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Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage

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Vintage Green Blue Enamel Pearl Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow Gold necklace featuring 16 sections of Japanese Culture Pearls with decorative
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Pearl Diamond Platinum and Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This delicate cultured pearl and diamond necklace focuses on 9 pearl drops ranging in size from
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Vintage pearl diamond 18k white gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1980's necklace showcases luminous pearls and sparkling diamonds, elegantly set in
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage pearl diamond 18k white gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graceful and luminous, this vintage 1980s necklace embodies timeless sophistication through the
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 1980s Pearl Tassel Necklace with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with two strands and a tassel of cultured Pearls measuring 8.5 - 9 mm, featuring a
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage GIA Certified Pearl Necklace with Diamonds
Located in Addison, TX
Vintage GIA Certified Pearl Necklace includes 83 graduated cultured pearls ranging from 3.6mm to
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Vintage Graduated Pearl Necklace with Platinum Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This classic vintage necklace features a graceful strand of luminous pearls, finished with an
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Tiffany Co. GIA Pearl Diamond Necklace 16" Natural Pearls Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Dearborn, MI
Vintage Tiffany & Co. GIA Certified Natural Pearl Necklace with Platinum Diamond Clasp 16 Inch Pink
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Vintage White Gold Diamond Clasp Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
pearls, each meticulously matched for size and sheen. The clasp is adorned with a single white diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful vintage pearl necklace. The necklace is formed of 52 well matched cultured
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Pearl Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique heart pendant necklace is a romantic treasure from the Victorian era, circa 1880-1900
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Love Heart Charm Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a vintage 9ct yellow gold belcher chain charm necklace. The necklace plays host to a duo of
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Platinum Diamonds Multi-Stands Pearl Necklace
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Platinum Diamonds Multi-Stands Pearl Necklace Approximate Dimensions: 48.5 cm (Length
Category

20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Pearl Necklace and Brooch Combination.
Located in Wailea, HI
true statement piece on its own. The necklace is composed of 3.8 mm pearls along a fine platinum chain
Category

Early 20th Century European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Pearl and Diamond 14 Carat Gold Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Delicate and unbelievably pretty, this 14ct gold necklace holds 9 pearls and 8 diamonds. As you
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Vintage Cultured Pearl Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive single cultured pearl and 0.19 carat diamond, 18k white gold necklace; part of our
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 5.10 CT Diamond Pearl Rare Panel Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
This enchanting vintage necklace is 1935 circa Composed by a single strand of salt water cultured
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Chanel Comete Pearl Diamond 18k White Gold Vintage Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
The Chanel Comete Pearl Diamond White Gold Vintage Necklace captures the house’s timeless elegance
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Vintage Necklace Platinum Diamonds Seed Pearls ca. 1910
Located in Berlin, DE
diamond bow shows the love of detail in that time. Made ca. 1910 the necklace vouches for the
Category

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 14K White Gold Pearl Necklace with Pave Diamonds
Located in Venice, CA
This delicate white gold necklace features a diamond-shaped centerpiece encrusted with pave
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Marsh Company vintage Steel Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Marsh Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Round Brilliant Diamonds totaling .32 Carat. This Necklace is in incredible near unworn condition and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Steel

Vintage Amethyst, Diamond, and Cultured Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking statement piece from the 1990s, this vintage necklace features a luxurious five-row
Category

1990s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage French Flexible Necklace Yellow Gold Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
of a bygone era, this vintage French flexible necklace in 18kt yellow gold, adorned with pearls and
Category

20th Century French Artisan Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Akoya Pearl Necklace with Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Clasp 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant vintage choker necklace features a strand of lustrous pearls in soft white tones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 4 carat diamond pearl 18k yellow gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An opulent vintage 18k yellow gold necklace showcasing four strands of lustrous pearls complemented
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This unique vintage pendant from the 1980s showcases three lustrous pearls and one round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Pearl Choker Necklace Ornate Diamond Clasp
Located in Montgomery, AL
Everyone loves a classic pearl necklace!! This beauty is just unique enough while maintaining a
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 36.0 Grams Stone: Pearl (7.8 - 8.4 mm), Accent Diamond Clasp Measurements: 387.35 x 8.4 x
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 34.6 Grams Stone: Pearl (8.1 - 8.3 mm), Accent Diamond Clasp Measurements: 361.95 x 8.3 x
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cultured Pearl and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This vintage necklace is an elegant piece, featuring a delicate strand of small, round cultured
Category

Late 20th Century European Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Cultured Pearl Necklace Diamond Ball Clasp 0.65 Carats
Located in London, GB
This is a classic south sea cultured pearl necklace. The necklace is formed of 37 large 12mm
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, White Gold

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl and Diamond Drop
Category

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 18k Gold Ruby, Diamond Pearl Bow Necklace Choker
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this marvellous and elegantly designed vintage 18K gold necklace. The
Category

