Skip to main content

18k Ruby And Diamond Necklace

to
758
4,797
4,405
1,697
1,514
490
4,531
3,765
1,000
911
727
13
202
1,515
3,131
50
30
37
31
35
55
101
132
173
139
7
3,228
1,640
26
1188
499
448
391
263
to
218
153
79
75
70
1,041
848
290
160
154
143
112
56
55
43
34
15
10
9
8
2
1
4,872
22
2,742
1,314
Sort By
Certified Unheated Natural Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
GSI Certified Unheated Natural Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Intricate 3.32ct Ruby and Diamond Necklace set in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This exquisite 18K yellow gold jewelry piece is a symphony of rubies and diamonds, creating an
Category

2010s Singaporean Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary Ruby and Diamond Floral Necklace Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A highly unique ruby and diamond floral motif necklace, set in 18k white gold. The necklace is
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Mesmerizing 4.37ct Ruby, Sapphires, and Diamonds Necklace in 18k Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Mesmerizing 4.37ct Ruby, Sapphires, and Diamonds Necklace in 18k Rose Gold - IGI Certified
Category

2010s Israeli Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cluster Diamond and Ruby Round Convertible Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
with two bezel set diamonds and two 18K white gold gemstone beads. The necklace is 16.5 inches long
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gemlok Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and elegant necklace by Gemlok. It features 10 pieces of extremely fine vivid red rubies set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Gold Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Gold Choker Necklace Description: This striking choker necklace is a testament to
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond and Enamel Heart Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
In it's original box the eighteen carrat yellow gold snake chain necklace with rubies, blue enamel
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Rope Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Important Ruby and Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant ruby and diamond necklace of fascinating aesthetic and enriched glitter is crafted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Troy, MI
Spectacular Harry Winston-Style 18k yellow gold link necklace. Necklace is composed of 16 shaped
Category

20th Century American Link Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Ruby Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
A lovely, charming necklace by Mikimoto made of elegant 18K white gold, featuring neatly crafted
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian era ruby and diamond drop necklace. The pendant's open frame consists
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Dangle Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This 18k white gold ruby and diamond necklace has great movement to it. As it sits below the neck
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Three Heart Diamond and Ruby Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Love is in the air with this delightful necklace, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring 88
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Exquisite 0.58ct Ruby and Diamonds Necklace with Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Exquisite 0.58ct Ruby and Diamonds Necklace with Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold - GIA Certified This
Category

2010s Israeli Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning 4.02ct Ruby and Diamonds Necklace with Pendant in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 4.02ct Ruby and Diamonds Necklace with Pendant in 18k White Gold - GCI Certified
Category

2010s Israeli Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamonds Cluster Pendant Necklace Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful ruby and diamond cluster pendant set in 18k yellow gold. The pendant is centrally set
Category

2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Dazzling 3.22ct Rubies and Diamonds Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Dazzling 3.22ct Rubies and Diamonds Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified This exquisite
Category

2010s Israeli Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Pear Shape Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful little ruby and diamond cluster pendant set in 18k yellow gold. The pendant is
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Magnificent 50.89ct Rubies and Diamonds Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
Magnificent 50.89ct Rubies and Diamonds Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified This stunning
Category

2010s Israeli Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

rt Deco Austrian 18k Diamond and Ruby Scrolling Panel Link Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
! Crafted in vibrant 18k gold, this incredible necklace features 32 ruby and diamond links. Three styles of
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Stunning 18k Yellow Gold Necklace with 0.14 Ct Natural Ruby and Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Boat Shape Necklace made from 18K Yellow Gold with Ruby Main Stone and Diamond Side Stones. Metal
Category

2010s Singaporean Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget Ruby and Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Piaget Ruby and Diamond Necklace and Earring set. The necklace has 405 diamonds for a
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Colorful Necklace in 18k Gold with Rubies, Emeralds, Corals and Diamonds
By Alexia Gryllaki
Located in Athens, Ekali
: approximately 4.2g Barcode: OFS053 Multi-stone necklace in 18 karat yellow gold with round faceted rubies
Category

2010s Greek Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Coral, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 0.90 ct Diamond and Ruby Tennis Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
If you're not afraid of color, then this diamond and ruby necklace is for you. Set on a 16.5-inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Necklace by Chopard
By Chopard
Located in Greenwich, CT
The exceptional beauty and elegance of the diamonds with vibrant rubies leaves no wish for sparkles
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond and Ruby Bow Necklace 11.25 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold diamond and ruby bow necklace. The necklace comprises of a bow motif
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.06 ct Diamond and Ruby Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
” wide. A 0.05 carat ruby makes a statement at the center, while surrounding diamonds totaling 0.06
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
18k white and yellow gold necklace featuring 268 round brilliant and marquise cut diamonds weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Go...

