1940s Diamond Necklace
20th Century European Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown More Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Retro Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Link Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Retro Link Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Rope Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Portuguese Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Early 20th Century European Jugendstil Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum, Gold
20th Century Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Hematite, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century European Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Crystal, Diamond, Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s European Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches
White Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
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20th Century American Retro Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Retro Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Spanish Retro Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 1940s Spanish Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Link Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century More Necklaces
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Retro Link Necklaces
Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s American More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Crystal, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Drop Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro Drop Necklaces
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Rope Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Retro Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Drop Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Retro Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Vintage 1940s Unknown Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro More Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Drop Necklaces
Garnet, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Choker Necklaces
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s American Retro Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Mid-20th Century European Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro More Necklaces
White Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 1940s Unknown Link Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s American More Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
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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 rings, vintage 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
- What is a 1940s style dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
- How much is a diamond necklace?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The cost of a diamond necklace can range quite a bit depending on material, craftsmanship, quality, and condition. On 1stDibs.com, you can shop a variety of diamond necklaces at a range of prices. Browse contemporary and antique necklaces starting at $125.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023There is no hard-and-fast rule for how many carats a diamond necklace should be. On average, solitaire diamond necklaces range from 0.5 to 1 carat, but you can find pieces with larger and smaller stones. Tennis chains that feature continuous diamonds set into links usually have much higher total carat weights. For example, one might feature 60 individual diamonds, each 0.20 carats in size, for a total carat weight of 12.0 carats. Shop a wide range of diamond necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether a diamond necklace is a good gift is largely a matter of preference. However, diamonds offer timeless appeal, and with respect to styles, all kinds of diamond necklaces have been made over the years, which means you’ll have a lot of options when it comes to shopping for a gift. 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. They are the hardest gemstones, and 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. Shop a selection of diamond necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Diamond tennis necklaces remain popular even as trends change from season to season. This style of accessory is luxurious, nostalgic, wearable everyday and delights the eye with its sparkle. Plus, the tennis chain is versatile. It can coordinate with both casual and dressy attire and be worn alone or layered. Explore a variety of diamond tennis necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a diamond heart necklace means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Most people associate the heart shape with love. As a result, giving a person a heart necklace is often a way of expressing that you love them. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of diamond heart necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021Tiffany diamond necklaces are dazzling and covetable pieces of jewelry. Tiffany Co. is one of the most prominent purveyors of luxury goods in the United States, and has long been an important arbiter of style in the design of necklaces as well as diamond engagement rings. When a jewelry enthusiast mentions “the Tiffany Diamond,” this refers to the 128.54 yellow-carat Tiffany Diamond, which was found in the Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa in 1877. This jewel was worn by pop music icon Beyoncé in a 2021 ad campaign. The estimated value of the Tiffany Diamond in 2019 was $30 million. Shop a range of antique and vintage Tiffany diamond necklaces on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can generally wear a diamond tennis necklace every day. Due to the small size of the stones, tennis necklaces can complement casual attire as easily as they can dressier ensembles. However, you should remove your necklace before you shower and when you're exercising, playing sports and doing other activities that could damage your jewelry. Find a collection of diamond tennis necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, men can wear a diamond tennis necklace. Since there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to men's jewelry, you're free to sport anything that you find appealing. Pete Davidson, Drake and Timothée Chalamet are just some of the famous men who have been spotted wearing tennis chains. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of diamond tennis necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023There is no single best setting for a diamond tennis necklace. You can find tennis chains with both prong and bezel settings, and both types can keep diamonds secure when they are well crafted. The biggest difference is that full bezel settings encircle the gemstones, while prongs hug the stones with three or four metal elements, leaving most of their edges visible. Feel free to choose the type of setting that appeals most to you. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of diamond tennis necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, some Vivienne Westwood necklaces are real diamonds. However, the luxury jewelry brand also uses other materials, like glass and acrylic rhinestones, in some pieces. Generally, necklaces from the company’s fine jewelry collection are more likely to feature real diamonds than those from Vivienne Westwood's fashion jewelry line. Shop a selection of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best way to tell if a diamond tennis necklace is real is to hire a licensed appraiser to evaluate it. While you can perform tests like seeing if fog dissipates quickly after breathing on it, it's generally not possible to verify for certain that diamonds are real on your own. You'll find a range of expertly vetted diamond tennis necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023There is no set number of diamonds on a 16-inch tennis necklace. The number of diamonds that make up a tennis chain often depends on the size of the gemstones. Generally, the larger the diamonds are, the fewer there are on a tennis necklace. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of tennis necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, you can wear diamond stud earrings with a pearl necklace. The elegant combination is fashionable for everything from a day at the office to Sunday brunch to a night on the town. To create a bold look, try pairing large diamond studs with a single strand of pearls or a dramatic multi-strand pearl necklace with smaller stud earrings. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of diamond stud earrings and pearl necklaces.
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