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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Cute Drop Pendant Highlight Item Fine Yellow and Blue Sapphires AAA+ made Italy
Located in Viena, Viena
Cute drop pendant worked as a valuable treasure, lovingly made in our traditional goldsmiths in
Category

2010s European Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Intini Jewels Tahiti Pearl Amethyst Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Spiral Pendant
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
A unique and mysterious necklace pendant. Beautiful Tahitian pearl surrounded by a spiral-shaped 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

GIA Report Certified 14.80 Carat Colombian Emerald Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 14.80 carat Colombian emerald and pearl, 18 karat yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Sunita Nahata Tanzanite 11.08ct. Necklace in 18KWG with Multi stone.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
pearls. It's made of white gold and studded with diamonds and blue sapphire, making it suitable for any
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Tanzanite, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 3.40 Carat Garnet 4.00 Carat Sodalite Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
By John Brogden
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive Victorian 4.00 carat sodalite, 3.40 carat garnet and pearl, 18
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Style Diamond and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian seed pearl and 14 carat yellow gold, 14 karat rose gold cross
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14.89 Carat Minor Oil Colombian Emerald Green Gold Enamel Art Nouveau Necklace
By Gad Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau Style 14.89 Carat Oval Cut Minor Oil Colombian Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Art Nouveau 1900s Opal and Ruby Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
pearl terminal suspends from the lower border of the design. The necklace is hallmarked with the
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Green Kyanite and Silverite Multistrand Paradizia Necklace with Tahitian Pendant
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
rondelle cut Tahitian pearl 16 x 18 mm, drop shape Pave diamonds Faceted 3mm 14k yellow gold balls, 40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Kyanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 3.58ct Ceylon Sapphire and 2.02ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Content 2.02 carats Number of Diamonds 19 Dimensions Length of drop 2.5cm/0.98' Width of pendant 1.79cm
Category

Antique Early 1900s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Pendant, circa 1870
Located in London, GB
emerald in the center with an estimated weight of 3.60 carats, embellished with two old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Rose Cut Diamond Cameo Pendant Brooch French 18 Karat Gold Victorian Hardstone
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Antique Hardstone Cameo Pendant Brooch, framed by Rose Cut diamonds and Pearls
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique German Neglige Necklace Citrines solid Silver / 44cm / 4.95gr
Located in SE
together with a few other early XX-century European necklaces. Natural Citrines of oval and drop shaped
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Silver

Vintage Balestra Negligee Necklace natural 24ct. Blue Chalcedony 18K Gold 40cm
Located in SE
Great Necklace handmade ca. 1960s -1970s. Hallmarks: Balestra, 750, Three Crowns, Bow & Arrow
Category

Vintage 1960s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

Antique 5.02 Carat Emerald 4.35 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Content 4.35 carats Number of Diamonds 57 Dimensions Length of drop 2.8cm/1.1' Width of pendant 2.08cm
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18k White Gold Blue Topaz Pendant with Diamonds
By Avanti
Located in Carrollton, TX
This gorgeous blue topaz pendant is set in a regal diamond setting with a briolette blue topaz drop
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Watermelon Tourmaline Slice Pendant in 14K Gold with Diamond Emerald Accents
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
. A triangular drop adds another small diamond for a total diamond weight of 0.04 carats. Diamonds are
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

"I Heart Snakes II" Pendant with Green Diamonds in 18k Gold with Pyrite Chain
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
diamonds. The diamonds are 2.5mm and 2.7mm full-cut earth-mined stones with a total weight of 0.14 carats
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pyrite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Giuliano Suffragette Pendant
By Giuliano
Located in New Orleans, LA
is further adorned with verdant green guilloché enamel, a pearl drop and sparkling rose cut diamond
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Enamel

5.45CT Green Sapphire Octogonal Cut Pendant in 14K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Tanzanite, Green Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2 Carat Montana Sapphire and 18k Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
quality, set with impressive seed pearls displaying fine color. The supporting diamonds display a fine
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Beauvince Diamond and South Sea Pearls Necklace and Earrings Suite in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A timeless classic, the Diamond & Pearl Vines Necklace & Earrings Suite is a fine balance of
Category

2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1950s 1.27 Carat Diamond Pearl White Gold Earring and Necklace Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. This stunning, fine and impressive diamond and pearl earring and necklace set has been crafted in 18k
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Rare Gem 22k Gold Armlet Bazuband Mughal India 18th-19th Century
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
pendant with a fourteen karat yellow gold bale added to the top, and a freshwater pearl drop added to the
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tiger s Eye, Turqu...

1957 Pendant solid 18K Gold / 2gr
Located in SE
shaped, hand - engraved accents on some parts , with small and sensitive drop on the end. Swedish
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

18K Gold Chain with Pink Tourmaline Drops
Located in Nantucket, MA
. Diamonds to Lapis Lazuli, Emeralds to Pearls, and everything in between. Diverse, lovely and versatile
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold

1959 Nordic Drop Dangle Earrings Diamonds Pearls 18K Gold Platinum / 2.3gr
Located in SE
. Diamonds of old European diamond cut Ø 3 mm /0.11ct each, G,H / VVS with open backs.. Each off-round pearl
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Coral, Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Rose Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in London, GB
These gorgeous 18 carat rose gold drop earrings feature a round coral bead measuring 11.7mm and a
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French, Rose Gold, Diamond Pearl Brooch Pendant, Circa 1850
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
silver. The piece has been set with a large number of rose cut diamonds which are all of I colour and SI
Category

Antique 19th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Early Victorian 18 Karat Gold Seed Pearl Floral Motif Drop Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
pearls. Circa 1840. Has a loop. Can be also worn as a necklace. Weight: 16.40g Size: 6.8x5.5cm
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold

