Skip to main content

Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

to
15
229
168
255
157
151
151
52
50
43
43
30
17
17
14
10
9
7
6
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
3
2
2
1
Sort By
19th Century Antique Heart Shape Diamond Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
heart shape locket pendant is crafted in 14K gold and silver. The front is encrusted with chunky old
Category

1870s Austrian Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Diamond, Gold and Silver Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An Antique 18 kt gold and oxidized silver pendant with diamonds. The heart pendant has 89 old mine
Category

1880s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Platinum 21.90ct GIA Heart Cut Aquamarine Diamond Crown Enhancer Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Aquamarine - Heart Cut - Prong Set - Transparent Blue Color
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Diamond Rose Gold Heart Pendant Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely Victorian open heart pendant. Made of 14 karat (tested) rose gold and set with twenty-five
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Opal and Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An exceptionally beautiful opal, fashioned into a heart and framed by brilliant antique cut
Category

1910s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver

Heart-Shaped Edwardian Pearl Ruby Diamond Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Silver over yellow gold pendant decorated with twenty-seven rubies, thirty-four diamonds and seven
Category

Early 1900s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Silver, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 9.64 CTW Diamond Sapphire Ruby Heart Shaped Black Opal Antique Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an ornately pierced plaque-shaped pendant and bale with filigree and flowing foliate
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian Gold and Diamond Double Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 Double Heart Pendant Necklace, 14K yellow Gold and set with old Mine Cut Diamonds that
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Diamond Gold Open Work Platinum Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Open work vine and flower design full size heart pendant in 14k gold with Platinum top bead set
Category

1920s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Gold Diamond Engraved Heart Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully engraved gold diamond heart locket with an equally detailed bail. It's ready to hang
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Enamel Heart Pendant, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
handmade pendant features a flower made up of rose cut diamonds surrounded by deep red enamel. The rose cut
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Important Platinum Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Suspending a variously-cut diamond, calibré-cut ruby and sapphire heart- shaped plaque, centering
Category

1920s American Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian 18 karat yellow gold diamond heart locket pendant. This sweet heart shaped locket
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 9 Karat White Gold Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
A vintage 9 karat white gold diamond set heart locket pendant. This sweet heart shaped locket
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

Diamond, Emerald, Seed Pearl and Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
heart pendant is fine quality with an impressive emerald, seed pearls and diamonds, displaying a fine
Category

1890s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

15-Carat Heart Shape Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous heart shape aquamarine and diamond pendant handcrafted in 18 karat white and yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Silver Gold Diamond Guilloche Green Enamel Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian Key To My Heart pendant accented by rose cut diamonds and green guilloche enamel
Category

1860s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian Green Enamel Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant designed as a gold heart centering a silver heart accented by rose cut diamonds and a
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

1900s Diamond and Ruby, Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
heart pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections This fine and impressive antique heart
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Old and Rose Cut Diamond Love Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous diamond set pendant necklace. This pendant has been crafted from 9ct white
Category

1920s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Antique Old and Rose Cut Diamond Love Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous diamond set pendant necklace. This pendant has been crafted from 9ct white
Category

1920s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Silver

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

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Victorian 0.75 Carat Diamond and Ruby Heart Pendant, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This sweet heart pendant was created in the 1880s. It is embellished with lovely diamond and ruby
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver

Gothic Revival Diamond and Enamel Gold Heart Pendant, French, 1870
Located in Litchfield, CT
revival heart pendant is antique chic at its vintage best. Finely fashioned in 18k gold, cunningly
Category

1870s French Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart shape centering an old European cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.08 carat
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Pendant Guilloche Enamel Diamond Pearl 18k Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
old rose cut diamonds (estimated at J-K color and I2 clarity). The charming heart pendant features
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Ruby and 3.16 Carat Diamond 12k Rose Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold heart pendant is supplied with an independent diamond grading report certificate for the feature
Category

1890s Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond Double Heart and Bow Luckenbooth Silver-Upon-Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond set, Luckenbooth double witches' heart pendant, with rose cut diamonds set in
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Rose Diamond Heart Locket With Bow Motif
Located in New York, NY
A stunning floral antique rose diamond heart locket with gold petals around a diamond center
Category

