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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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A Belle Epoque diamond and pearl necklace
Located in London, GB
A Belle Epoque diamond and pearl necklace, the six navette-shaped openwork links with foliate
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl, Diamond and Emerald Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl, diamond and emerald pendant, to the centre a pearl accompanied by GCS
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Fine Victorian Garnet, Pearl and Diamond Semi Parure
Located in London, GB
A fine Victorian garnet, pearl and diamond demi parure, all set with circular cabochon garnets
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Mid-Victorian Half Pearl, Diamond and Blue Enamel Suite
Located in London, GB
A mid-Victorian half pearl, diamond and blue enamel suite, the suite consisting of a necklace, a
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Giuliano Enamel Necklace
By Carlo and Arthur Giuliano
Located in London, GB
An Important Carlo and Arthur Giuliano enamel, diamond and sapphire necklace signed C AG, the
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Belle Époque Miniature Pendant
Located in London, GB
frame and yellow gold back, terminating to three pearl and diamond-set drops, all suspended by a fine
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Diamond and Natural Pearl Necklace by Marret Frères
Located in London, GB
A Belle Époque diamond and natural pearl négligée necklace by Marret Frères, consisting of a
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Fine Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
very good condition. This exceptional cultured pearl and diamond necklace comes from the collection of
Category

Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond and Natural Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
floral motif in pearl and diamond, a pearl drop to base suspended by diamond foliate decoration
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Mid-Victorian Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
diamonds, and a pearl drop from the centre completes the pendant. This ornate and striking piece is
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Emerald, Diamond and Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque emerald, diamond and pearl pendant, to the centre a square-cut emerald
Category

Antique 1870s British Holbeinesque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Georgian Natural Pearl Necklace with Blue Enamel Centre
Located in London, GB
border suspending a pearl drop, all suspended by a diamond-set ribbon bow within cut-down silver setting
Category

Antique 1790s British Georgian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Enamel

Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
surmount, suspending a pear-shaped natural pearl drop, with a diamond set detachable loop, the diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Oval-Shaped Amethyst and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
star inlaid to the centre and rose-cut diamond encrusted drop terminating to a pear-shaped pearl, all
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

A Victorian enamel, zircon, garnet and sapphire necklace
Located in London, GB
with a round faceted brown zircon with a cluster of alternating seed pearls and small old-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Blue Enamel Locket and Earrings
Located in London, GB
A Victorian blue enamel pair of earrings and locket, the oval drop set with pearl and diamond-set
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet Pendant
Located in London, GB
approximately 14.9x19.1 mm, embellished with three rose-cut diamonds and a pearl on each side, all surrounded by
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

A Victorian Renaissance Revival Gem-set Pendant
Located in London, GB
centre of an old brilliant-cut diamond encrusted yellow gold 8-point star, set with pearls, rubies and
Category

Antique 1850s British Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

A Victorian Holbeinesque emerald, diamond and pearl suite
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque emerald, diamond and pearl suite, consisting of a necklace and a pair of
Category

Antique 1860s British Holbeinesque Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Pendant
Located in London, GB
alternating with green, blue and red enamel floral motif, suspending a natural pearl drop, to the reverse a
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

An Edwardian Natural Pearl And Diamond Line Bracelet
Located in London, GB
paired with some pearl drop earrings and a pearl pendant necklace to match a sleek evening dress.
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Diamond Oxen Bone Sterling Silver Buddha Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful bohemian inspired necklace features baroque pearl and feather pendants with an oxen
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant
By Prince Diamond
Located in New York, NY
18K South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace 10-11mm South Sea Pearl Pearl Quality AAA Luster AAA Nacre
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
7mm pearls and round brilliant-cut diamonds in a stylish drop design, this piece embodies the brand’s
Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

18k White Gold, 1.52 Carat Diamond and Pearl Drop Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous!! This necklace is made in 18k white gold, and it features a pearl pendant wrapped in gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bvlgari Lucea Diamond and Pearl Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
A Bvlgari Lucea diamond and pearl drop necklace set in 18k white gold. The necklace features six
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Australian South Sea Pearls 0.79ct White Diamond Earring and Necklace Set
By Lust Pearls
Located in Broome, Western Australia
Elegance... Pendant 18 carat white gold leaf pendant with 0.34 carat white diamonds with a drop
Category

2010s Australian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Boucheron Pearl and Diamond Drop Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Wonderful and elegant natural pearl and diamond drop necklace by the famous Boucheron Jewellery
Category

Late 20th Century European Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Natural Pearl and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE
Natural pearl and diamond drop Edwardian style necklace mounted in platinum. Each alternate pierced
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Black and White South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat white gold 20 inch drop necklace consisting of 6.45 carats of round cut diamonds that are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Henry Dunay Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
By Henry Dunay
Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Henry Dunay Pearl and Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold on 18K Chain. Total Diamond Weight 1.46ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

