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Victorian Diamond and Ruby Beggars Heart Silver and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby 'Beggars Heart' silver and yellow gold pendant. This charming heart
Category

Early 1900s British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Heart Carved Moonstone 1.40 Ct Diamond Pearl Pendant Brooch Chain
Located in Napoli, IT
This superb 19th example of sentimental heart pendant is made of silver over 10 Carat gold
Category

1860s European Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, 10k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Bird Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.5 grams. Totally is diamond 2.85 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Early 1900s Turkish Retro Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 10k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Bird Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 11 grams. Totally is diamond 3 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I
Category

Early 1900s Turkish Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Bird Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 15.3 grams. Totally is diamond about 7 ct. The diamond is
Category

Early 1900s Asian Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Black Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace Brooch 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a spectacular Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Black Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

1.80 Carat Old European Diamond Gold Open Work Platinum Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco diamond open work heart pendant necklace. This timeless piece captures the essence
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum

French Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Heart Pendant Belle Epoque 18 Karat Gold Flower
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare antique Heart motif French Belle Epoque Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby 18
Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Edwardian Lovers Knot Opal Heart Pendant Diamond in Bail
Located in Brighton, GB
. Hollow, Heart Shaped Pendant Set with a Fabulous Fiery Opal & Old Cut Diamond Set in to the Bail
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Onyx and Diamond Heart Choker Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking heart-shaped pendant necklace taken from the Edwardian era. This period
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming necklace from the Edwardian era. A heart shaped pendant has been crafted
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Hope Love Heart Locket Pendant 82 Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 14K Gold
Located in SE
Antique British or American Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Gold , ca. late 19th - early 20th century
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Pearl and Diamond Heart Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite antique necklace featuring a heart-shaped locket pendant adorned with
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique 8.60 Ct Old Cut Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1870 The necklace is designed as a heart locket pendant surmounted by a ribbon bow. Both are
Category

1870s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Antique 2.38 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch, 1880s
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
setting. This pendant/brooch displays a feature floral composition of six impressive heart shaped
Category

1880s Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Victorian Demantoid Ruby Diamond and Pearl Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
heart-shaped pendant, crafted in 14ct yellow gold and featuring an intricate butterfly design. The
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 24.00ct Amethyst Diamond and Pearl Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 24.00 carat, heart shaped amethyst sits central to this Victorian pendant. Set into
Category

1870s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

An 18k Gold Heart Locket with Diamond and Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold and platinum heart shaped locket pendant with one compartment pavé set with old-cut
Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Persian Turquoise Diamond Heart Necklace Antique Gold Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is a Museum Quality early Antique Victorian Heart Pendant set with gorgeous Persian Turquoise
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Pearl Enamelled Heart Necklace, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
carat old cut diamond set in its centre. Surrounding the heart is a halo of rose cut diamonds which then
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Heart Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
" Pendant and Bail Length: 1.30" Heart Diameter: 1" x1" Diamond Count: 71 Round Brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian 9ct Gold Back and Front Diamond Heart Locket
Located in Portland, England
This wonderful antique Victorian heart diamond locket is crafted in 9ct yellow gold back and front
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamond Encrusted Heart Locket
Located in Venice, CA
Circa 1880, this heart shaped locket is encrusted with rose cut diamonds, held up by tall buttercup
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Black Diamond Heart Necklace Charm 18K White Gold Rubber Cord
By Chopard
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Chopard Black Diamond Heart Necklace Charm 18K White Gold Rubber Cord This playful necklace from
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Enamel Necklace Heart Flower Basket Pearl White Gold Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
PENDANT IS IN THE FORM OF A HEART WITH A FLOWER BASKET IN 14K WHITE GOLD WITH ROSE CUT DIAMONDS AND PEARLS
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Antique Edwardian Black Starr Frost Gold Pearl Diamond Amethyst Heart Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An antique platinum topped 18k gold buff top amethyst heart pin with bail surrounded by rosecut
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.5 grams. Totally is diamond 2 ct. The diamond is has H-I
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

NEW South Sea Pearl Hearts Arrows Diamond "Art Deco" ENHANCER in Platinum
Located in Warren, NJ
Introducing a breathtaking AAAA+ South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant in Platinum, featuring an Art
Category

Mid-18th Century Art Deco Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Pearl Diamond and Amethyst Heart Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous pendant come brooch taken from the early stages of the 20th century. This
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Onyx, Diamond Opal Mourning Locket
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian Mourning locket with a hand cut Central Opal Heart (13mm x 10mm) surrounded by
Category

