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La Dame Du Lac White Sapphire Cœur Mini Charm by Elie Top
By Elie Top
Located in Paris, France
: White Sapphire: 0.75 cts 3 Diamonds: 0.12 cts  18k Yellow Gold: 2.5 g  Distressed Silver: 2.2 g   Made
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Large 18k Gold and Diamond Monarch Butterfly Top Wing Necklace
By Rebecca Myers Design
Located in Baltimore, MD
layered over 18k yellow gold, with sparkling pave set white diamonds at the bottom. The pendant hangs from
Category

2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

La Dame Du Lac Mini Étoile Charm by Elie Top
By Elie Top
Located in Paris, France
: 10 Diamonds: 0.18 cts  White Sapphire: 0.35 cts 18k Yellow Gold: 3.4 g  Distressed Silver: 1.5 g
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Art Nouveau Peridot Pearl Diamond Silver Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Milano, IT
An Art Nouveau silver topped and yellow gold necklace with 15 natural peridots, old-cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Silver

Pink Sapphire Oxidize Silver 14 Karat Gold Champagne Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
topped with a bail of more diamonds in this contemporary necklace for her. Styled in Oxidized sterling
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

AGTA Certified Natural Pearl, 14.86 Carat Diamond Victorian Gold Silver Necklace
Located in Calabasas, CA
Magnificent necklace is backed in 15 karat gold and topped in silver. It is composed of 3 diamond
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

Magnificent Diamond Gold Tiara Necklace
Located in Madrid, ES
tiara removable top is set with round shape diamonds with an approximate total weight of 5.20ct. It
Category

2010s Spanish Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Natural Pearl, 11.20 Carats Diamond Silver Gold Necklace and Bracelet
Located in Calabasas, CA
in 18 karat gold and topped in silver. The front portion of the necklace centers 1 eight prong-set
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian circa 1880, 3.32 Carat Diamond Gold and Silver Belle Époque Necklace
Located in Berlin, Berlin
it would not tint the diamond's brightness. Silver covers the entire front of the necklace, as a thin
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Taru Jewelry Queen Bee Diamond Sapphire Ruby Yellow Gold and Silver Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
diamonds, colorful sapphires, 18K gold, and sterling silver. The hive serves as the centerpiece of the
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Mecanique Celeste Pendentif Pluton Or, Onyx et Diamant
By Elie Top
Located in Paris, FR
Mecanique Celeste Pluton Pendant Yellow Gold, Onyx and diamond. Large tarnished and patinated
Category

2010s French Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Rose and Mine Cut Diamond and Silver and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
. The top of the setting is Silver. The setting is 14 karat yellow Gold. The total length of the
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Paul Amey "Swing" Sterling Silver with 18K Gold Overlay and Enamel Necklace
By Paul Amey
Located in Tewantin, Queensland
lavish 18K gold highlights. The focal point of the pendant is the swinging top plate, fashioned in the
Category

2010s Australian Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

A Superb Victorian Diamond and 18 Karat Rose Gold Necklace, 1850s
Located in Antwerp, BE
, crosses, hearts and snakes. Period: ca. 1850 Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K red gold
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Belgian Victorian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, Silver

Antique Style Diamond Riviere Necklace with 18 Karat Rose Gold Chain
By Montse Esteve
Located in Barcelona, ES
Brilliant cut diamonds mounted in an antique style silver topped gold riviere with a 18k rose gold
Category

2010s Spanish Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian 14 Karat Rose Gold, Diamond and Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique Georgian 14k rose gold and sterling silver topped rose cut diamond and grey pearl flower
Category

Antique Early 1800s Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Floral Design Diamond Necklace
Located in Middleton, WI
This circa 1900 necklace was hand crafted in 22 karat rose gold with a silver top holding the open
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Silver

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Swallow Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
sterling silver topped with gold and portrays a bird in flight. Victorian jewelry designs began to reflect
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

