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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Diamond White Gold Shell Pin/Pendant Gold Chain
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
piece to be a worn as brooch, a pendant or an enhancer on a string of beads or pearls. The crevice and
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Art Nouveau Antique Gold Silver Diamond Enamel Madonna Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
pearls and old rose cut diamonds set in silver. The silver and gold bail is also set with rose cut
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Turn-of-the-Century Madonna Pendant with Locket
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Gorgeous pendant with a locket back: a scalloped border of seed pearls and rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

"Vintage Americana" Victorian Rose Gold Pendant with Gemstones
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
charm. The cluster of pearls in the center is dotted with a rose cut diamond and the border is a bold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18k Yellow Gold Hand-Carved Victorian Amethyst Cameo Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Pearls, and a necklace also made of Emeralds. Fashionable women from the Renaissance forward often wore
Materials

Emerald, Amethyst, Natural Pearl, Ruby

LÉOPOLD ALBERT MARIN GAUTRAIT Helianthus Art Nouveau Pendant
By Leopold Gautrait
Located in London, GB
This Symbolist jewel portrays the outcome of the Greek myth of Clytie and the Sun God Apollo. Clytie a water nymph who is deeply in love with Apollo transforms into a sunflower so ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Gorgeous Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Diamond & South Sea Cultured White Pearl is perfect for any occasion. This necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Antoine Beaudouin silver Art Nouveau pendant Modesty
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Nouveau girls’ heads. The large silver, ruby and natural pearl pendant is called Modesty and is
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sterling Silver

ANTIQUE AGATE CAMEO
Located in San Antonio, TX
PEARL, DIAMOND, AND AGATE DIAMOND PENDANT DEPICTING A CHERUB PLAYING A PIPE, FRAMED BY OLD MINE CUT
Category

English Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond

Renaissance Revival Gold Gemstone Pendant, Circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Gold, Enamel, Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Renaissance Revival Pendant, Circa 1880
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold

Gorgeous South Sea Pearl Necklace and Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous South Sea pearl necklace measuring 17 inches long, containing 25 vibrant white peals with
Category

20th Century American Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Tiffany & Co., a south sea pearl and diamond platinum pendant. ♦ Designer: Tiffany & Co. ♦
Category

Early 2000s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Cartier 18K White Gold Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional diamond pendant crafted in 18k white gold mounted with diamonds and pearls. An
Category

20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Oval Link Necklace with Tahitian Pearl Drop
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Gemstone Details: Removable Tahitian Pearl measuring approximately 11.5mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Era Platinum and Diamond Necklace and Pin Combo with Pearl Drop
Located in New York, NY
completed with a beautiful pearl drop, adding a touch of classic sophistication. This versatile piece is
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Russian Guilloche Enamel Gold Egg Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
surface texture of the egg is finished to resemble a hammered metal. The egg is covered with pearl white
Category

20th Century Russian Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Enamel

Antique Renaissance Revival Deep Purple Siberian Amethyst Pendant
By Ivan Khlebnikov
Located in Chicago, IL
amethyst (14 x 11 mm) set in a pearl and diamond frame. The pendant is marked on the back with 1899
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst

Antique Italian Medieval Style Jeweled Gold Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
with sapphires, rubies, rose cut diamonds, and pearls. Estimated total sapphire weight is 3.62 ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Medieval Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Pearl and Diamond Pear Drop Pendant
Located in London, England
A beautiful pear shaped cultured pearl measuring approximately 7 x 9mm suspended from a diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marlene Stowe Mabe Pearl Diamond Gold Drop Pendant
By Marlene Stowe
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Marlene Stowe, a Mabe pearl drop pendant. The 17mm Mabe cultured pearl is set in a brushed and
Category

Early 2000s Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Round White Pearl and Diamond Drop Fashion Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Pearl Diamonds: 9 Round Diamonds at 0.05 Carats. VS-SI Quality / H-I Color Chain: 18 inches Fine one-of
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Mikimoto 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds Drop Pendant Pearl Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl single-strand necklace with a diamond pendant and gold
Category

1990s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamonds, White Pearls, Rose Gold and Silver Flower Shape Beaded/ Drop Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Unique design fashion retrò beaded/drop necklace realized in 9K rose gold and silver with flower
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Cartier Diamond Line Necklace and Pearl Drop Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional Cartier Paris diamond line necklace featuring a detachable large pearl drop and diamond
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Christian Dior Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
diamonds, this necklace is an instant classic! Approximate Dimensions: Drop of the Necklace: 9.00
Category

Late 20th Century Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary Diamond and Pearl Drop Pendant Necklace Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A fabulous pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in 18k yellow gold. The pendant prominently
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Baroque Pearl Diamond Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
necklace is an 18K rose gold chain from which hangs the dazzling pearl. Lastly, diamond-set rose gold
Category

