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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace with Diamonds and 18kt Gold 64.26 grams
Located in New York, NY
18k Multi color Gold Necklace set with finest no blemishes Golden South Sea Pearls. Necklaces is
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Pearl Sautoir Necklace with Tassel and Aquamarine Accent
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A freshwater cultured seed pearl sautoir necklace has been intricately woven by hand, incorporating
Category

2010s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold

18K White Gold Kailis Comet Lariat Diamonds Australian Pearls Necklace
Located in Madrid, ES
Kailis' "Comet Lariat" necklace, from the Ethereal collection, formed by 4 white gold strings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Citrine Briolette Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
diamonds, all set in 18k gold. Hung from a tan colored leather cord. This drop is and original design and
Category

American Drop Necklaces

Ametrine Baroque Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18mm baroque Tahitian pearl of medium dark color, circled by 29 channel set diamonds. The pendant
Category

American Drop Necklaces

AGTA Certified Natural Pearl, 14.86 Carat Diamond Victorian Gold Silver Necklace
Located in Calabasas, CA
diamonds and a bezel-set natural pearl closure. The necklace contains 7 off-white baroque-drop natural
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

Cartier Himalia Necklace 18K White Gold with Diamonds and Pearls
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
with Diamonds and Pearls Exterior Color: White Gold Item Number: 220029/25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Edwardian Platinum Pearl Necklace Diamond Citrine Amethyst Platinum Clasp
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
necklace is genuine Edwardian, Circa 1900. The beautiful cultured Pearls are three graduated rows with a
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Pearl, Platinum

Art Deco Jade and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamonds , small pearls and enamel.
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Ecksand 14k White Gold Twisted Flower Pearl Necklace With Diamond Halo
By Ecksand
Located in Montreal, QC
Do the twist. This Ecksand Twist pearl necklace features a romantic floral design. The pendant
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold

Ecksand 18k White Gold Twisted Flower Pearl Necklace With Diamond Halo
By Ecksand
Located in Montreal, QC
Do the twist. This Ecksand Twist pearl necklace features a romantic floral design. The pendant
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds with Freshwater Pearls Large Aquamarine in a Sterling Silver Necklace
By Jane Magon Collections
Located in New York, NY
Jane Magon Collections "Lady Marina" Necklace with Large Lustrous Freshwater Pearls in a single
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

Victorian Split Pearl Gold Necklace
Located in Toronto, ON
pearl star brooch which can be detached. The necklace measures 14 inches. The drop brooch extends for
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Deux Gouttes Diamonds Pearls Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold by Elie Top
By Elie Top
Located in Paris, France
Necklace in gold and distressed silver. Rotating spheres: one reveals an Akoya pearl set with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, and Gold Moth Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
This enchanting diamond and gold moth is even more beautiful in person! *14k gold and platinum
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Enamel Pearl Sapphire Bead Horse Necklace
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
jewelry. The central pendant is connected to the fresh water pearls by oval sapphire beads and an enamel
Category

20th Century American Anglo-Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Margot McKinney 18k Gold South Sea Keshi Pearl Necklace, 3 Diamond Set Pebbles
By Margot McKinney
Located in Brisbane AU , Queensland
Margot McKinney 18 Karat White Gold 55p South Sea Keshi 9-10mm Necklace with 3 Pebbles set in total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

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

Antique 1880s English Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Marquise Fashion Necklace w/ Mother of Pearl, Quartz Diamonds
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Information: - 54 diamonds totaling 0.45 carats. G-H color, SI clarity. - White Mother of Pearl/White Quartz
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

White South Sea and White Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sparkle in this elegant White South Sea and Diamond Necklace. This necklace consists of 11x13mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold

79.84 Carat Emerald Pearl Diamond Tassel Necklace Set on 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This is a gorgeous looking Emerald, Cultured Pearl and Diamond Tassel Necklace weighing 79.84
Category