1870 Antique European Earrings Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold / 7.4gr
Located in SE
A pair of old 18K Gold earrings decorated with seed Pearls. Freely suspended and moving drop
Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Arts and Crafts Stud Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

1866 Antique Earrings Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold / 7gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique earrings with delicate three tiers bodies decorated with seed pearls and engraved
Category

Antique 1860s Swedish Empire Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

1871 Antique European Earrings solid 18K Gold Seed Pearls / 4.7gr
Located in SE
applies to pieces with enamel, pearls, opals, and delicate filigree but even diamonds can chip or stones
Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Empire Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Boucheron Ruby And Diamond Earrings Day Night Vintage Jewelry
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and diamond Goutte de Ciel necklace has an exquisite ice-blue pendant made of Aerogel. It’s a material
Category

Vintage 1980s French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1957 Drop Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold / 2.6 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold. Drops are freely suspended and will mark
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Jugendstil Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Drop Dangle Earrings solid 18K Gold / 2 gr
Located in SE
not returnable. We can arrange alter certain things like bracelet or necklace lengths for an
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique European Drop Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold. Drops are freely suspended and
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Jugendstil Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique European Earrings Drop Dangle solid 18K Yellow Gold / 2.4gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold . Drops are freely suspended and
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Jugendstil Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Finish Dangle drop Earrinngs Hematite solid 14K Gold /2.5gr
Located in SE
* 2.870–2.940. of this stone, which is higher than that of a Diamond * 2.418. It reflects light fiercely
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Jugendstil Dangle Earrings

Materials

Hematite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Mary Tyler Moore Earrings With Photos 2.25" Imitation Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
long. The dangle drop earrings are set with 20mm long imitation pearls and round and marquise cut
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Detachable Drops 18k Gold 0.39 Carat Diamonds Carnelian Stud Dangle Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
or white Mother of Pearl; sold separately . The white Diamonds leaf could be wear as a stud earrings
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Onyx, Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Carnelian, Yellow Gold, White Gold,...

Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 Kt Gold Chand Bali Enamel + Emerald
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Information : Diamond Type : Top Shade Diamond Polki Polki Dia Weight : 22 ct Emerald drop bead
Category

2010s Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel

Antique European Knots Earrings solid 18K Gold / 5.1gr
Located in SE
Yellow Gold, with freely suspended drop shaped dangles. Each of three discs has volume and all three are
Category

Antique 1870s European Etruscan Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Ebba von Brahe Earrings 32ctw Sapphire 2ctw Daimonds Silver /14K Gold / 15gr
Located in SE
Sapphires, Diamonds, Gold, and patinated Silver. Parts in Silver, 14K and 18K Gold. Hallmarked 925. Each
Category

1990s Swedish Renaissance Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

1879 Antique Viking Revival Earrings solid 18K Gold / 4.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique Viking Revival styled earrings with drop-shaped hollow pendants freely suspended
Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Arts and Crafts Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

1845 Nordic earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold / 7.3 gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique 18K Yellow Gold earrings with drop-shaped pendants and delicate hand-engraved
Category

Antique 1850s Swedish Arts and Crafts Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Dangle Earrings Banded Chalcedony solid 18K Gold / 6 gr
Located in SE
A pair of pendants / dangles in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with drop shaped and polished
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

1985 Soviet Union Odessa Dangle Earrings Ruby solid 583 /14K Rose Gold /2.2gr
Located in SE
. Each earring measures 19 mm long from the top of the wire to the end of drop. Each stone 8 mm long x Ø
Category

Vintage 1980s Ukrainian Russian Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Vintage Dangle Earrings natural Turquoise solid 18K Gold /4.8gr
Located in SE
flowers) with drop-shaped dangles decorated with engraved /or chased ornaments and claw set natural
Category

Mid-20th Century European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique Earrings solid 18K Gold / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold . A pair of European ca. 1920s
Category

Vintage 1930s European Jugendstil Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Earrings 8ct natural Jade solid 14K Gold / 4.9 gr
Located in SE
. Drop shaped 14.5 mm x 6.8 mm at widest / ca.2.5ct each. Note that the drops are not glued but pierced
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold

Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
disintegrated to ashes. Removing the stone without any harm turned out to be easy. Sapphire has a drop-shaped
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Baroque Revival Solitaire Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Vintage Nordic Dangle Earrings solid 18K Gold /3gr
Located in SE
maker's. No date combination. Each measures 44 mm long from the top of the wire to the end of drop
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

1873 Nordic Earrings solid 18K Gold /3.4gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique earrings with drop shaped pendants and delicate engraved ornamentations. Freely
Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Renaissance Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Etruscan style Granulated Dangle Earrings solid Yellow 20K Gold / 8.75gr
Located in SE
A pair of old drop dangles, Etruscan styled with granulation decorations affixed to metal base and
Category

Antique 1870s European Etruscan Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, 22k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Laurel Necklace with Pearl Drop
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian pearl and diamond necklace, the necklace comprising a principle garland drop
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
diamonds, and a further pear-shaped pearl drop. This gorgeous necklace comes from the collection of Bentley
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Platinum

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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of diamond and pearl drop necklaces for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Find a collection of 208 vintage versions or 143 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 19th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of diamond and pearl drop necklaces made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Edwardian — are very popular. Cartier, Bulgari and Mikimoto each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. There are many round cut, old european cut and brilliant cut diamond and pearl drop necklaces for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of diamond and pearl drop necklaces for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces?

Prices for diamond and pearl drop necklaces start at $229 and top out at $275,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $6,600.

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 Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces
  • 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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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.