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Antique 18 Karat Natural Pink Topaz Diamond Pearl Necklace and Earring Set
Located in Lambertville, NJ
weighing approx 9.0cts. with four table cut diamond accents and a 5.0 mm. natural pearl drop. Each French
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Topaz, 18k Gold

Antique Natural Pearl Flower Necklace with Partial Station Chain
Located in Warrington, PA
Antique necklace set with natural pearls forming a beautiful flower with an Old Mine cut diamond
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Emerald, Diamond and Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Dallas, TX
European Cut Diamonds 0.18 Carat Total Weight, SI, H; 4 Seed Pearls 2.8 - 3.0 MM; New Platinum Chain 18
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl

Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Pendant 1.5ct Of Diamond
Located in Kendal, GB
lustrous natural pearls and glistening old mine cut diamonds that total approx. 1.5ct. Pearls are the
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French Diamond Pearl Black Enamel Locket
Located in New York, NY
A very pretty antique French gold locket. The center is adorned with a pearl, rose cut diamonds and
Category

Antique 19th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique Gold Pendant with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Chicago, IL
. 1550-1560 Gold, enamel, diamonds, and pearls Weight 13.2 gr; Length 36.9 x 31.2 mm (incl. pearls) This
Category

Antique 16th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Gold Pearl Diamond Hand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Lariat necklace set with alternating pearls and gold beads. It fastens with a well-defined figural
Category

Vintage 1950s American More Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 1950s Diamond ‘2.94 Carat’ and Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
: One large blister pearl Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Early Edwardian Rare Diamond Pearl Emerald Swag Necklace, circa 1900
Located in Napoli, IT
rating G/H VVS/SI Necklace in excellent antique condition, original in all parts Great addition to any
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Elegant French Belle Epoque Platinum Diamond Pearl Necklace So-Called Négligé
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: necklace (so called négligé - a necklace with two pendants of
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Pearl and Diamond Collar
Located in London, GB
An Antique necklace comprising of 14 oval rose cut diamond sections of graduated size,each one
Category

European Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl

Antique Victorian Enamel Natural Pearl and Diamond Cross
Located in Lambertville, NJ
the center with 15 round natural 3.5 mm. pearls with a center round European cut diamond accent
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold

Antique Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Circle Platinum Brooch/Pendant
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique Edwardian platinum diamond and pearl circle brooch and pendant. Bezel set center diamond
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Victorian Long Sautoir Pearl Necklace 3.00 Carat Old Diamond Flower Clasp
Located in Napoli, IT
amazing flower clasp with rich set of old mine cut Diamonds Comprising a long strand of 142 antique 7.mm
Category

Antique 1890s More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Pearl Diamond Pendant Brooch in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Kendal, GB
twinkling old mine cut diamonds and smaller pearls, with a pearl dropper hanging from the bottom. Pearls
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Pearl Pendant, Victorian circa 1890s
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
(approx.) All diamonds assessed H-I colour, SI2-I1 clarity 7 x half pearls 3.0mm diameter
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold

French Natural Pearls 3.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
natural orient pearl over alternating halos of 96 brilliant and rose cut diamonds and platinum brocade to
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Vintage Sword Burma Sapphire Diamonds Pearls 18k
Located in Naples, FL
Vintage Antique Ancient sword pin with fine blue sapphires, ruby, pearls and old cut diamonds in
Category

Vintage 1920s American Romantic Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Necklace with Natural Drop Pearl of 7 Carat, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: diamond necklace with pendant Condition: very good condition Do you
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Pearl Necklace with 13000+ Pearls and White Gold Diamond Ruby Closure
Located in Antwerp, BE
considered vintage already. Antique jewelry object group: necklace Condition: very good condition Do you
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau 0.9 Carat Diamond Pearl 14K Gold Pendant Necklace circa 1905
Located in Goettingen, DE
Art Nouveau 0.9 Carat Diamond Pearl 14K Gold Pendant Necklace circa 1905 This antique pearl
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Pearl Diamond Flower Pendant 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Kendal, GB
lustrous, white pearls in various sizes and a 0.30ct old cushion cut diamond sparkling at its heart. The
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

1920s Art Deco Black Enamel with Seed Pearls and Diamonds Gold Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
. Chain Has Four Antique Cut Diamonds .. Necklace Measures 20 inches And With Locket 26 inches Total
Category

Vintage 1920s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Cultured Pearl Antique 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Brooch, Double Strands
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
Touch of style, value, and greatness, this 17 inches cultured pearl antique necklace is a sparkle
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian English Necklace
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in New York, NY
cushion cut diamonds and pearl drops, marked CG twice on back of central plaque. London, c. 1880 by
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Greek Antique Silver Coin Tahitian Pearl 22k-21k Gold Pendant Choker Necklace
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
Ageless. Silver antique Greek coin and baroque Tahitian pearl 21K pendant choker necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gol...