20th Century Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Na Hoku 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace #19977
By NA HOKU
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Na Hoku 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace This elegant drop pendant necklace
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
of the spacious pendant is accented with seven pearls. Approximate Dimensions: Drop of the Necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LeVian Brown Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Le Vian
Located in Southampton, PA
a lustrous brown pearl accented with ~1.05ct of champagne diamonds. Approximate Dimensions: Drop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Brown Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Damiani Pearl Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
white pearl hangs inside of the pendant. Approximate Dimensions: Drop of the Necklace: 10.00", Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pearls Necklace with filigree drop
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
Gorgeous freshwater pearl necklace with diamond filigree enhancer style pendant. Strung within five
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

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

Conch Pearl, Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Conch Pearl, natural pearl and diamond necklace. Set with one drop shape natural conch pearl in a
Category

Vintage 1920s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Charriol Pearl Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Charriol
Located in Southampton, PA
. Included Items: Manufacturer's Pouch Approximate Dimensions: Drop of the Necklace: 9.75", Pendant Length
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Black Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
which three black pearls and three diamonds hang. Approximate Dimensions: Drop of the Necklace: 9.50
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Estate 1970s 18KT Yellow Gold 8mm Pearl Cabochon Ruby And Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning necklace showcases the timeless beauty of pearls with the added sparkle of diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Egyptian Revival Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Pearl Diamond Platinum Dragonfly Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
necklace is made of platinum studded with diamonds. Hanging from the necklace is a dragonfly shaped pendant
Category

20th Century American Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Art Nouveau 1.75 Carat White Diamond Pearl White Gold Beaded Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Necklace is made of 18K White Gold. This Necklace has 1.75 Carats of White Diamonds. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Pearl Pave Diamond Sautoir Tassel Drop Necklace Yellow Gold 1970s
Located in Lisbon, PT
A vintage cultured pearl and round brilliant-cut diamond sautoir tassel necklace in 18kt yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

14 KT Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
weight of 3.00 carats, Color: G-H, Clarity: VS, with 9 - 7 millimeter pearls dropping from the design.
Category

1990s American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

BUNDA 10.75mm Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamonds drop earrings in 18k yellow go
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A pair of BUNDA 'Vine' Cultured South Sea pearl earrings in 18 carat yellow gold, featuring drop
Category

2010s Australian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18K yellow gold and features a single white pearl pendant accented with an ~.24ct of diamonds
Category

20th Century American Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mikimoto Custom-Made Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18K white gold and boasts a pendant paved with diamonds. Lastly, a 12.5mm cultured pearl dangles from
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Modern 18 Karat Gold 0.60 Carat Diamond Pearl Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
features: - 1 cultured pearl - 39 diamonds, brilliant cut, TW 0.60ct, RW-W, SI-P1 Weight: 7.36g Length
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Briolette Cut Diamonds and Pearls Earrings Gold and Platinum, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
cut diamonds, each weighing approximately 1ct. They are beautifully surrounded with seeds pearls. The
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Style 1.75 Carat White Diamond Pearl White Gold Beaded Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Necklace has 342.00 Carats of Pearls. We're a workshop so every
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Lacy Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Lavalier Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
standards Accent Gemstones & Diamonds: 37 Rose cut diamonds 0.18 Carats total 1 Cultured Pearl drop
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Pearl Swallow Pendant Necklace with Diamond Drop
Located in Brighton, GB
necklace is a true testament to craftsmanship and elegance. Adorned with natural seed pearls, the
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond 18 Karat Black Gold Filigree Mini Egg Pearl Drop Pendant Necklace
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, GB
the twisting, sculptural shape of the exotic Orchid flower. Whispering pearl drop small domed filigree
Category

2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Pearl Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Floral Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
throughout by baroque and dogtooth pearls with some as a floral motif and one as an articulated drop All are
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, ...

Cartier 18k White Gold Diamond Tahitian Pearl Himalia Drop Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
__________________________________ Metal 18K Gold Chain Length Approx 40.64cm Stone Diamond: Approx 1.12ct Stone Count: 32 Pearl: Approx 7
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Emerald Diamond Set Pendant and Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Earrings. The pendant was made as an enhancer to clip on any choker or pearl strand necklace. Only the
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau Style 1.75 Carat White Diamond Pearl White Gold Beaded Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Necklace has 342.00 Carats of Pearls. We're a workshop so every
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Art Nouveau Style 1.75 Carat White Diamond Pearl White Gold Beaded Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Necklace has 342.00 Carats of Pearls. We're a workshop so every
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Art Nouveau Style 1.75 Carat White Diamond Pearl White Gold Beaded Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Necklace has 342.00 Carats of Pearls. We're a workshop so every
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Art Nouveau Style 1.75 Carat White Diamond Pearl White Gold Beaded Drop Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Necklace has 342.00 Carats of Pearls. We're a workshop so every
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Quatrefoil Link Drop Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Cape May, NJ
Stone: Pearl Secondary Accent Stone: Pink Tourmaline Pendant Measurement: 15mm x 15mm Pendant Drop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

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.