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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Ombré Australian Rainbow Opal Gold Drop One of a Kind Necklace, Talkative 2025
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisite boulder opal necklace is a true collector’s piece from Japanese jewelry artist
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Pink Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond and Pink Tourmaline Necklace by Tiffany & Co. With 2 marquise shaped brilliant
Category

1990s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Miroir Des Eaux Mother of Pearl Panel and Inlaid Black Onyx
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cleef necklace is absolutely stunning. It is a white gold and round diamond stationed neck chain that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Gumps Chinoiserie Onyx Long Necklace Sautoir In 18Kt Gold With Jade And Diamonds
By Gump s San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
earth mined gemstones such; colorless diamonds, green jade and black onyx. The necklace is fully
Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

American Art Nouveau Demantoid Garnet Diamond Pearl Gold Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
scrolling open-work design of diamond- and pearl florets and bezel-set demantoid garnets dancing around the
Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 15k Gold

Edwardian 1.17 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Gold Antique Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
from lotus motif bale and pierced with furling foliates bead set with diamonds Rose cut and weighing
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Lovely Yellow Gold Pendant style necklace with pearls, rubies and diamonds. A delicate handmade
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Masriera Plique-a-Jour Enamel Pearl Diamond Butterfly Pendant
By Masriera
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
etherial look that is alluring and beautiful. Brilliant round diamonds, .36 carats in total, are peppered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Opal and Pearl 9k Yellow Gold Pendant - Victorian Style - Vintage 1979
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
independent diamond grading report card. Dimensions Length of drop 5.6cm/2.20" Width across pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s English Drop Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Necklace 18k Gold Vintage Scalloped - Fred Paris
By Fred Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
brilliant-cut diamonds. Suspended from the center is a detachable drop-shaped pendant, 2" long and 1.25
Category

Vintage 1970s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Stunning 18K White Gold Pendant with Pearl
Located in רמת גן, IL
This pendant is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the understated beauty of pearls and
Category

2010s Singaporean Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Under The Midnight Sun Sapphire Diamond Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
, 14k gold plating, sapphire, diamond, rose cut diamond, polki diamond, pearl, peridot, tourmaline
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Sapphire,...

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Crescendo III Amethyst Gold Opal Diamond Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
, agate, amber, ruby, diamonds, 14k solid gold, sterling silver, 14k gold plating, ebony wood, and pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Amber, Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k...

Henry Blank Co. 1910 Diamond Enamel Platinum 14K Gold Antique Sautoir Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
drop Mounted pearl is near-round and measures 4.5 mm Drop is dogtooth-shaped, measuring 5.5 x 8.0 mm
Category

Vintage 1910s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Antique Aquamarine Pearl Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.92 carat aquamarine and seed pearl pendant in 15 karat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Gold Enamel and Diamond Gothic Revival Neckalce
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 Victorian Era, Gothic revival Necklace, the pendant element measures 4 5/8 inch in
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Gothic Revival Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold

Dancing Peacock Reversible Navratan Vintage Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Dancing Peacock Reversible Navratan Vintage Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Necklace Traditional Yellow
Category

1990s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Oriental Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Ye...

Bulgari Allegra Multi Gem Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
Beautiful and contemporary 18ct yellow gold Bvlgari pendant on chain with pearl detailing. This
Category

Early 2000s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Diamond Emerald Necklace 18" 18k Gold 1.95 TCW Italy Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls! This Emerald necklace has been Certified, Inspected, and
Category

2010s Italian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large Edwardian Platinum and Diamond Hand Pierced Pendant Chain
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
intricate design are over one and a half carats of old european cut diamonds. At the heart lies a 0.35 carat
Category

20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Clarissa Bronfman Crystal Castle Tanzanite Sapphire Diamond Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, tanzanite, bone, wood, mother of pearl, sapphire, amethyst, crystal, synthetic coral. **Please
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

CLARISSA BRONFMAN "Crimson Everglades" Ruby Diamond Gold Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attaches to 17 inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, Ruby, Blue Topaz, Druzy, Gold, 14...

Wolf at the Moon Pendant White 18kt Gold Mother of Pearl, Diamond, Aquamarine
By Anna Maccieri Rossi
Located in Santarcangelo Di Romagna, IT
Wolf at the Moon Pendant with 18kt gold and mother of pearl sculpted and mosaic ( White and Tahiti
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Erte Brooch Necklace
By Erté
Located in Vaughan, CA
Made famous by Loni Anderson comes this limited edition Erte necklace. The centerpiece is a woman's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Tiffany Co Gem Set Negligee Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Stunning Art Deco platinum, diamond, pearl and gem set negligee necklace by Tiffany & Co. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Silver on 14K Yellow Gold 10.50ct Diamond Necklace with Platinum Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This antique necklace features a mix of Old Mine Cut, Old European Cut, and Single Cut diamonds
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver

Edwardian 1905 Art Nouveau Necklace Platinum 18Kt Gold 15.12 Ctw Peridot Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Peridot, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels MOP Magic Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
various sizes, set with white mother of pearl discs, scaNered along diamond cut cable chain. Clasp hidden
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Multi Gemstone and Yellow Gold Necklace Antique, circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1930s mutli gemstone and 18 karat yellow gold necklace
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Delicate Diamond and Moonstone Platinum Pendant
Located in Amsterdam, NL
are five drops decorated with pearls and diamonds, England, circa 1910. weight: 8.5 grams length
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum

‘Jellyfish’ Brooch Necklace by Alessio Boschi for Autore
By Autore
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
clarity diamonds on articulated tentacles with three 18.00mm – 24.00mm natural keshi pearls. The top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, ...

