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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

Edwardian, Diamond, Gold and Platinum Double Drop Pendant, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
whereby a very thin layer of silver was applied on top of the gold, to which the diamonds were set, in
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

140Carat Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Carving Nacklace Gold Diamond
Located in Shanghai, CN
appetite for only gold and silver. Therefore traditionally to the Chinese, Pixiu has always been regarded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

18 Karat Hand Blown Glass Large Lightkeeper Locket Necklace
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
center filament, white diamond pave halo around the two tone yellow and rose gold top, filled with 50
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Conch Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Pendant
Located in Essex, GB
x 6.2mm. Metal – The chain is 18k yellow gold. The diamonds are in silver. Tested.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Bow Cross Pendant
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful C. 1820 diamond cross with bow top . Sterling silver front with rose gold back. Still
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver

High Quality 18th Century Baroque Diamond Cross, 1700s
Located in Antwerp, BE
vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line. Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K yellow
Category

Antique Early 1700s Belgian Baroque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian 3.48 Carat Old Cut Diamond Pear Drop Pendant
Located in Essex, GB
quality of the diamonds contrasts arrestingly with the blackened silver. A simple rose gold hoop tops the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Era 13.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Rare Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Get Jewelled! Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 3.48 Carat Old Cut Diamond Pear Drop Pendant
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
quality of the diamonds contrasts arrestingly with the blackened silver. A simple rose gold hoop tops the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver

Victorian Rare and Unique 1.22 Carat Diamond Target Pendant Plus Chain
Located in Napoli, IT
wear and treasure Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold topped by silver for the Diamond
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Antique Garnet and Diamond Snake Pendant Brooch, 1830s
Located in Antwerp, BE
a deep pink garnet heart, a silver-topped bow, snake, cross and anchor encrusted with three European
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Rose G...

Victorian 9.0 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Large Sentimental Heart Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
crafted of solid 18 Kt gold topped by silver Beautifully made It displays a huge amount of Diamonds set on
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Bristol Glass Natural Pearl and Diamond Sweetheart Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
treasure made of solid 18 KT yellow gold silver topped on the Diamond housing - not marked- Hearts are made
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Flower Pendant and Brooch
Located in London, GB
, approx 3.85cts (centre diamond is 0.85cts) set in silver topped 18 ct gold. Brooch fitting is removable
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Silver

Georgian 29.71 Carat Amethyst Handmade Pendant with Diamond Crescent Moon
Located in Seattle, WA
sterling silver-topped 14KT gold and accented with a diamond crescent moon. The amethyst is surrounded with
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Clover Pendant / Brooch
Located in Essex, GB
. Metal – The diamonds are set in silver. The gem settings and the reverse of the brooch is 9 karat gold
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Georgian style Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Chandelier Pendant 2.5-3 ctw
Located in Joelton, TN
style where the base surpasses the top in width. These diamonds, radiant with a color range of G-K and a
Category

Antique 19th Century European Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Belle Époque circa 1890, 1.92 Ct Diamond 1.7 Ct Red Spinel Natural Pearl Pendant
Located in Berlin, Berlin
surrounding diamonds and natural pearls, however, are set in gold with an additional overlay of silver, so
Category

Antique 1890s Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Spinel, 14k Gold, Silver

Georgian Emerald Pearl Diamond Padlock with Matching Chain
Located in New York, NY
padlock is set in 15k gold, and the dangling heart and key are set in silver and gold. The chain measures
Category

Antique 1810s British Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, 18k Gold

"CC" Gold Key Pendant
Located in New York, NY
antique gold and diamond jewelry and silver for over forty years.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Gilt Metal

Huge Fabulous Libra Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
antique gold and diamond jewelry and silver for over forty years.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl 4.50 Carat Diamond Star Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Diamonds (measured by the spread); fine quality full of lively sparkle. Crafted of solid 16 KT rose gold
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Candelaria Turquoise Cloud Pendant in 18 Karat Gold with Moonstone
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
American turquoise. While it was mined mostly for silver in the 1800's, Candelaria Turquoise is most often
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Turquoise Matr...

Vintage Handmade Rice Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in Metairie, LA
shimmering silver color. Right above the natural gem are a total of (10) tapered baguette-cut diamonds and
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 16.29 Carat Aquamarine and Old European-Cut Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Seattle, WA
20 round single-cut diamonds accent the sterling silver-topped 18KT gold setting. These accents
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian Opal and Diamond Ring Multifunctional as Necklace Clasp, 1880s
Located in Antwerp, BE
With its central cabochon opal of 3.20 carat, this 18K red gold and silver Victorian ring from 1880
Category

