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Tiffany Co Elsa Peretti Diamond Heart Chain Necklace, 18k Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond, 5 round brilliant cut 1-1.5 mm approximately .04 total carats EF color/ VS1-2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Heart Necklace Estate 18 Karat Gold Invisible Set Pendant Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
diamonds total an estimated 0.35 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-2 clarity). The heart features
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White and Yellow Gold 5 Carat Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
: Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliants Color/Clarity: F/G - VS1/2 Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 5 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Modern 18 Karat Yellow White Rose Gold Diamond Heart Link Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
tricolor gold necklace features 2 hearts pave set with 26 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing .26 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Ruby Sapphire Heart Pendant, Yellow Gold Open Heart with Diamond, Reversible
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
Style: Open Heart Diamond Number: 2 Diamond Diameter: .90 millimeters Diamond Clarity: VS2 (Excellent
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Morris 72.58 Carats Diamonds Gold Three Strand Necklace
By David Morris
Located in New Orleans, LA
sparkles with 244 pure white diamonds totaling 72.58 carats. Each oval, pear, marquise, round and heart
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Modern Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
I give you my heart! A concave heart pendant studded with 0.32 carats of round cut colorless VS
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.36 Carat Natural Brilliant Heart Diamond Gem Ruby Pendant 14 Karat Custom
Located in New York, NY
Excellence of Hand Craft Brilliant cut heart with custom made casing .86ct. I-color, Vs-2
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Heart Pendant
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
This stunning Tiffany & Co. diamond heart pendant is set in platinum and features .84 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.51Ct Heart Shaped Diamond Platinum Solitaire Pendant - Contemporary
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Birmingham Assay office hallmark (anchor). This fine heart shaped diamond necklace is supplied with an
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Jose Hess 2000 s Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Lovesaver Heart Pendant Necklace
By Jose Hess
Located in Philadelphia, PA
suspending from heart shaped surmount Centering a prong set round brilliant cut diamond Weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Bethesda, MD
carats total Dimensions: 1¼" wide × 1 2/8" high Diamond Cuts: Old Mine, Rose, Old European, and Single
Category

Vintage 1910s Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier France Perles De Diamants 4.72 Carats Diamonds Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Dover Jewelry presents this eye catching Cartier diamond necklace from " Perles De Diamants
Category

1990s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
classic heart silhouette with gently rounded contours. At its center, a brilliant 0.15-carat H-VS round
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Floating Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Measuring an impossible-to-miss 2 by 1.5 inches, this delightful 18k white gold heart pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds, totaling 0.81 carats. With J-K color and SI-1 to SI-2 clarity, these diamonds offer a warm
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1964 Felger Inc. Citrine Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds Diamonds are G/H in color with VS clarity while weighing in total approximately 0.27 carat
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 9.64 CTW Diamond Sapphire Ruby Heart Shaped Black Opal Antique Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
motifs Featuring a heart-shaped opal cabochon weighing approximately 6.42 carats - bezel set Black in
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

14K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Heart Pendant #14981
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Heart Pendant This beautiful 14K yellow gold pendant
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond And Pearl Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
weighing approximately 2 carats total, H-I color, VS clarity, 5 baguette cut diamonds weighing
Category

1990s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Boucheron Diamond Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Boucheron, Paris, France. This ultra-chic diamond-set yellow gold necklace by
Category

Vintage 1970s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Heart Shaped Diamond Pendant c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
and 0.10 ct). All diamonds are round Old European cuts with an approximate total weight of 5 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Kurt Wayne 1990 s Diamond Rubellite Tourmaline 18 Karat White Gold Heart Necklae
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a rose cut heart shaped rubellite tourmaline weighing 8.5 carats total. Transparent
Category

1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Kurt Wayne 1990 s Diamond Rubellite Tourmaline 18 Karat White Gold Heart Necklae
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a rose cut heart shaped rubellite tourmaline weighing 8.5 carats total. Transparent
Category

1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Sapphire Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2005 Tiffany & Company 18K yellow Gold Open Heart pendant, measuring 5/8 inch X 1/2 inch and
Category

Early 2000s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Black Starr Frost Art Deco 1.60 Carats Diamond Rock Crystal Platinum Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds. Bead set throughout and weighing approximately 0.87 carat total - I/J color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Pla...