1880s Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold Large Heart Amethyst Diamond Enamel Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This impressive antique brooch or pendant was crafted during the Victorian ear in solid 14k yellow
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Amethyst Diamond Heart is A Pendant and Brooch Victorian 18kt c.1900
Located in Stamford, CT
this pendant and topped with a bow. The outer diamond heart holds another of fine white enamel
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Enamel Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful brooch come pendant dating back to the Victorian period. This antique
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 1870s 6.00 Carat Diamond Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.00
Category

1870s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Early Victorian Burmese Ruby Diamond Double Heart Bracelet/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely exquisite diamond and ruby bracelet/pendant from the early Victorian (circa 1850) era
Category

1850s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Enamel Pearl Diamond Gold Hair Locket Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
pendant is set with bright turquoise blue enamel, pearls and an old mine cut diamond in the center
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Victorian Pearl and Diamond Heart Shape Pendant and Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Natural Seed Pearls and Natural Old Cut Diamond. Pendant Measurements: Measurement: 1 inch Long Condition
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Natural Pearl Royal Blue 18 KT Heart Brooch/Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This sweet and rare heart pendant/ brooch is Victorian period, 1880 ca expressing the romanticism
Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Krementz Victorian Diamond Pearl 14K Gold Antique Puffy Heart Pendant Brooch
By Krementz Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed heart-shaped form centering a cluster of old European cut diamonds Bead set and
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Sapphire, Rose Cut Diamond and 15 Carat Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This pendant is modelled in 15 carat gold and has two rose cut diamonds and a sapphire set within
Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Gold Bracelet with Locket Back Heart Pendant with Diamond Set Flower
Located in Munich, Bavaria
heart with locket back is decorated with a diamond set flower.
Category

1850s French Napoleon III Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1890s Antique Old Mine Diamond and Seed Pearl Heart Pendant and Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Diamond Details: Old Mine Brilliant, .25ct total weight, G Color, VS/SI Clarity. Measurement: 1.25 inch
Category

1890s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond-Set Heart Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond-set heart pendant, the pendant set throughout with old brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

A Victorian diamond-set heart pendant/brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond-set heart pendant/brooch, centrally-set with an old European-cut diamond
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond and Ruby Heart-Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby heart-locket pendant from the collection of Bentley & Skinner
Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Heart-Shaped Blue Enamel Pendant-Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel, pearl and diamond pendant-necklace, the heart-shaped locket
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel pendant-necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel, pearl and diamond pendant-necklace, the heart-shaped locket
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

15k Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite love token dates to the late 1800s. The heart-shaped pendant is fashioned in silver
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Emerald Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
The ultimate pendant: a perfectly proportioned figural "heart" with a diamond bail. Over 7 carats
Category

1910s American Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Antique Amethyst and Rose Cut Diamonds Heart Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful heart-shaped purple pendant. Made out of amethyst and rose cut diamonds. In the middle
Category

Early 1900s American Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond

Vintage 18ct Gold 1.25 Cttw Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace Curb Chain 17 Inch
Located in Camelford, GB
GOLD HEAVY 1.25 CARAT DIAMOND HEART PENDANT NECKLACE PENDANT DESCRIPTION DETAILS Material: Solid 18ct
Category

Early 20th Century French Contemporary Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century Flemish "Vlaams" Diamond Heart Pendant with 14k Rose Gold Mounting
By Sylva Cie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Flemish Heart Pendant (silver) with 14k rose gold mounting Rose cut and Senaille
Category

17th Century American Romantic Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

19th Century Gold and Diamonds Heart Pendant
Located in SEVILLA, ES
14k gold heart shaped pendant with approximately 0.40 carat of old cut diamonds. The handle is
Category

1850s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Rock Crystal Natural Pearl Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in London, GB
A fabulous diamond set heart-shaped pendant which has a natural bouton pearl in the centre with
Category

20th Century British Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Amethyst Heart Pendant Necklace, Circa 1900
Located in Kendal, GB
pendant decorated with twinkling Diamonds (approx. 1ct total) and a large Amethyst heart at the bottom
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Deco Demantoid Diamond Gold Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in Munich, DE
This green heart was crafted circa 1915 in the United States in 14 karat gold. It is so special
Category

1910s American Art Deco Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Other, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century French Gold Ruby Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
18k yellow gold Heart locket pendant set with ruby and diamonds rose cut, with 18k yellow gold
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

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Antique Diamond Heart Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the antique diamond heart pendant you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Silver — can elevate any look. If you’re looking for an antique diamond heart pendant 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 20th Century. Finding an appealing antique diamond heart pendant — no matter the origin — is easy, but Tiffany Co., Cartier and Fabio Ferrara each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An old mine cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also rose cut and old european cut versions for sale. Most of our antique diamond heart pendant for sale are for women, but there are 83 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Antique Diamond Heart Pendant?

The price for an antique diamond heart pendant starts at $176 and tops out at $225,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $5,000.

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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