Antique Tiffany Co. Peacock Feather Pearl Diamond Platinum Pendant, circa 1905
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
A pendant in the form of a diamond set stylised peacock feather, with a natural pearl set as the
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Victorian Garnet Pearl Diamond Pendant 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
cabochon Garnet which hangs freely. The Garnet is surrounded by lustrous Pearls and sparkling Rose cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian circa 1910, Certified 3.60 Carat Diamond Natural Pearl Pendant
Located in Berlin, Berlin
natural pearl of rosy-grey lustre is at the centre of the pendant. Within each field of the trefoil design
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Indian Pendant in Gold with Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Pearl
Located in London, GB
(traditional pure gold setting) technique with diamonds, emeralds and a central cabochon ruby, with pendant
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 24k Gold

Indian Antique Seven Strand Necklace With Precious Gem Stones and Pearls
Located in London, GB
with gold elements set with rubies, diamonds and emeralds. The back of the necklace is plain gold.
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Indian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 24k Gold

Antique Natural Pearl Diamond Gold and Silver Pendant Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Goettingen, DE
Antique Natural Pearl Diamond Gold and Silver Pendant Brooch circa 1890 Magnificent, antique heart
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Peach Tourmaline, Zircon, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl 18k Gold Antique Style Pendant
By William Llewellyn Griffiths
Located in Melbourne, Vic
length glows like honeyed saffron, whilst below a white 3.3mm x 3.3mm princess cut diamond glints like a
Category

2010s Australian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold,...

Antique Triple Strand Cultured Pearls Rose Cut Diamond Clasp
Located in Napoli, IT
The Classy Must Beautiful antique triple strand cultured salt water Pearls, 1915 ca . Bearing
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Exquisite 1.20 Carat Old Mine Diamond Plus Natural Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
of this exquisite all original antique necklace – topped by a further Diamond making the illusion of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Foliate Pearl Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Solvang, CA
Antique Art Nouveau foliate pearl & diamond cross pendant, circa 1915. This antique cross pendant
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique rose cut diamond and pearl French gold locket
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful french antique gold locket with rose cut diamond and natural pearl flower can also hold a
Belle Epoque Opal and Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
a shimmering natural seed pearl. This rare and splendorous antique choker, or 'dog collar' necklace
Category

20th Century Edwardian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, and Gold Moth Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
*set with antique European diamonds- F/G color, VS/SI clarity
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian French Rock Crystal Diamond Pearl Rare Locket Chain
Located in Napoli, IT
top has a butterfly applied enriched with fine antique gems: Ruby, Natural Pearl, Chrysolite effect
Category

Antique 1860s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Late Victorian French Gold Pendant on Chain with Diamonds Sapphires and Pearls
Located in Antwerp, BE
necklace is definitely of a later date Material: 18K yellow gold (touchstone tested) Diamond(s): Two old
Category

Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Platinum circa 1900 Pendant
Located in Lancaster , GB
This beautiful antique Ruby and Diamond pendant is from the Victorian era, Circa 1900 The lovely
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

3.50 Carat Diamond Natural Pearl Rare Regency Period Cross
Located in Napoli, IT
fine in quality for clarity and colour grade. Further embellished by antique Natural pearls and black
Category

Antique Early 1800s Italian Regency More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Glorious Victorian Natural Pearl 4.90 Carat Diamond Rare Royalty Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
, set as centre among loads of antique cut Diamonds each set bringing to life the amazing pattern ending
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Essex Crystal Terrier Locket
Located in New York, NY
Norwich terrier surrounded by rose cut diamond row and extra pearls at four additional points. The
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Portrait of a Lady Hard Stone Cameo Pendant
Located in London, GB
, chiselled silver and gold and natural pearls and rose cut diamonds which make this cameo even more precious
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

Aesthetic Victorian Gold Brooch Pendant with Angels Head and Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June. Hallmarks: The French control
Category

Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Pearl Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique Edwardian pearl diamond platinum necklace. Featuring 4 old European cut diamonds that weigh
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Edwardian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace Featuring 6 Seed Pearls & 1 Old European Cut Diamond Weighing 0.03
Category

Early 20th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Pearl And Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This triple strand pearl necklace was made around 1910 with a much older diamond clasp. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond

Antique Victorian Turquoise, Diamond, Pearl Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
rough cut antique diamonds repeating their form beneath a frilly diamond bow. Unquestionably unusual and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Onyx Cameo Diamond Pearl Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This superb Renaissance style antique diamond and seed pearl necklace features a black and white
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Natural Pearl

Antique Pearl Diamond Platinum Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This classically elegant and elaborately detailed antique choker necklace is finely crafted in
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Antique Natural Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
An Antique natural pearl necklace with a navette-shaped diamond and platinum clasp. The necklace is
Category

Vintage 1930s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
. Weight: 10.1 grams Drop Pendant Measurements: 1.5" x 1" / Pearl Necklace 17" long Total diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Antique Art Deco Diamond, Pearl and Platinum Necklace
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An incredible platinum diamond and pearl Art Deco necklace. The necklace is of an open work trefoil
Category

Vintage 1910s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Emerald Pearl Diamond Garland Style Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
, pearls, and rose cut diamonds. The principal emerald measures 9.23 x 8.44 x 6.77 mm. The emerald has a
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

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Antique Diamonds Pearls Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact antique diamonds pearls necklace you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Yellow Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 302 antique edition and 12 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for an antique diamonds pearls necklace may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating an antique diamonds pearls necklace has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Tiffany Co., AB Jewelry NYC and Bailey, Banks Biddle are consistently popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and old mine cut cut versions available here, too. Finding an antique diamonds pearls necklace for sale for women should be easy, but there are 53 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Antique Diamonds Pearls Necklace?

The price for an antique diamonds pearls necklace starts at $249 and tops out at $140,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $4,488.

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. 

Questions About Antique Diamonds Pearls Necklace
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Yes, you can wear diamond stud earrings with a pearl necklace. The elegant combination is fashionable for everything from a day at the office to Sunday brunch to a night on the town. To create a bold look, try pairing large diamond studs with a single strand of pearls or a dramatic multi-strand pearl necklace with smaller stud earrings. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of diamond stud earrings and pearl necklaces.

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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.