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Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Panthère De Cartier Necklace N7059200
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking Cartier 18k yellow gold diamond necklace from the Panthère De Cartier collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Twist Diamond Choker Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
jewelry, the Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Twist Diamond Choker Necklace is an unforgettable statement of
Category

20th Century French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Heart Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
jewelry, this 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Heart Pendant with Diamonds is a testament to sophistication
Category

20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French Pearl Ruby Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Transformable Antique Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. This important antique necklace is formed of a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18...

18k Yellow Gold, Diamonds and Antique Cast Intaglio Seal Love Pendant Necklace
By Seal Scribe
Located in San Diego, CA
This exquisite piece celebrates the beautiful bond between two individuals. The French motto, 'Plus
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Earring Necklace Suite
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire And Diamond Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold. Circa 1958. The necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artist Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Diamond and Blue Sapphire Art Deco Necklace with Milgrain in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite necklace features a mesmerizing combination of diamonds and blue sapphires set in 14
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Chanel 18k White Gold Diamond Globe Necklace
By Chanel
Located in San Antonio, TX
Chanel 18k White Gold Open Work Globe with Diamonds weighing approximately 2.20cts. The globe is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Pasha De Cartier Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Pasha De Cartier openwork circle pendant enhancer is crafted in 18k yellow gold, pave
Category

1990s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cartier Diadea Lariat Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Adorn yourself with the timeless elegance of the Cartier Diadea Lariat Diamond Necklace in 18k
Category

20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Yellow Gold Heart with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The French Yellow Gold Heart with Diamonds is a captivating and elegant piece of jewelry that
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antora Tubogas Juste un Clou 18k yellow Gold and Diamonds chocker Necklace
By Antora
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
. Available in three colours of gold, yellow, white and rose. 9,70gr and 0.30Carat Diamonds Request
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond, Onyx and Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Onyx, and Coral Necklace An 18k yellow gold link necklace, set with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Black Opal Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style White Gold Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
is decorated with total of 1.47 carat diamonds and French cut emerald. This impressive pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920s French Platinum Diamond Snowflake Pendant Necklace Star Y Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Necklace Platinum French Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

French Retro Tubogas Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Created in the late 1930s to early 1940s, this Retro 18K gold and diamond tubogas necklace was made
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1910 Natural Pearls Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian belle époque pearls necklace. Extremely chic and very delicate necklace, created in
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...

Diamonds Heart Necklace with Chain 18 karat White Gold
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Diamonds Heart Necklace with Chain is an exquisite and elegant piece of jewelry crafted with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modern Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Arabesque Long Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Long necklace in 18 karat yellow and white gold, own hallmark. Large necklace, it is decorated with
Category

2010s French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Mauboussin Paris Vintage 12cts Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Mauboussin
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional vintage Mauboussin Paris diamond necklace in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace boasts
Category

Vintage 1980s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 42.00cttw Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1977, this necklace carries with it not just the weight of gold and diamonds but the rich history of
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace 2.40 Carats
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and refined diamond necklace by Van Cleef Arpels, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1950s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White and Rose Gold Diamond Pink Amethyst Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
necklace. The elegant 10x10mm round Rose De France pink amethyst that tops this pendant is worthy of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Topaz, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Go...

18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with 1.97 Carat Tourmalines and Diamonds
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
Tanzania origin, with 'G.VVS1' brilliant cut white Diamond 0.07 carat on 18 Karat yellow gold weighing 5.6
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Animals World Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold
By Chopard
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301842 Comes With Box Only Model Happy Diamond Serial Number 32***** Metal 18k Rose Gold
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Diamond Dove of Peace Necklace and Bracelet Set in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cartier 18k white gold Dove of Peace necklace and bracelet accompanied by Cartier box and Cartier
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Amulette Diamond Ruby White Gold Large Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Ruby Large Amulette Pendant Necklace by Cartier. With 70 Round Brilliant Cut
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Creation Tahitian Pearls Diamond Pearls 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume Creation - Unique piece. Necklace in 18 karat white gold. Sublime necklace, it consists of a
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Maria Kotsoni Contemporary 18k Gold and Diamond Pine Cone Charm Pendant Necklace
By Maria Kotsoni
Located in Nicosia, CY
The ‘Pine Cone’, charm pendant is crafted in 18K yellow gold, hallmarked in Cyprus. This highly
Category

