Old European Cut Diamond Pendant
Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Neoclassical Pocket Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Early 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Dangle Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown More Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Antique 1870s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Brooches
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby, ...
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches
White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Belle Époque Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century European Arts and Crafts Brooches
Pearl, Silver
20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s French Bangles
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 19th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
20th Century Etruscan Revival Link Necklaces
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Go...
Vintage 1910s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1860s Italian Victorian Brooches
Agate, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Moonstone, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century European Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1880s French Neoclassical Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver, 18k ...
Antique 19th Century English Drop Necklaces
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s European Retro Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Georgian Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Swedish Jugendstil Dangle Earrings
18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 1870s Swedish Empire Dangle Earrings
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s European Aesthetic Movement Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1910s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches
Amethyst, Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold,...
20th Century American Belle Époque Brooches
Peridot, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Drop Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1770s Portuguese Georgian Dangle Earrings
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Silver
Antique 19th Century French Link Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
Antique 1890s English Victorian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Black Opal, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary More Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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Old European Cut Diamond Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Old European Cut Diamond Pendant?
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 rings, vintage 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023How old an old European-cut diamond is varies. The old European cut is a precursor to the modern round brilliant cut. The stone appears circular when looked at from the top (because of its low table or largest facet) and has a high crown (the part above the middle of the stone) with larger facets. The tip of the stone, or the culet, is flat instead of pointed. This style was used predominantly in the 19th century, hence the name. It is best to consult a certified appraiser for assistance with dating and identifying antique jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a variety of European-cut diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, old European cut diamonds can be worth more than many other cut diamonds as they are not produced anymore. This cut was developed and popularized between the years 1890 and 1930 and is likely to be found in an antique ring belonging to this period and featuring a round-cut diamond.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although old European cut diamonds are often priced lower than modern cuts, due to scarcity, they can sometimes be more valuable than modern cut diamonds.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jewelry makers stopped using the old European cut for diamond and other gemstone jewelry around 1930. The style was common during the Art Deco period, but the brilliant cut became popular in the years that followed. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Old European cut diamond gemstone jewelry.
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