2010s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

Elegantly Long Multi-Color Baroque Pearl Tassle Necklace
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
pearl topped by a silver and diamond pearl cap. The length of the tassle is 2 1/4 in. long. The necklace
Category

1990s American Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Silver

18 Karat Gold, Rubelite 11.17 Carat Diamond 2.48 Carat and Pearl Necklace
By Michael Engelhardt
Located in Boca Raton, FL
sits on three strands of button pearls joined by diamond bars (1.10 carats) on either side. Designed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Rubelite, 18k Gold

13mm-16mm South Sea Pearl Necklace with 3.15 Carat Diamond Platinum Ball Clasp
Located in Calabasas, CA
Beautiful strand of 29 perfectly matched South Sea pearls, white with rose overtone and excellent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

An Order of Bling Diamond Akoya Pearl Necklace, Writing with Diamonds Collecti
By An Order of Bling
Located in Singapore, SG
Collection: Writing with Diamonds Title: Behaving Badly Necklace Designed to take dressing the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Singaporean Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

THIALH Diamond Marine South Sea Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
pearl set in a symmetric design of 18k yellow gold pendant and brilliant-cut diamonds. Held by a
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Vincent Peach Meridian Freshwater Pearl Leather Choker Necklace
By Vincent Peach
Located in Nashville, TN
Part of the Vincent Peach Pearl Collection, the Meridian Necklace has a Freshwater Pearl on premium
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

14 karat Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl 0.19 Carat Diamond Y Necklace
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
shape Tahitian Pearl drops from a VS1 baguette diamond at the center of the necklace. Wear it with a v
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Exquisite 1.20 Carat Old Mine Diamond Plus Natural Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
main drop A full border of Natural not nucleated salt sea baby Pearls, frames the large Diamond drop
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Natural Grey Tahitian Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant and Chain
By KATA Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A stunning natural grey Tahitian Pearl held in a beautifully pierced pendant, with diamond set
Category

2010s British Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Natural Grey Tahitian Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant and Chain
By KATA Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A stunning natural grey Tahitian Pearl held in a beautifully pierced pendant, with diamond set
Category

2010s British Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

18k White Gold Chrysoprase, Australian Pearl and Argyle Pink Diamond Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
The "Regal Gems" pendant by Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier Sydney. This opulent pendant in 18ct white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Pink Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 1.85 Carat Old European Diamond and Cultured Pearl Cluster Pendant
Located in Seattle, WA
bezel-set, old European-cut diamonds surmounted by three cultured saltwater pearls, two bezel-set old
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond, Emerald Pearl Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Art Nouveau pendant necklace features a 1.40 carat mine cut diamond surrounded by two
Category

French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Mughal Style Indian Coral Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds and Pearls
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Coral Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds and Pearls set in Gold by Amyn The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Ashok Sancheti Emerald Pearl Diamond Arabesque Pendant
By Ashok Sancheti
Located in New York City, NY
design, and the pearl drop at the bottom creates length and flow to this lacy and romantic necklace. The
Category

American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Abalone Blister Pearl Andromeda Pendant with Diamonds
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
The Andromeda Pendant in 18 karat gold is studded with .72 tcw diamonds, 4 dematoid garnets in deep
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

CARLO GIULIANO Enamel Pearl Diamond Locket
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in London, GB
rose-cut diamonds and cornflower-blue coloured enamel, within a surround of royal blue champlevé enamel
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

37 Carat Ruby and Diamond Necklace in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
hang a drop (not included) such as a ruby, diamond, or pearl with ease.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Gilin 18k Rose Gold Necklace with South Sea Pearl
By GILIN
Located in Central, HK
White pearls symbolize innocence, beauty, sincerity, and new beginnings. This is what makes the
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Baroque Kasumi "Comet" Pearl Lariet Necklace
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A pair of beautifully matched 25mm Kasumi pearls are the focal points on this lariet necklace. The
Category

American Drop Necklaces

Diamond Wave White Diamond Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl Drop Pendant Necklace
By Lust Pearls
Located in Broome, Western Australia
Diamond Wave... Beautifully finished 18 carat yellow gold wave brushed finish pendant with a
Category

2010s Australian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Black Pearl, 18...

