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18ct White Gold Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond and Onyx Pendant with 18ct Chain
Located in Melbourne, AU
lustrous Onyx paired with twenty diamonds equating to 2.00ct. This piece also comes with an 18ct diamond by
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold, Red Tourmaline 1.30 Carat Diamond 1.85 Carat Pendant
By Michael Engelhardt
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Created in the "Diamonds by the yard" style, this lovely necklace is perfect for everyday wear but
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Diamants Légers de Cartier Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Diamants Légers de Cartier Necklace (diamond by the yard) in 18K white gold, (20) brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Solitaire Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Timeless and Classic, Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard diamond solitaire pendant in 18 karat
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Beautiful Blue Enamel and Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
doubled. A unique variation on diamonds-by-the-yard; this is enamel-by-the-yard. A show-stopper
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

1940s Baroque Pearl and Gemstone Rooster Brooch in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Middleton, WI
created from a large, natural, Baroque Pearl. His tail is set with a spray of rubies, diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

18kt Solid Link Bracelet Featuring Vibrant Exclusive Kelly Green Tsavorite
Located in Miami, FL
like the same type of chains like Diamonds by the yard, but this is different. The links are solid and
Category

2010s Kenyan Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Tsavorite, 18k Gold

2 Carat Diamond By The Yard 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2 Carat Diamond by the yard 18k yellow gold necklace. The 18k yellow diamond by the yard necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5 Stone Diamonds-By-The-Yard 18k Gold Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic beauty is always in style. This 18 karat yellow gold diamonds-by-the-yard necklace
Category

2010s North American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard 18K Gold 3.0C Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
This Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard necklace is a luxury piece that will never go
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Round Diamond By The Yard 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti By The Yard Round Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace. A beautiful
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

18 Karat White Gold Multi Shaped Diamonds By The Yard Necklace
By Yard
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 180 multi cut = 6.00cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 2.84 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds-By-The-Yard Necklace
By Yard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of cable link chain featuring bezel set diamond stations Baguette, marquise, and round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Ring by Raymond Yard
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New Orleans, LA
jeweler Raymond Yard. Each brilliant stone is perfectly set in 18K yellow or white gold to reflect light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Sapphire Diamond Halo Pendant on Diamond by the Yard 6.11 Carat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
round brilliants weighing 1.35 carats on a diamond by the yard weighing 0.69 carats. Color G-H
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Diamond By The Yard Necklace
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
This dazzling diamond by the yard necklace is the perfect everyday jewelry piece to dress up or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romantic Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k White Gold Diamond By The Yard Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: The Estate Watch & Jewelry Material: 18k white gold Diamond: 55 round brilliant cuts
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rope Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds by the Yard, Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Style: Diamonds by the yard Diamond Details: Approximately 1.41ctw round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k White Gold 50” Diamond By The Yard Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: The Estate Watch & Jewelry Material: 18k white gold Diamond: 158 round brilliant cuts
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Diamond By The Yard Necklace #16564
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Station Necklace- This sparkling necklace features 3 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k rose gold Diamond Details: Approximately 6.49ctw round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 2.5ctw of round brilliant diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Raymond Yard Emerald Cabochon Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
An American 18 karat gold, diamond and cabochon emerald ring by Raymond Yard. The cluster ring
Category

Vintage 1950s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

TIFFANY CO. 18K Gold 3 Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in San Fernando, CA
Tiffany & Co. round diamonds catch the light and make it dance. Bracelet in 18k gold with three
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Penny Preville 18K White Gold Diamond By-the-Yard Necklace
By Penny Preville
Located in New York, NY
18K white gold. The piece features a delicate chain accented with 10 brilliant-cut diamonds, each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Diamond by the Yard Station Necklace #16917
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K White Gold Diamond Station Necklace- This sparkling necklace features 3 round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond by the Yard Station Necklace #16563
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Station Necklace- This sparkling necklace features 3 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., New York. Diamonds by the Yard is one of Elsa
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Pendant on Diamond by the Yard Necklace
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
Ladies 18K white gold diamond pendant containing one pear shaped diamond weighing .39 ctw. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Raymond Yard 4 1/2 Carat Diamond French Clip Earrings
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
: 1915-1935 Metal: Palladium & 18k White gold with "YARD" signature and purity mark Diamonds: 88 Carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Raymond C. Yard Diamond Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Earrings
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Lazuli Vintage Earrings by Raymond Yard. With 8 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli

