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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

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K 750 White Gold Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight: 2.1 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pasquale Bruni 18k White Gold 0.50ctw Pave Diamond Heart Pendant 16" Necklace
By Pasqual Bruni
Located in Montclair, NJ
Weight: 0.50 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 4.71 Grams Pendant Width: 11.2mm (0.44
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K 585 White Gold Natural Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 14k White Gold Total Item Weight: 3.91
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K 750 White Gold Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight: 2.1 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.63 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
1.63 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

0.52 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
0.52 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 0.75CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style 3.2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

10.00 Carat Natural Diamond Graduated Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16
Located in New York, NY
any way 10.00CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 21.9 grams 16 inches in length, 1/4 inches in
Category

2010s American Romantic Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

0.59ct Princess Diamond cross pendant necklace chain in 18k white gold.
Located in London, GB
0.59ct Princess Diamond cross pendant necklace chain in 18k white gold. Diamonds totla weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 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

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

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

New 14k White Gold 0.60ct Bezel Diamond Solitaire Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 0.60ct (exact) Total Carat Weight: 0.60 (exact) Material: Solid 14k White Gold Weight: 1.7 Grams Chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Oval Pear Sapphires Diamonds 2.35 Carat Yellow and White Gold 16.5 Inch Necklace
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
the rich yellow gold setting. This necklace features a sleek cable chain measuring 16 inches in length
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Heart Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 5.9 gram 3/4 inch in height, 7/8 inch in width 20 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.40 Carat Natural Diamond Horseshoe Necklace Pendant 14K White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold Pave style 2.3 gram 3/4 inch in height, 5/8 inch in width 25 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

15.40 Carat Natural Diamond Graduated Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16
Located in New York, NY
any way 15.40CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 27 grams 16 inches in length, 5/16 inches in
Category

2010s American Victorian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

12.50 Carat Natural Diamond Graduated Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16
Located in New York, NY
any way 12.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 24.5 grams 16 inches in length, 1/4 inches in
Category

2010s American Romantic Rope Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond Pendant and Chain 18 Karat White Gold
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
An tsavorite garnet and diamond pendant and chain in 18 karat white gold. This simple and elegant
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold 0.78ctw Round Prong Sapphire Solitaire Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
14K White Gold Weight: 2.03 Grams Chain Type: Cable Link Chain Length: Adjustable at 16 and 18 Inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.50 Carat Single Stone Aquamarine Pendant Chain 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
is set onto an 18 karat white gold cable link chain, of 16 inches, where it can move freely when worn
Category

Early 2000s European Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Oval Shape Pendant Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
14K White Gold Pave style 2.8 gram 7/16 inch in height, 1 inch in width 37 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.20 Carat Natural Diamond Horseshoe Necklace Pendant 14K White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold Pave style 1.7 gram 5/8 inch in height, 1/2 inch in width 23 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.50 Carat Natural Diamond Heart Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 7 gram 7/8 inch in height, 1 inch in width 20 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bangle Chain Style Bracelet 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Chain Style Bangle Bracelet 14K White Gold 7'' 100% Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tacori Diamond Halo Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Designer Necklace Chain
By Tacori
Located in Austin, TX
Weight 18 Inch, 18K White Gold Chain Chain has adjustable length at 16 inches If you would like a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold 3ctw Large Fiery Round Diamond Heart Pendant 18" Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Chain Type: 0.9mm Cable Link Chain Length: 16" Inches Closure: Lobster Claw Clasp Pendant Height: 22.9mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

.53 Carat Natural Alexandrite and Diamond Pendant in White Gold with Chain
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
attire. 16-inch, 14k white gold chain included. Treat yourself or someone you love to one of natures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Alexandrite, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.55 Carat Natural Diamond Starfish Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 0.55CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Pave style 3.10 gram
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K 750 White Gold Natural Diamond Box Shape Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Box Shape Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight: 2.1 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

New 14k White Gold 0.72ct Round Diamond Solitaire Slide Pendant 16" 18" Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
14k White Gold Weight: 1.67 Grams Chain Type: 0.5mm Cable Link Chain Length: Adjustable 16 or 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Estate 14k White Gold 3 Stone Natural Yellow Diamond Necklace Chain
Located in Stamford, CT
natural fancy yellow diamonds approx. total weight .55cts 14k White Gold Stamped: 14k 4.8 grams Chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K 750 White Gold Natural Diamond Leaf Shape Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Leaf Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight: 3.3 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.30 Carat Natural Diamond Seahorse Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 0.30CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Pave and Bezel style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Minimalist Turquoise Diamond Cluster Pendant Chain Necklace in 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
:- SEPD-31094 (14k) Gross Wt. :- 6.624 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :- 5.61 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.23 Ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Heart Necklace G SI 14K White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Heart Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Minimalist Turquoise Diamond Cluster Pendant Chain Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
:- SEPD-31094 Gross Wt. :- 8.03 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 7.02 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.23 Ct. ( AVERAGE
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

0.25 Carat Natural Diamond Horseshoe Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 0.25CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Pave style 1.9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.00 CT Natural Diamond Choker Graduating Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16
Located in New York, NY
3.00 CT Natural Diamond Choker Graduating Buttercup Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16'' 100
Category

2010s American Art Nouveau Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18K 750 White Gold Natural Diamond Small Cross Pendant Necklace with Chain
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k White Gold Total Item Weight: 1.7 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.35 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
1.35 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18k White Gold 1.06ctw Diamond Ball Bead Slide Pendant Adjustable Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Weight: 1.06 (exact stamped) Material: 18k Solid White Gold Weight: 6.21 Grams Chain Type: Cable Link
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.06 Carat Natural Diamond Fish Pendant Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 1.7 gram 7/16 inch in height, 3/8 inch in width 8 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.46 Carat Natural Diamond Crescent Moon Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 2.3 gram 15/16 inch in height, 3/4 inch in width 46
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.34 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold G SI Chain
Located in New York, NY
inch in height, 15/16 inch in width 14K White Gold, Prong Style, 2.8 grams 68 Diamonds N5383WD
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Starfish Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces Can be Requested in 16
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.46 Carat Graduated Diamond Circle Pendant Chain Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 3.46 Carat Graduated Diamond Circle 14 Karat White Gold Pendant Chain Necklace features round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

3.46 Carat Graduated Diamond Circle Pendant Chain Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 3.46 Carat Graduated Diamond Circle 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Chain Necklace features round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.25 Carat Natural Diamond Key Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 0.25CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style 2.6 gram 1 1/8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.15 Carat Natural Diamond Key Necklace Pendant 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 0.15CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style 2.5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.32 Carat Diamond Circle Karma Pendant Chain Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 2.32 Carat Diamond Circle Karma 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Chain Necklace features graduated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.32 Carat Diamond Circle Karma Pendant Chain Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 2.32 Carat Diamond Circle Karma 14 Karat White Gold Pendant Chain Necklace features graduated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

0.64 Carat Natural Diamond Fish Pendant Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 4.7 gram 3/4 inch in height, 3/4 inch in width 64 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link 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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This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

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.