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Edwardian French Large 1.05 Total Carat Diamond Floral Motif Filigree Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning filigree pendant from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! This gorgeous French made piece is
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Heart-Shaped Chalcedony with Diamonds Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold Chain
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by the French name meaning fairy or enchantress, the Faye necklace is a tribute to both
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Mother-of-Pearl Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Long Fan Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, US
necklace. We love the combination of diamonds and mother-of-pearl. The fire and sparkle of diamonds is a
Category

2010s American Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pierre Cardin Gold Tone Aries Zodiac Pendant Necklace set with a Diamond
By Pierre Cardin
Located in London, GB
Pierre Cardin textured and shiny gold tone Aries zodiac pendant hanging on a lovely Prince of Wales
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
leaf-like gold design set with tinted paua shell (mother-of-pearl) topped by crystal, and diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Chanel Vintage Gold Faux Pearl Diamond Pendant Chain Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France Gold Plated The necklace is in good condition showing
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Antique 1.58 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.58 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 11 karat
Category

Antique 1890s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace with 1.90 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds Pave
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
jewel for a special occasion. 18 karat white gold pendant/necklace on a triple chain weighing 15.8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pendant Necklace Green Saphir 2, 27 Carats Diamonds Rose Gold 18 Carats
Located in Vannes, FR
- Diamonds: 35 brilliant cut diamonds, 0.13 carat - Metal: 18K Rose Gold - Total weight of gold: 5.27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamrusa white gold necklace on a chain with diamonds.
Located in BILBAO, ES
Chain in white gold and diamonds, 4 pearls and 3 decorative circles in white gold with blue, yellow
Category

Early 2000s Thai Chain Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire,...

18 Karat White Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace set with 0.89 Carat Diamonds Pave
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
karat yellow gold end caps. The "Anna" pendant necklace can also be worn on one or more chains.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Socrates 3-Flower Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
diamonds of an estimated 0.91 carats. Made in France circa 2010s. Measurements: 0.70" (18mm) width, 16
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Round Diamond Green Emerald Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
, surrounded by French cut emerald and diamonds on the its top part. The pendant is set in gold with exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Paris 1940 Art Deco Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds Coral Onyxes
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A necklace designed by Cartier. Beautiful colorful V shaped necklace, designed in Paris France
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique French Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique French 1910s old mine cut diamond pendant and brooch in artnoveau leaf design decorated
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Channel Set Pink Tourmaline Baguette Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold channel set pink tourmaline baguette diamond linear pendant necklace. The enchanting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
French Polynesia. The pearl is untreated. It displays a lovely nacre and solid grey hues. Its natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

French Augis Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Religious Medal Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold pendant designed as an oval medal depicting the Virgin Mary set
Category

Vintage 1960s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dior Rose Des Vents Diamond Mother of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Long Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Geneva, CH
rose, an eight-pointed star design. This amazing 18K yellow gold long necklace can be worn on the wind
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

French 19th Century Diamonds Enamel 18 Karat Yellow gold Tassel Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karats yellow gold. Oval in shape, the top is adorned with rose-cut diamonds in a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Diamond Ceramic Large Love Pendant Long Link White Gold Chain Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond And Ceramic Screws Large Love Pendant with long Link Chain Necklace by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Limited Edition Dice White Gold, Enamel and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
18kt white gold and adorned with 2 carats of brilliant-cut pavé diamonds of D-E color and VVS clarity
Category

20th Century French Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Hindu Diamond Necklace Estate 18 Karat Gold Black Silk Cord Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pre owned Cartier Hindu diamond necklace, crafted in 18 karat white gold. Round
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Augis French More Than Yesterday 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A vintage French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus
Category

Vintage 1910s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Augis French Plus Hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out
Category

Vintage 1950s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Christian Dior Blue Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Chicago, IL
. Crafted in luminous 18 karat yellow gold, this Dior necklace features a refined composition of brilliant
Category

Vintage 1980s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Messika Necklace Move Link 18kt yellow gold
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
ever, the curves of this diamond necklace are more imposing, and the moving diamonds are even more
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.30 Carat Diamond Pearl 18kt Yellow Gold Long Chain Multi-Strand Necklace
By Nathalie Jean
Located in Milan, Lombardia
Libre comme l’Or is a long chain in 18kt yellow gold, diamond and pearl. FREE—LIBRE in French—to
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Heart Pendant Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Heart Pendant crafted in Yellow and White Gold is a radiant expression of elegance and
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamonds Enamel 18 karat Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
- French work from the second end the 19th century. Missing enamel and tiny rose-cut diamonds: cannot be
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Materials

