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Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage

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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

Vintage 18K Gold, Diamond and Pearl Necklace by Clausen Co.
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vintage necklace is crafted in 18k gold and composed with pearls and diamonds in a refined
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

1980 Vintage Brown Diamond and Pearl Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A unique vintage Indian necklace showcasing multiple strands of GIA-certified natural seed pearls
Category

2010s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14mm Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
expression of elegance and nature’s artistry. 14mm South Sea Pearl White Brilliance Cut Diamonds 0.88 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 2-Row Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K WG Diamond Agate Jewelry Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Green Agat Two Strands 17.5" - 19" Japanese Akoya 8.2 - 8.9mm Pearl
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, White Gold

Vintage Torsade Style 15 Multi Strand Pearl 14k Gold Necklace
Located in beverly hills, CA
The necklace has 15 strands of small, freshwater pearls. This torsade-style necklace can be worn
Category

Mid-20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Quartz, Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 3- Strand A DIAMOND, SAPPHIRE Cultured Grey PEARL Necklace in 18K W Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Three Strand 9.5-10.9mm Cultured Grey PEARL& DIAMOND, SAPPHIRE Necklace 18K White Gold
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold statement piece blending classic elegance with regal strength, this vintage necklace
Category

Vintage 1980s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marsh and Co. Art Deco Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
diamond set channels; two of which are suspended from a duo of pearl set chains. This theme is continued
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Steel

Vintage 1970s David Webb Pearl Choker with Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with pearls ranging from 8.5mm - 9mm and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a
Category

Vintage 1970s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Platinum, Diamond and South Sea Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
Large, 1970s Piece. Platinum, White Diamond and White, South Sea Double Pearl Pendant. Pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 14k Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamonds Solid White Gold
Located in Greer, SC
"A double strand pearl necklace has a 14 karat white gold clasp, stamped 14K, marked AB&F. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold

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

1990s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Cardow Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lion s Head Clasp
By Cardow
Located in New York, NY
Original Cardow Pearl Necklace with 14K Gold Lion's Head Clasp. This multi strand pearl necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Polki Bib Necklace with Pearl Drop in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
diamonds and rubies, this bib style necklace is sure to impress. The necklace features a unique cluster of
Category

20th Century Indian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco Pearl Ruby and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
inches Chain Width: 1mm Tested As: Platinum & 18ct Gold Box: The Vintage Jeweller Necklace Box
Category

20th Century Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 1982 3.50Ct Aquamarine Diamond Pearl Platinum Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.50 Carat aquamarine, 0.48 Carat diamond, pearl and platinum
Category

Vintage 1980s English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 14k White Gold Diamond Pave Clasp Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k white gold and Akoya pearl strand necklace features a rare and highly sought-after
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Cultured Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s cultured pearl and 0.48 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Lavalier
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage 10 karat yellow gold pearl and diamond lavalier on 18 inch chain. The pendant measures
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage style gold pendant with opal, pearl, diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold pendant with opal, pearl and diamonds. Vintage style gold pendant with opal, pearl
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 1960s 18K Yellow Gold Jade, Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
Diamond Details: Weight: 2.50ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Each jade oval is 1 inch long
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Timeless Vintage 18k Gold Modernist Necklace with Amethyst and Akoya Pearls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely vintage choker length necklace is decidedly in the Modernist genre. A large and rich
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.6 grams. Total weight is diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Platinum and 14K Gold Pearl Necklace with Ruby and Diamond Floral Clasp
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A graceful blend of classic elegance and retro glamour, this vintage necklace features three
Category

Vintage 1950s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Givenchy Vintage Large Sapphire Diamond Tear Drop White Round Pearls Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Large Sapphire Navy Blue Crystals Diamond Tear Water Drop White Round Pearls
Category

1990s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Victorian Style Emerald And 3-Strand Pearl Pendant Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
diamond side stones, this beautiful necklace is strung together with 3 strands of pearls. This vintage
Category

20th Century North American Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Natural Saltwater Conch Pearl Emerald Drop 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage GIA certified natural saltwater conch pearl, emerald, and diamond drop pendant necklace in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Beautiful Vintage 18K White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Pearl Enhancer Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
spray of Black Tahitian Pearls, accented with diamonds. The three pearls are graduated in size, and
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Natural Seed Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Multi Strand Natural Seed Pearl Necklace Marked: 750 18K on the
Category

