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Diamond And Pearl Drop Necklaces

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Cartier “Les Oiseaux Liberes” Diamond Emerald Beads Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER “Les Oiseaux Liberes” Pendant Necklace Designed as a parrot set with brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Hermes Chandra Necklace in 18k Rose Gold.
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Chandra diamond and pearl necklace in 18k rose gold. The necklace features open circle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Rose Gold

Alex Jona Floating White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alex Jona Champagne Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Chocker Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
travels the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Alex Jona Floating White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
 precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally designs exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alex Jona Floating White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
 precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally designs exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold Necklace with 145 flat cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alex Jona Floating Brown Briolette Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Erte Romain De Tirtoff Gold and Gem set Necklace
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Erte "Romain De Tirtoff" Necklace in the Classic Erte Art Deco Style, the pendant
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

EDWARDIAN Belle Epoque 1905 Platinum Festoon Necklace With 10.35 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Bulgari Allegra Fancy Color Sapphires Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
 precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally designs exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Go...

Art Deco Revival Platinum Chain Necklace Diamond Sapphire Enamel Beads
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A delicate Art Deco revival platinum chain necklace, featuring enamel beads, sapphire and diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Open Circle Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, Diamond Pavé Pendant Necklace in 18 karat white
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond Demantoid Garnet Pearl Maltese Cross Pendant / Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
(frequently called Maltese) cross set with bright white diamonds, gray pearls, and vivid green Russian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Alex Jona Blue Sapphire White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, dangling pendant necklace, featuring 53 blue
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau Sapphire, Pearl, Enamel Pendant 14K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
also has a Pear shaped Blue Sapphire in the center and single cut Diamonds surround. This shape is
Category

Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel

Clarissa Bronfman "Crescendo V" Sapphire Ruby Gold Diamond Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
, silver, tourmaline, pave diamonds, 14k solid gold, 18k solid gold, mother of pearl, pearl, enamel, bone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold P...

Erte Necklace-Brooch Earrings in Diamonds Gold Silver Cabochon Black Onyx
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
This show stopper Art Deco Style necklace by the renowned Artist Erte is a limited edition piece
Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, Silver

Alex Jona Briolette-Cut White Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
 precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally designs exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Alex Jona Briolette-Cut White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
 precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally designs exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alex Jona Briolette-Cut Black Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Cartier Paris 1940 Art Deco Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds Coral Onyxes
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A necklace designed by Cartier. Beautiful colorful V shaped necklace, designed in Paris France
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Gold Diamond and Garnet Vine Pendant
Located in New York, NY
seed pearl leaves, garnet and a small diamond accent. 2" x .65".
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold

Amethyst Diamond Heart is A Pendant and Brooch Victorian 18kt c.1900
Located in Stamford, CT
A regal 18 kt Edwardian diamond and amethyst pendant/brooch to exoresses your loving thoughts. The
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

25 Ct Natural Carved Emerald 10 Ct Diamond Art Deco Style 18 KW Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
elegance of this piece. With a total weight of 71 grams, the necklace measures 16 inches without the drop
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique 2.59ct Sapphire and 0.32ct Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Old European cut diamonds. The apex of the linear drop features an impressive cluster style setting
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Alex Jona Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
 precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally designs exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Pink Sapphire Freshwater Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.80 CTTW 14-15 MM 18KT
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
, Gold & Gemstone Colors Message for Pictures & Details. More Fashion Pearl Earrings & Necklaces in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Marina J. Black Grey Pearl Woven Lariat with 14k White Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. The Tassel features a large Baroque Black Pearl sitting atop a solid 14k White Gold Diamond Encrusted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

French Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Lavaliere Necklace
Located in Hummelstown, PA
missing, the pearl and diamond drop is a replacement
Category

Vintage 1910s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1890s Russian Multi Gemstone 15 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
stone is a bright pear shaped imperial topaz, below an old-cut diamond and a natural pearl. Below it is
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Pe...

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst Sapphire Gold Lavender Estrella Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
plating, amethyst, amber, sapphire, agate, diamond, pearl, and enamel. Please Note: Some of our jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Pearl, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate,...

Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace or Brooch by Gautrait
By Gautrait
Located in London, GB
A yellow gold and platinum necklace composed of a horizontal openwork oval pendant with a central
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Cartier Paris 1900 Edwardian Guilloche Enamel Pin 18Kt Gold Platinum And Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
enamel. Accented with thirty-five natural earth mined rose cut diamonds and the settings are finished
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinu...

Colorful Enamel 18K Gold Pendant Necklace, 1990
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
twist of Asian influence. Incorporating Pearls, Diamonds, fine colored Enamel. 18K gold pendant with a
Category

1990s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Round diamond half moon
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
This stunning 1.65ct diamond half moon drop pendant necklace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Clarissa Bronfman Selva Magica II Diamond Gold Emerald Amber Symbol Tree Neckla
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
, gold, pearl, emerald, agate, diamond, 14k gold, opal, topaz, peridot, ruby, enamel, sterling silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Pla...

Art Nouveau gold and silver pendant, Belle Epoque, France, circa 1910.
Located in Chorzów, PL
, studded with old-cut diamonds, dark blue sapphire and pearls. The pendant impresses with its form and Art
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Alex Jona Blue Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
travels the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Double Black Baroque Pearl and Pave Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Manhasset, NY
Double Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings. 17 grams total weight. Part of a matching 53 inch long
Category

Late 20th Century Baroque Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold

Art Deco Pearl and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous drop necklace crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Alex Jona Multicolor Burmese Spinel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
travels the world to discover extraordinary precious stones, pearls and diamonds with which he personally
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
13mm Pearls: 19 (2.3 - 3.8mm) Diamonds: Approx. 0.70 carats, Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS-SI Necklace
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Platinum, Silver

【Petite Signature】Blue Clover — Sapphire Diamond Charm Pendant
Located in New York, NY
2.10 carats) arranged like velvet-blue petals around a brilliant-cut natural diamond center. Set in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

7.15 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Pear Cut Pendant 18K Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
and clarity. Pearl Cut Diamond Approx. 1.15 carat, Color J - Clarity SI2 Emerald Color ~ Medium Green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

【Énigma】Celeste Glow 2.7ct Deep Blue Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Pendant Neckl
Located in New York, NY
platinum setting adorned with a delicate 0.02ct natural diamond accent. Featuring a versatile bail design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Australian Black Opal Diamond Pendant 18" 14k Y Gold 4.45 TCW GIA Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
. Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls! This Australian Black Opal necklace has been
Category

1990s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold

Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Rose Cut Diamond Navratan 18 Kt YG Bridal Set
Located in New York, NY
Kundan real Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bridal Necklace and matching earrings
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Bridal Set
Located in New York, NY
the Necklace Rose cut real Diamonds polki stones, emerald Beads, Pearls and enamel necklace. The
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Diamond Emerald Gold Topaz "Selva Magico III" Symbol Tree
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
, rose cut diamond, ebony wood, gold, pearl, emerald, agate, diamond, 14k gold, opal, topaz, peridot
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Peridot, Ruby, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plat...

Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Bridal Suite
Located in New York, NY
the captivating details of this necklace. Adorned with rose-cut real diamonds, polki stones, pearls
Category

Early 2000s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Pearl and Diamond Multi Strand Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Pearl & Diamond Multi Strand Drop Necklace 18K White Gold Necklace Measurements: 16" long Pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Triple Drop Pearl and Diamond Dangle Pendant Necklace
Located in beverly hills, CA
This exquisite 14K white gold necklace, adorned with black cultured Akoya pearls and diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace and Drop Earrings.
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Pearl and Diamond Gold Drop Pendant Necklace and matching Earrings. Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

【Lustre Arc】PSL Certificate Akoya Pearl Necklace with Drop Line 18K Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This elegant necklace features a strand of PSL-certified Rose Premium pearls with exceptional
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, White Gold

18KT White Gold Pearl, Diamond, and Sapphire Tassel Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
composed of fine 2.7mm pearls. The cap is accented with 0.70 carats of brilliant round diamonds (G–VS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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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