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18 Karat 4.66 Carat Natural Emerald Diamonds Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sparkling Greens 4.36ct. Natural Emerald cut Emerald Brilliants cross The prime Zambia luster and
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Gold Diamond Emerald Cross Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
Vintage 18K Gold Diamond & Emerald Cross Pendant 1/2 Carat Total Weight. The piece is in excellent
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1.60 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cross
Located in Miami, FL
grams This emerald and diamond cross is accompanied by a retail appraisal performed by a GIA Graduate
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Platinum Cross
Located in Montgomery, AL
carats of vibrant emeralds. This diamond and emerald cross is absolutely stunning, the platinum setting
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Emerald and Diamond Criss Cross Ear-Pendants
Located in New York, NY
A pair of beautiful ear-pendants in 18kt white gold with eight emerald cut diamonds (app. 0.5cts
Category

1990s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

11.85 cts Diamond Emerald Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This magnificent Vintage retro cross pendant necklace is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. The
Category

Vintage 1950s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Palm Beach, FL
19th Century gold gem set cross pendant, centering an old European cut diamond weighing
Category

Antique 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

1940s Buccellati Emerald Diamond Silver Gold Cross
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Emerald and Diamond Cross. Vintage! All set in 18k Yellow Gold and Silver, this cross
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Diamond, Emerald and Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An antique 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and emerald cross pendant necklace. Circa 1890. Set with
Category

Antique 1890s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond and Emerald Cross Pendant, 3.00 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
The twelve brilliant-cut round white diamonds in this incredible antique cross pendant weigh
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Georgian Emerald and Diamond Cross
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, emerald and diamond cross. Circa 1870. Set with 13 emerald cut emeralds
Category

Unknown Drop Necklaces

Cross-Over Platinum Diamond Ring, 1.47 Carat Diamond Gia, 1.46 Emerald
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Two stone, Cross-over Emerald and Diamond ring set in platinum. The 1.47 carat diamond is
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emerald Cabochon, Tsavorite Garnet and Colored Diamond Cross Necklace
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pendant features 4 pear-shaped emerald cabochon emeralds in colored diamond-set frames and round
Category

Early 2000s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Tsavorite

Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Southampton, PA
charming rubies, splendid emeralds and regal sapphires as well as glistening diamonds for a stunning sight.
Category

20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
with diamonds and emeralds. The chain is not included. This pendant was totally handmade by Italian
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Approximate total diamond weight: .10 ct. Diamond color: L Diamond clarity: I1-I2 Size: 24
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
mounted with diamonds and emeralds. The pendant will come with a silver chain plated gold or a rubber
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

1930s Star Sapphire Emerald Diamond Platinum Celtic Cross Brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
accentuated by diamonds and 4 square cut emeralds. The sapphire has a perfect 6-ray star in the middle of
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Star Sapphire, Platinum

18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond and Green Enamel Cross
Located in Firenze, IT
Cross pendant with rectangular emerald, old cut diamond and green enamel. Lenght : 75mm Weight
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Muzo Emerald and Diamond Platinum Cross Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Finely detailed Diamond and Emerald Cross, Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Magnificent Emerald Amethyst Diamond Gold Extra Large Cross Pin Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
technique. Decorated with 10 carats of emeralds? intense, grassy green color, superior transparency and
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond, 22k Gold

Turquoise, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
silver structure mounted with turquoise surrounded by diamonds and emeralds.The pendant will come with a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

14 Carat Gold, Emerald and Diamond Cross over / Bypass Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A vintage 14 carat gold, emerald and diamond cross over / bypass ring , currently uk size M, weighs
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Full Emerald Pave Diamond Yellow and White Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Southampton, PA
Symbolically powerful and aesthetically appealing, this fantastic cross-shaped pendant is made of
Category

20th Century Unknown Necklace Enhancers

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 0.18ct Diamond and Emerald Cross Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
out of style. Square-cut emeralds totaling 0.70 carats and a square-cut 0.18 carat diamond add plenty
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 6 carat emerald diamond 18k yellow gold cross pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This ornate Victorian pendant from the 1880s features seven lush cabochon cut emeralds totaling
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Turquoise, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
frame of diamonds, emeralds and little turquoise. The silver chain is included. This pendant was totally
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Sapphire, Emeralds, Rubies, Diamonds, Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklalace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
surrounded by rubies and diamonds in the central part; all around, diamonds and emeralds. This pendant was
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Cartier Vizantija Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Large Gold Cross Brooch Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vizantija Large Cross Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Pendant Brooch by Cartier
Category

20th Century French More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

14 Karat White Gold Oval Emerald and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k white gold Emerald: 1 oval cut= .50ct Diamond: 25 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 2.67 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
green to light green in color Each arm terminates as old mine cut diamonds and cross centers an old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Old European Diamond Sapphire Cross with an Emerald and Diamond Base
Located in Miami, FL
brilliant cut diamonds fastened up top a 5900ct emerald base. The cross is removable and includes a bale to
Category

20th Century American More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Cross
Located in Great Neck, NY
A stunning Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Cross. A beautifully made
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Diamond Cross
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified .Diamond and Platinum Cross Pendant This cross has 12 emerald cut diamonds weight a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.08ctw Diamond Emerald Cross Over Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.08ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted Diamonds, Emeralds, Onyx, 14 Karat White Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
-shaped pendant is studded with diamonds and details of emeralds and an onyx ring in the centre. The
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Beautiful 9k Yellow Gold Cross Pendant w/ 0.182ct Natural Emerald and Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
A gorgeous cross pendant with a dazzling 0.15 carat oval natural emerald. It has 0.032 carat of
Category

2010s Singaporean Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.3 Carat Emerald and Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cross-over Ring
By DA Jewellery
Located in Banbury, GB
heads crafted from emeralds against bright and lively diamonds with a total emerald carat of 1.3 and
Category

2010s British Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive Continental Antique 18K Rose Gold, Silver Diamond and Emerald Cross
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
with etched swirls and flourishes complemented by emerald gemstones and rose-cut diamonds popular
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Clarissa Bronfman Tiger s Eye Rosary Diamond Gold Emerald Flower Amethyst Cross
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
height: 3 3/8 Inches - diamond, rose cut diamond, polki diamond, emerald flower pendant with silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Tiger s Eye, Gold, 14k Gold, Sterlin...

