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16 Inch White Gold Chains

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1.52 Carat Natural Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 1.52CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Flower Necklace Black Diamond Briolette Cut White Gold Necklace
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Diamond Flower Necklace Black Diamond Briolette Cut White Gold Necklace This beautiful
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Rhodium, White Gold, 18k Gold

Natural 0.7 Carat SI/H Diamond Circle Vine Chain Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Natural 0.7 Carat SI/H Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Circle Vine Chain Necklace features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural 0.7 Carat SI/H Diamond Circle Vine Chain Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Natural 0.7 Carat SI/H Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Circle Vine Chain Necklace features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Round Cut 0.56 Ct Diamond Pendant In 14k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace Women Gift
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Minimal 14 Karat Yellow Gold SI/H Round Diamond Chain Necklace showcases a fluid, wave-like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carved Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18k White Gold 0.03 TCW Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
(G-H/SI-I1) Length: 16 Inches Weight: 4.089 Grams Chain Stamped: 14Kt ITALY Metal: 18k 14k
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.90ct Natural Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Necklace Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chain Length is 16 inches Total item weight is: 1.6 grams Disclaimer: all weights, measurements and
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.25 Carat Diamond Tsavorite Circle Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
AVAILABLE TO BE ORDERED IN 14K WHITE, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD UPON REQUEST. All Chains of Pendants and Necklaces
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.25 Carat Diamond Sapphire Circle Pendant Necklace 14K White 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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Drop Bezel Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Drop Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.30 Carat Natural Diamond Bezel Necklace Pendant 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.30 Carat Natural Diamond Bezel Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Drop Bezel Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Drop Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 18 inches chain 100% Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Solid Gold Spear Pendant with White Diamonds by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
strung on a fine 16-inch gold chain. The total diamond carat weight is 0.016 carats of H/VS1 quality
Category

2010s British Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 9k Gold, Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

0.51 Ct Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire 18K White Gold Teardrop Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 18 Karat White Gold SI/H Pear Solitaire Diamond Chain Necklace features a delicate chain. At
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18ct Yellow Gold White Natural Diamond Necklace
Located in Marlow, GB
strength and effortless beauty. Along its graceful 16-inch chain, each delicate link is meticulously set
Category

2010s British Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.52 Carat Natural Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 1.52CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Evil Eye Necklace for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
Adjustable 16"-18" inch yellow Gold Chain Gift Box Included! Ships within 1-2 business days Certificate of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

19.57ct Natural Diamond Graduated Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
- VS2 Setting: Three-Prong Material: 14K White Gold Length: Adjustable 16" - 18" Condition: Excellent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat Eleven Diamond Graduated Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Eleven Diamond Graduated Necklace in 18K White Gold Simple yet elegant graduated
Category

2010s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18K White Gold Natural Heart Cut Diamond Solitaire Necklace Christmas Present
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 18K White Gold Natural Heart Diamond Solitaire Chain Necklace features a delicate chain. At
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.10Ct Stunning 14K Solid White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.10Ct Stunning 14K Solid White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Amazing looking piece
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

12.94Ct Graduated Zambian Emerald Gemstone Necklace 14K White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
12.94Ct Graduated Zambian Emerald Gemstone Necklace 14K White Gold Fine Jewelry Emeralds are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

1.10Ct Stunning 14K Solid White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.10Ct Stunning 14K Solid White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Amazing looking piece
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

12.94Ct Graduated Zambian Emerald Gemstone Necklace 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
12.94Ct Graduated Zambian Emerald Gemstone Necklace 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Emeralds are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

14 Carat White Gold Emerald Cut Emerald Pendant Necklace with Diamonds
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Emerald Cut Emerald Pendant Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry This necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Yellow Gold 0.55 Carat Yellow Halo Diamond Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
fourteen (14) round brilliant diamonds bezel set. The chain is 18 inches long and can wear at 16 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Beauvince Diamond Tennis Necklace 10.02 ct GH VVS-VS Diamonds in 18K White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Gold Metal Wt: 17.05 gms Setting: Prong Set Length: 16 Inches (40.64 cm) Length may be adjustable
Category

2010s Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Beauvince Directions Diamond Tennis Necklace 9 Ct Diamonds in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
) Metal: 14K White Gold Metal Wt: 21.30 gms Setting: Prong Set Length: 16 Inches (40.6 cm)
Category

2010s Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.40 Carat Stunning 14 Karat Solid White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.40Ct Splendid 14k Solid White Gold Chain Necklace Amazing looking piece! Stamped: 14k Total
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.35 Carat Stunning 14 Karat Solid White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.35Ct Splendid 14k Solid White Gold Chain Necklace Amazing looking piece! Stamped: 14k Total
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.25 Carat Stunning 14 Karat Solid White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.25Ct Splendid 14k Solid White Gold Chain Necklace Amazing looking piece! Stamped: 14k Total
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

.30 Carat Diamond White Gold Diamond by the Yard Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
14k white gold. Lobster catch. 16 inches long. 30 round brilliant cut diamonds, H-I SI approx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.65 Carat Natural 3 Diamond Bezel Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.65 Carat Natural 3 Diamond Bezel Necklace 14K White Gold 18'' chain 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18ct Rose Gold White Natural Diamond Necklace
Located in Marlow, GB
strength and effortless beauty. Along its graceful 16-inch chain, each delicate link is meticulously set
Category

2010s British Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

0.37 Carat Natural Diamond Fashion Necklace 14 Karat White Gold G SI
Located in New York, NY
G-H SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 2.8 gram 15/16 inch in height, 11/16 inch in width 40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Graduated 16.16Ct Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Graduated 16.16Ct Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold Necklace The necklace features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Graduated 16.16Ct Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Graduated 16.16Ct Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold Necklace The necklace features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Statement 37.05Ct Multi Cut Natural Diamond Graduating Necklace 18Kt White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
. :- 37.05 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Chain Length :- 16 Inches Long ✨
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Statement 37.05Ct Multi Cut Natural Diamond Graduating Necklace 14Kt White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
. :- 37.05 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Chain Length :- 16 Inches Long ✨
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

28.52TCW Tanzanite Gemstone Diamond Bridal Necklace 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
28.52TCW Tanzanite Gemstone Diamond Bridal Necklace 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry The necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

18k White Gold 28.52 TCW Tanzanite Gemstone Diamond Bridal Statement Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
28.52TCW Tanzanite Gemstone Diamond Bridal Necklace 18k White Gold Fine Jewelry The necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Marquise Cut 20.31 Ct Natural Diamond Wedding Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Marquise Cut 20.31Ct Natural Diamond Chain Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold This elegant marquise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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. 

Read More

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.