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Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage

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9.01 Carat Vintage Yellow White Gold Ruby Diamond Pearl Dragon Necklace Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Hand Made Piece Gold: 18K Yellow Gold. Weight: 98.95 gr. Diamonds: 2.32ct. G / VS Rubies: 6.69ct
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Artist Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Pearl Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning platinum pendant necklace is set with sparkling old European and rose cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Vintage Platinum Pearl Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Feminine vintage chain necklace by Tiffany & Co made of platinum, featuring pearl and diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

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 1970s Tahitian Pearls Necklace with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Tahitian Pearls measuring 13 - 14.7mm. The necklace features
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Marquise Diamond Platinum Graduated Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Strand necklace is hand knotted with round cultured pearls that measure 3.2 mm to 7.3 mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Marquise Diamond Platinum Graduated Pearl Strand Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Strand necklace is hand knotted with round cultured pearls that measure 3.2 mm to 7.3 mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Pearl Necklace Medal French Vintage Silver White Diamond Black Pearls
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Necklace Medal French Vintage Silver White Diamond Black Pearls 16" J Dauphin One of a kind
Category

2010s American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Silver

Vintage Tahitian pearl diamond 14k white gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and captivating, this vintage Tahitian pearl necklace exudes timeless sophistication
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage natural pearl and old cut diamond necklace set in 14k gold and platinum. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Vintage South Sea Golden Pearls Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful large Golden South Sea pearl necklace, this strand includes 12-14 millimeter pearls
Category

Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Pearl Necklace with Jade and Diamond Clasp
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautiful cultured pearl necklace. This vintage piece features a single strand of
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Buccellati Vintage Necklace 18k Gold Baroque Pearl Diamond
By Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
karat yellow gold and rose cut diamonds, the necklace features a beautiful baroque pearl with
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Sapphire, Diamond Dyed Pearl Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage multistrand 14K White Gold necklace made of grey dyed cultured pearls and diamonds set
Category

Vintage 1950s French Belle Époque Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. Diamond Tahitian Pearl Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Tahitian South Sea Pearl Vintage Pendant Necklace by Tiffany & Co. With 1 Tear
Category

Vintage 1980s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Tiffany Co. Diamond Seed Pearl Long Platinum Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond And Seed Pearl 81" Long Necklace by Tiffany & Co. With 1104 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This stunning necklace features
Category

20th Century More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Elegant Vintage Cultured Pearl Diamond Necklace Meister Zurich
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very elegant Vintage multi strand (12) cultured pearl necklace (2.5mm-3mm) featuring a very lovely
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Sapphire "M" initial Clasp
Located in London, GB
Magnificent vintage matching Cultured Pearl necklace with Platinum & Palladium clasp set with 8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Palladium

Vintage Platinum Garland, Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Necklace With Earrings
Located in New York, NY
necklace has 4-7mm pearls, 0.70 cts Baguette and Old Single Cuts, White and clean diamonds with approx 3
Category

1990s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Verdura Vintage Amethyst Garnet Pearl Diamond Torsade Bead Necklace
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Diamond 'Torsade' Bead Necklace, made in 1990s, is a perfect example of Verdura's creativity, a
Category

Late 20th Century American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in 18k white gold. The pendant is
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful pearl and diamond drop necklace. This vintage piece focally showcases a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in 18k white gold. The pendant is
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Pearl Two Strand Necklace Diamond Sapphire Detachable Clasp-Pendant
Located in Napoli, NA
This beautifully crafted pearl necklace features great quality Japanese white pearls 8,5 mm. with a
Category

Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Pearl Bow Pendant Necklace 14K White Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Diamond and Pearl Bow Pendant Necklace in 14K White and Yellow Gold. The bow features a 5mm
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Solid 18k Gold Pearl Textured Flower Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
made and drenched with absolutely the finest quality pearls and diamond throughout. Enjoy :) -- Item
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels "Vintage Alhambra" Diamond Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, rose gold, gray mother-of-pearl, round diamonds 120 diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold

Vintage Single Strand Pearl and 3.03Ct Aquamarine and Diamond Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
either side with a total of ten pavé set eight-cut diamonds. This vintage gemstone and pearl necklace
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This lovely pendant
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Yellow Gold

