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Victorian Gunmetal Double Skeleton Key Fob Pendant with Hidden Tools
Located in Narberth, PA
with a unique retractable design. A rose gold slider at the top can be moved down the barrel shaft
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Mixed Metal

Howard Co. Edwardian Diamond Lorgnette Pendant
By E. Howard Co.
Located in New York, NY
six carats of diamonds and platinum-topped gold. The frames unfold from a delicate feather handle set
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rose-Cut Crone Pendent.
Located in Firenze, FI
Rose-Cut Crone pave pendent , made of 14k rose gold covered on top by silver. This pendent made of
Category

Vintage 1950s Turkish Artisan Necklace Enhancers

Materials

14k Gold

Rose-Cut Crone Pendent.
Rose-Cut Crone Pendent.
$5,073 Sale Price
25% Off
Magnificent Antique Georgian 6TCW Rose Cut Diamond 26.3 TCW Amethyst Pendant
Located in New York, NY
10.5 mm, aproxmately 26.3 TCW Tested silver topped 14K gold Diamonds: 16 large rose cut diamonds, each
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Georgian Rare Rose Cut Diamond 18 KT Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This Georgain era brooch pendant is 1790 ca 18 Kt solid gold topped by silver Typical flower and
Category

Antique 1790s European Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum, 18K, Rock Crystal, Diamond and Onyx Vintage Sautoir.
Located in Aspen, CO
, fancy cut onyx and diamonds. This long necklace suspends an approximately 3.5 inch pendant from two 19
Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Silver topped with gold wreath designed brooch set with cushion cut Tourmaline's measuring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline

Tiffany Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, S...

Vintage Large Pendant 40Ct Natural Ruby No Heat Black White Diamond 18KWG
Located in New York, NY
catching Pendant Necklace with is crafted from 18 Karat gold and features large Pear-shaped and a large
Category

2010s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

"Tufted" Sterling Thimble Fob with Hessonite Cabochon and 14K Gold Ring Detail
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
has a recycled pearl clasp in 14 karat gold. WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS: Pendant length (including top
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Hessonite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Edwardian Platinum and Diamond Lorgnette Pendant
Located in New York, NY
the Atlantic, it replaced silver-topped gold as a mounting for diamonds in the early 1870s. By 1900
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Signature Embrace Pendant Snake Barrel Chain
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
This is the perfect gift for your special someone. It consists of 925 sterling silver, 14k gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Antique Enamel Rose Cut Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
cut diamonds in gold topped with silver cross lenght 4cm diameter 3.5 cm
Category

Antique 1850s Pendant Necklaces

Antique Victorian Diamond Demantoid Garnet Pearl Maltese Cross Pendant / Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
demantoid garnets. The cross is handcrafted in silver-topped gold (front – silver, back – 14K gold). The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Antique Art Nouveau Emerald and Diamond Pendant and Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique pendant and brooch in art nouveau style gold topped with silver centered with 1 green
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

CLARISSA BRONFMAN 14kGold Garnet "Caracas" Ruby Garnet Mother Of pearl Pendant
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
pendant for our Signature Symbol Tree Necklaces. - 2" length width - 925 sterling silver 14k gold plated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Portuguese Goblet Cup solid 833 Silver / 173 gr
Located in SE
base indicating at least 833 Silver alloy. Measurements: 16 cm high / Ø 6 cm on top. Weight : 173
Category

Vintage 1920s Portuguese Renaissance Revival Barware

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver

1893 British Victorian Cup Mug solid Sterling Silver / 177 gr
Located in SE
Victorian Sterling Silver Cup, thick walled, with continuous cast ornaments on all sides. Well
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

1930s Italian Venetian Bonbonniere Bonbon Box solid 830 Silver / 200 gr
Located in SE
Antique Italian Neo - Rococo styled Bonbonniere or simply Bonbon in solid 830 grade Silver with
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Rococo Centerpieces and Tazzas

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

1868 Antique Imperial Russian Salt Sellar 84 Silver / 53gr
Located in SE
Handsome 19th century Russian Empire 84 fire Gilt Silver Salt Cellar with delicate ornamental
Category

Antique 1860s Russian Russian Empire Flatware and Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, 22k Gold

1916 Neo Classical Empire Bonbonniere Bonbon solid Gilt 830 Silver / 280 gr
Located in SE
Antique Neo - Classical / Empire styled Bonbonniere or simply Bonbon in solid high-grade Silver
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Neoclassical Centerpieces and Tazzas

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

1938 Russian Enamel solid Gilt 916 Silver Vodka Stopka Shot Beaker Jigger / 49gr
Located in SE
Handsome vintage Russian Sterling Silver and Enamel shot glass/silver beaker, jigger, or Stopka
Category

Vintage 1930s Russian Art Deco Barware

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Georgian Day to Night 2.8TCW Rose Cut Diamond Silver Topped 14K Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Rare, highly romantic, transformable day to night Georgian period Rose Cut diamond silver topped
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Clarissa Bronfman Artemis ii Emerald Gold Diamond Malachite Symbol Tree Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Silver Silk Cord with Silver Auto Lock Clasp (included) so charms cascade down - top and bottom pendants
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Charm Bracelets

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Malachite, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling...

