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Pearl Diamond Necklace Vintage

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Antique Victorian Star Pendant Onyx Diamond Pearl Vintage 14 Karat Gold Fine
Located in Torrance, CA
diamonds total an estimated 0.15 carats. The center set pearl measures 5mm. Once a brooch the piece was
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Cartier Caresse d Orchidées Mother of Pearl Necklace in White Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A classic vintage Cartier Caresse d'Orchidées mother-of-pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Pendant Pave Seed Pearls Diamond 14k Rose Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
), crafted in 14k rose gold. One estimated 0.06 carat old mine cut diamond adorns the center of the heart
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Erté 1970 s Sapphire Diamond Silver 14K Vintage Sophistication Necklace Brooch
By Erté
Located in Philadelphia, PA
headdress with gold articulating chain tassels Face is carved mother-of-pearl - white body color with
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

1960 s Pearl Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Car Pendant Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional vintage-style car with open cab and grooved details Featuring four
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Dancing Peacock Reversible Navratan Vintage Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Dancing Peacock Reversible Navratan Vintage Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Necklace Traditional Yellow
Category

1990s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Oriental Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Ye...

Fabulous Vintage Found Objets Bohemian Gold Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
, emerald, and diamond elements. Seed pearls punctuate the elegant design throughout. Finely made, this
Category

Antique 1820s Early Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline, 14k Gold,...

Pearl Diamond Pendant, 9 Carat White Gold, Antique Style.
Located in Canterbury, England
delighted to present the following: This Topaz, Pearl and Diamond pendant is set in 9K white gold, with an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Ruby Pendant with Pearls in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
-Vintage. 1930’s. Sold as is -14k Yellow Gold -Pendant Dimension: 1.6x1.9” -Length: 28” -Diamonds
Category

2010s More Necklaces

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.23 Carat Diamond, Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
of pearl, chrysoprase, and a total of 0.23 carats of diamonds. The necklace is presented with a 15
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Multi-Gemstone, Vintage Pendant and Ancient Coin Bohemian Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
One-of-a-kind, Bohemian statement necklace features a variety of gemstones, vintage estate jewelry
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Jade, Multi-gemstone...

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Ed Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Round Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and weighs 44.2 grams. It is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Multi-Gemstone, Vintage Pendant and Ancient Coin 14 Karat Gold Bohemian Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
One-of-a-kind Vicki Orr 14k yellow gold Bohemian necklace with a variety of gemstones, vintage and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Multi-gems...

Akoya Pearl Amethyst Pendant 14 Grams Yellow Gold Great Vintage Jewelry 25 Ct
Located in Viena, Viena
bordered with small bows alternating with white Akoya cultured pearls of 6 mm diameter, set with 6 rhodium
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Pegasus and Dragon Pendant, Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18K yellow gold pegasus & dragon pendant necklace with enamel, freshwater pearls, emeralds
Category

Vintage 1950s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Ed 2018 Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Large Round Amethyst and Diamond Pendant Charm
Located in Addison, TX
Item Details Style: Vintage Materials: 14K Yellow Gold Hallmarks: 14K Center Stone Type: Amethyst
Category

Late 20th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

"Vintage Americana" Victorian Rose Gold Pendant with Gemstones
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
charm. The cluster of pearls in the center is dotted with a rose cut diamond and the border is a bold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1960 s Multi-Gem 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Loads-of-Love Truck Pendant Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
blue in color - ranging in cut Accented by prong set white pearls measuring 3.5 mm round Headlights are
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Sapphire, Topaz, Tou...

Ross Coppelman Gold Necklace with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Astoria, NY
piece has four diamonds and pearls and a maker's mark: "RC / 18K 22K." Approx: 30.8 dwt inclusive. In
Category

20th Century American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearls Diamonds Necklace Vintage Handcrafted
Located in Milano, IT
Stylish necklace made of baroque white pearls. This vintage necklace features an 18 karat yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl Diamond Necklace, Vintage Original in 14k White Gold, Pearl Bridal Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This stunningly vintage, beautiful genuine cultured pearl set in polished 14k white gold and
Category

2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace Pearls
Located in Northampton, MA
This 1940's necklace is composed of seventy-five luminous cultured Akoya pearls measuring
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage South Sea Golden Pearls Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
One of the most Beautiful and large Golden South Sea pearl necklace we've ever had for sale, this
Category

Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Akoya Pearl Platinum Triple Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
In addition to your diamond & pearl collection, this necklace is the upgrade to bring your style to
Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Pearl Double Strand Necklace with Diamond and Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This marvelous vintage Pearl necklace features 2 row of luscious Japanese Akoya pearls
Category

