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Marina J. Woven Long Seed Pearl Sautoir Necklace with 14K Gold and Onyx Tassel
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamond findings allowing for many options. The sautoir and tassel are connected by a removable black onyx
Category

2010s American Revival Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver, White Gold

Sea Shell Pendant, Black Onyx, Citrine and Thick 14k Gold Cap
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Sea Shell Pendant Black Onyx, Diamonds, Green Tourmaline, 14k Gold Carved black onyx shell (1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Onyx, 14k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Black Onyx w/ MOP Diamond Penguin Charm Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Montclair, NJ
This adorable charm/pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels features custom cut black onyx and mother of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

60s Vintage Black Cat Charm Diamond Eyes Onyx Kitty 14k Gold Pendant Animal
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage black cat charm crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1960s). Black onyx
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Miroir Des Eaux Mother of Pearl Panel and Inlaid Black Onyx
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
is suspending a rectangular-shaped mother-of-pearl and black onyx panel, set with round diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

French Collection 18 Karat Rose Gold Onyx and Diamond Enhancer Pendant
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Harnessing all the beauty of the marvelous onyx stone weighing 37.22 carats, this spectacular
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Art Deco Ruby Diamonds Onyx Pendant, 1900
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
pendant to draw even more attention. Fine round-cut Diamonds are featured between the X-shaped black line
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby

Kurz Sixties Modern Diamond Onyx Gold Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
1960s inherits a striking visual geometry from its Deco influences. Black and white, round and square
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Black Onyx 3.50 Carat Coral and Demantoid Garnet Yellow Gold Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique black onyx, 3.50 carat coral and 0.36 carat demantoid
Category

Antique 1890s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Garnet, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Platinum Lorgnette Eyeglass Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color with VS2 clarity. Bezel set atop inlaid onyx slab - opaque glossy black with linear platinum
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Diamonds Onyx 14K Gold Locket Pendant Brooch
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Magnificent antique onyx locket pendant brooch featuring many gorgeous diamonds. This locket
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Enamel, Gold

Bulgari Diamond and Onyx Intarsio Collection Disc Pendant in 18 Karat White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bulgari 18kwg diamond and onyx disc pendant with adjustable length necklace chain, from the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Britannia Black Onyx Intaglio Gold Figural Fob
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Britannia carved black onyx and gold figural fob circa 1950. DETAILS: GEMSTONES: carved
Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold

240 Ct Fine Natural Emerald Beads 3 Line Necklace with Black Onyx 14 Kt G Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 240 Ct Fine Natural Emerald Beads 3 Line Necklace with Black Onyx and Diamond 14
Category

2010s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Onyx and Diamond Art Deco Style Pendant in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
side by sleek black onyx and accented above and below with shimmering diamonds. A bold, geometric
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1890s Victorian 0.57 Carat Diamond and Onyx, 21 Carat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional Victorian 0.57 carat diamond and black onyx, 21 karat yellow gold cross pendant on
Category

Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Emerald with pave diamonds Floral pendant Necklace with pearl, onyx. Wear it with your
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Moonstone, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Austrian 1900s Rock Crystal Diamond Onyx Silver Gold Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Austrian 1900s rock crystal diamond and onyx pendant mounted in silver and gold. Crafted in silver
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, Silver

Cartier Diamond Panthere Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
of circular and rectangular motifs featuring 26 scattered black onyx markings and pave set diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Amulette de Cartier Mother of Pearl Onyx Amulet 18k Rose Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Amulette de Cartier Mother of Pearl And Onyx Amulet 18k Rose Gold Necklace. Stunning rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Platinum, 1920s Art Deco Onyx Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Deco design, crafted in platinum and set with glossy black onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds. The
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Cartier Diamond Emerald Panthere Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
of circular and rectangular motifs featuring 26 scattered black onyx markings and pave set diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Sailboat Pendant Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Hand crafted sailboat pendant fashioned with diamonds, onyx, and 18 karat yellow gold. The sailboat
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Bulgari Reversible 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Onyx 3 Circle Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Bulgari Reversible Diamond & Onyx 3 Circle 18k Gold Necklace This beautiful and elegant
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Zambian Emerald and White Diamond Beaded Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful necklace with Zambian emerald, black onyx, and coral beads. Good quality white diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Lave Cameo Pendant Necklace with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Vintage looking Craved Medusa Lava Cameo Pendant Necklace with artistic diamond motif around with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Alex Soldier Onyx Gold Textured Necklace Link Choker One of a Kind
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
materials. One of a kind. Necklace length: 28 inches, 71 centimeters. Metal: 14 karat yellow gold.Black Onyx
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K White Gold 6.05 Ct Diamond, Emerald, Onyx
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
carats of brilliant diamonds of E color and VVS clarity, and 24 onyx spots throughout. On the reverse
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, White Gold

Ippolita Lollipop Drama Diamond Gold Necklace
By Ippolita
Located in Bethesda, MD
This 18K Ippolita Gold Lollipop Drama Necklace with Diamonds is 18" long and contains 3.04 carats
Category