20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Enamel, Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Floral Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is a truly wonderful Art Nouveau style 18ct yellow gold natural pearl, amethyst, diamond and
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Air Hot Balloon Diamond Pearl 14k Pendant
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
vintage piece likely from the 1940's-1950's. The balloon is encrusted with diamonds. This piece is very
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant set with a spherical drop Tahitian cultured black pearl
Category

Vintage 1960s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

2.50 Carat Diamond Pearl Bead Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Estate
Located in New York, NY
Title: This elegant vintage 18K yellow gold bead necklace features a refined combination of
Category

20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 15ct Yellow Gold, Diamond Seed Pearl Pendant, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Pearl and Diamond Pendant 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 Chain sold seperately A finely
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Plique-A-Jour Pink Sapphire Pearl and Diamond Dragonfly Necklace
Located in London, GB
rich pink sapphire, rounded natural pearl and rose cut diamond set head, body and wings. Each stone is
Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 19mm Mabe Pearl Pendant with Diamonds Black Enamel Accents 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage pendant crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a luminous 19mm mabe pearl
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Tiffany Co. GIA Certified Natural Saltwater Pearl Two Strand Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Tiffany & Co. signed vintage natural saltwater pearl double-stranded necklace with diamond box and
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Vintage Gold Heart Madeira Citrine w/ Diamond Sapphire Pearl Dangle Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
; Channel Set -Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 1.40ctw (approx.) (1) Genuine Cultured Pearl - Oval Shape
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1950s Filigree Fringe 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1950s filigree fringe 18k yellow gold and pearl necklace. The "Vintage 1950s Filigree
Category

Vintage 1950s Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Lady Cameo Diamond Pearl Amethyst Locket Pendant Collier
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
diamonds. It is also enriched with amethyst details. The necklace is made of amethyst beads. Comes with an
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Vintage Tambetti Layered Graduated 4 Strand Pearl Necklace 14k Gold Fancy Clasp
By Tambetti
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent vintage statement necklace was designed by Tambetti and features 4 strands of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Diamond and Pearl Grape Clasp
Located in New York, NY
cluster, adorned with lustrous pearls and twinkling diamond accents. The intricate detailing captures the
Category

20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Drop Pendant with 10mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Accent
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Drop Pendant with 10mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Accent This pendant
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Drop Pendant with 8mm Pink Pearl Diamond Accents
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Drop Pendant with 8mm Pink Pearl Diamond Accents This drop-style
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Gold Necklace Natural 1 Carat Round Diamond and Pearl Gem Stone circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning 14k white gold, diamond and pearl vintage necklace. The 14 Natural Diamonds range from G
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Baguette Cut Diamond And Pearl Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

1990s European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage GIA Certified 14k White Gold Diamond and Cultured Akoya Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
cultured Akoya pearl suspended beneath a delicately diamond-accented bail. The pearl exhibits exceptional
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Abstract Pendant with Chain
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Beautiful Vintage Diamond and Pearl Abstract Pendant with Chain is, well, just beautiful
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

Vintage 9ct Yellow Gold Diamond Seed Pearl Star Pendant Hallmarked London 1974
Located in Brighton, GB
natural diamond at its centre, adding a captivating focal point. This piece captures the charm of vintage
Category

Late 20th Century English Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Peridot Pink Tourmaline and Pearl Diamond Vintage Pendant in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural Peridot, Pink Tourmaline, and Pearl Diamond Vintage Style Pendant in 9K Yellow Gold. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Rose Gold Drop Pendant with 9mm Off-White Pearl Diamond Accent
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage 14k Rose Gold Drop Pendant with 9mm Off-White Pearl Diamond Accent This drop-style
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 18K Gold and Platinum Cross Pendant with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian 18 karat yellow gold and platinum pendant, with a central brilliant diamond of 0.35
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 15.5mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The 18K White Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant is an exquisite piece of jewelry that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond Jade Pearl Platinum Vintage Floral Screw-Back Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
milgrain detail and are bead set with single cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.12 carat - eye clean and
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

14K Gold Garnet Opal Pearl and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Chandelier Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite vintage-style chandelier pendant is a poetic blend of natural gemstones and floral
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 17" 3 Pearl Strand W/ 18k Gold Red Stones Diamond Clasp Center Piece
Located in Montclair, NJ
-Row Pearl Strand Necklace w/ Gold Clasp Center Piece Length: 17 Inches (wearable length) Center Piece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

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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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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.