stunning non-tangle, non slip chain. Polished to a brilliant shine. Gold Purity
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in New York, NY
. Suspended from a 16-inch stunning non-tangle, non slip chain. Polished to a brilliant shine. Gold Purity
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in New York, NY
. Suspended from a 16-inch stunning non-tangle, non slip chain. Polished to a brilliant shine. Gold Purity
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in New York, NY
. Suspended from a 16-inch stunning non-tangle, non slip chain. Polished to a brilliant shine. Gold Purity
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in New York, NY
. Suspended from a 16-inch stunning non-tangle, non slip chain. Polished to a brilliant shine. Gold Purity
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in New York, NY
. Suspended from a 16-inch stunning non-tangle, non slip chain. Polished to a brilliant shine. Gold Purity
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 2.25ct Diamond Circle Pendant and Chain
Located in Hicksville, NY
the chain is 16 inches long. Condition: Excellent
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ruby 1.94Ctw Diamond 0.20Ctw Butterfly Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold 18 inch
Located in New York, NY
with lobster lock closure. Chain length: 18 inches with an adjustable loop at 16 inches. Pendant length
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 24 Inches 11 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
inches long and 3/16 inches wide. Available in white gold and rose gold. Available in smaller and bigger
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Wellendorff Necklace Collar Chain Choker 18k Yellow Gold Pave Diamonds 72.6g 16"
By Wellendorff
Located in Northbrook, IL
details: Length: 16 inches. Metal: 18k Yellow gold. Total Weight: 72.6 grams. Stones: round brilliant very
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.29 Carat Rainbow Sapphire White Gold Bar Chain Necklace
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.29 Carat Multicolor Sapphire and White Gold Bar Chain Necklace  This necklace has Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

White Gold 0.23ctw Fancy Diamond Swirl Teardrop Pear Drop 16" Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Chain Type: 16 Inches - Station Cable link - Lobster Clasp Pendant Drop Height: 25.9mm (1") Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

White Gold 0.40ctw Diamond Reversible Flower Station 16" Cable Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
- VS2 Clarity - 0.40ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold w/ 14k Clasp Weight: 7.34 Grams Chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

David Yurman Diamond Acorn Pendant Box Chain Necklace 18k Yellow Gold 16" 25.3g
By David Yurman
Located in Northbrook, IL
necklace is 16 inches long and features a box chain style. This is a rare vintage original David Yurman
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace with 14K White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace with 14K White Gold Chain. 2.0 grams, 16-inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum GIA 1.24ct Pear Diamond Teardrop Solitaire Pendant 16" Necklace Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
: Solid Platinum Pendant & Chain with 18k White Gold Clasp Weight: 3.1 Grams Chain Type: Open Link Chain
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Round Topas blue diamond pendant necklace 18ct white gold chain.
Located in London, GB
topaz round shape pendant with diamond flower pattern pendant necklace in 18k white gold ball chain 16
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Topaz, White Gold

1.06 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold Pave style 3.5 gram 5/16 inch in height, 5/16 inch in width 60 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong and Bezel style 3.3 gram 3/8 inch in height, 3/8 inch in width 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Baguette Diamond Heart Pendant with Chain in 18K White Gold
By BOON
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold 2.834g Diamond Baguette 0.48ct Length Chain 18” adjustable to 16"
Category

2010s Asian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14ct White Gold Tanzanite Diamond Pendant Suspended From 18" Chain
Located in London, GB
triangle shape tanzanite set in 14ct white gold. The pendant is suspended from a 14ct white gold chain
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold

2.00 Carat Natural Diamond X Bracelet G SI 14K White Gold 7 inches
Located in New York, NY
2.00 Carat Natural Diamond X Bracelet G SI 14K White Gold 7 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

2010s American Romantic Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

2.48 CT Diamonds 18K White Gold Drop Necklace 16"
By Unbranded
Located in Los Angeles, CA
100% Authentic, 100% Customer Satisfaction Pendant: 70 mm Chain: 1.8 mm Size: 16 Inches Metal: 18K
Category

2010s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace – 18" Chain, 0.27ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
shortened to 16 inches Pendant Measurements: 0.75 inches long, 0.50 inches wide Metal: 18K White Gold Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong and Bezel and Pave style 3.7 gram 3/8 inch in height, 3/8 inch in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.05tcw Vintage 18K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Necklace 16" Blue Sapphire
Located in Jupiter, FL
-like gold accents embellish the piece beautifully. This incredible necklace measures 16 inches long. A
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large 18 Carat White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant and Chain
Located in London, GB
, the pendant and chain weigh approximately 8.30 grams. The fine chain is 16 inches in length, and the
Category

1990s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage I Love You Pendant with Ruby in 14 K Yellow Gold Chain, 16" Long, 5.8gm
Located in New York, NY
Yellow gold chain of 16 inch I Love You Pendant with few Ruby Stones Weight of the gold 5.8 gm Please
Category

Early 2000s Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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

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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.