12.50 Carat Diamond Skull Horoscope Pendant in Oxidized Sterling Silver 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Silver and 14K Gold wire wrapping the ruby on the pendant. The teeth of the skull are pure 14 KT Gold
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Georgian Antique Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Bow Pear Shaped Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
This Georgian pendant crafted in silver with an 18K yellow gold back has four rose cut diamonds set
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold

French Victorian 12.20 Carat Diamond Antique Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
ca of solid 18 Kt rose gold topped by silver full necklace made allowing the wear as bracelet too
Category

Antique 1840s French Victorian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Paul Amey Gold, Silver, Diamond, Garnet, Art Glass, Enamel "Whale Tail" Pendant
By Paul Amey
Located in Tewantin, Queensland
handcrafted masterpiece that brings together the richness of tarnish-resistant Sterling Silver, 9K yellow gold
Category

2010s Australian Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Victorian 4.25 Ct. Diamond, Silver, Gold Heart Locket On Platinum Pearl Chain
Located in Calabasas, CA
The locket is backed in 18 karat gold, topped in silver and contains approximately 4.25 carats of
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Silver

39.90 Ct Buddha Aventurine, Pearl Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Oxidized Sterling Silver with 14K Gold back of bail and prongs. The pearls are set on the aventurine Buddha
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, Jade, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Indian Rajasthani Diamond Necklace and Earrings
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Fringe necklace and pendant earrings with numerous diamond polki, approx. 12 cts. TW, in silver
Category

20th Century Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Exceptional Sapphire Diamond Necklace
Located in New York City, NY
silver topped gold.
Category

French More Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

15.09 Carat Old Cut Diamond Victorian Revival Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite rendition of Victorian jewels. This Silver-topped and 18KT yellow gold handmade
Category

Late 20th Century Argentine Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian, Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in Lombard, IL
Edwardian amethyst, diamond, pearl, and silver-topped 14k yellow gold necklace - 14k yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

1.60 Carat Pave Diamond Om Pendant in Oxidized Sterling Silver and 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.60 ct Champagne Pave Diamond Om Pendant set in Oxidized Sterling Silver with back of the bail in
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Sorab Roshi Amethyst Bead Necklace with a scalloped Silver Pendent Dangle
By Sorab Roshi
Located in Greenwich, CT
18 karat yellow gold wire and a tear shape labradorite dangle center with diamond rondelle on top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Labradorite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Si...

Antique Victorian Onyx Locket Pendant with Diamond Loaded Bouquet on Top
Located in Antwerp, BE
. 1870 Source of inspiration: Mother Nature Theme: bouquet Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K
Category

Antique 1870s Belgian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Unusual Pink and Gold Baroque Pearl Necklace
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
large silver and diamond lobster claw clasp. The total length of the pearl necklace is about 41 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo-Indian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Silver

Victorian Inspired Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
top. It has been crafted with a Yellow Gold back and Silver front with an integrated 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Exquisite Victorian Siberian Amethyst Diamond Rare Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
gold and silver top – not marked Distinctive and rare, beautifully designed with florets and leaf
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.20 Carat Twin Old Mine Cut Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
hand crafted during 1900 ca of solid 18 KT gold silver topped Larger Diamond is .90 Ct (6 mm. Diameter
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Amethyst Heart Pendant Necklace, Circa 1900
Located in Kendal, GB
inches METAL: Silver/ 18ct Gold (Tested) STONES: Amethyst (15mm x 16mm – approx. 10ct), Diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Gorgeous Early Deco 1.15 Carat Diamond VVS Target Drop Negligee Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
, Top smaller: approx .30 Ct old mine cut rated as H/I with bigger Diamond being a beautiful quality I
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Long Sautoir Pearl Necklace 3.00 Carat Old Diamond Flower Clasp
Located in Napoli, IT
length of 116 cm. The Flower is 15 KT solid gold topped by silver having set 64 in number old mine cut
Category

