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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Tiffnay Co. Edwardian Platinum Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
pearl surrounded with 12 old cut diamonds underneath are three platinum chains with three natural white
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Art Nouveau Drop Necklace Briolette Amethyst Diamond Pearls 10k Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
twelve 1mm to 2mm seed pearls are set into the top of the mount. The necklace measures 17 inches in
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Moonstone, Kyanite, Diamond and Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Nantucket, MA
An extraordinary pendant necklace featuring three carved moonstones in a flower motif. Each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Kyanite, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Pendant Drop Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Open drop motif centering an articulated belcher set old mine cut diamond weighing approximately
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold

Cartier 2001 Diamond Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Lariat Drop Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stylized white gold box chain lariat style necklace terminating on one end in two round cultured
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Carved Burmese Blue Sapphire 17.10 Carat Akoya Pearl Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in Bangkok, TH
. Surrounding by Round Cut Diamond 75 pieces 0.84 Carat. Also the pearl strand is Akoya Pearl from Japan total
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Handcraft Crocodile 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearls Sapphires Diamonds Drop Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
our craftsmen assembled with baroque pearls,diamonds,yellow and blue sapphires Necklace total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silv...

4.70 Carat White Diamond Peridot Red Coral Onyx Pearl Yellow Gold Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Necklace is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Necklace has 2.00 Carats of White Diamonds. This
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater P...

Goshwara Rubelite Dark Tumble And White South Sea Pearl Drop Necklace
By Goshwara
Located in New York, NY
Rubelite Dark Tumble with White South Sea Pearl Drop Necklace in 18K White Gold with Faceted Ribbed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold

Iridescent Pearl Embedded Diamond One of a Kind Pendant Drop Necklace, Kothari
By Kothari
Located in Dallas, TX
gorgeous, iridescent white freshwater baroque pearl inlaid with a single round brilliant-cut white diamond
Category

2010s American Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Art Nouveau Pearl and Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Lexington, KY
and the diamond is 2 mm in diameter. It is an immaculate piece guaranteed to impress. The necklace is
Category

Antique 1890s American Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage natural pearl and old cut diamond necklace set in 14k gold and platinum. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

4.70 Carat White Diamond Peridot Red Coral Onyx Pearl Yellow Gold Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Necklace has 2.70 Carats of Peridot. This Necklace has Mediterranean
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater P...

Belle Époque Triple Drop Diamond and Pearl Lavalier in Platinum
Located in Houston, TX
Belle Époque lavalier composed of platinum with diamonds and a pearl drop hanging in the center
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Art Deco negligee necklace with diamonds and pearl.
Located in Chorzów, PL
drop and at unequal lengths. Necklace set with a row of three diamonds in the upper part. Dangling
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

1960s Pearl Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Very Elegant circa: 1960s Platinum Necklace set with 10 Carats of Round and Baguette Diamonds. and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Pearl Diamond Gold Strand Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
pearls and 2.50 carats of sparkly diamonds.
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Pearl Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Baroque pearls, measuring 10 to 7 mm. The lower pearl is surmounted by a diamond-encrusted fleur-de-lis
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Rare necklace in Platinium, Pearls and Diamonds 1900 - 1905
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Rare necklace in platinum, diamonds and naturals pearls. in a style called "Garland", Work of great
Category

Early 20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Peruvian Opal with Tahitian Pearl and Diamonds Necklace
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Peruvian opal, 36.3 carats, 29x32mm, cabochon cut Pave diamonds 0.84 carats Tahitian pearl 12.5x14mm, drop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

South Sea White Pearl, Tahitian Black Pearl, and Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous diamond necklace contains 115 SI1/2 H/I color diamonds totaling 0.98 carats which are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Platinum and Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Necklace, circa 1930s-1950s
Located in Wailea, HI
Platinum and Yellow Gold Circa 1930's-1950's Diamond and Pearl Neckllace One Old European Cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Bvlgari Lucea 18k White Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
34.1 grams. The combination of the pearls, diamonds, and white gold craftsmanship makes this necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Stunning Diamond Pearl Necklace circa 1960s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 14k, German. This glamorous necklace is set with 18 carats of brilliant white diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s German Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Damiani Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Pearl Pendant Necklace by Damiani. With round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Yvel Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Yvel
Located in Dallas, TX
This amazing Yvel necklace features a Freshwater Pearl and diamond(apx. 0.33ct) pendant on an 18k
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marsh Co. Pearl and Diamond Blackened Steel Collar Necklace
By Marsh Co.
Located in Narberth, PA
platinum, the collar-style necklace features a gorgeous pearl and diamond design which lies beautifully
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Steel

