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Cartier Original 1985 13 Diamonds by the Yard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1985, Extremely Rare Cartier Diamonds by the Yard 18Kt Yellow Gold 17.716 inches(45cm
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Original 1985 13 Diamonds by the Yard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1985, Extremely Rare Cartier Diamonds by the Yard 18Kt Yellow Gold 19.291 inches(49cm
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany and Co. Necklace. Elsa Peretti Diamond by the Yard Solitaire
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1990s Materials: Gold, Platinum Gemstone: Diamond Tiffany and Co. 18k Yellow
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Cartier Original 1985 13 Diamonds by the Yard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1985, Extremely Rare Cartier Diamonds by the Yard 18Kt Yellow Gold 17.32 inches(44cm
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Solitaire Pendant Necklace F/VS1
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This dainty 'Diamonds by the Yard' diamond pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co. is the epitome of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
'Diamonds by the Yard' collection absolutely radiate on the ear. The familiar round brilliant shape is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

6.05 Carat Link to Link Diamond by the Yard Necklace 34 Inches Long
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Length: 34inches Approx. 6.05 carats total weight diamonds.The finest conflict free diamonds set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Three Diamonds By The Yard Rose Gold Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Three Diamonds By The Yard Rose Gold Bracelet Metal: 18k rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond by the Yard Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
METAL TYPE: 18k Yellow Gold STONE WEIGHT: 0.25ct twd TOTAL WEIGHT: 1.5 grams CHAIN LENGTH: 15
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold All Natural Multi-Color and White Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Handmade diamond by the yard necklace crafted in house by our jewelers. Made in 18K yellow gold set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond by Yard Single Diamond Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tiffany & Co. Diamond by Yard bracelet by Elsa Peretti. The single round brilliant cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elsa Peretti Tiffany Co. Color By The Yard Pearl Diamond Lapis Gold Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Houston, TX
This 18 karat yellow gold Tiffany & Co. necklace designed by Elsa Peretti features 5 oval shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Single .54 Diamond by the Yard Pendant Gold Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Single Diamond By The Yard Pendant Yellow Gold Necklace Metal: 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard .16 Carat Gold Stud Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard .16 Carat Gold Stud Earrings Metal: 18k yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Roman Malakov 1.12 Carat Total Round Diamond by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A simple necklace that packs a lot of sparkle; a line of brilliant diamonds bezel set in 18k yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Halo Diamond Burma Ruby Weighing 2.60 Pendant Rubies by the Yard Gold Necklace
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
statement with our exclusive Halo Diamond Burma Ruby Pendant and Rubies by the Yard Gold Necklace. Browse
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

3 Carat Diamond by Yard Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 24 Station Chain
Located in New York, NY
3 Carat Diamond by Yard Necklace/ Chain 18 Karat White Gold Chain 36" Length This spectacular
Category

2010s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond by Yard 14 Karat Yellow Gold 1/4 Carat Diamond Weight, 14 Karat
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
diamonds Chain-1 mm cable in 14 k yellow gold Chain-18 inches long with spring ring clasp
Category

2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.77 Carat Emerald and Diamond Necklace in Platinum with Diamonds by Yard Chain
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
in Platinum 950 Chain Details 16 Diamonds Weighing 0.86 Carats 6 Emerald 18" in Length in 18K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum

Important Pearl and Diamond Tassel Necklace
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous piece! Pearl and diamond tassel hanging from a diamond by yard with pearl accents
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Platinum Diamond Antique Brooch Raymond Yard Pendant VS Old Mine Huge 8.19 Cts!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents....Vintage Luxury. Rare 8.19 CARAT DIAMOND ANTIQUE RAYMOND YARD
Category

20th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Fancy Yellow Diamond, Tsavorite Diamond Ring, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Tsavorites and Fancy Color Diamonds with the setting of green-colored plated 18K Yellow Gold. This timeless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium

Messika 0.25Cttw Eden Diamond Chain Bracelet 18K White Gold 7.5 Inches
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
floral motif studded with round brilliant cut diamonds in the center with diamond by the yard chain
Category

2010s Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alexander Beverly Hills 0.85ct Oval Heart Diamond Pendant Necklace 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning east-west oval diamond pendant necklace with diamonds by the yard chain. By Alexander
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Messika 0.46Ctw Allah Faith Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold 17.5 Inches
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
. Completing the look with diamond by the yard chain. Designed in 18K yellow gold. Total diamond weight: 0.46
Category

2010s Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Drop Necklace by Tiffany Co.
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co., diamond by the Yard Necklace in 18 karat gold with 95 diamonds weighing a total of
Category

20th Century American Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cluster Baguette and Round Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
carats total. Suspended on a 16-inch diamond by the yard white gold chain. 18k white gold Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.13ct Cabochon Blue Sapphire Diamond Dangling Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
above the sapphires in the "diamond by the yard" setting, they create a harmonious interplay of light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

