Skip to main content

Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace

to
104
675
188
522
362
159
146
88
69
52
46
42
32
29
29
21
18
13
12
12
11
10
6
5
5
4
3
3
1
1
83
28
24
24
16
Sort By
Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
from a black onyx bar. The necklace is unique and beautiful, the design centered upon a pear brilliant
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Art Deco Black Onyx Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
delicate and wearable. Made of platinum and black onyx and set with forty nine Old European cut diamonds of
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco More Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, Platinum

Black Onyx Bead and Diamond Tassel Pendant Necklace, Circa 1930
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco black onyx tassel pendant necklace, comprising of multiple rows of graduating black
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black onyx diamond and yellow gold butterfly necklace. Love it because it caught your eye, and we
Category

1990s Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Black Onyx Bow Necklace and Earring Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
diamonds and black onyx in 18k Yellow Gold. Signed VCA, numbered, French Marks. Total Weight: 54 grams
Category

20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx

David Yurman Black Labyrinth Onyx and Diamond Sterling Silver Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: David Yurman Material: sterling silver Diamonds: 48 round brilliant cuts = 0.72 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Black Onyx Diamond Bow Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
prominent kite cut pure black onyx centered by an old mine cut diamond atop the silky gem, suspended from an
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, Platinum

Cartier Panthere Diamond Pave and Onyx White Gold Pendant and Cord Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
fully set with an ~2.85ct diamond pave. Lastly, black onyx tiles add an interesting contrast to the
Category

20th Century French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

19.74 Carat Emerald and Black Onyx Necklace
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A very unique, art-deco 19.74 carat natural Zambian Emerald Carving and Black Onyx Necklace, with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Diamond Black Onyx Yellow Gold Panther Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
"Panthere" Collection. Made of yellow gold, diamonds and black onyx; The panther's eyes accented with
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Onyx Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Retro necklace with diamonds and black onyx is of Italian provenance, crafted in a
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond and Onyx Panthere Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
cut diamonds and onyx in a pave setting. The round brilliant cut diamonds have an approximate weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Enigma by Bulgari Multi-Gold Diamond and Onyx Lioness Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
, the pendant is set with black onyx and white diamonds to form the design of a lioness' face
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Amazing Labradorite Onyx Diamond Octopus Pendant Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This amazing necklace features a labradorite beaded chain with an onyx pendant featuring 0.72
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Labradorite, Onyx, Silver

Gucci 18K Yellow Gold 1.50ct Black Diamond and Onyx Pendant Necklace GU15-101123
By Gucci
Located in Southampton, PA
. Black onyx beautifully highlights the 1.50 carats of sparkling black diamond accents.\r\nThis jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Diamond Onyx Horseshoe Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
row of brilliant-cut diamonds and an elegant outer row of deep black onyx. The harmonious contrast
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, Platinum

Cubist Onyx Pendant Necklace with Diamonds and Emeralds
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
A captivating design, Ri Noor's Cubist Onyx Pendant Necklace with Diamonds and Emeralds boldly
Category

2010s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold

ERTE Gold Diamond Onyx "Beauty Of The Beast" Necklace
By Erté
Located in Southampton, PA
Stunning 14k yellow gold, diamond, mother of pearl, black onyx, pink tourmaline, citrine, and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, Citrine, 14k Gold

Bulgari Diamond Onyx Reversible Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
, one side displaying a black onyx centre with the Bvlgari Bvlgari logo around the outer edge and the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Onyx and Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
This playful Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly necklace is crafted out of carved black onyx. One round
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cartier White Gold Diamond and Onyx Panthere Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
comprises of a diamond set circular motif with a bar link connecting to a rectangular diamond and onyx set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Onyx Sapphire Diamond White Gold Lavaliere Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco revival Lavaliere pendant hand made in 18k white gold with custom cut black Onyx, high
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Diamond Rondelle Black Onyx Pearl White Gold Bead Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage diamond rondelle cultured pearl black onyx and white gold bead necklace circa 1950. Love
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

1970s Mediterranean Coral Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
made of 18 karat yellow gold, carved Mediterranean coral and black onyx and accented with round
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Necklaces

Materials

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

Ornate Jadeite Onyx Diamond Necklace
Located in Cincinnati, OH
. 3 oval carved jadeite pieces in main part of necklace. Black onyx accents. Decorative link chain
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 14k Gold

Diamond and Black Onyx Cross Necklace in Sterling Silver - 0.35ctw Dia, New, 22"
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Cross Necklace in Sterling Silver. This exquisite piece features sparkling diamonds and rich black onyx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver

Unique Necklace with Black Onyx Beads and 216.20 Carat Black Tourmaline
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Diamonds, and 30 Black Onyx Beads.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

Oro Trend 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Carat White/Black Diamond and Onyx Necklace
By Oro Trend
Located in Southampton, PA
black diamonds that total 0.12 and 0.38 carats respectively. The necklace weighs 7 grams and is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier White Black Caresse D orchidees Flower Diamond Onyx Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
queen of flowers, the orchid has been meticulously rendered out of 18k white gold and onyx in this
Category