Sunita Nahata 28.5 Carat Aquamarine Necklace in 18KWG with Paraiba Alexandrite
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
dainty diamonds and pearls to detail the extravagant aquatic life present. Designer aquamarine necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, Para...

Christian Dior "Rose Des Vents" Necklace
By Victoire de Castellane for Christian Dior
Located in Litchfield, CT
WEIGHT: 7.3 grams STONES: .35 carats total weight of F color, VS clarity diamonds and Mother of Pearl
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Carved Jade Pendant with Diamonds and Onyx on Beaded Chain
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Unusual carved jade drop pendant with a bale of onyx and diamonds, suspended from a 19 inch chain
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Jade, Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Aquamarine Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
approximately 7 carats, framed in millegrain, surrounded by alternating rose cut diamonds and pearls, suspended
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Erte Gold Silver Gem set Sophistication Necklace
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
Pearl. This Piece converts into a large Brooch and a necklace. Signed and Numbered. Over 18 Inch total
Category

Vintage 1980s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Opal and 1.25Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Pendant - Contemporary 2012
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
; part of our opal and pearl jewelry/jewelry collections This fine contemporary opal and diamond
Category

2010s English Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful pearl and diamond drop necklace. This vintage piece focally showcases a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Art Nouveau 14k Yellow Gold Swallow Motif Lavalier Style Necklace
Located in Birmingham, AL
shape yellow diamond with a smaller swallow above holding a single, natural seed pearl. The birds are
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, Berlin Iron

Edwardian "Madonna and Child" Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Platinum over gold pendant, an ornate frame of diamonds and custom-cut sapphires and displaying a
Category

20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Cartier Green Chalcedony Hematite Sautoir and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
chain & tasle that has 10 carved chalcedony leaves with diamond borders & 10 strands of pearls
Category

1990s French Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

John Hardy Cinta Dragon Pendant In 18Kt Gold With Sapphires Quartz And Diamonds
By John Hardy
Located in Miami, FL
with a movable bale with a hinged snap closure to wear in a chain or a beads necklace. The Dragons in
Category

2010s Balinese Modernist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Quartz, Sapphire, Spinel, Gold, 1...

Gorgeous 18K White Gold Pendant Chain with 0.03 ct Natural Pear and Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
. Featuring a single, round brilliant diamond weighing 0.03 carats, nestled beside a captivating pink pearl
Category

2010s Singaporean Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Russian Locket Necklace Dated 1871
Located in Chicago, IL
with black enamel, two emeralds, two half pearls and rose cut diamonds. Length 44 cm (17 1/4 in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Drop Necklaces

Cartier Pearl and Diamond Drop Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
like a 16" chain) Chain Width: 3mm Grey Pearl Dimensions: 8.9mm White Pearl Dimensions: 7.4mm Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

An 18K Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond Ruby Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An 18K Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond & Ruby Pendant & Brooch - circa 1860, faded European
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Diamond Gold Platinum Bow Tied Cat Pendant
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Aspen, CO
18K and platinum finely modelled cat playing with a ball which is a fine South Sea pearl, measuring
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rare Victorian Holbeinesque Gem Set Enamel Gold Pendant Locket Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This rare antique Victorian necklace with a highly ornate locket pendant is of European provenance
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Style :18k White Gold 6ct Diamond & Pearl Earrings Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: 6ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond Enhancer/Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An 18k yellow gold disc, set with diamond in a symmetrical grid pattern. Designed as a pendant with
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Style 2.32 Carat Peridot Seed Pearl 15 Karat Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Art Nouveau 2.32 carat peridot and seed pearl, 15 carat yellow gold pendant
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Peridot, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

CLARISSA BRONFMAN "Me Myself Divine III" Ruby Garnet Diamond Agate Symbol Tree
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attaches to 17 inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Diamond, Garnet, Black Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Topaz, Go...

CLARISSA BRONFMAN "Me Myself Divine III" Ruby Gold Diamond Sapphire Symbol Tree
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attaches to 14 inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Quartz, Ruby, Sap...

Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite
Located in New York, NY
real Diamonds polki stones, Beads, Pearls and Red enamel necklace. The modified triangular-shaped
Category

Early 2000s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Magnificent Emerald Amethyst Diamond Gold Extra Large Cross Pin Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
modest row of brilliant diamonds. The piece is designed with a pin back and a removable, concealed bale
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond, 22k Gold

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Emerald Agate Gold Diamond Malachite Selva Magica Symbol Tree
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attaches to 17 inch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Malachite, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate...

Large 103.55 Carat Oval Amethyst Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
bead or pearl necklaces to support the pendant. The bale opens for further convenience and secures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst

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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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