1990s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 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

Gemjunky Vintage Inspired Glittering Wild Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
These beautiful glowing natural cultured Pearls are enhanced with tiny glittering Diamond rondels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This elegant pendant features one
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage pendant necklace features a rich purple amethyst set in 14k yellow gold, accented by
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

2.60 ct Diamond Pearl Vintage Choker Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This vintage choker necklace features 2.60 carats of diamonds and Akoya pearls, elegantly set in
Category

Vintage 1950s European Renaissance Revival Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. Fireworks Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. ‘Fireworks’ pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in platinum
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Tiffany Co. Fireworks Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Necklace in Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. ‘Fireworks’ Tahitian pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Handcrafted Vintage Necklace Diamonds, Emeralds, Pearls, 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
necklace realized in 14k white gold structure, mounted with 28 g of beautiful pearls, and enriched with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

14KGold Moonstone Sapphire Pearl and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Necklace
Located in Bangkok, TH
, giving the necklace a graceful, vintage charm. Perfect for special occasions or heirloom-worthy moments
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1.50ct Diamond Cultured Pearl Necklace Vintage 14k White Gold Oval Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage cultured pearl & diamond necklace crafted in 14 karat white gold (circa 1950s to
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Princess Length 7mm Akoya Pearl Necklace with Vintage White Gold Diamond Clasp
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
overall quality. The pearls in this necklace are the best quality Akoyas we've ever bought from George
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Art Deco Diamond Pearl Necklace 18k Gold Platinum Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era necklace (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 18 karat yellow
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 1900 Pearl Turquoise Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 1900's natural Patina pendant. 18mm center cultured pearl accented with 32 rose cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage Diamond, Pearl and Lavender Jade Lariat Necklace, 14k White Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful vintage lavender jade, Diamond and pearl lariat necklace. It is a delicate and
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Negligee Necklace Garnet Pearl Platinum Pearl Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
. The garnet and cultured pearl swing freely at slightly different lengths. The diamonds are embedded
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Akoya Pearl and Diamond Horse Head Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
An interesting vintage Akoya cultured pearl strand necklace clasped with a double-horse-head set in
Category

1990s Unknown Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco GIA 4-Strand Vintage Graduated Akoya PEARL NECKLACE Plat Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco GIA Multi Strand Graduated Saltwater Akoya PEARL Vintage NECKLACE Diamond Platinum Clasp
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Octopus Necklace Diamond Mother of Pearl 18 Karat Gold Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Octopus is comprised of mother-of-pearl measuring 15mm. The diamonds total an estimated 0.39 carats
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Pearl Strand Necklace with Diamond and Ruby Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This marvelous vintage Pearl necklace features 1 row of luscious pearls (measuring approx. 7.25mm
Category

1990s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

GIA Tahitian Pearl 18K Diamond Vintage Necklace Saltwater Strand Fine Huge 13 mm
Located in Sylvania, GA
DIAMOND CLASP AND CASE! Huge Saltwater Pearls and Sparkling 18K Solid Gold Vintage Clasp--Stunning
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and presented with a 17” chain
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960s 14K White Gold Diamond Emerald Pearl Five Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Luxurious five strand pearl necklace with 14k white gold closure containing channel set emeralds
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

12K White Gold Vintage Double Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage double strand pearl necklace with 12k white gold diamond clasp. The clasp tests 55% gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Vintage Mabe Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace / Brooch in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Absolutely stunning diamond and pearl pendant necklace / brooch with incredible fine detail
Category

20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Turquoise Diamond and Pearl Brooch/Pendant in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Addison, TX
perfectly within a halo of iridescent pearls and old European cut diamonds. The soft, intricate twists and
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Van Cleef&Arpels Necklace Holiday Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Diamond
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Holiday necklace features gold Mother of Pearl with round center set diamond. Limited Edition. Set in 18K
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Christian Dior Rose des Vents Mothe of Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in London, England
An iconic vintage Christian Dior Rose des Vents mother-of-pearl and diamond necklace set in 18k
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Sapphire Diamond Pearl Enamel Cross Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
center, a square-cut blue sapphire is set surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds. Each arm of the cross is
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow ...

Vintage Sapphire Diamond Pearl Clover Leaf White Gold Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage sapphire pearl and diamond white gold clover leaf slide pendant circa 1930. * ABOUT THIS
Category

Vintage 1930s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Marina J Woven Emerald Pearl Necklace with Unique Diamond Antique Centerpiece
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This woven emerald and pearl necklace with vintage diamond and emerald centerpiece is vibrant and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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