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

BVLGARI Roma Parentesi Necklace 18Kt White Gold With 7.24 Ctw Diamonds Topaz
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
jewelry house of Bvlgari. This colorful necklace with pendant has been crafted in solid white gold of 18
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver Brooch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique jewel - French work of the second half of the XIXth century. Our opinion : An antique diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef Arpels Miroir Des Eaux Diamond Mother of Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Onyx Mother Of Pearl Diamond Miroir des Eaux Flower Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Edwardian platinum natural pearls diamonds long necklace
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique Belle Epoque long necklace in platinum and gold with diamonds and natural pearls A
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Blue Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
, surrounded by French cut blue sapphires and diamonds on the its top part. The pendant is set in gold with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

French Floral Flower 18 Karat Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) rose gold charm pendant designed as a convex disc with an engraved daisy or
Category

Antique 1890s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French 1880s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Yellow Gold Silver Brooch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch-pendant in 18 karat rose and yellow gold, mixed hallmark. A superb antique brooch, featuring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silv...

An 18k Gold Heart Locket with Diamond and Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold and platinum heart shaped locket pendant with one compartment pavé set with old-cut
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Heart Pendant Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Heart Pendant in Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds is a stunning and romantic piece of
Category

20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Flower Charm Necklace Old Mine Diamond Pearl Enamel 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
with Diamonds, Pearls, and Enamel. The delicate romantic necklace is a reflection of the Victorian's
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Cartier Pearl Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Multi Strand Torsade Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18k yellow gold torsade necklace by Cartier, featuring 11 strands of pearls with emerald
Category

20th Century French Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold Hand-Carved Agate Black Butterfly Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold hand-carved agate black butterfly diamond pendant necklace The process of making
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

26.16 Carat Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage French 26.16 carat emerald and 0.95 carat diamond, 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau water lilies necklace and irises in 18k gold, naturalist jewelry
Located in PARIS, FR
French Art Nouveau iris water lilies necklace in 18 karat yellow gold. Lovely Art Nouveau necklace
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Ruby Baguettes Diamond Circular Pendant Necklace Earrings Set
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold ruby baguettes diamond circular pendant necklace earrings set Art Deco Style, color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Australian Black Opal Suite Diamond 18k White Gold Collar Necklace Earring Set
Located in Great Neck, NY
refined and elegant. Necklace Metal Purity: 18k White Gold Diamond Carat: 3.25ct Colored Stone: Blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea P...

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace This extraordinary Van Cleef
Category

20th Century French Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Naiade Choker 3 Row Diamonds 18K White Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite choker necklace is expertly crafted from 18k gold. The design features a series of
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Diamond Black Ceramic Drop Necklace Suite
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
, black mother of pearl and Cartier round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k white gold. Necklace Length: 17
Category

Early 2000s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Morganite, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Original Art Nouveau Diamond Brooch Necklace
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
brooch pendant is crafted from 18 karat yellow gold which has been silver topper and set with brilliant
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Gold Channel Set Emerald Baguette Diamond Linear Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold channel set emerald baguette diamond linear pendant necklace The enchanting pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Jeweled Choker Necklace
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
contemporary choker style necklace meticulously crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Fine goldsmithing using a
Category

2010s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Hermes Chandra Necklace in 18k Rose Gold.
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Chandra diamond and pearl necklace in 18k rose gold. The necklace features open circle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Rose Gold

Cartier Himalia Diamond Tahitian Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k White Gold Stones Diamond, Pearl Weight approx 8.7 g Length approx 41 cm Condition Excellent
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Lucky Elephant Emerald Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
and white gold with diamond detail. Stamped with the eagle's head for 18 karat gold and French
Category

Vintage 1920s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Tahitian Black Pearl 17mm and Diamond Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
gold design set with tinted paua shell (mother-of-pearl) and topped by crystal and diamonds, lending
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

French Belle Époque Diamond And Seed Pearl Choker, Circa 1910
Located in Firenze, IT
front position, studded with diamonds and made of silver and gold, as is the tassel, further embellished
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

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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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