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
Victorian Carved Moonstone Diamond Double Heart Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An incredible moonstone and diamond necklace from the late Victorian (ca1900) era! This gorgeous
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver

Edwardian Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Large Heart Locket
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1915 Platinum Top and gold back Heart shape pendant Locket, measuring 1 1/4 X 1 1/4 inch and
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Diamond and Yellow Gold Heart Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.15 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold locket with 9 karat
Category

1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Edwardian Aquamarine Diamond Pearl Platinum 18K Gold Antique Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a heart cut aquamarine weighing approximately 12.72 carats - transparent light blue in
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Goldsmiths Silversmiths Edwardian Rock Crystal Diamond Gold Heart Locket
By Goldsmiths Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in Cape May, NJ
Antique Edwardian 15ct Gold Diamond Rock Crystal Heart Locket Pendant 1.25 CTW. The piece is in
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 15k Gold, Silver

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

19th Century British Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold

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

19th Century British Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique 1900s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Heart Locket
Located in New York, NY
Lovely antique slim heart shaped locket set with a cushion ruby surrounded by rosecut diamonds
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond Crystal Heart Shaped Locket with Ribbon Bow Surmount
Located in London, GB
A stunning Victorian diamond heart shaped pendant locket c.1870s, the domed heart fully pavé set to
Category

1870s British Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Edwardian 2.85 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Aquamarine Heart Foliate Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a heart cut aquamarine weighing approximately 2.40 carats total - transparent light blue
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Edwardian 1.05 Carat Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat White Gold Heart Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart shaped pendant intricately pierced with a floral and foliate motif Set
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

French Antique Gold, Enamel, Diamond, Pearl Necklace with Bird and Heart Locket
Located in New York, NY
blue enameled heart locket with a rose diamond flower motif, in 18k. France Dimensions: Chain 14 1/2
Category

1840s French Early Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Heart Necklace of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
features a pair of intertwined hearts, adorned with luminous natural pearls and sparkling old-cut diamonds
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.05 Carat Emerald 1.04 Carat Diamond Pearl Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with a further four Dutch cut diamonds. The heart shaped pendant suspends from a 15" belcher style
Category

1910s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Early 20th Century Gold and Enamel Heart or Pansy Locket
Located in New York, NY
An Early-20th Century 18 karat gold and enamel locket with a diamond. The locket has an old
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Nephrite Jade and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Tessier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
pendant features a feature heart shaped 21.71Ct nephrite jade shaped panel. The nephrite is ornamented to
Category

1910s British Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare French Belle Époque Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Ruby Heart Locket
Located in Cape May, NJ
, inner removable heart insert, exterior diamonds and rubies. Era: Belle Epoque Hallmarks: Paris
Category

1870s French Belle Époque Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Blue Enamel Pearl and Gold Snake Necklace with Heart Locket, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
half pearls, with diamond eyes, with a blue enamel heart drop suspended from its mouth, with a locket
Category

1850s British Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Aquamarine Diamond Pearl Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a pendant centering a mixed heart cut aquamarine weighing approximately 7.50 carats
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

Antique Garnet Diamond and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1860
Located in London, GB
design, in silver settings, on a cabochon-cut garnet, forming the head, with a diamond set heart shaped
Category

1860s British High Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold

Edwardian Opal Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning opal pendant from the Edwardian (1910) era! This delicate piece depicts a large, heart
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Stunning Antique Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1900, 14k, attributed Swiss or German. This stunning fin de siècle heart pendant is ablaze
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

Petite Edwardian Diamond Crowned Heart Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
heart form has symbolized love and loyalty as long as man can remember. In this pendant, single cut
Category

20th Century British Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Antique Heart Shaped Diamond Pendant c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
. The diamonds are set in silver over pink gold. Height of the diamond heart without bail - 25 mm (1
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond

Antique Victorian Heart Shaped Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1880 A finely crafted Victorian era heart shaped locket pendant is encrusted with chunky old
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond

Edwardian Diamond Ruby Gold Platinum Heart Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Edwardian pave set heart pendant, tightly set with old mine and old circular cut
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Turquoise Heart Pendant or Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
A gift of a lifetime, this exquisite diamond and turquoise antique jewel was made as a pendant and
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold

25th Wedding Anniversary Antique Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
stylized openwork heart embellished with a diamond-set Roman numeral XXV. 19 old brilliant and 6 old
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond

Antique Diamond, Gold and Silver Pendant Heart Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An Antique 18 karat gold and silver topped pendant brooch with diamonds. The pendant brooch has 55
Category

