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"Baby Boom" Necklace with Eleven Gold Antique American Baby Rings on Black Chain
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
variation inspired by Queen Victoria was the "spark" ring set with a single tiny diamond -- a metaphor for
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire,...

Victorian Rock Crystal, Diamond, Garnet and Tiger Eye Bug Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely fabulous rock quartz crystal pendant from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This lovely
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Tiger s Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Pearl Gemstone Silver Gold Butterfly Pin Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
rubies and anchored in the center by a pearl. Approximately 1 carat of diamonds, plus 2 carats each of
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Antique Gold Festoon Necklace with Crystal Pendants Inset with Gemstone Insects
Located in New York, NY
swags of gold snake chain suspending carved rock crystal pendants set with ruby, emerald, diamond
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Ruby Heart-Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby heart-locket pendant from the collection of Bentley & Skinner
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Early Victorian Diamond and Ruby Cross
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian diamond and ruby cross, the eleven old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh
Category

Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Victorian Renaissance Revival Gem-set Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Renaissance revival gem-set pendant, the central cushion shaped faceted ruby set to the
Category

Antique 1850s British Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Chick Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a chick in gold and silver set with 21 rose-cut diamonds with
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace 0.90ct Ruby
Located in Kendal, GB
A stunning antique Victorian Art Nouveau pendant from the late 1800s decorated with an array of
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Ruby, Pearl, Diamond Victorian Pendant, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
Victorian Pendant/Brooch in 15 carat yellow gold with rubies, pearls and diamonds in a starburst
Category

Antique 1850s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yell...

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Platinum circa 1900 Pendant
Located in Lancaster , GB
This beautiful antique Ruby and Diamond pendant is from the Victorian era, Circa 1900 The lovely
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Star Pendant Brooch Ruby Diamond Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
pendant/ brooch is Victorian Circa 1900. The fabulous piece is adorned with bright red synthetic Rubies
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mindi Mond Victorian Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Long Bar Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds=0.85 CTW Near colorless (F-J) Clarity VS-I 16 square step cut Rubies=Approx. 0.72 CTW Chain: 32
Category

Antique 18th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond Cross, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
An 18ct Cross with Rubies and Diamonds circa 1850 Single row of Calibré cut natural colour rubies
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Clover Pendant / Brooch
Located in Essex, GB
emerald, a ruby and a sapphire. Seventy-one rose cut diamonds of graduating size are set in the silver
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yell...

Victorian Ruby Diamond Cross, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
An 18ct Cross with Rubies and Diamonds circa 1850 Single row of Calibré cut natural colour rubies
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

French Art Nouveau Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Portland, ME
Art Nouveau ruby, pearl and diamond French pendant. The open work gargoyle is set with an oval
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Diamond Ruby Natural Pearl Enameled Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
KT gold an Platinum Enriched with approx 2.0 Ct of mine cut Diamonds G VS,very tiny natural Ruby for
Category

Antique Early 1900s Holbeinesque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Inspired Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
: Yellow Gold, Silver, 18ct Yellow Gold Stones: Diamonds, Sapphire, Ruby
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Hand-Painted Portrait Pin Pendant
Located in Bellmore, NY
This Antique Victorian Hand Painted Portrait Pendant has a bail that falls behind the piece so it
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond Ruby Dagger Gold
Located in New York, NY
A most compelling piece: a figural dagger made of brilliant rubies and diamonds. Set in 18K yellow
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Peach Tourmaline, Zircon, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl 18k Gold Antique Style Pendant
By William Llewellyn Griffiths
Located in Melbourne, Vic
. Surrounded by four 1.5mm round crimson rubies, at the heart of this luxurious pendant lies a deep peach
Category

2010s Australian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold,...

Victorian agate cameo pendant in 18k gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian agate cameo pendant in yellow gold 18 karats decorated with the profile of the goddess
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Burmese Ruby and Diamond Locket
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Victorian Ruby and Diamond clear case back locket. Certified no heat Burma ruby
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Vintage Natural 1.25 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Heart Pendant for Her
Located in Miami, FL
of blue sapphire and ruby. Cabochon cut. All gemstones and diamonds are 100% natural earth mined
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...

Paris Craft House 73.60ct Opal Tsavorite Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pendant in Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House 73.6ct Opal Tsavorite Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pendant in 18 Karat White Gold. - 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, ...

