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Diamond and Sapphire Necklace White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Découvrez ce superbe collier en or blanc 18 carats, orné de diamants étincelants et d'un saphir bleu ovale, offrant une combinaison parfaite de beauté et d'élégance. Ce collier chaîn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Belle Époque Oriental Pearl Diamond Gold Articulated Necklace France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant Belle Époque necklace is composed of collet set oriental pearls and rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s French Belle Époque More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold

Cartier 18K White Gold Diamond And Gemstone Meli Melo Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Meli Melo necklace crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing the Maison’s celebrated blend of
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

IGI Certified Indicolite Tourmaline and Diamonds Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
that combines luxury and elegance. Crafted from 18kt yellow gold, this French-designed necklace
Category

20th Century French Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Baccarat Sherazade White Gold Necklace with Crystals and Diamonds
By Baccarat
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Baccarat Sherazade White Gold Necklace with Crystals and Diamonds is an exquisite piece from
Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau elaborate artistic necklace with diamonds and gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Introducing a dreamy, exquisite Jugendstil necklace in 14k yellow gold, a true embodiment of
Category

Vintage 1910s French Jugendstil Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Coral and Diamonds Necklace 18 Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Paris, FR
Coral and diamond brushed 18 kt Yellow gold necklace. It is composed of an 18 kt yellow gold chain
Category

Early 2000s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mauboussin 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamond and Sapphire
By Mauboussin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
refinement. Expertly crafted in gold, the necklace showcases a harmonious arrangement of gemstones that
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Antique 1.68 Carat Diamond and White Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique diamond pendant has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum chain. The 1920s necklace
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

French 1967 Mauboussin 15 Carat Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Mauboussin
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in platinum and 18 karat white gold, dog's head and eagle's head hallmarks. Sublime piece
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Link Necklaces

Materials

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

15ct Yellow Gold French Victorian Emerald, Diamond Seed Pearl Pendent Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Necklace 15ct Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1870 Step back in time with this
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1949 French Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Brooch Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
release hinge clasp Stamped with French hallmarks for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Rope Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

French 1980s Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp Choker Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique jewelry - French work of the 1980s. Our opinion : A timeless pearl choker necklace, the aesthetic
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

French 1928 Boucheron Diamonds Fine Pearls Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Authentic antique jewel - French work circa 1928. Our opinion : This type of antique necklace is called dog
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond Necklace in 18 Carat White Gold and 10.3 Carats of Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
18-carat white gold necklace composed of a line of 121 round brilliant-cut diamonds. Weighing
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 20th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chimera Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. This fine antique necklace features a curb
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

18 Karat Gold Cloisonné French Enamel Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold cloisonné french enamel ruby diamond pendant necklace. High quality diamonds along
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels Paris 18K Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
New York, this necklace is composed of 18K gold and diamonds. An evolution in form from the firm's
Category

Late 20th Century Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace Five-Strand and Diamond French Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace Five Strand & Diamond French Clasp Natural Sleeping
Category

Early 2000s French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold

Coral 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds Necklace and Earring
Located in Firenze, FI
hand crafted necklace and earrings set on 18k yellow gold and diamonds . this unique piece made of
Category

Vintage 1980s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold and Fancy Yellow Diamonds Necklace with GIA Certificate
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
18 Karat Gold and Fancy Yellow Diamonds Necklace with GIA certificate Amazing necklace, very
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold

Large Pearl and Diamonds Pendant Necklace on 18 Karat Gold
Located in Paris, FR
Pendant necklace in 18 Kt yellow gold and diamonds, the pendant retaining in its center a pearl
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

French 20th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Car Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum. Original and mischievous
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels "VCA" 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels, original retro 18 karat yellow gold chain and diamond necklace. The necklace is
Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the Cartier necklace approx 0.60 carats of diamonds most about G-H and VS range The
Category

1990s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Gem Set 18K Tri-Color Gold Butterfly Necklace Slide, France, C. 1900
Located in Chatham, CA
Art Nouveau Butterfly necklace slide/pendant - 18K yellow gold wings with pink and green gold wing
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Big PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDANT/NECKLACE
Located in London, England
Big CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDANT/NECKLACE Cultured pearl Brilliant-cut diamonds, approx
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

French 20th Century Pink Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful and easy to wear, this antique
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels Ruby and Diamond, Necklace Earrings, French, Maker s Mark
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
"Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace and Earrings set with Ruby and Diamonds. French, Maker's Mark for
Category

20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Necklace in 18 Carat 18 KT Gold Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Drapery necklace in 18 carat white gold, sapphires and diamonds. It is composed of 21 floral motifs
Category

Early 2000s French More Necklaces

Materials

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

2.00ct Sapphire 0.50ct Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is charming 18k yellow gold necklace. The necklace is set with lovely oval cut sapphire and
Category