Late 20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Amethyst Diamond Pearl Necklace 10.65ct Antique Victorian 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Vintage Antique 10.65ct Amethyst Diamond Pearl Necklace Double Strand 14K Gold Victorian
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Akoya Pearls Diamond Vintage Necklace 19" - 14k .32ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Akoya Pearls Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond and Baroque Pearl Pendant Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An eye-catching vintage necklace showcasing an artistic triangular pendant set with a geometric
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage White Gold Diamond Bow Pearl Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in New York, NY
Necklace: Weight: 75.8 Grams Stones: Pearl (6.6-6.8mm) Diamond Bow Clasp: Pearl (11mm) Bow
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Pearl Diamond Clasp Beaded Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k white gold necklace features a stunning combination of pearls and diamond. The
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Pearl Two Strand Necklace Diamond Gold Clasp
Located in Napoli, NA
Discover timeless elegance with this exceptional vintage pearl necklace from 1980s Italy. Two
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Cultured Pearl and 2.54 Carat Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with a cylindrical clasp. This vintage diamond necklace with pearl drop has been independently tested
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

White button Pearl vintage rose cut diamond bead sterling silver necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This beautiful pearl necklace with rose cut diamond bead is a beautiful piece of jewelry. :Pearl
Category

2010s Chinese Artist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver

Vintage Pearl Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Beaded Double-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 66.5 Grams Stone: Pearl (7-7.5 mm) & Accent Diamonds (1.3 mm) Length: 18 Inches Hallmark
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold 1.50tcw Diamond Clasp Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Akoya pearl strand necklace combines classic elegance with a touch of sparkle. The
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace and Drop Earrings.
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Pearl and Diamond Gold Drop Pendant Necklace and matching Earrings. Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cultured Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace Opera Length with Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cultured Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace Opera Length 34" With Diamond Clasp This marvelous
Category

2010s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Blister Pearl and 1.23 Ct Diamond 14ct Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive blister pearl and 1.23 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold pendant
Category

1990s German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has H-I-J-K color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally lenght is pearl part necklace 39 cm. Lock Part
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Vintage Indian Natural Pearl and Diamond Enamel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An impressive, vintage, and royal Indian enamel necklace with natural saltwater pearls, old-mine
Category

20th Century Indian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
Dimensions: 3mm x 2mm (height x width) Pearl Dimensions: 27 (2mm - 1mm) Total Old Cut Diamond Weight: Approx
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Negligee Necklace Opal Diamond Pearl Platinum Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
measures 1 3/4 inches x 1/2 inches (pearl drop). Metal & Hallmark: 900 platinum. The necklace is not
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Platinum, Sterling Silver

Vintage Platinum 2.5ctw Diamond Multi Strand Pearl Collar Necklace by Adler
By Adler
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A vintage diamond, seed pearl, and platinum necklace, comprising one large round brilliant cut
Category

Mid-20th Century British Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 18K White Gold 13mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Cultured South Sea Pearls and Diamond Necklace in 18k white gold. Featuring a diamond-encrusted box
Category

20th Century Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage White Gold Pearl and Diamond Floral Clasp Beaded Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 30.7 Grams Stone: Pearl (5.5 mm, 6 mm on clasp), Approx. 0.125 TCW (0.025 ct) Diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Vintage Buccellati Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold
By Buccellati
Located in Houston, TX
Buccellati necklace composed of 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds and pearls. There are 11
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Mikimoto Pendant. Vintage 14k Gold Mikimoto BOW Pearl Diamond Necklace.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Very rare 18k Yellow Gold MIKIMOTO Pearl BOW Drop Pendant
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18.25mm Baroque Pearl and Diamond Pave Gold Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Large Baroque Pearl and Diamond Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace. Featuring an
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a Victorian 18ct gold pearl and diamond necklace. The necklace features a circular face
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

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Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact pearl diamond necklace vintage you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 128 antique edition and 27 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a pearl diamond necklace vintage from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic pearl diamond necklace vintage over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, Vicki Orr and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also rose cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a pearl diamond necklace vintage, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage?

Prices for a pearl diamond necklace vintage can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $164 and can go as high as $77,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,360.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

Questions About Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To determine whether a pearl necklace is modern or vintage, first look for signs of wear, such as blunted edges on the prongs. The pearls will likely have dull spots where they came into contact with skin. The clasp can clue you in, too. Lobster clasps appeared in the 1970s, while early 20th century clasps were generally safety-pin style or C-clasps. Modern necklaces typically have a spring-loaded clasp. Shop a selection of vintage pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Yes, you can wear diamond stud earrings with a pearl necklace. The elegant combination is fashionable for everything from a day at the office to Sunday brunch to a night on the town. To create a bold look, try pairing large diamond studs with a single strand of pearls or a dramatic multi-strand pearl necklace with smaller stud earrings. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of diamond stud earrings and pearl necklaces.

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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.