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Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

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Important Necklace Emeralds and Diamonds 69 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Carats Diamonds = 26.40 Carats Clarity: E-G; Clarity: VVS-SI Metal: 18K Gold Necklace Length: 18 inches
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Necklace Emeralds and Diamonds 120 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Carats Diamonds = 44.85 Carats Clarity: E-G; Clarity: VVS-SI Metal: 18K Gold Necklace Length: 18 inches
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.62 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage diamond necklace has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with 18k white gold settings. The
Category

1990s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Octagonal White Gold Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Octagonal White Gold Locket Pendant This octagonal-shaped locket pendant is crafted in 14k
Category

1950s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 18K White Gold L egers Diamants Spotlight Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier diamond jewelry is always beyond compare and especially when it comes to Cartier diamond
Category

20th Century French Modern Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

9.5 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
. Surrounded by Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.70tcw. Exquisitely Hand crafted 14K White Gold mounting. Suspended
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Diamond White Gold Pendant
Located in Geneva, CH
Emerald Diamond White Gold Pendant. Emerald size: 6.09 x 5.41 millimeters. Length: 1.50 centimeter
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Damiani Infinito Snake Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Damiani
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Designer: Damiani Metal: 18k White Gold Total Weight: 11 Grams
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.12 Carat Diamond Gold Swirl Hinged Link Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond Italian hinged swirl link necklace. Set with 16 round full cut diamonds in 14k white gold
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Emerald and Diamond Pendant on Gold Omega Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
17" Long 14K yellow gold Omega necklace featuring a removable emerald and diamond pendant. The
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Multi Diamond Wavy Pebble Blackened Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Multi Diamond Wavy Pebble Blackened Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace. Securely Hand
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Important Necklace Emeralds and Diamonds 120 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Carats Diamonds = 44.85 Carats Clarity: E-G; Clarity: VVS-SI Metal: 18K Gold Necklace Length: 18 inches
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

11.00ct Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant 18k white gold tennis necklace. The necklace is set with sparkling round cut
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Spectacular Peridot Garnet and Diamond Set Gold Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
to Verdi’s operas. Using superb color, brilliant white diamonds, and a striking design, the goldsmith
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace 22 Carats
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
A spectacular and highly collectible diamond necklace by renowned designer Kurt Wayne, crafted in
Category

1980s American Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Important Necklace Emeralds and Diamonds 120 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Carats Diamonds = 44.85 Carats Clarity: E-G; Clarity: VVS-SI Metal: 18K Gold Necklace Length: 18 inches
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace, 3.50ct in 18k Gold Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace features
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and White Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.96 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold pendant; part of our
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Ruby diamond necklace Round-cut rubies of approximately 0.75 carat, round-cut diamonds of
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Geometric Collar Necklace with Diamonds Rubies
Located in Great Neck, NY
gold necklace is a striking fusion of timeless elegance and bold design. Crafted with masterful
Category

1980s Italian Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

8.00ct Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing 14k white gold tennis necklace. The necklace is set with sparkling round cut
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

11.00ct Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 14k white gold tennis necklace. The necklace is set with sparkling round cut
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1930s Diamond and White Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.72 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cross pendant; part of our
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant #23952
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant- This sleek 14K white gold cross pendant features one
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond 2-Tone Gold Lacy Vintage Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Diamond Lacy 2-tone Gold Pendant. Measuring approx. 1.25” l. Securely
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Pearl, Rose-Cut Diamond Multi-Gem Station Necklace in 18K White Gold (32.5")
Located in New York, NY
pearls, rose-cut diamonds, and multicolored gemstones set in polished 18K white gold. Fourteen lustrous
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

58.05 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18K White Gold Gems Stone Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 58.05 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Gems Stone Necklace Style
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Necklace/Headpiece, in Bimetal 18K Gold Flexible Bamboo Links
Located in London, GB
A flexible bamboo-design two-tone 18k gold and diamond necklace. Each of the two bezel-set round
Category

1990s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Natural Yellow White Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A highly chic natural yellow and white diamond necklace and earring set by Van Cleef & Arpels. The
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

