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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Victorian 4.25 Ct. Diamond, Silver, Gold Heart Locket On Platinum Pearl Chain
Located in Calabasas, CA
link chain with white seed pearls. *51 Old European-Cut & Old Mine-Cut diamonds - Color: H-I, Clarity
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Silver

Mother-of-Pearl Gemstone Pink Sapphire Diamond Flower Pendant
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Carved white mother-of-pearl flower decorated with 5 pear shaped cabochon gems of amethyst, green
Category

American Drop Necklaces

Coral Semi Precious Stone Necklace Set
Located in TRYON, NC
This very unusual coral necklace has everything but the kitchen sink in it. Pearls, all manner of
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Garnet, Peridot, To...

Belle Époque Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Pendant
Located in Greenwich, CT
Belle Époque demantoid garnet and diamond pendant necklace, designed as a series of scroll and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco 18 Karat Gold and Ruby Fringe Necklace, 1940s
Located in Sydney, NSW
are often used as colour against other stones ( ie diamonds or pearls) and it is lovely to see this
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Mughal Style Indian Repousse Gold Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Repousse Gold Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds. Recreation of Jewelry worn by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Mughal Style Indian Repousse Gold Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Repousse Gold Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds. Recreation of Jewelry worn by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Masriera Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Diamond Gold Pendant
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
cap is edged with a tapered line of 28 cascading rose cut diamonds. The woman is surrounded by a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Diamond Pearl Tear Drop Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Simple, elegant and timeless in design, this is the perfect everyday piece. Mateo continues on the theme of simplicity.
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Elie Top Mecanique Celeste Collier 3 Bracelets or Blanc, Argent, Perles deTahiti
By Elie Top
Located in Paris, FR
Necklace 3 Bracelets White Gold Silver Tahiti Pearl Diamonds Necklace comprising a patinated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver

Elie Top Mecanique Celeste Collier 3 Bracelets Or Jaune, Perles Akoya
By Elie Top
Located in Paris, FR
Necklace 3 Bracelets Yellow Gold Akoya Pearls Diamonds Necklace comprising a patinated silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, Silver

Modern and Colourful 9-Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
By Lings Jewellery
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This colourful pearl necklace is a unique and modern way to wear pearls. Lings emphasis with this
Category

2010s Hong Kong More Necklaces

Materials

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

Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These beautiful drop earrings portray a delicate yet strong vibe. The bezel diamond chain leads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold

18CT White Gold Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant and Necklace
Located in Sydney, NSW
South sea pearl and diamonds, crafted with eighteen karat white gold, featuring a stunning
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Angel Pendant Plated in Gold
By Alexandra Koumba
Located in New York City, NY
gold wiht a handmade cluster chain and in image 8 the chain is gold wire with 3mm black diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Iolite, Natural Pearl, Peridot, Multi-gemstone, Gold Pla...

Baroque Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Necklace Enhancer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very nicely made 19 x 17.5mm baroque Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace enhancer set with
Category

Late 20th Century Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum

Andreoli Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pink Sapphire Drop Clip Dangling Earrings
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pink Sapphire Drop Clip Dangling Earrings These Andreoli earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Go...

Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in London, GB
A enchanting Tahitian Pearl necklace intricately set with diamonds. Featuring 8 brilliant white
Category

2010s British Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

"I4 Floating" Pendant custom design
By Alexandra Koumba
Located in New York City, NY
different designs: a mix of stones, or a cross or an eye ,a peace symbol in mother of pearl. Are made in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Drop Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Diamond, Gold Plate, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Mikimoto Tahitian Cultured Black Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings PEA1008BDW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
) cultured pearls on 18 karat white gold to create stunning black pearl and diamond drop earrings. Hand
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Onyx pearl and diamond drop pendant
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
18ct yellow gold and platinum onyx pearl and diamond Edwardian drop pendant with box top and fine
Category

20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A Delicate Platinum Chain Necklace supporting a Lavalliere Pendant of Natural Pearls and Diamonds
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Rare Victorian "Holbeinesque" Pendant on Chain
Located in New York City, NY
Rare Victorian "Holbeinesque" Pendant with Enamel, Burma Rubies, Diamonds and Pearl on Gold Chain
Category

English Drop Necklaces

Natural Pearl, Opal and Diamond Earrings
By Sarah Ho
Located in London, GB
. Originally from an antique pearl necklace - these pearls were arranged by Sarah with opals and diamonds for a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Edwardian pearl and diamond cluster drop pendant
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
Platinum Natural Pearl and Eighteen Brilliant cut Diamond Millegrain set Cluster Pendant Drop
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

21st Century 18 Karat Gold Pearl Diamond Ruby Tsavorite Sapphire Drop Earrings
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
freshwater pearl as well as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and tsavorites, these earrings are truly charming
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Pearl, 18k Gold, W...

Pearl Diamond platinum Drop Pendant
Located in Vail, CO
Pearl and diamond drop pendant, suspending a cultured pearl measuring 15mm x 11.3mm, with a single
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
This beautiful drop shaped pearl necklace is set on a pendant with one old European cut diamond and
Category

Vintage 1920s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Oxford, GB
A natural pearl and rose cut diamond fleur-de-lis pendant on a platinum chain. The chain length to
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

White South Sea Pearl Drop and Mixed Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Bangkok, TH
White South Sea Pearl Drop and Mixed Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace Gold: 18K
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

17mm Cream Pearl on 18K Gold Chain Necklace Diamond Enhancer and Toggle Clasp
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
A large cream 17mm cultured pearl on a hand-crafted drop link necklace with a diamond enhancer. All
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Oriental Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold...

Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings with 18k White Gold PEA1031DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Elegance comes to life with these Mikimoto 8mm Akoya cultured pearl & Diamond drop earrings. Watch
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Cassandra Goad Octavia Pearl and Diamond Necklace Pendant
By Cassandra Goad
Located in London, GB
Octavia necklace pendant in 18 karat white gold and pave diamond with a very fine drop shaped
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, White Gold

14ct White Gold Sapphire Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings, Spike Earrings
By Harlin Jones
Located in Sydney, NSW
- Push-On Backs Sapphire & Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings - Spike Earrings Imagination and unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

Cartier Pearl Onyx Diamond Earring and Necklace Set
By Cartier
Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Cartier Diamond, Fresh Water Pearl, and Onyx Earring and Necklace Set in 18K White Gold, Earring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Onyx, 18k Gold

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Necklace with Natural Drop Pearl of 7 Carat, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: diamond necklace with pendant Condition: very good condition Do you
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

A Black Pearl And Diamond Necklace, by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
perfectly to a unique geometric pattern of circles before a stunning black pearl drop. With shimmers of
Category

2010s European Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold

Early 20th Century Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Essex, GB
pearls and a further (larger) articulated natural pearl drop. Four rubover set old cut diamond “targets
Category

Early 20th Century French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Kundan Ruby and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
also Emerald and Diamond. There are small drop pearls around the bottom edge of the necklace. The
Category

20th Century Indian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 22k Gold

White South Sea pearl White Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in New York, NY
stunning one of a kind pearl necklaces, earrings, and rings featuring the finest pearls and diamonds nature
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum

0.59 Carat Purple Garnet South Sea Pearl Drop Diamond 18kt Gold Pendant Necklace
By Exquisite Fine Jewellery
Located in Jaipur, Jaipur
total diamond weight of 0.54 carats of top quality Australian 12mm south sea pearl drop weighing 12.06ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

THIALH 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
nature. necklace and earrings subtly intertwine different colors to create a harmonious radiance
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Pikesville, MD
curved V drop in the center. Each strand is composed of lustrous white 5mm cultured pearls, very well
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

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

Donna Vock Platinum South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Donna Vock
Located in New York, NY
South Sea pearl drop (16 x 12.8 mm) surrounded by top quality diamonds with a total weight of 4.24
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Tahiti Pearl Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Germany, 1980's. Delicate cable chain links. On the front a drop-shaped, openworked pendant
Category

Late 20th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

22 Karat Yellow Gold Jutti Drop Earrings with Uncut Diamonds and Enamel
By Manjrie
Located in Singapore, SG
Gold Bird and Jutti Pendant Necklace with Uncut Diamonds and Enamel” and/or "18 Karat Yellow Gold
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

Certified Natural Bahraini Pearl Drop and Diamonds Pendant in 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Mattar Jewelers
Located in Manama, BH
A must have in every women's collection, a classic pearl drop pendant. The 2.8 ct. cream coloured
Category

2010s Bahraini Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

18 Carat Gold, Blackened Silver, Pearl and Diamond Voyager Tassel Necklace
By Tessa Packard
Located in London, GB
extra versatility, the three-string, diamond-capped pearl drop can be removed allowing the necklace to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Rhod...

Tahitian Pearl and 0.12ctw Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Vienna, VA
10.20 MM Tahitian Pearl and 0.12ctw Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18K Tahitian Pearl and Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Natural Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
France, 1920's. Set with a drop-shaped natural pearl measuring 14,2 x 11,5 x 7,5 mm, color silver
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Certified 18 Kt White Gold Pendant 4 Ct Natural Bahraini Pearl Drop and Diamonds
By Mattar Jewelers
Located in Manama, BH
A must have in every women's collection, a classic pearl drop pendant. The 4 ct. drop hangs from a
Category

2010s Bahraini Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

18kt Rose Gold Reverse Earrings "Heart" with Diamonds and Mother-of-pearl Insert
By Falcinelli Italy
Located in Arezzo, IT
with mother-of-pearl, 1.40 ct, and diamonds, 0.12 ct. Stud and latch back closure.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Diamond and Natural Pearl Platinum on Gold Necklace, Russia, circa 1910
Located in Berlin, Berlin
of delicate wires surrounds the pearl with old European cut diamonds, of which the largest one is
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum, Rhodium

18ct White Gold Tahitian Pearl and Tanzanite Necklace
Located in Sydney, NSW
brilliant cut diamonds. Pendant drop measures 40mm x 14mm Necklace is an oval link chain measuring 43cm
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

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

Eare Boxed 7.0 Carat Diamond Pearl Rare Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
the main centre piece and as suspending finial one drop pearl encircled by more Diamonds Comes with
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

OWN Your Story 18K White Gold 4 Petalled Fresh Water Pearl Flower Drop Necklace
By OWN Your Story
Located in New Orleans, LA
OWN Your Story 18K White Gold Four Petalled Fresh Water Pearl Flower Drop Necklace OWN Your Story
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Square Opal Drop Necklace
By Angely Martinez
Located in New York, NY
The Waterfall Necklace presents a peaceful waterfall, filled with blue color tones. It includes the
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

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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.