18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant with Diamonds, Turquoise and Mother of Pearl Inlay
By Poniros
Located in Athens, Athens
good luck, the ‘Evil Eye Collection’ is delightfully handcrafted in 18 carat gold with diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Diamond, Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant with Diamonds, Turquoise and Mother of Pearl Inlay
By Poniros
Located in Athens, Athens
good luck, the ‘Evil Eye Collection’ is delightfully handcrafted in 18 carat gold with diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Diamond, Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pendant with Diamonds Turquoise and Mother of Pearl Inlay
By Poniros
Located in Athens, Athens
good luck, the ‘Evil Eye Collection’ is delightfully handcrafted in 18 carat gold with diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Diamond, Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Brilliant Cut Diamond Australian Sea Pearl White Gold Pendant
Located in Marcianise, CE, IT
Beautiful Italian brilliant cut diamond (2.57 carats), Australian sea pearl (20.62 carats) and 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.3 Carat Colombian Muzo Emerald and Fancy Yellow Diamond Pendant
By Thesis Gems and Jewelry
Located in Berkeley, CA
with a 0.375 carat vintage fancy yellow diamond. This emerald is vibrant with an alpine green color
Category

2010s American Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Diamond, 22k Gold

Edwardian Garland Style Ruby Diamond Pearl Platinum Gold Clover Pendant
Located in London, GB
A fine clover pendant, set with calibre rubies and diamonds and a pearl drop. Mounted in platinum
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold

Turquoise Diamond Gold Beaded Necklace
Located in Jacksonville, FL
) Round Brilliant cut Diamonds in pendant. Both the Turquoise necklace and Pear Drop greenish blue
Category

1990s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Boucheron Diamond Sautoir with South Sea Pearls
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A rare and fabulous Boucheron diamond sautoir with South Sea pearls. 10 ct of finest quality
Category

French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Octagonal Emerald Pearl Diamond Pendant
By Anuj Shah
Located in New York, NY
faceted diamonds weigh. 1.20 ct. White drop pearl measures 19 mm x13 mm. Optional chain is 16" 14kt
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Diving Swallow Birds 16.90 Carat Diamond Natural Pearl Sapphire Garnet 18K
By Tom Castor
Located in Lambertville , NJ
gems. At the drop of the necklace is an additional Canary Sapphire of Hexagonal cut and Diamond facet
Category

2010s American Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire...

Giulians Contemporary 18k Cygent Bay South Sea Pearl and Sapphire Pendant
By Giulians
Located in Sydney, NSW
Giulians Contemporary 18 karat yellow and white gold South Sea cultured pearl pendant. The design
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Mother Of Pearl Rubelite Ruby Diamond Pendant
By Burdeen s Jewelry
Located in Buffalo Grove, IL
, various shapes of mother of pearl and 1.03 ct of diamonds. It is framed in 18 kt rose gold with rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Rubelite, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

JdJ - Aquamarine and Pink Tourmaline Detachable Drop Pendant
Located in Toronto, ON
JdJ Detachable Emerald cut aquamarine, pink tourmaline and diamond drop pendant ( shown on 10- 11mm
Category

Canadian Drop Necklaces

Victorian Era Hand Made Silver on 14kt Rose Gold 1.75 Carats of Diamond Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
silver on 14kt rose gold with 1.75 carats of rose cut and old miners cut diamonds and pearls. Necklace
Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

MAUBOUSSIN Sapphire Diamond Tsavorite Florine Necklace
By Patrick Mauboussin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold sapphire, diamond, and tsavorite florine necklace diamonds = 2.51 cts
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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

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

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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.