6.18ct Cabochon Blue Sapphire Diamond Dangling Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
above the sapphires in the "diamond by the yard" setting, they create a harmonious interplay of light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold on a diamond by the yard chain. Length is 18".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Alexander 1.79ct Oval Emerald with Diamond Halo 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning emerald pendant "east-west" of superb color, with double diamond halo and diamond by the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Bezel Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold .45 Ct
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Vintage and rare Tiffany & Co. Diamonds by the Yard Bezel set Pendant necklace by Elsa Peretti
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamonds "Diamants légers" by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18 K yellow Gold Diamants Légers Diamond By The Yard Choker Necklace by Cartier. With 11 round
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Green Tourmaline Diamond Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
white diamonds are top VS quality. The chain on this necklace is a special diamond by the yard style
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and White Gold Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Why go with diamonds by the yard when you can have diamonds by the inch! The 18k white gold chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Reverse Set Diamond Heart Pendant
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Carats. Comes with a 18-20 inch chain. And a complimentary 18 inch Diamond by the yard. Set in 18 Karat
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Gold Drop Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2014 Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Company Diamonds by the Yard Drop Necklace. 18K Yellow Gold
Category

2010s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Gold Nugget Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A simple yet stylish necklace made in the diamond by the yard style! It features golden nuggets of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Custom Order: Pear Shape Diamond Pendant and Diamond Dangle Earrings Set
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
composition. Attached to an adjustable 16-18 inch diamonds by the yard chain. Accent diamonds weigh 0.30
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Nazarelle Platinum GRS Burma Ruby Diamond Pendant 18 Karat Gold Diamond Chain
By Nazarelle
Located in Houston, TX
prong set weighing 1.25ct. color grade (G) clarity grade (VS2). The chain is a diamond by the yard
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold, White Gold

Cartier Diamonds White 4.62 Carat Tennis 4608 Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
15 inches of diamonds, eighty-four stones, individually bezel-set in 18k white gold and totaling 4
Category

2010s French Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Gold Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Greenwich, CT
This Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. "Diamonds by the Yard" iconic necklace features diamonds that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Fancy Color Diamond Halo Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
carats. Suspended on a diamonds by the yard chain. Style available in different price ranges depending
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds 18 Carat White Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
A Timeless Classic: 2.00 ct Diamond Station Necklace in 18k White Gold Discover the ultimate in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Simple Double-Strand DBY Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This double strand diamond-by-the-yard necklace is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing
Category

2010s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Three Bezel-Set Diamond Pendant Necklace Weighing 0.30 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
yard" 18" long Diamond total weight 0.30 carat Center Diamond weight 0.20 carat Sde Diamonds weight
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Five Graduating Diamond Bezel-Set Pendant Weighing 0.55 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Featuring 18k yellow gold necklace pendant with five graduating bezel-set brilliant round diamond
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

PANIM 1 Carat Rosecut Diamond Circles Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
to diamond by the yard patter 18K White Gold with perfectly crafted 10pcs of Rosecut diamond weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3Ct No Heat Burma Pink Spinel and Diamonds Pendant
Located in Singapore, SG
Enhanced) Origin - Mogok (Burma, Myanmar) Weight of natural diamonds (5 pcs) - 0.05 Ct (approx) Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Singaporean Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold

6+ Carat Heart Shape Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace DBY Chain
Located in New York, NY
2.2, G-H color, VS1 clarity. The pendant comes with a 18 K yellow gold which has 12 diamond equally
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co. Diamond Necklace in Rose Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
set in 18k rose gold. From Tiffany's current Diamonds by the Yard collection, this dainty necklace
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 1.41 Carat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
attached to a diamonds by the yard chain. Made with 18K White Gold. 16 inches in Length. Style available
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

AGL Certified Minor 23.84 Ct Colombian Emerald Diamond Pendent/Necklace Estate
Located in New York, NY
considered as very high quality) Cut: Emerald Cut includes a yellow gold Diamond by Yard Chain. Big round
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

0.71 Carat Oval Cut Natural Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
weight in round diamonds set in 18 karat white gold. The pendant is set on a diamond by the yards style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

"Special Delivery" 0.50 Carat Diamond Envelope Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
has always loved station (i.e. "diamonds by the yard") chains, so as a last-minute flourish for the
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov, Pear Shape Colombian Emerald and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
diamonds. Suspended on a diamonds by the yard chain. Diamonds weigh 1.94 carats total.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.74 Carats Oval Cabochon Turquoise and Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise at it's finest set off by princess cut diamonds on a diamonds by the yard
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold

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Diamonds By The Yard 18k For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact diamonds by the yard 18k you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 30 vintage editions and 262 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a diamonds by the yard 18k from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic diamonds by the yard 18k over the years, but those made by Alexander of Beverly Hills, Tiffany Co. and Roman Malakov are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and oval cut alternatives. Finding a diamonds by the yard 18k for sale for women should be easy, but there are 74 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Diamonds By The Yard 18k?

On average, a diamonds by the yard 18k at 1stDibs sells for $4,225, while they’re typically $345 on the low end and $130,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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. 

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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.