2010s Cypriot Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Gold 18 Karat Rose Paris Nouvelle Vague Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier 18k Rose Gold Paris Nouvelle Vague Diamond Necklace is a sophisticated and stylish
Category

2010s French Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier, D’ amour , A Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier D'Amour diamond pendant necklace crafted in 18-carat white gold. A single, brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

French 19th Century Diamonds and Fine Pearls Silver and 18 K Rose Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 Karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark and silver. This sumptuous antique pendant
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Rose Gold Malachite Diamond Amulette De Cartier Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k rose gold malachite and diamond necklace from the Amulette de Cartier collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Trinity Panthère Diamond 18K Tri Colour Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Yellow Gold, 18k White Gold, 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.88ct approx
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French Medallion
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion. The long chain
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Onyx Amulette De Cartier Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
adjusted by an 18k yellow gold fastener. The necklace has a gross weight of 9.30 grams. Comes complete
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Baiser Du Dragon Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k White Gold Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.87ct approx Weight 8.52 g Length 38 cm Width 1.8
Category

Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Aquamarine Diamond Onyx Mauboussin Paris Necklace in 18K Gold
By Mauboussin
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional one-of-a-kind large aquamarine diamond and black onyx necklace attributed to Mauboussin
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Chopard 18K Rose Gold Happy Diamonds Floating Oval Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
Chopard 18K Rose Gold Happy Diamonds Floating Oval Pendant Necklace – 3.07 Carats Celebrate
Category

2010s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Happy Diamonds Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold by Chopard
By Chopard
Located in Lucerne, CH
Experience timeless elegance with the Happy Diamonds Pendant Necklace by Chopard, crafted in
Category

2010s French Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and Gold Heart Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold pendant “Sirene” in the shape of an open heart set with brilliant cut diamonds (36
Category

20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold

French 1930s Certified Fine Pearl Platinum Diamond Art Deco Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
clasp is adorned at the top with an antique cushion-cut diamond. A safety chain in 18 Karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Colored Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
French, Colored Cultured Pearl And Diamond Necklace. This necklace has black cultured pearls (10.50
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Cartier Juste un Clou Diamond 18k Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
. Taxes / $13,300 Excl. Taxes Model N7413500 Serial Number UK**** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Total
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18K Gold Solitaire Pendant Necklace with 0.50ct G VS Diamond
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined 18K yellow gold necklace features a timeless, elegant pendant set with a round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Necklace Pendant Padlock Shape Diamond Rose Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. This rose gold necklace with rounded diamond padlock
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Rose Gold

Cartier LeBaiser Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in San Antonio, TX
LeBaiser Du Dragon Diamond Necklace signed Cartier, 750 and serial number on silk cord accented
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1950s 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Clasp Falling Pearl Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Cultured pearl necklace in fall, pinkish white orient. The clasp, in 18 karat white gold, is
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Draperie de Decollate Diamond Yellow Gold Single Drop Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Draperie de Decolette Single Drop Necklace by Cartier. The Cartier
Category

1990s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Splendid French Antique Victorian Drop Diamond Necklace (19th century).
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Splendid and exotic drop necklace consisting of a central pear cut diamond of 1,90 carats in
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold

Large Diamonds Heart Pendant Necklace on 18 Karat Gold
Located in Paris, FR
Heart pendant in 18K yellow gold paved with 210 diamonds, for a total weight of 5 carats. The bail
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Chaumet 21 Carat Diamond Choker Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Chicago, IL
. Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and weighing an impressive 186 grams, this necklace has a powerful
Category

Vintage 1950s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

HRD Certified 1.25ct Vintage Yellow and White Gold French Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This vintage 18kt yellow and white gold French pendant is a stunning piece of jewelry. It is made
Category

20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mauboussin Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace, 18k
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
A Mauboussin Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace made in 18k yellow gold. The total weight
Category

20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Rare Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Papillion Butterfly 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Papillion Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Rose Cut Diamond Platinum Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace French Belle Epoque
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous and very rare antique French Belle Epoque Rose Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Pendant
Category

Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Scarab Diamond Lapis Lazuli 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Yellow Gold Stones Lapis Lazuli, Diamond Weight Approximately 4.16 g Length Approximately 42 cm
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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