Victorian 14k Gold Silver Two-Stone Diamond Earrings Old Mine Cut, Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pair of Victorian two-stone diamond earrings is crafted in 14k yellow gold with silver
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø8US/ 3.7gr
Located in SE
solid 14K Rose Gold , floral ornamentation on the band. Openwork Crown 11mm x 10 mm x 4 mm deep with top
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Antique Earrings natural 3.35 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver / 8.7g
Located in SE
Old European Diamond Earrings with Silver over 18K Gold designed and hand - crafted ca. middle of
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Arts and Crafts Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Halo Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US7.75 /8gr
Located in SE
hallmarked /tested 18K Yellow Gold, top crown is made of Silver. The flower crown is Ø 17 mm x 6.5 mm deep
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Renaissance Revival Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 1 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6 / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old European Diamond cluster Ring with carved shoulders in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with Silver
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 2 ctw. Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver US 6.5/ 10 gr
Located in SE
Old Diamond Ring with octagonal open work crown with top in Silver. European, likely German or
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Earrings natural 4.3 ctw Green Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver / 10 gr
Located in SE
Old European Diamond Earrings with Silver over 18K Gold designed and hand - crafted ca. late 18th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 0.8 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS 6 / 4.55gr
Located in SE
crown is composite / with clusters in Silver on top of a solid 18K greenish Yellow Gold band (tested
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky
Category

20th Century French Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...

Antique German Ring natural 0.65ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Silver Ø US6.5 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) with shoulders and top of the crown in
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold

Antique German Ring 1.4ctw old cut Diamonds solid 12K Gold Silver ØUS8/ 3.6gr
Located in SE
with and top of the openwork crown in Silver. Openwork floret/crown is a bit convex shaped for better
Category

Antique 19th Century European Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 10k Gold

1933 German Ring natural 0.45ct Emerald Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS7 /2.6 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period German Ring with open - work crown with top part in Silver set with bezel set
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 2.2ct Emerald 1.2ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Enamel Ø 5.5US/7.3gr
Located in SE
18K Greenish Yellow Gold composite crown has dark Cobalt Blue Enamel on top measures 21 mm x 15 mm x 7
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Empire Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
. Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm deep .. Bezel set
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Ca. 1900s -1920's hand- made Halo Ring with Diamonds. Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Openwork Crown
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio
Located in Queens, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky
Category

20th Century French Mounted Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Jade, Quartz, Gold, Silver

French, Rose Gold, Diamond Pearl Brooch Pendant, Circa 1850
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
karat gold and silver along with French marks Measures - 9cm long x 3.5cm wide Total diamond weight
Category

Antique 19th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian Imperial Russian 14k Gold Bracelet Rose Cut Diamonds Antique Estate
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
from that era. The bracelet is set with rose cut diamonds mounted in silver-topped settings. An
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

1930 German Ring Spinel solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US7.5 / 4.26gr
Located in SE
. Band and bridge in solid 18K Yellow Gold, top of the crown in Silver. This stone successfully imitates
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Spinel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

1916 Baron von Leuhusen Cigarette Box Silver 0.85 ct Sapphire Gold /132gr
Located in SE
in 1916. The button of the lock mechanism with top in 18K Orange Gold bezel holding natural Blue
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Deco Boxes and Cases

Materials

Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Gold

1948 Finish Ring Daimonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6.75 US/ 1.7gr
Located in SE
Finish Ring with 7 Diamond stones set in White Gold or Silver clusters on top of solid 18K Yellow
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rock Crystal Diamonds Turquoise Amethyst Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vase Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Extraordinary vase-shaped brooch crafted in 14-carat yellow gold and 800 silver, a unique and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Turquoise, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, C...

Antique German Halo Ring 5ct Sapphire 0.5ct Diamonds 14K Gold Ø9.25US/ 4.7gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period German Halo Ring, band in solid 14K Rose Gold with top of the crown in Silver
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Halo Ring 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 6US/ 2.3 gr
Located in SE
tested solid 14K Rose Gold. Crown with top in White Gold or Silver holding 11 old diamond cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 14k Gold

Antique German Ring 1ctw. natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold ØUS7/3g
Located in SE
Crown's top in Silver decorated with natural oval diamond cut Sapphire of medium Blue color,internal
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Dome Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Antique German Halo Ring natural 0.7ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø 6.25US/1.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful early 20 cent. period Halo Ring in solid 18K Green Gold with top of the crown in Silver
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Halo Ring 0.55 Diamonds solid 14K Gold 4.25US/ 2gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds ,band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) .Crown with top custers in
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Drop Rock Crystal Earrings w/ Hand Engraved Cage Setting
Located in Venice, CA
available in our shop for a more integrated look. See our 18K White Gold Diamond Drop Rock Crystal Necklace
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold

1923 Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS6.75 / 2.65gr
Located in SE
Gold base. The central stone is cushion cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 10 old diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Jean Després 1950 Paris Artistic Geometric Ring in 18kt Gold with Round Diamond
By Jean Despres
Located in Miami, FL
with geometrics shapes in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and finished with hammered patterns. On top
Category

Vintage 1950s French Post-War Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1937 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.75US / 3.75 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1937. The crown is composite with the top parts in
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Swedish hallmarks
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.75 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
crown in White Gold or Silver with two larger bezel set natural old European cut Diamonds Ø 5 mm x 2.9
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Silver Topped Gold Diamond Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact silver topped gold diamond necklace you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Silver and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 32 vintage or 34 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect silver topped gold diamond necklace among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a silver topped gold diamond necklace has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Elie Top and Carrington Co are consistently popular. A cushion cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also rose cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. Most of our silver topped gold diamond necklace for sale are for women, but there are 19 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Silver Topped Gold Diamond Necklace?

Prices for a silver topped gold diamond necklace can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,175 and can go as high as $85,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $13,284.

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. 

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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

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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

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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.