18 Karat Lustrous South Sea Pearls and Diamonds Drop Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
secure Lobster Claw clasp finish the piece, with pearl drop making necklace 20" long. An instant heirloom
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in San Dimas, CA
Our one of a kind saltwater pearl and diamond necklace featuring identical white and gray pearls
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Necklace Diamonds and Australian Pearl
Located in Taormina, ME
diamonds and a beautiful 40.00 Australian pearl which can be removed
Category

1990s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Lust 1.22 Carat Diamond Gold Duchess Pendant and Earring Set
By Lust Pearls
Located in Broome, Western Australia
pearl embellished with 0.34 carat brilliant cut white diamonds encircled with halos of polished gold
Category

2010s Australian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Lovely Pink Baroque Pearl Drop Necklace
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
gold and diamond pearl cap and bale. The center drop pearl is 20 mm and the total pendant length is 35
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau Cultured Pearl Diamond Silver Gold Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau diamond & cultured pearl necklace measuring app. 1 7/8 x 1 3/4 inches wide, designed as
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Peridot Pearl Diamond Silver Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Milano, IT
An Art Nouveau silver topped and yellow gold necklace with 15 natural peridots, old-cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Silver

Cartier Himalia Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Cartier Himalia 18K White Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Total Diamond Weight 2.20ct. , Pearls
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

D&F 18 Karat White Gold Rubellite, Cultured Pearl and Diamond Drop Necklace
By Deakin Francis
Located in Birmingham, West Midlands
pearl and diamond drop necklace truly is special. Comprised of 9 rubellites, 4 cultured pearls and 1
Category

Early 2000s British Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Diamond and Pearl Necklace and Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
A Mikimoto necklace and earrings set in18K white gold. The necklace features a pearl measuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Tahitian Baroque Pearls Gray Diamonds 18K Gold Beaded Drop Necklace Bridal Gift
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
Peacock. This Tahitian baroque pearl drop beaded handmade bridal necklace is elegant and versatile
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Diamo...

Edwardian Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Necklace, circa 1910
Located in St. Catharines, ON
lustrious natural seed pearls and bright diamond accents. Reminiscent of Guiliani jewels, but unmarked
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian, Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in Lombard, IL
Edwardian amethyst, diamond, pearl, and silver-topped 14k yellow gold necklace - 14k yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Tricolour Cultured Pearl Drop Faceted Bead 18K Gold Necklace with Diamond Hook
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple pearl drop necklace with tricolour round pearls on faceted bead 18k white gold chain and a
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Stephanie Kantis Drop Tassel Diamond With Sapphire, Pearl And Tanzanite Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
MATERIALS 18K Weight: 12.72 g Diamond Carat: 2.61 g Stone Carat: 197.19 g Total Weight: 56.56 g
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

Grey Pearl Necklace with 7 Large Baroque Dropped Pearls
By Kaufmann de Suisse
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pearls Designed in a Graduated Dropped Fashion. Beautifully Spaced with Sterling Silver Diamond Cut Beads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver

1920s Natural Pearl, Platinum and Diamond Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
, natural saltwater pearl drop, measuring 18.70 by 10.60 millimeters (just over 3/4 inch long with the cap
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Andreoli Emerald Zambian Drop Cabochon Ruby Burma Akoya Pearl Necklace Diamond
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Emerald Zambian Drop Cabochon Ruby Burma Akoya Pearl Necklace Diamond. This necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rene Boivin Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By René Boivin
Located in Greenwich, CT
Estate Jewelry Curated by Parulina- Rene Boivin Natural Pearl Necklace. This beautiful piece is
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Fresh Water Pearl Diamond White Gold Long Sautoir Tassel Drop Necklace
Located in Nicosia, CY
Fresh Water Cultured Pearl Long Necklace of 102 Centimeter Length Set in 18 Karat White Gold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold

Natural South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A necklace of natural south sea pearls (164.42carats) adorned with a border of pave set diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Tahitian Pearl, White Diamond and Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
of stunning one of a kind pearl necklaces, earrings, and rings featuring the finest pearls and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Stephanie Kantis Drop Tassel Diamond Set with Emerald, Pearl and Onyx Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
MATERIALS 18K Weight: 13.56 g Diamond Carat: 2.36 g Stone Carat: 79.03 g Total Weight: 30.06 g
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

Stephanie Kantis Drop Tassel Diamond Set With Blue Sapphire And Pearl Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
MATERIALS 18K Weight: 12.63 g Diamond Carat: 2.96 g Stone Carat: 137.98 g Total Weight: 50.8 g
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold

Lust Jewelry Passion Pendant 0.27 Carat White Diamonds South Sea Pendant Chain
By Lust Pearls
Located in Broome, Western Australia
white pink 11-12mm South Sea pearl... The finishing touch of 0.17 carat brilliant cut white diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Natural South Pearl and Diamond Necklace with Earrings
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A Suite of timeless natural south sea pearls (238.1carats) adorned with a border of pave diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

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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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This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

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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.