Early 1900s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

TIFFANY CO. Edwardian Diamond Gold Heart Pin/Pendant
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous Tiffany Company diamond heart pin/pendant from the Edwardian era (ca1910). This
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Gold Enameled Heart Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful and unusual diamond heart locket pendant from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Made of 14kt
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique 19th Century Garnet Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1880 An antique Victorian era heart-shaped 14K gold and silver locket pendant is centered
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Garnet

Victorian Old Rose Cut Diamond Drippy Heart Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely wonderful diamond pendant from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This delicate piece
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold

1890s Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa: 1890 Silver top, Gold Back Necklace with Detachable Turquoise Heart. Set with Old Mine Cut
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Heart Halo Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 20.0 mm heart shaped amethyst cabochon - transparent dark purple in color. Set with
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold, Silver, Diamond Glass Victorian Heart Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
14K Yellow Gold, Silver, Diamond & Glass Victorian Heart Pendant - original box
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique 14Y OEC Diamond Seed Pearl Heart Brooch / Pendant
Located in McLeansville, NC
An antique 14 karat yellow gold diamond and seed pearl heart brooch and pendant. This pendant
Category

1910s Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Victorian Blue Enamel and Diamond Set Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A glorious Victorian heart pendant modelled in 15 karat yellow gold and fronted with rich light
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold

Antique Enamel Emerald Diamond Gold Heart Shaped Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Victorian, circa 1870 A 14k gold heart-shaped locket pendant is embellished with an emerald (7.7
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

A Gold Emerald Diamond Heart Shape Pendant Watch C1840
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Gold Emerald & Diamond Heart Shape Keywind Cylinder Full Hunter Pendant Watch C1840 Dial: The
Category

1840s Swiss Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

6.76 Carat Victorian Heart Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Silver over 18 karat rose gold heart pendant, a larger-than-average size for a Victorian piece
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Heart Shaped Diamond Red Guilloche Enamel Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
This Belle Époque, c.1890s, antique heart-shaped pendant is finely crafted in 18K gold and silver
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Antique Opal Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique opal heart brooch-cum-pendant, set with oval opals and rose-cut and old-cut diamonds, in
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver

Antique Crowned Heart Diamond Ruby Symbolic Brooch Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1880 A Victorian era antique silver-topped 14K gold brooch / pendant is designed as a heart
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Gold Sacred Heart Necklace Pendant with Russian Diamonds
Located in New York, US
Our tremendous and very large 18kt gold sacred heart pendant dating from the mid-nineteenth century
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Gold

Victorian Old European Cut Diamond Gold Heart-Shaped Locket Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A cluster of approximately 4 carats of old European cut diamonds, fashioned into a heart shape and
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

33.12 Carat Heart Shaped Amethyst Diamond Platinum Pendant and Chain
Located in Lexington, KY
Epitomize love in this lovely, violet, heart-shaped amethyst pendant. The amethyst is an impressive
Category

1910s American Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Extraordinary Art Deco 10.14 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Greenwich, CT
It is often said that the best advice is to "follow your heart" and who wouldn't want to trail this
Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Heart Amethyst with Diamonds and Pearls Brooch Pendant, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This large brooch pendant is made from a 44.00 carat deep purple amethyst which is natural. It has
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Oec Diamond Seed Pearl Heart Brooch / Pendant
Located in McLeansville, NC
An antique 14 karat yellow gold diamond and seed pearl heart brooch and pendant. This pendant
Category

1910s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Antique Late Victorian Silver Gold Pave Diamond Sapphire Heart Pin Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A antique late Victorian pave diamond heart pin pendant set with an oval sapphire circa 1890. The
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver

Gorgeous Antique 18K Yellow Gold/ Platinum Diamond Ruby Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
WOW!!! I LOVE this Gorgeous Antique 18K Yellow Gold/ Platinum Diamond and Ruby Heart Pin/ Brooch
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Enamel Platinum 14K Gold Antique Heart Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a cable link chain suspending a heart pendant from a fleur-de-lis motif surmount
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

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

Victorian Natural Freshwater Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart pavéd throughout by 2.0 mm natural freshwater seed pearls, ranged in color and
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14...

Victorian Diamond Pearl 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed heart-shaped form centering an old European cut diamond Bead set and within
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Moonstone and 0.60 Total Carat Diamond Witch s Heart Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
“bewitched” with love. An exquisite moonstone and diamond witch's heart pin/pendant from the Victorian (1880
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Edwardian 0.90 Carat Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch designed as pierced out heart with lace-like design and milgrain edge detail Set
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Heart Pendant

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

  • 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.