Star of David Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Necklace Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking pendant necklace showcases a 1.69 carat baguette-cut ruby, radiating a vivid red hue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 2.97 Ct Diamond and Ruby Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Bold and breathtaking, this sleek 18K White Gold necklace is incredibly sophisticated in design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Claddash Necklace Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k yellow gold pendant, 14k yellow gold necklace Rubies: six
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

18K Gold 2ct Marquise Ruby 0.11ct Diamond Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
marquise red ruby and with 0.11 carats of brilliant melee diamonds. A wonderful ruby piece to add to your
Category

20th Century Thai Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Certified Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold ruby and diamond necklace. The necklace features an oval mixed cut natural ruby
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Cascade Necklace and Earring Set
Located in London, GB
Spectacular ruby and diamond necklace and earring set all in 18 carat white and yellow gold. They
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Romantic Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Clover Motif Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond details: Approximately 0.37ctw of round brilliant diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace is an exquisite piece of jewelry that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Estate Ruby Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Length is 18".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This is an absolutely stunning necklace, featuring 7.20 carats of brilliant round diamonds and
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Oval Halo Pendant Necklace Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful oval cut ruby and diamond halo pendant set in 18k white gold. The pendant is
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Nicolis Cola Gold Diamond and Ruby Necklace
By Nicolis Cola
Located in New York, NY
Nicolis Cola 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Cabochon Ruby Chain Necklace. Made in Italy, circa 1970.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Syna Yellow Gold Ruby Necklace with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ruby 1.90 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx. 18 inch length
Category

2010s American Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire 18K Gold Necklace with Pendent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on this incredible 18 karat yellow gold pendant with a hinged large bale, and a 14kt
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond Tassel Necklace
By Hamilton
Located in Princeton, NJ
From Hamilton's Gemstone Collection, tassle necklace set in 18k white gold featuring rubies, clear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
arrangement of 0.60ct of spectacular rubies and 1.45 carats of classy diamonds on a radiant backdrop of 18K
Category

Late 20th Century French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
charming necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels is made of 18K yellow gold and adorned with lovely rubies
Category

Late 20th Century French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Ruby and Diamond Victoria Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Tiffany & Co.'s Victoria collection, a ruby and diamond necklace. The graduated necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Double Diamond and Ruby Drop Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A charming little treasure made of platinum and 18k yellow gold, the platinum chain measures 18
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Stunning Diamond Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A stunning ruby and diamond 18k white gold lariat necklace. The necklace contains 64 oval rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Regal 18k Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace w/1.70 ct - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Regal 18k Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace w/1.70 ct - IGI Certified This 18k rose gold
Category

2010s Israeli Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tiffany Co. Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Metal: 18 karat ♦ Ruby = .50ct ♦ 10 Diamonds=.40 carats ♦ Circa 1990s ♦ 16 inch chain, pendant 8.2mm
Category

1990s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18K Gold Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Pendent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on this breath taking 18 karat yellow gold interlocking oval pendant circa 1980s
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.81 Carat Vivid Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant in 18 Karat Gold
By Diamond Town
Located in New York, NY
diamond weight is 0.19 carats. Set in 18k White Gold. Chain length 18", with a secondary closure length
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

1980 s Monete 18k Gold Coin Diamond Ruby Chain Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This trending vintage 1980s solid 18k gold and diamond ruby monete pendant necklace with heavy
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Natural Ruby White Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This unique necklace features a sophisticated combination Ruby faceted and Ruby Rondelles and
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
Made of claw set seven oval cabochon cut rubies joined by knot shape pave-set diamond links to a
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold 1.30ct Oval Thai Ruby 0.17ct Diamond Sunburst Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
= 1.7x0.92cm Ruby: Natural, Purplish-red, oval cut, heat-treatment, 1.30 carats, 7.1x5.9mm Diamonds: Natural
Category

20th Century Thai Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18k Ruby And Diamond Necklace", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

18k Ruby And Diamond Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 18k ruby and diamond necklace you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 362 vintage editions and 401 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a 18k ruby and diamond necklace from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing 18k ruby and diamond necklace — no matter the origin — is easy, but Georgios Collections Inc, Van Cleef Arpels and La Fleur Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and pear cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our 18k ruby and diamond necklace for sale are for women, but there are 199 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 18k Ruby And Diamond Necklace?

The price for a 18k ruby and diamond necklace starts at $222 and tops out at $650,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $6,812.

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.