1860s French Belle Époque Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fine Victorian 3.50 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heart with pavé set old European cut diamonds, weighing approximately 3.50 carats total, G/H color
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond and Turquoise Pearl and Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
heart pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and impressive turquoise and
Category

1860s Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Le Vian Diamond Butterfly Heart Pendant Necklace Sterling Gold 925 14k
By Le Vian
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .05ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Chocolate
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming diamond cluster necklace featuring a heart-shaped pendant. The pendant is
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Pendant Pave Seed Pearls Diamond 14 Karat Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed antique Victorian heart pendant & brooch (circa 1880s to 1900s
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Riker Brothers Victorian Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Heart Pendant Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a puffed heart form centering a round cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.20 carat
Category

1880s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3.35 Carats Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant is designed as a heart shape centering three clustered prong set old mine cut diamonds
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Victorian Era Antique Large Heart Shaped Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1860 This antique locket pendant is finely crafted in 14K gold and silver. It features a
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

1925s Art Deco Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart-Shape Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. Delightful antique pendant it represents a heart
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Pearl Heart Pendant in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful seed pearl and old mine cut diamond late Victorian heart pendant necklace set in 18k
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Double Sided Georgian Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A two sided Georgian gold locket, one side with a pearl border and hoop with a blue enamel plaque on the inside set with different gemstones and in gold the text: ‘à la vertu‘ (to vi...
Category

1830s English Georgian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Malachite, Natural Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Turquoi...

Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Natural Pearl Heart Pendant Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Natural Pearl Heart Pendant Pin. This
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Pendant Pave Seed Pearls Diamond 14k Rose Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed antique Victorian heart pendant & brooch (circa 1880s to 1900s
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian 18 Karat Gold, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Heart Lock Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
This is a gorgeous Antique Edwardian Heart-shaped locket in 18K Yellow Gold with Platinum top. The
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.95 CTW Sapphire Diamond Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a silver-topped pear-shaped surmount suspending a heart-shaped pendant Centering a
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 10k Gold Engraved 2 Picture Heart Locket Pendant w/ Diamond
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone:-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond: Old Mine Cut/ Cushiony Round - Star Pave Set - G/H Color
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 5.45 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Clover Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a platinum heart shaped form pierced and centering a four-leaf clover Bead and bezel
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Antique 2.80 Carat Ruby and 0.28 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Pendant Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, heart-shaped form. The pendant is accented to the centre with a feature Old European cut diamond. The
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Barthman Co 18K Gold Old Euro Diamond Pave Heart Pin Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Barthman Co 18K Gold Old Euro Diamond Pave Heart Pin Pendant. This
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Rose Diamond Heart with Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This rare and charming heart pendant has a strong presence on the neck. It is a lovely keepsake and
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Black Diamond

Antique 15ct Rose Gold 1920’s Opal Diamond Lovers Knot Heart Pendant Necklace
By Murrle Bennett Co.
Located in Brighton, GB
Murrle Bennet & Co Beautiful, heart shaped- lovers knot pendant. Crafted in 15ct rose gold & set with a
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Nouveau Amethyst Pearl Enamel 18K Gold Antique Foliate Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a heart cut amethyst with buff-top - measuring 18.5 x 18.5 mm Transparent medium purple
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond Love Heart Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
yellow gold into the the shape of a love heart and showcases a fine matte finish. This pendant has then
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
piece features a heart-shaped pendant crafted from 15ct gold and possessing a smooth matte finish. At
Category

Early 1900s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, 9k Gold

Antique 1890s 0.33 ct Emerald and 0.35 ct Diamond, 9 k White Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine Art Nouveau 0.33 carat emerald and 0.35 carat diamond, 9 karat gold heart shaped pendant
Category

1890s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Gold and Diamond Heart Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A charming 18 karat gold chain featuring six heart-shaped, diamond-studded dangling charms with a
Category

1880s Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

An Edwardian Platinum Heart Locket with Diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An Edwardian platinum heart shaped locket with a border set with rose cut diamonds (app. 0.6 carat
Category

1910s German Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Banded Agate and Diamond Heart Locket
Located in Stamford, CT
A Banded agate pendant with a diamond star casts a magnetic spell with its graphic design and
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 15k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Diamond Heart Pendant", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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. 

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.