Chanel Baumer Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
brilliant cut diamonds (3.92ct in total) and 24 Pearls (at 49.80ct in total) set in 18k white gold
Category

Early 2000s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A truly elegant diamond and pearl pendant necklace. The center pearl is of extremely high quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Drop Pearl and Crystal CZ Tennis Sterling Silver Statement Gala Bridal Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elegant costume necklace - a FAUX copy of a diamond tennis necklace with a South Sea pearl drop
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Aspen, CO
Platinum, diamond and natural pearl pendant, Edwardian, circa 1910. There are 15 natural pearls
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace with Columbian Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold diamond, emerald and pearl necklace. The necklace is comprised of 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

20th Century Natural Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful natural pearl and diamond necklace from the early 20th century. The necklace consists
Category

Early 20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Turquoise, Diamond, Pearl Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
rough cut antique diamonds repeating their form beneath a frilly diamond bow. Unquestionably unusual and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold

Edwardian 3.20 Carat Diamond Pearl Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
diamonds and a 7.30 mm cultured pearl.
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Antique Onyx Cameo Diamond Pearl Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This superb Renaissance style antique diamond and seed pearl necklace features a black and white
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Natural Pearl

Estate Pearl Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous pearl and diamond drop necklace, the necklace measures 18" in length followed by 1
Category

Early 2000s Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Steven Fox South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Steven Fox Jewelry
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jackie Kennedy said that "pearls are always appropriate", and this one spectacular South Sea pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Platinum

1940s Art Deco Pearl and 1.55 carat Diamond and Platinum Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1940's Art Deco single pearl and 1.55 carat diamond, platinum necklace; part of
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Fringe Necklace
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Elegant Tahitian black pearl (9-9.5mm) and diamond (3.50cts) necklace. This classic fringe
Category

20th Century Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Belle Epoque Diamonds Natural Pearls Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary Belle Èpoque diamond and Natural Pearls collier by French Masters Caillot & Peck
Category

Antique 1890s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum

Stefan Hafner Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Stefan Hafner
Located in Miami, FL
genuine round cut natural diamonds approx. 50.00cttw, G color, VS clarity, all prong set. This necklace is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond and Peal Drop Necklace
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
One 18K white gold diamond and pearl necklace containing 8 old mine diamonds weighing ctw and 23
Category

20th Century Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mabe Pearl Diamond Gold Lavaliere Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely Lavaliere Necklace of Mabe Pearls and Diamonds Dating Back to the Early 20th Century. The
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold

Negligée necklace with diamonds and pearls, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful necklace with pearls and diamonds with a total weight of approx. 0.25 ct. Necklace made
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Fringe Necklace in Gold and Silver
Located in London, GB
gold and silver. The necklace itself has a striking pearl and inverted square diamond pattern with a
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Natural Pearl

Conch Pearl, Diamond and Pearl 18 Karat Negligee Necklace海螺珠
Located in Banbury, GB
, Diamond carat: 5.03, Pendant length: 5cm, Necklace length: 46.5cm, Pearl Diameter: 2mm, Material: 18k
Category

2010s Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian Pearl Grapes and Enamel Leaves Necklace with Diamonds Accent
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Exquisite Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace featuring a graduating floral design
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Sapphire Diamond Pearl White Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
pearls measuring 6mm x 7mm. The necklace measures 18 inches in length. It is stamped and/or tested as
Category

20th Century American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, W...

Diamond and pearl art deco choker necklace 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous art deco style choker necklace diamonds and pearl 18ct white gold. Composed of 2.50ct
Category

Antique 16th Century European Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Pearl and 1.50ct Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive pearl and 1.50 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold drop necklace
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco Aquamarine Diamond Pearl Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
1920s necklace. The fine blue aquamarines effortlessly comingle with pearls and a brilliant diamond for
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Aquamarine, Platinum, 14k Gold

Cartier Pearl Diamond White Gold Lariat Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
. The necklace is made of 18K white gold and boasts a lustrous white pearl pendant. Lastly, the lariat
Category

20th Century French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond and Emerald Y Drop Necklace
Located in Nantucket, MA
An elegant and stunning Y drop necklace in an Art Deco style comprised of large emerald-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Emerald, Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An Art Nouveau 14 karat gold and enamel necklace with emeralds, pearls and diamonds. The necklace
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Enamel, Diamond and Natural Seed Pearl Necklace or Brooch
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique enamel flower with shaded enamel to depict the flower, with 20 natural seed pearls set in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold

South Sea Baroque Pearl Diamond and Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
South Sea Baroque Pearl Drop with .25CTW Diamonds and 18K Yellow Gold. On 14K Yellow Gold 16 inch
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 14k 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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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.