LB Exclusive 14k White Gold 0.02 Ct Diamond and Emerald Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Bright green emeralds make this cross-shaped pendant a dazzling piece that will continually capture
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Vintage Religious Cross Pendant Biwa Pearl Diamond Emerald Eagle Head 18k Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed religious cross pendant, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. A large Biwa pearl
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Pure Square Emerald and Diamond Cross Pendant in 18 Kt White Gold
By Lischetti
Located in Roma, IT
Full of thoughtful design, this emerald and diamond cross pendant is a faith-filled symbol
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Lapis, Emerald, Diamond South Western Sun Cross Pin / Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 66 round brilliant cut = 6.82cttw Color: G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

GIA Emerald Cut White Diamond 0.50 ct. Each Cross Pendant Necklace in 18K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 6.08 ct. IJ VVS1-VS2 white diamond emerald cuts. Total of 12 stones, 0.50 ct. each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Emerald Cut White Diamond 0.50 ct. Each Cross Pendant Necklace in 18K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 6.03 ct. IJ VVS1-VS2 white diamond emerald cuts. Total of 12 stones, 0.50 ct. each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Invisible Set 0.73 CT Diamonds 2.66 CT Colombian Emerald 14K Gold Cross Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Measurement: 18.5 mm * 12.5 mm Metal: 14K White Gold Stone Type: Diamonds 0.73 CT G VS2 and 2.66 Ct Natural
Category

2010s American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

GIA Emerald Cut Diamond 1.50 Carat Each Cross Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 10.53 ct. white diamond emerald cuts. Total of 7 stones, each weighs 1.50 ct. GIA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 1 Carat Each Emerald Cut Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 11.02 ct. K VVS-VS white diamond emerald cuts. Total of 11 stones, 1.00 ct. each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond Cross Pendant, 3.07 Carat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Six impeccably matched emerald-cut diamonds grace this classic cross pendant. These gems weigh a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

NALLY GIA Diamond and Platinum Cross
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Platinum Cross This diamond cross has 17 emerald cut diamonds weight 12.47 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet with Ruby Emerald and Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Verdure Maltese Cross Cuff with Diamonds Cabochon Rubys and emerald center with 12 round
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold

LB Exclusive 14K Rose Gold 0.01 Carat Diamond and Emerald Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
diamond stone. The necklace weighs 1.3 grams and boasts a 17” chain and a cross pendant that measures 0.60
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Mellerio Citrine, Diamond and Gold Cross Pendant
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in New Orleans, LA
A remarkable work of ecclesiastical artistry, this antique cross pendant by Mellerio dits Meller
Category

Antique 19th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold

NALLY GIA Certified Diamond and Platinum Cross/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified Diamond and Platinum Cross Pendant This cross has 12 emerald cut diamonds with total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Neiman Marcus Bezel Diamond and Gemstone Cross Pendant
By Neiman Marcus
Located in New York, NY
round brilliant bezel set center diamond surrounded by 13 round brilliant diamonds, 2 diamond traps, 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Peridot, 18k Gold

Scarce Baroque Early 18th Century Table Cut Diamond Gold Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
A scarce early 18th century Baroque table cut diamond cross pendant, circa 1700-1720 and probably
Category

Antique Early 1700s Dutch Baroque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

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Emerald Diamond Cross For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the emerald diamond cross you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 75 vintage or 73 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an emerald diamond cross may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, 2.5 Carat and 3 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. An emerald diamond cross from Georgios Collections Inc, David Webb and Cartier — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. 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 emerald cut and oval cut alternatives. When shopping for an emerald diamond cross, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Emerald Diamond Cross?

The price for an emerald diamond cross starts at $129 and tops out at $138,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $3,325.

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 Emerald Diamond Cross
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Emeralds are 20 times rarer than diamonds. Therefore, typically emeralds are more expensive than diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, an emerald is typically worth more than a comparable diamond. These stones are expensive due to their rarity.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An emerald cut diamond is amongst the most unique gems in the world. Only 3% of the worlds diamonds are emerald cut. They have linear facets and a large table which gives off a hall-of-mirrors effect of light and dark planes. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the worlds top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best setting for an emerald-cut diamond is a matter of personal preference. For emerald-cut diamonds, solitaire and pavé settings are popular. The emerald cut comprises 58 facets and truncated corners on a rectangular step-cut stone. The flat pavilion of an emerald-cut diamond can magnify the stone’s imperfections, so the gem’s clarity is key. Initially a popular cut for emeralds only, it is now used on other precious stones, but the name has come to define the style. Find antique and vintage emerald-cut diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • The main differences of baguette cut diamonds and emerald cut diamonds are its shape and faceting. The shape of the baguette tends to be more elongated. The baguette also has 14 facets while the emerald has 58.
    1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    The difference between baguette and emerald cut diamonds is their shape. While both a baguette cut and an emerald diamond are characterized by a rectangular shape and simple step cut facets, baguette cuts feature pointed corners while emerald cuts have wedge shaped polished corners.

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