Small Diamond Heart Pendant, 14KT Yellow Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold small diamond heart pendant. This charm features an open heart
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond and Gem Set Heart Pendant
Located in Mayfair, London, London
peridot totalling approximately 0.63ct. The diamonds surrounding the hearts have a total carat weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Floating Heart Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Floating Heart Pendant. Featuring 206 round
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 19th Century Garnet Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
approximately 1.42 ct. Estimated total diamond weight is 3 carats. Length without suspension ring 23 mm (15/16
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet

Platinum PT900 Heart Shape Sapphire Pendant
Located in Hong Kong, HK
sapphire baguette weight is 1.38 carats , the diamond weight is .10 carats. The total length of chain with
Category

2010s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Platinum

Fancy Shape Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Steven Fox Jewelry
Located in Greenwich, CT
6.70 carats. D-H color. VVSI-VSI clarity. Total small diamond weight 1.22 carats. D-F color. VVSI-2
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Old European Cut Diamond Gold Platinum Heart Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
Edwardian 18K Gold and Platinum Top Old European Cut Diamond Heart Pendant An Edwardian token of
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Diamond Arrow through Heart Pendant, 14k Yellow Gold, Open
Located in McLeansville, NC
yourself. Stones: - diamond, 1 stone - round brilliant cut - 2 mm - approximately .03 carat - G-H color
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Emerald Diamond and Gold Necklace
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Italian necklace set with a heart shaped emerald weighing approximately 1.50 carats, and a oval
Category

Early 2000s Italian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Diamond Platinum Handmade Cross Pendant Necklace
By Steven Fox Jewelry
Located in Greenwich, CT
This sparkling diamond platinum handmade cross necklace will become a family heirloom that will
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Old Mine Diamond 14 Karat Gold Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heart shaped locket centers an old mine cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.17 carat with I color
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

MARLENE STOWE Diamond Gold Choker Necklace
By Marlene Stowe
Located in New York, NY
with approximately 52 diamonds, totaling approximately 1 carat. The necklace has a hinged opening at
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Coral Heart with Butterfly Accent
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Round Single Cut Diamonds of SI Clarity and H Color Totaling 0.06 Carats and Rope Edge Design. 2 Inches
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Belle Époque Opal Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
approximate total weight of 2 carats, I- color, VS/SI clarity and One Large Old mine cut diamond set in the
Category

Late 20th Century Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Beautiful 18K White Gold Halo Pendant with 0.45 Carat Natural Diamonds, AIG Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
Beautiful heart halo pendant with 2 pear mix green diamond on each side made from 18k white gold
Category

2010s Singaporean Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gothic Revival Diamond and Enamel Gold Heart Pendant, French, 1870
Located in Litchfield, CT
WEIGHT: 11.6 grams STONES: 1.0 carats of H-I color, SI1 clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: French eagle
Category

Antique 1870s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

White Gold and Diamond Slide Pendant Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Feminine 18 Karat White Gold Slide Pendant Necklace with Heart Accents Featuring 83 Round Diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Contemporary Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Heart Key Pendant
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a skeleton key with heart shaped handle. Accented by round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Burmese Ruby Diamond Bead Necklace Earring Suite
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
. At the focal point of this handmade necklace is a rare antique heart shaped diamond with a open culet
Category

20th Century French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 5.45 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Clover Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cuts along heart edges Weighing approximately 5.45 carats total - H to I color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Impressive Italian Emerald Diamond Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Cape May, NJ
blue and they are all of gem stone quality. The center heart cut emerald is approximately 2 carats and
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Brushed Yellow Gold Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Heart Shaped Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
Stone: Diamond Tertiary Stone Carat Weight: .50 CTW Tertiary Stone Color: E/F Tertiary Stone Clarity
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.42ctw Diamond Cluster Heart Slide Pendant 18k White Gold 17.5" Fope
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.42ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 1 1/5 Cttw Diamond Composite Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.1, Treatment: None • Diamond 2 Clarity: VS2-SI1, Color: F-G, Count
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Iced Out 14K White Gold Diamond Heart Shaped Pendant Gorgeous Diamonds
Located in Media, PA
This is a gorgeous, 14 karat white gold, heart-shaped pendant with many diamonds all around. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond necklace. Comprised of alternating square and heart shaped
Category

Vintage 1980s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.925 Sterling Silver Treated Blue White Diamond Double 18" Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.35, Treatment: Color treated • Diamond 2 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: I-J
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Elsa Peretti Tiffany Co. 3.00 CTW Diamond Platinum Open Heart Pendant Ne
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant is designed as a stylized open heart pavé set throughout by round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

1990s Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 19th Century Silver Topped Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A romantic large scale antique old mine cut diamond heart pendant made around 1890. The heart is
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver 3/8 Cttw Diamond 18" Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
, Origin: Natural, Setting: Bezel, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.025, Treatment: None • Diamond 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Stunning Gregg Ruth Sapphire Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Gregg Ruth
Located in Litchfield, CT
cornflower blue sapphires surrounded by 14.05 carats of brilliant white diamonds paint this necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

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2 Carat Diamond Heart Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 2 carat diamond heart necklace you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 161 antique edition and 614 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect 2 carat diamond heart necklace among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 2 carat diamond heart necklace over the years, but those made by LB Exclusive, Tiffany Co. and Roman Malakov are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes heart cut and princess cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 2 carat diamond heart necklace, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 2 Carat Diamond Heart Necklace?

The price for a 2 carat diamond heart necklace starts at $175 and tops out at $850,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $3,370.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

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This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

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Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

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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.