Vintage Double Strand Pearl Necklace 18k White Gold Diamond Floral Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
This fancy vintage necklace features double strand of genuine cultured pearls with a fancy 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Pearl Pave Diamond Sautoir Tassel Drop Necklace Yellow Gold 1970s
Located in Lisbon, PT
A vintage cultured pearl and round brilliant-cut diamond sautoir tassel necklace in 18kt yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Gubelin Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearls and Diamonds Necklace 2.50 Carat
By Gubelin
Located in New York, NY
A unique 18K yellow gold Vintage necklaces by Gubelin. Beautiful prestigious white diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mikimoto Platinum Diamond Graduated Pearl Double Strand Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Double Strand Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto. With pearls that range from 8mm to
Category

20th Century Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Louis Vuitton Diamond and Mother of Pearl Blossom Lariat Necklace
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Louis Vuitton ‘Blossom Lariat’ Necklace set in 18k rose gold. From the current
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Louis Vuitton Diamond and Mother of Pearl Blossom Lariat Necklace
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Louis Vuitton ‘Blossom Lariat’ Necklace set in 18k rose gold. From the current
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Clover Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely 15ct yellow gold diamond and pearl pendant necklace. The pendant is in a clover
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Diamond Pendant Necklace Platinum Pearl 14k Gold Vintage Fine
Located in Torrance, CA
chain is a later addition to the piece and is 14 karat white gold. The larger old mine cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Gold Platinum 3.04ctw Diamond Pearl Clip Clasp Dual Strand Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
use. Excellent overall physically condition. Stock Number: MK-400253130-PAR Vintage Pearl Dual Strand
Category

20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage Nude Figural Necklace 14 Karat Gold Sawtooth Pearl Diamond Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage nude figural necklace, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The sawtooth
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage pearl and diamond set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliant diamonds and a luminous pearl drop, with a clever design that allows it to be transformed into a
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Vintage Retro Pearl Strand Choker Necklace 14K Gold Diamond Ruby Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent vintage pearl strand necklace features 45 cultured pearls that are neatly strung
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond Seed Pearl Tassel Platinum Pendant Vintage Link Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful original Art Deco diamond and seed pearl pendant necklace handcrafted in platinum. The
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Necklace Ruby Diamond Pearl Vintage 14 Karat Gold Circle Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian era ruby & diamond circle necklace (circa 1900s to 1910s
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond, White Sapphire Pearl Vintage Chandelier Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K white gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.83cttw Color: I
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Diamond Pendant Necklace Platinum Pearl 14k Gold Vintage Fine
Located in Torrance, CA
chain is a later addition to the piece and is 14 karat white gold. The larger old mine cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond Emerald Cultured Pearl 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond emerald pearl pendant fashioned in 14 karat white gold. The pendant features diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

Vintage Platinum Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace #4376
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Platinum Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace. This exquisite drop pendant features one 9 mm
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Platinum

Vintage 2 Row 9mm Cultured Pearl Necklace With old cut Diamond Clasp
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage 2-row 9mm cultured pearl necklace is set with a 9ct white gold clasp set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 9k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier Pasha Mother of Pearl and Diamond Cord Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A classic vintage Cartier Pasha mother-of-pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in 18k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Double Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930 An elegant Art Deco era double strand pearl necklace is embellished with a diamond and
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Art Deco Vintage Pearl Onyx Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s The design of this distinctive Art Deco necklace is centered upon an elongated black
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx

Vintage Pearl Multi Length Necklace w/ Diamond Ruby Emerald 14k Gold Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
" As a Pearl Strand Not Including the Clasp - 15" As a Shocker Necklace Including the Clasp - 20" when
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

14 Karat Gold Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl and Blue Enamel Vintage Cross Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom designed Material: 14k yellow gold Sapphire: 1 round cut= .17ct Diamonds: 4 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stork Pendant and Necklace Baroque Pearl Diamond Vintage 14 Karat Gold Bird
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish & unique stork pendant & necklace crafted in 14k white gold. Black baroque pearl
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 16.5" Pearl Strand Necklace w/ Gold Opal Diamond Halo Pendant Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
(1.1") Pendant Thickness: 11.8mm (at the opal) Clasp: Lobster Claw Condition: Vintage pearl & pendant
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Mid Century 7.5 Mm Pearl Necklace With Floral Diamond Clasp
Located in Montgomery, AL
This vintage pearl necklace was crafted sometime during the Mid Century design period (1940-1960
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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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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.