Ruby and Diamond Gold Heart with Stars Locket
Located in Houston, TX
ruby in the center is trimmed with old European cut diamonds. 8 raised stars are each set with a ruby
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian French Rock Crystal Diamond Pearl Rare Locket Chain
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Marvel A very rare Victorian period locket pendant plus chain – French origin 1860/1880
Category

Antique 1860s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

8.57 Carat Rose Cut Brown Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Nicosia, CY
Heart Shaped Rose Cut Diamond Pendand with a bird on top set in 14 Karat gold and 8.57 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Mindi Mond 13.61 Carat Diamond Gemstone Pearl Rose Gold Shaker Pendant
By Mindi Mond
Located in New York, NY
oldeuropeancut diamond (2.50 CTW) and 50 pearls surround this locket derived from the Victorian Period, Circa
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Natural Rubies and Diamond Antique Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Elevate even the simplest of outfits with this antique natural ruby and diamond brooch, pendant in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Revival Ruby and Diamond Pin Pendant
Located in METAIRIE, LA
In a British inspiration, this Victorian Revival Ruby & Diamond Pin / Pendant features a total of
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

A 1.60 Carat Victorian Old European Platinum, Gold, Ruby, Diamond Brooch/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Carats of Round Cut Diamonds (56 Total); 0.37 Carats of Square-Cut Rubies (37 Total)
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Gold

Victorian 1800s Ruby Old Mine Diamond Royal Queen Crown Swan Bird Brooch Pendant
Located in New york, NY
An Impressive & Rare Early Napoleanic Era Victorian 1800-1850s Ruby & Old Mine Cut Diamond Set
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Rose Cut Diamond, Ruby Vermeil Silver Beetle Articulated Brooch-Pendant
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Beetle form brooch pendant, set with rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 2 Carats and further
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Vermeil, Silver

White South Sea, Diamond, Ruby and Green Tourmaline Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
yellow diamonds, rubies and green tourmaline has a vintage feel. The 24" chain is comprised of 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Late Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, South Sea Pearl, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Rose Cut Diamond, Ruby Sapphire Emerald Vermeil Cricket Silver Brooch-Pendant
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Grasshopper or Cricket form brooch-pendant, set with rose cut diamonds and cabochon sapphires
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Vermeil, Silver

Haute Victorian Gem-Set Pendant Chain
Located in Wimberley, TX
The grandeur of those Victorian times is clearly expressed in this 14k yellow gold pendant/brooch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Animal Dragon Diamonds Gold 1890s Chinese Imperial Pendant or Brooch
Located in Viana do Castelo, PT
A Breathtaking and Unique - Pendant or Brooch, Imperial Dragon in a Flying pose from the late
Category

Antique 1890s Portuguese Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Flower Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian ruby and diamond flower pendant. The pendant consists of a central
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Silver

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Flower Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian ruby and diamond flower pendant. The pendant consists of a central
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Revival Ruby Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
An exquisite pendant featuring a colorless .52 carat transition cut diamond Diamond: E/F in color
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby Pearl and Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
oval faceted ruby framed by a single row of rose cut diamonds. This cluster is then contained by a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian 3.35 Carats Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant is designed as a heart shape centering three clustered prong set old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Early Victorian Natural Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
pendant features 11 stunning natural rubies in an open-backed setting surrounded on both sides by
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Crescent Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely breathtaking ruby and diamond crescent from the Victorian era (ca1880)! Originally an
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Sterling Silver

Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Pendant, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful necklace has a stunning centre ruby surrounded by diamonds. Dating back to the 1900s
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian 18k Ruby and Diamond Star Pendant/Charm
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful ruby and diamond star pendant/charm from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18k
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby Diamond Sapphire Pearl 14 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Purse Pendant
By A. J. Hedges Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamond - eye clean and bright. Flanked by round cut sapphire and ruby - medium blue and red, respectively
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k ...

Victorian Natural Burma Ruby, Diamond and Pearl Pendant, 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An important Victorian pendant with a ruby, diamond and a pearl, 1880s. The big centre stone is a
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Stylized Lion Pendant Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
foliate detail Blue enamel field with three bead set old mine cut diamonds within a leaf motif With a
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Victorian Ruby, Diamond, Pearl and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An elongated cushion of 18 karat yellow gold is appointed with old mine cut diamonds, a deep pink
Category

Antique 1880s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian 0.75 Carat Diamond and Ruby Heart Pendant, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This sweet heart pendant was created in the 1880s. It is embellished with lovely diamond and ruby
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Natural Ruby Diamond Crescent Moon Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
charm of the Victorian era. The pendant is beautifully set with an inner row of natural diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Hardstone Diamond Ruby Gold Roman Soldier Cameo Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circular pendant centers a claw set carved hardstone depicting the cameo profile of a Roman
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 2.28 Cttw. Ruby, Turquoise, Topaz and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our Victorian 2.28 Cttw. Ruby, Turquoise, Topaz, and Diamond Pendant Necklace, a
Category

2010s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Pearl Platinum 18k Pendant Necklace circa 1800s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Charming Victorian round pendant featuring a vivid red ruby that hangs delicately in the center of
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

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Ruby Diamond Pendant Victorian For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate ruby diamond pendant victorian for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Silver and 18k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 132 vintage editions and 11 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a ruby diamond pendant victorian from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic ruby diamond pendant victorian over the years, but those made by J DAUPHIN, Giuliano and Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old mine cut and round cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a ruby diamond pendant victorian, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Ruby Diamond Pendant Victorian?

The price for a ruby diamond pendant victorian starts at $450 and tops out at $130,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $4,000.

A Close Look at Victorian Jewelry

The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.

The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.

Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs. 

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.