Sunflower Diamond by The Yard Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
in the finely detailed sunflowers and in the diamond by the yard style chain for extra brilliance
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alexander 0.76 Carat Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite diamonds by the yard modern bracelet. By Alexander of Beverly Hills. 5 round brilliant
Category

2010s American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.28 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat white gold necklace featuring a total weight of 0.28 carat of diamond in this by the yard
Category

2010s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gold Diamonds by the Yard Long Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
18K White Gold and Diamonds by the Yard Necklace. Stamped "750" 40.5 Grams and 61.5 inches long
Category

1990s American Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co.
Located in Honolulu, HI
. Necklace Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Elsa Peretti Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds by the Yard 18kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds by the yard are a trending design in necklaces today that create a flattering illusion of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co Elsa Peretti 18k Gold Diamonds by the Yard Diamond Stud Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany and Co. diamond by the yard stud earrings designed by Elsa Peretti finely crafted in
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Diamonds by the Yard Gold Heart Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely ‘diamonds by the yard’ style necklace. It features 16 hearts set with round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic 'diamonds by the yard' bracelet from the world renowned luxury jewellery
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamonds by the Yard Earrings
Located in New York, NY
14 karat white gold three row bezel set hanging earrings with 0.50 cts diamonds total. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic 'Diamonds by the Yard' bracelet from the world renowned luxury jewellery
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tri-Tone Diamonds By The Yard Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: Platinum, 18k rose gold and 18k yellow gold Diamond Details: Approximately 4.31ctw of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond and Sapphire by The Yard Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A unique take to the classic diamond by the yard necklace. Features 9 vibrant oval cut blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.00 Carat Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with 16 round brilliant cut diamods weighing approximately a total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 6.17cttw Diamond By The Yard 16 Inch Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a truly enchanting piece of jewelry – the Beautiful Handmade Diamond by the Yard
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold 6.02cttw Diamond By The Yard 16 Inch Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a truly enchanting piece of jewelry – the Beautiful Handmade Diamond by the Yard
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. 5 Diamond 18k Yellow Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
sophistication. The piece is adorned with 5 round white diamonds, totaling 0.3 carats, each with an F/G color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alexander 2.96 Carat Sapphires Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite sapphire and diamonds by the yard modern bracelet. By Alexander of Beverly Hills. 3 oval
Category

2010s American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.12 Carats Round Brilliant Diamonds by the Yard “Aspery Guldag” Necklace 18k
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k white gold Diamonds: 45 round brilliant cuts = 3.12 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 18K Yellow Gold Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet .30ct
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. diamonds by the yard bracelet designed by Elsa Peretti finely crafted in 18 karat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamonds by the Yard Gold Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Feasterville, PA
Tiffany’s Diamonds By The Yard Necklace is made from yellow gold and white diamonds. Each of the
Category

Early 2000s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Long Diamond By the Yard White Gold Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
36 inch long diamond by the yard necklace in 18k white gold with 18 diamonds totaling 4.50cttw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Emilio Jewelry Unique Diamond by the Yard Necklace
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Hand made uniqye 46 inch diamond by the yard necklace in 18k gold. 3 link intervals connected with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Gold Double-Hoop “Diamonds by the Yard” Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
fancy brown colored diamonds. Made in 18k rose gold, and the pendant comes with a matching chain set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Unique 46 inch Diamond By The Yard Necklace
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Hand made uniqye 46 inch diamond by the yard necklace in 18k gold. 3 link intervals connected with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Natural Diamonds by the yard, Natural Diamonds Station Necklace
Located in Singapore, SG
Weight of 18k gold (nett)- 1.76Gram Necklace Type - Station Necklace, Yard Necklace Type of closure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Singaporean Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 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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