20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond 3-Row Necklace in 18 Carat White Gold and 30 Carat Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Diamond 3-row Necklace in 18 Carat white Gold and falling Diamonds crimping 30 Carats of Diamonds
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Necklace in 18 Carat 18 KT Gold Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Drop necklace in 18k white and yellow gold, rubies and diamonds. It is composed of 45 daisy motifs
Category

Early 2000s French More Necklaces

Materials

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

Necklace in 18 Carat 18 KT Gold Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Drapery necklace in 18 karat white gold, emeralds and diamonds. It is made up of 17 pompadour
Category

Early 2000s French More Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond Necklace in 18 Carat White Gold and 10 Carats of Diamonds Falling
Located in Paris, FR
Articulated necklace in 18 kt white gold and 10 carat grain-set diamonds. It is made up of 126
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mauboussin Diamond and Quartz Choker Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Mouboussin
Located in Chicago, IL
Mauboussin Diamond and rock crystal choker necklace. The necklace is 15 inches in length, made of
Category

20th Century French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 16.00 Ct Diamond Rare French Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
French origin magnificent Victorian Diamond necklace, 1840 ca Sensual fringe design beautifully
Category

Antique 1840s French Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

JAR 18 Karat Rose Gold Sapphire, Chalcedony, and Diamond Necklace
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
crafted in 18k rose gold. With French Assay Marks Signed JAR Paris.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Fred Paris Diamond and Lapis Necklace
By Fred
Located in San Antonio, TX
Fred Paris Diamond and Lapis Bead Necklace. It is from the Baie des Agnes Collection. The diamond
Category

2010s French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Solid Gold Necklace 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Exclusive necklace in 750 (18k) yellow gold, with a total weight of approximately 69g. Set with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Chanel 18K Yellow Gold Multicolor Gemstone and Diamond Collar Necklace
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Stunning multicolor gemstone necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold by Chanel. Fits like a collar
Category

20th Century French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold

French 1900 Edwardian Natural Pearls Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian belle époque pearls necklace. Beautiful and very delicate necklace, created in England
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Cartier Paris Panthere Diamond Necklace Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Maillon Panthere Collection circa 1990 17 inches 15.02 Total Diamond 91 g 18k Gold
Category

1990s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Necklace Semi-Rigid in 18 Carat Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Necklace Semi-rigid articulated in 18 carat Yellow Gold set with 7.79 carats of
Category

1990s French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond necklace
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Diamond necklace Material: White and Yellow Gold (18K) Set Stones: Combination of White Diamonds
Category

1990s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French Diamond and Platinum Riviére Necklace, 37.84 Carats, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A vintage French diamond and platinum riviére necklace, with graduating drops, set with round
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and Rubies Necklace
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Elegant 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and Rubies Necklace Stunning Natural Ruby and Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

18K Gold Victorian Egyptian Revival Nekhbet Necklace with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold two-sided French Victorian Egyptian Revival pendant necklace features the portrait of
Category

Antique 1880s French Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s VCA coral and diamond necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
This striking 1980s Van Cleef & Arpels coral and diamond necklace is beautifully made with a
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

1980s VCA coral and diamond necklace
1980s VCA coral and diamond necklace
$22,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Chanel Comete Pave Diamond Star and 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
18k White Gold Diamond Comete Star Pendant Necklace by Chanel. With 14 Diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, F
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Diamond 18K White Gold Choker Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing an exquisite Chopard necklace, meticulously crafted from 18K white gold Diamonds tested
Category

2010s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1990s French 1.55 Carat Diamond and White Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage French 1.55 Ct diamond and 18k white gold pendant and chain; part of our diverse
Category

1990s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Hearts and Symbols Large Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k White Gold Stones Diamond Weight Approximately 8.45 g Length Approximately 42 cm Condition
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary French 1.02 Carat Diamond and White Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive French import 0.60 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold pendant and chain; part of
Category

Early 2000s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Double Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
White Gold Diamond Double Cross Pendant Necklace. This exquisite diamond cross pendant features a
Category

1990s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Chaumet 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Choker Necklace with Interchangeable Ropes
By Chaumet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Experience the pinnacle of luxury with this awe-inspiring Chaumet choker statement necklace
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Rose Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
14K Rose Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 1.86
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

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French Gold And Diamond Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact french gold and diamond necklace you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. 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. You can easily find a 148 antique edition and 12 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect french gold and diamond necklace may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing french gold and diamond necklace — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Single Stone each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also french cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a french gold and diamond necklace for sale for women should be easy, but there are 31 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a French Gold And Diamond Necklace?

Prices for a french gold and diamond necklace can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $600 and can go as high as $270,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $8,007.

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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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.