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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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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

Antique Edwardian Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
. Weight: 10.1 grams Drop Pendant Measurements: 1.5" x 1" / Pearl Necklace 17" long Total diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Tahitian Pearl Y Necklace with Diamond Accents
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow and white gold Y necklace featuring a 12.5mm Tahitian pearl drop accented by 28
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier White Gold Pearl Diamond Himalia Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold pearl and diamond necklace by Cartier from the Himalia collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Beautiful Antique Natural Pearl and Diamond Sautoir Necklace Ca. 1910
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Edwardian pearl and diamond sautoir necklace c.1910, the necklace formed of a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Blue Enamel Gold Snake Necklace with Diamond and Pearl Accents
Located in New York, NY
An antique gold and blue enamel snake necklace set with diamonds, with an enamel and pearl pendant
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Edwardian Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Bow Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Bow Platinum and white gold necklace, circa 1910. ABOUT THIS ITEM
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Beautiful South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Port Hope, ON
A cultured South Sea Pearl and 3 diamond necklace made of 18K white gold. The ball chain necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Necklaces

14 Karat Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Slide Pendant Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Custom Material: 14k yellow gold Pearls: 1 Tahitian pearl = 10.50mm diameter Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl Sapphire Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Marcus Co.
Located in Miami, FL
diamond necklace. Finely crafted in solid platinum, this necklace features a pendant that is set with 1
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Fireworks Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Fireworks Diamond Tahitian Pearl Necklace by Tiffany & Co. With 22 round brilliant cut
Category

1990s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Natural Conch Pearl GIA Fancy Yellow Diamond and Sapphire Long Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Pearl with Fancy Yellow Diamond & Yellow Sapphire18K Gold Drop necklace! Conch Pearls were extremely
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Gold

Magnificent Melo pearl necklace
By Hamilton
Located in Princeton, NJ
. The one-of-a-kind necklace handcrafted in platinum features a 39-carat Melo pearl with a rich orange
Category

2010s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

1900s 1.42 Carat Diamond and Seed Pearl Enamel Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
round cut diamonds ornament the necklace, three of which are set to drop settings to the lower border
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco natural oriental pearl, diamond and onyx necklace.
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Aspen, CO
With approximately 4.62 cts. of diamonds, this necklace is a beautiful example of Art Deco jewelry
Materials

Diamond, Onyx

Vintage pearl and diamond set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliant diamonds and a luminous pearl drop, with a clever design that allows it to be transformed into a
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Antique Emerald Pearl Diamond Garland Style Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
, pearls, and rose cut diamonds. The principal emerald measures 9.23 x 8.44 x 6.77 mm. The emerald has a
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Art Deco Natural Pearl Diamond Platinum Negligee Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds. This motif holds 2 chains, the same as that of the necklace, each with asymmetric pendants at the
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

1970s Buccellati Baroque Pearl Diamond Emerald Gold Necklace
By Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
23.26 x 16.20 mm Baroque pearl. The necklace part is made of yellow and white gold set with rose cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique 4.41 Carat Diamond and Seed Pearl Platinum Sautoir Necklace, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1920s 4.41 carat diamond and seed pearl, platinum sautoir necklace; part of our
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Grand Victorian Amethyst Enamel Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
, heavily detailed with white enamel, scalloped edges, rose cut diamonds and seed pearls. A pear-shaped drop
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Pink Topaz Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
topaz framed in a border of diamond-studded platinum leaves and pearls speckled throughout. Measuring a
Category

Antique 1880s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Gorgeous 155.37ct Diamonds and Salt Water Pearls Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Gorgeous 155.37ct Diamonds and Salt Water Pearls in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified Elevate your
Category

2010s Israeli Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
platinum wire work, with seed pearls and mille grain edges surrounding each section have been combined to
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Dazzling 18k White Gold Necklace with 0.01 Ct Natural Pearl and Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful necklace with a dazzling round natural pearl. It has 0.01 carat of side diamonds which
Category

2010s Singaporean Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Paris Calin Lariat Necklace In 18Kt White Gold With Diamond And Pearls
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
damage to the gold. The diamond and the pearls are secured in the settings. This necklace has been
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modernist Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Fireworks South Sea Pearl Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Fireworks Diamond South Sea Pearl Necklace by Tiffany & Co. With 22 round brilliant cut
Category