Antique 1880s Belgian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Square Cesellato Earrings
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
-chiselled into the very slightly domed blackened silver top of each earring. Lever-backed, these square
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Drop-shaped Cesellato Earrings
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
-chiselled into the very slightly domed top of the earring, which is silver. Post-backed, these earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Square Cesellato Cocktail Ring
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
gold, the intensity of the dark diamond sparkles from the beautifully simple silver dome, and the
Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Round Cesellato Cocktail Ring
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 cocktail
Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Round Cesellato Cocktail Ring
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
into the top of the ring, which is made of silver. In total, this ring contains 1.85 carats of diamonds
Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Round Cesellato Drop Earrings
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
-chiselled into the very slightly domed top of the earring, which is silver. Lever-backed, these earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Drop-Shape Cesellato Earrings
By FANCS V by Simona Elia
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
-chiselled into the blackened silver top of each earring. Lever-backed, these drop-shaped earrings are 33
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Round Cesellato Cocktail Ring
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 cocktail
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Drop-Shape Cesellato Cocktail Ring
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 cocktail
Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

21st Century 9 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Drop-Shape Cesellato Cocktail Ring
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 Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

French Antique Opal 1.71 Carat Old European Diamond Gold Combined Ring Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
origin in a much older period where it was common for diamonds to be set in silver. The silver on gold
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

7.50 Carat Diamond Victorian Floral Spray Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
gold with silver top as for the period - not marked The impressive artwork holds 7.50 Ct of Diamonds
Category

Antique 1840s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Victorian 3.20 Carat Cushion Diamond Dormeuse Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
important Victorian necklace Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold topped by silver – keeping the original mount
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 4.90 Carat Diamond Celestial Star Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
gold with silver top, it is 30 mm. in diameter, originally made to be worn in either ways, brooch or
Category

Antique 1860s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

18th Century Diamond Bracelet with 2000-Year-Old Intaglios, 1790s
Located in Antwerp, BE
-colour gold alternating with silver-encrusted old mine brilliant cut diamonds. One interesting fact we
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Empire Charm Bracelets

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Go...

Tulip and Slug Ear Cuff with Pink and Blue Sapphires Amethyst Opals Tsavorite
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
and yellow gold tulip fashioned to sit at the top of the ear. The flower also sparkles with coloured
Category

2010s Dutch Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Rock Crystal, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, Moonsto...

Victorian Diamond Choker Necklace Silver Topped Gold Infinity Link ~31.9ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Diamond Choker Necklace Silver Topped Gold Infinity Link ~31.9ctw This exceptional
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Silver Topped Diamond Wishbone Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A spectacular diamond wishbone pendant necklace from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Likely French in
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Opal Diamond Silver Topped 14k Gold Lavalier Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Belle Epoque heritage, this fabulous necklace was fabricated in period-correct silver topped 14k gold
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Diamond Silver Gold Fringe Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds is crafted in silver-topped rose gold, weighs approx. 123.1 grams and measures approx. 17 1/2
Category

Vintage 1950s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Silver Top Gold Back Rose Cut Diamond Bird Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 Diamond set Bird Pendant Necklace, the Silver top and Yellow Gold backed Bird measures 1
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian 2.10 Carat Pave Diamond Silver-Topped Gold Bulldog Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gold cable chain completed by a spring ring clasp; stamped Bull dog tested as silver-topped 14 karat
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Diamond, Gem Set and Silver Top Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A French Antique 18 karat gold and silver top necklace with diamonds, peridots, grossularite
Category

Antique 1820s French More Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Chrysoberyl, White Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold

Edwardian Silver Topped Gold Infinity Bowtie Diamond Necklace ~31.9ctw Old Miner
Located in Fairfield, CT
Edwardian Silver Topped Gold Infinity Bowtie Diamond Necklace ~31.9ctw Old Miners This exceptional
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Silver-Topped 14 Karat Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
concealed clasp Tested as silver-topped 14 karat gold Circa: 1890s Length: 15 1/2 inches Drop measures
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Silver Topped Diamond Starburst Brooch/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
made of silver-topped 18kt yellow gold and forms the shape of a large 8-point starburst. The star has
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Early 19th Century Rose Diamond Heart Locket Pendant in Silver-Topped Gold
Located in New York, NY
with scrolled foliate engraving on verso, in sterling silver and 18k gold. Original box. (Chain not
Category

Antique 1810s Georgian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Vintage 15.75 Carats Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Silver-Top Gold Flower Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
eight safety. Stamped 750 and tested as silver-topped 18 karat gold. Circa mid 20th century. Length: 16
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Victorian Sterling-Topped Diamond Gold Lavaliere Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
is made of sterling-topped 14kt yellow gold and comprised of a gorgeous pendant that hangs from a
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Silver Topped 14 Karat Gold Old European Cut Three Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in McLeansville, NC
An antique silver topped 14 karat yellow gold old European cut three diamond drop necklace. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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. 

Read More

This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

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

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

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

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

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

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

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

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

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

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

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

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

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