Antique 1890s More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

Belle Époque Multi Use Diamond Necklace and Pendant Made by Wolfers
Located in Antwerp, BE
necklace (that can be unscrewed from the top part) to wear it just as a single drop shaped pendant
Category

Antique 1890s Belgian Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Rare Exquisite Georgian Diamond and Emerald necklace.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marvelous Georgian Diamond necklace with Emerald beads. Made in Silver on top of Gold with
Category

English Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Victorian 1.20 Diamond 1.20 Natural Sapphire Clover Brooch Pendant Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
Hand crafted during Victorian period of solid 18 Kt gold with Silver top The clover is embellished by a
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 1.80 Carat Diamond Natural Pearl Lavaliere Necklace Brooch of Beauty
Located in Napoli, IT
hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold topped by silver displays gorgeous design of femininity and grace in
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

French Mid-Victorian 16.0 Carat Old Mine Diamond Rare Drop Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
, a must have, wearable Diamond necklace Hand crafted during 1840 in France of solid 18 KT with silver
Category

Antique 1840s French Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Flying Heart Necklace
By Rebecca Myers Design
Located in Baltimore, MD
Oxidized silver center glimmers with pave set white diamonds inside a bright 18k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique 1900s Asian Cloisonne Koi Fish Gilded Sterling Silver Necklace Locket
Located in Champions State Gate, FL
yellow gold over 925 sterling silver (or vermeil), 1mm, 24 inch, diamond cut snake chain necklace
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Miniature Diamond Rare Huge Natural Basra Pearl Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
own, being 12.6 mm. x 13 mm. natural gold colour hue The necklace is completed by its original chain
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold

White Gold 0.1K Blue Sapphire 0.3K Diamands Red Enamelled Fish Pendant Necklaces
Located in Firenze, FI
diamonds cut brillant and 0.10 carats blue saphhire. This enchanting pendant necklace is entirely handmade
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Silver, Enamel

Paul Amey 9K Gold and Diamond “Jasmin” Shoulder Strap
By Paul Amey
Located in Tewantin, Queensland
Paul Amey’s “Jasmin” shoulder (bra) strap is made in 9K yellow gold, silver and diamonds. The
Category

2010s Australian Artist More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Paul Amey "Lemon Sherbert" Sterling Silver with Gold Overlay Quartz Pendant
By Paul Amey
Located in Tewantin, Queensland
crafted from Sterling Silver (tarnish resistant) with 9K yellow gold and green enamel. This molten edge
Category

2010s Australian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Quartz, Pink Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

Oval Cabochon Carnelian 9k Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Pendant
Located in Cambridge, NZ
glance, the textured sterling silver top band unveils a myriad of intricate patterns to mimic the diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary New Zealand Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Open Circle Pave Statement Necklace
By KATHRYN New York
Located in New York, NY
gemstone. .925 sterling silver chain and squares in 24k yellow gold vermeil; also available in sterling
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Topaz, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Open Square Pave Statement Necklace
By KATHRYN New York
Located in New York, NY
gemstone. .925 sterling silver chain and squares in 24k yellow gold vermeil; also available in sterling
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Topaz, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Tahitian Black Pearls with Diamond and Gold Clasp
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Diamond set ball clasp. These pearls have a deep, lustrous silver top slight green/aubergine overtones and
Category

20th Century Polynesian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Oval Cesellato Pendant with Chain
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
Understated and elegant, and yet 600-odd years in the making, this rose gold and silver, oval
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

21st Century 9 Karat Gold and Diamond Drop-shape Cesellato Pendant and Chain
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
Understated and elegant, and yet 600-odd years in the making, this rose gold and silver, pear
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Drop-Shape Cesellato Pendant Chain
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
Understated and elegant, and yet 600-odd years in the making, this rose gold and .925 silver, pear
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
& 0.88ct), in an antique-style design, fashioned in silver topped 10k gold. Contemporary with old stones.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver

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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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With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.