Early 2000s American Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Enamel and Diamond Necklace in Platinum and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
multicolor enamel, black onyx, and diamonds covering the essentials of the art nouveau time period. Special
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, Platinum, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Tassel Spotted Panthere Diamond Onyx Pendant
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
iconic Panthère design, showcasing a harmonious blend of black enamel, black onyx, diamonds, and emeralds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

0.77Ct Diamond Onyx, Platinum Pendant - Art Deco Style - Antique Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive original Art Deco, 0.77 carat diamond and onyx pendant in platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Onyx Diamond White Gold Pendant Clip Pin Brooch Medium
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
collection. Made of 18 karat (stamped) white gold, black onyx and set with round brilliant cut diamonds. The
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Figa Charm Diamond Emerald Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
(Gms)-7.218 Diamond Wt(Cts)-0.35 Emerald Wt(Cts)-1.09 Onyx Wt(Cts)-26.1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Cartier Panthere Diamond Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
elegant beauty. The centerpiece a "Panthere" head features Peridot eyes, Onyx nose, and a black enamel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Onyx Conversion Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
centers on a polished onyx, its deep black surface serving as a sophisticated frame to a single glistening
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

Large Leopard Pendant Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Eyes Onyx Animal
Located in Torrance, CA
beautifully detailed leopard is framed in an elaborate onyx mount. Black enameled spots give lifelike detail
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Marina J. Art Deco Inspired Pearl Black Onyx Sautoir with Graduated Tassels
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bead sitting atop a Black Onyx and Diamond encrusted rondelle. This Art Deco piece is perfect for any
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Carved Coral Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. 26.30 teardrop coral with floral motif carving. Set under 2 round tiny emeralds, Diamond and black onyx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Carved Coral Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. 26.30 teardrop coral with floral motif carving. Set under 2 round tiny emeralds, Diamond and black onyx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Onyx Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Onyx & Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain - Black Onyx cross with pave diamonds and a pave letter
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Pendant, American, circa 1930
Located in Toronto, ON
Diamond Onyx Pearl 14K Necklace Pendant, American, C.1930. The Pendant drop of stylised 14K knife
Category

20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

1920s Art Deco 23.64 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Art Deco 23.64 carat aquamarine and 0.26 carat diamond, platinum drop style necklace
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Interchangable Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Interchangable Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels . This necklace comes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Erté Beauty and the Beast 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Erté
Located in Henderson, NV
with a lovely mother of pearl cameo face on a piece of black onyx with a fancy diamond and mother of
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Art-Deco 53 Carat Emerald, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Pendant Necklace, with a Black Onyx, Pearl, Blue Sapphire and Emerald chain all set in 18K White Gold. the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Panthere De Cartier 18k White Gold 3.24 Ct Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
gemstones eyes, and black onyx nose. Suspended in the panther’s mouth is a charming beaded tassel. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Black Spinel and Emerald Tassel Sautoir
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beaded sections. The sautoir necklace is finished with an elegant tassel made of a lovely carved onyx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold

Red Coral Onyx Emerald Diamond Gold Chinese Man Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
natural coral of red color, set against a black onyx background. The Chinese man's collar is rendered in
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Pendant Necklace with Emeralds, Diamonds, Opal and Pearl, Worn Long or Short
Located in Nantucket, MA
is 2.75" long. It has a compass rose design with a center opal with black onyx as the circle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver

Elegant Black Agate Coral Diamond Gold Mount Nubian Head Pendant
Located in New York, NY
diamonds at the sides, and large hanging coral hoop earrings. A hand engraved collar surrounds the neck
Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

Diamond Sapphire Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Riviera Tutti-Frutti Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
purple amethysts and opaque black onyx Enhancer opens slightly at base and completes as a pin stem with
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire...

Boucheron white gold trouble large diamond pendant, original black cord
By Boucheron
Located in Addlestone, GB
Boucheron Trouble large white gold and diamond pendant, with original braided black cord, pre-owned
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier French Pave Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Caresse d Orchidèes Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. One is carved from onyx with opaque black color and very good polish - measuring approximately 18.0 x
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Yellow Gold Multi-Gem and Diamond Pendant
Located in Mayfair, London, London
ruby weighing 1.39ct and has a black onyx boarder with a diamond surround. The second motif is of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amulette De Cartier Necklace Large Model
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
micro pave accented by black onyx and black lacquer. This gorgeous necklace features 178 gleaming round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Pendant on Diamond by the Yard Necklace
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
pendant is accompanied by 60 old European diamonds weighing 3.40 ctw. and surrounded by black onyx. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact diamond and black onyx necklace you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a diamond and black onyx necklace from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A diamond and black onyx necklace from Marina J., Doves by Doron Paloma and Cartier — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes bead and mixed cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a diamond and black onyx necklace, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace?

The price for a diamond and black onyx necklace starts at $350 and tops out at $75,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $3,105.

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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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.