Early 2000s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Black Pearl and Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Aspen, CO
Black pearl, 11.8 by 15.4 mm, very fine quality with deep luster and a smooth surface. light gray
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Black Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Estate 5.58cts Diamond South Sea Pearl Gold Fringe Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This diamond necklace of exquisite allure and feminine grace is crafted in 18k white gold and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Edwardian Pearl Diamond Platinum Garland Design Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This Breathtaking Edwardian diamond pearl necklace of exquisite garland design and artistic
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Paul Morelli Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, White Gold and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Paul Morelli
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow rose, rose, white gold, diamond and colored diamond and pearl necklace. Paul
Category

Early 2000s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
resembles the spread wings of a diamond butterfly, suspending a single pearl measuring approximately 8 X 10
Category

20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Intricate Victorian Carved Coral Jade Seed Pearl Silk Dragon Drop Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, scrolling, dragon motif and displays varying tones of orangey-red Necklace drop consists of coral beads
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver

1900s, Antique Pearl and Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique seed pearl necklace in 15 karat yellow gold; part of our diverse
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Pearl Enamel Yellow Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Stunning 18k Yellow Gold Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Pearl, and Enamel Necklace by Tiffany & Co
Category

2010s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Loree Rodkin Diamond Platinum Tahitian South Sea Pearl Necklace
By Loree Rodkin
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Tahitian South Sea Pearl Necklace by Loree Rodkin. With 18k Yellow Gold Accents
Category

20th Century American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

French Antique Natural Pearl Diamond Silver Gold Fringe Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique diamond and natural pearl fringe design necklace with graduating knife wire pendants, each
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate

Art Nouveau Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cable chain necklace centers a highly rendered floral and foliate station Each flower is bezel
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Natural Pearl, Diamond Gold Pendent Necklace, BY M.BUCCELLATI
By Buccellati
Located in Firenze, IT
Suspending to the front with a a detachable natural pearl measuring approximately 13.10 x 14.50 mm
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Platinum South Sea Pearl Moonstone 3.02 Carat Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
From Tiffany & Company..... this platinum, South Sea cultured pearl, moonstone and diamond necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Peridot Citrine Amethyst Topaz Pearl Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Necklace with brightly colored pear shaped genuine stones and multi-color pearls in 14k white gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Pearl and Diamond Lavaliere
Located in Bethesda, MD
a natural teardrop pearl measuring 9.6 by 6.7 mm and 32 old European cut diamonds weighing 3 carats
Category

Antique 1890s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl

1910s Pearl and 2.61 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique English 2.61 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, platinum set necklace
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18k Gold and Pearl Necklace
Located in Princeton, NJ
Vintage 18 Yellow and White gold 5 teardrop shaped pearls with alternating diamond pave beads
Category

Early 2000s Drop Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Tahitian Pearl Tsavorite Diamond "Y" Eternity Necklace
By Campanelli Pear
Located in Troy, MI
! 18KWG Tahitian Pearl=11mm Tsavorites= 0.43 Cttw Diamonds = 2.92 Cttw 15.5" long with additional 2" drop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White ...

Tourmaline Seed Pearl Diamond Gold Tassel Sautoir Gold Statement Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Diamonds in gallery mounting, suspending a tassel composed of 40 strands of Akoya Keshi (seed) Pearls; the
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold

Art Deco French Diamond, Natural Pearl, Emerald, Sapphire Necklace
Located in Aspen, CO
French Art Deco 25.5 inches long with French hallmarks on the natural pearl and rose cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Pearl Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Heart Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
18K Natural pearls, emeralds and small diamonds decorating the gold and platinum bale. The heart
Category

Antique 19th Century American Late Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

1920s Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920's natural saltwater pearl and 0.44 carat diamond, platinum pendant and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Aquamarine Briolette and Pearl Sautoir Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Belle Epoque Aquamarine Briolette and Pearl Sautoir Necklace, ca. 1910s A beautiful and very
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Mother Of Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Coral Mother Of Pearl And Diamond Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Amethyst Diamond Natural Pearl Festoon Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
A stunning late Victorian 18K gold, amethyst, diamond and natural pearl festoon necklace composed
Category

Antique 1880s Belgian Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Art Nouveau Diamond Drop Pendant fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This gorgeous
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Andreoli Diamond Tahitian Pearls 18k White Gold Dangle Pendant Necklace
By Andreoli
Located in Boca Raton, FL
the necklace has small double round wire cable frame links, each with a round cut diamond. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Freshwater Natural Pearl Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds weighing approximately 0.55 carat total; eye-clean and white With three suspended drops comprised
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...

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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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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.