IGI Certified Gold Necklace with Diamonds and Aquamarines
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
and sophistication. Crafted from 14kt yellow and white gold, this necklace boasts a timeless design
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Emerald Diamond Jewelry Set
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k white gold, emerald and diamond necklace and dangle earrings. Tests 58% gold using an XRF
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Green Tourmaline and Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
. Hand crafted in 18K White Gold. Pendant Dimensions: 1.35” l x 0.40” w. More Beautiful in Real time
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

27.00 Carat Round Brilliant H SI1 Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 27.00 Carat Round Brilliant H SI1 Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace Style: Chain
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Classic 14k White Gold Round-Cut White Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Pendant is crafted from 14-karat White Gold by Gin & Grace
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamonds Solid White Gold
Located in Greer, SC
"A double strand pearl necklace has a 14 karat white gold clasp, stamped 14K, marked AB&F. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond Necklace Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
diamonds set in 18k white gold. Round Cut Diamond Necklace Approximate Weight: 29.70 cts Baguette Cut
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

10.62 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Riviera Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 10.62 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Riviera Necklace Style
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

10.76 Carat Heart Shape I I1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 10.76 Carat Heart Shape I I1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace Style: Pendant
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

3.00 Carat Round Brilliant I SI2 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Riviera Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 3.00 Carat Round Brilliant I SI2 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Riviera Necklace Style
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond, 18k Rose Gold Collarette Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
graded diamond display a fine white colour and brilliance. The necklace is an exceptional gauge of gold
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Coral, Onyx, Diamonds, 18 Kt White Gold, 14 Kt White Gold and 9 Kt White Gold.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
kt white gold studded with diamonds. As clasp, a closure in 18 kt white gold. This necklace was
Category

1950s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Ornate Diamond Eli Collection
Located in Dallas, TX
18K White Gold Ornate Diamond Choker Style Necklace 1.40Carat.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

2.02 Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
18k rose and white gold frame. The sapphire has a halo of round diamonds with detailed open work
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Gold

Gold and Silver Diamonds Amethyst Pendant/Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Charming pendant with a rope lace, flower shape, all is mounted in 9 Kt rose gold,and silver. To
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Silver

Sunray Crystal Diamond Pendant In 18k White Gold
By Shimon s Creations
Located in New York, NY
Sunray Crystal Diamond PendantIn 18k White Gold Beautiful One of a Kind Art-Deco Style Pendant
Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant #23816
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant- This sparkling pendant features 31 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant #23720
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant- This sparkling 14K white gold pendant features 21 round
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant #23752
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant- A timeless sparkle in classic form- this elegant 18K white
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant #23613
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant- Elegant 18K white gold diamond cross pendant featuring a
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Filigree Diamond Pendant + Chain
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful filigree pendant is made in 14k white gold with a bright white diamond. At just
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Three-Diamond Pendant #23460
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Three-Diamond Pendant- This sparkling 14K white gold pendant features three round
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined diamond cluster pendant necklace. This vintage piece has been crafted from
Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond and White Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.50Ct diamond and 18k white gold heart shaped pendant; part of our
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1.35Ct Diamond and 14k White Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.35 Carat diamond and 14 karat white gold pendant; part of
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Seawater Pearl Diamond White Gold Pendant
Located in Geneva, CH
Cultured Pearl Diamond White Gold Pendant. Introducing a captivating union of elegance and natural
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

Boucheron Vintage Granulation 18ct Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Maker: Boucheron Summary: A Vintage Granulation 18ct Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace Description
Category

Mid-20th Century French Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Mouawad Diamond Cross Pendant 18K White Gold
By Mouawad
Located in Dallas, TX
Mouawad Diamond Cross Pendant in 18K White Gold. The pendant features 32 rose cut diamonds
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of vintage diamond necklace white gold you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 361 vintage editions and 71 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect item from our selection of vintage diamond necklace white gold may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of vintage diamond necklace white gold from Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Vicki Orr — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cabochon alternatives. When shopping for an object in our assortment of vintage diamond necklace white gold, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold?

On average, a piece of vintage diamond necklace white gold at 1stDibs sells for $2,985, while they’re typically $349 on the low end and $77,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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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