2010s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold

Antique Victorian Black Onyx and Diamond Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique black onyx and 0.23 carat diamond, 18 karat white and
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Black Onyx and Diamond Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: David Yurman Material: 18K yellow gold / Sterling Silver Diamond: 30 round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Black Tourmaline Beads Necklace Onyx Pendant Diamonds White Gold, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Black Tourmaline Beads Necklace, Onyx Pendant, Diamonds, White Gold. Created around 1930. The
Category

Vintage 1930s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, White Gold

Platinum Diamond Ruby Black Onyx Pearl Pendant Watch Necklace, 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy Art Deco Revival watch pendant created in the 1950's. Made of platinum and black onyx and
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Bulgari Lucea Onyx Diamond Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
alternating shaped of jet black onyx and clean white diamonds. Creatively crafted with 4 beads that grasp the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Art Deco CARTIER Diamond Black Onyx Enamel Platinum Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds set in platinum and accented with black onyx and enamel. Strong geometrical design. Nice and
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Art Deco Onyx Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
black onyx ornate frame, platinum chain embellished with diamonds estimated total diamond weight 2.50
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx

Onyx Diamonds Necklace Black Roses Link 18K White Gold Box, 1998
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Link Necklace of Onyx on 18K White Gold with wonderfully sculptured black roses also with onyx and
Category

1990s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Cartier Diamond and Onyx Panthere Pendant Necklace 2.85 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
cut diamonds and onyx in a pave setting. The round brilliant cut diamonds have an approximate weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piaget Limelight Twice Diamond Black Onyx Drop White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Piaget
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Black Onyx Limelight Twice Pendant Necklace by Piaget. With 326
Category

20th Century Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Tiffany T Diamond and Black Onyx Circle Pendant
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
yellow gold • Circa: 2020s • Gemstones: Black Onyx and Diamonds • Diamond: =.05ct • Chain Length: 16-18
Category

2010s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

BULGARI BVLGARI Diamond Onyx and Chalcedony Necklace Elisia Collection
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
links and Black Onyx Beads. Suspended from the necklace are a further three Diamond pave set links, set
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Chalcedony, Onyx, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Fine Diamonds Estate Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful estate necklace showcasing onyx links going all the way around. Each link is decorated
Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Bow Necklace, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
alongside deep black onyx. The two old cut diamonds, rub over set, hanging from the bow each weigh 0.25
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

Piaget Limelight Diamond and Onyx White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Piaget
Located in Southampton, PA
bold black onyx in its stunning design. A gorgeous design for any occasion. Pendant Dimensions: 1.15
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Erte Aventurine Onyx Diamond Gold Necklace
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
portion measuring 2 inch in diameter and consists of a frame of Black Onyx and 14k Yellow Gold with a very
Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

24.34 Carat Emerald, Black Onyx and Diamond Pendant
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
An art-deco inspired natural 24.34 carat vivid green Zambian Emerald, black onyx and Diamond link
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

John Hardy Sterling Silver Onyx and Diamond Pendant Necklace #19121
By John Hardy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
John Hardy Sterling Silver Onyx and Diamond Pendant Necklace This lovely pendant necklace by John
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver

Vintage Georg Hornemann Carved Jadeite Jade Black Onyx Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Georg Hornemann
Located in Montclair, NJ
pierced and carved throughout and set at the center of a black onyx custom made frame that is further
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, White Gold

Onyx Diamond Gold Heart Drop Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A cute and stylish necklace made in 18k gold! It features a 11.22 carat piece of black onyx which
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Panthere Diamond Emerald Onyx and Black Enamel Yellow Gold Long Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
attractive blend of diamond, emerald and onyx stones. Included Items: Manufacturer's Box
Category

20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Emerald, Black Onyx and Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
emerald necklace in 18K white gold and yellow gold with diamonds and black onyx. Emerald: 1.133 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Chanel Onyx Pearl Diamond Gold Stars Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2005 Chanel 18K White Gold Necklace having double sided 5 point stars of Black Onyx measuring
Category

Early 2000s French More Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Erte 14kt Gold, Black Onyx and Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Erté
Located in Kingston, NY
Erte 14kt Gold, Black Onyx and Mother of Pearl Necklace. The necklace is set with with 18 Diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Gold

David Yurman Sterling Silver Black Onyx and Black Diamond Dog Tag Pendant #22969
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Sterling Silver Black Onyx and Black Diamond Dog Tag Pendant- Striking and modern
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver

Vintage White Diamond and Onyx Panther Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage necklace featuring two panthers in black onyx, good quality white diamonds and a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

2.15 Carat Diamond Ruby Onyx Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
There are 10.50 Carats in Ruby There is also Black Onyx The necklace is 16.75" Long and 3.5" Long Drop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Revival Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Marina J. Stunning Diamond, Black Onyx Solid 14k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, perfectly complimenting the magnificent Diamonds. Measuring 16 inches long, this Necklace meets at a solid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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. 

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.