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1970s Elegant Colombian Emerald Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
approximately 4.5 carats. Masterfully hand-crafted in 18 karat white gold this riviera necklace which ends in a
Category

1970s German Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This sparkling pendant features 100
Category

20th Century Chinese Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow White Gold 12 Carat Diamond Chocker Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold 12 Carat Diamond Chocker Necklace An extraordinary vintage
Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace- This lovely circle pendant features nine
Category

20th Century Italian Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Single Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamond White Gold Clasp
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond, 9 karat white gold clasp; part of our diverse necklace and pendant collection. This fine and
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary Carved Jadeite Diamond 14k White Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
This 1970s 14 karat white gold necklace features a floral and leaf-inspired pendant design, set
Category

1970s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Bezel-Set Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace #23486
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Bezel-Set Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace- Classic and understated this
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 60 Carat Cleopatra Diamond Bib Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious 18k white gold diamond Cleopatra necklace. The necklace comprises of a chandelier open
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Necklace Choker Vintage 14k White Gold 9.52tdw
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Necklace Choker Vintage 14K White Gold 9.52 TDW This necklace is made in solid 14K
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Necklace/Headpiece, set in Bimetal 18K White Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A diamond and two-tone 18k gold necklace designed as a bezel-set 1.10ct brilliant-cut diamond
Category

1990s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Ruby, Onyx, Diamonds, Platinum and White Gold Pendant Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
diamonds. Below, an onyx with details studded with diamonds and a central ruby. The chain is in 9 kt white
Category

1970s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

1.50 Carat Round Diamond White Gold Bow Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
round brilliant cut diamonds, H-I VS SI approx. 1.50cts 18k white gold Stamped: 18k 750 30.3 grams
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Estate Platinum 18K White Gold Diamond Aquamarine Drop Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate Platinum 18K White Gold Diamond Aquamarine Drop Necklace. This beautiful
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Coral Onyx Diamonds 18 Carat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
against crisp white gold and bright diamonds—creates a visually striking jewel that feels both vintage and
Category

1990s Italian Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Vintage 11.80cts Diamond Riviera !8k White Gold Chocker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
white Gold. Tapering from  4.5mm to 2.5,  this necklace features beautifully matched bright white
Category

1960s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

18 K white Gold Aquamarine Diamond Necklace Gubelin Lucerne
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A very elegant and timeless 18 K white Gold necklace by Gubelin Lucerne, Switzerland featuring a
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

Diamonds, Emeralds, Amethysts, 14 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant pendant necklace in 14k white gold mounted with an oval amethyst surrounded by a frame of
Category

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

ITALIAN Modernist Necklace In 18Kt White Gold With a Pearl And White Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The pendant necklace has been made up in the
Category

20th Century Italian Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond by the Yard White Gold Chain Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond By The Yard Choker Necklace by Cartier. With 12 round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

1990s French Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage White Gold Diamond Bow Pearl Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in New York, NY
Measurements: 17.5 x 22 x 6.4mm 0.475tcw Round Diamonds Length: 16 inches Metal: 14k White Gold Hallmark: 14K
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

1950s White Gold Diamond Carved Jade Necklace Earrings Set
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950's demi parure consisting of carved treated jade and diamonds set in 14K white gold. Pendant
Category

1950s American Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, White Gold

Baccarat Sherazade White Gold Necklace with Crystals and Diamonds
By Baccarat
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Baccarat Sherazade White Gold Necklace with Crystals and Diamonds is an exquisite piece from
Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.36 Carat Diamond White Gold Rectangular Modern Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
diamonds with a halo of 21 round brilliant cut diamonds which hangs from a 18 inch 14k white gold chain
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

French Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Of geometrical shape, this antique pendant has
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Vintage Italian 4.30 carat diamond 14k white gold cube necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage necklace radiates with 4.30 carats of brilliant diamonds in luminous white gold
Category

1980s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Classic Round-Cut White Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Necklace. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Natural Round-cut white Diamond (22 Pcs) 0.20
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Classic Round-Cut White Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Necklace. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Natural Round-cut white Diamond (18 Pcs) 0.07
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18K White Gold Diamond And Gemstone Meli Melo Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Meli Melo necklace crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing the Maison’s celebrated blend of
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

1980s 14k White Gold and Diamond Horseshoe Necklace w/ Appraisal
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a lovely, classic, diamond horseshoe pendant from the 80s, made in 14k white gold. This
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace #21810
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace This lovely pendant features one blue
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Elegant 18ct White Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace – Modern Geometric Design
Located in London, GB
Experience timeless sophistication with this 18ct white gold pendant necklace, crafted to
Category

1990s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Anchor Nautical 0.27 Carats Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage white gold anchor pendant necklace 24 round brilliant diamonds weigh 0.27 carats F-G VS 16
Category

1990s Modern Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace #22534
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace- Classic romance meets everyday sparkle
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard 18K White Gold Happy Spirit Floating Diamond Necklace
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with this Chopard 18K White Gold Diamond Pendant—a radiant masterpiece
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Fine Diamond Necklace Earring Bridal Suite
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
measures 7/8" x 1-1/4 inch and has an attractive four diamond drop accent. The fine white gold chain
Category

1970s American Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold Choker 5.16 TDW Charms
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold Choker 5.16 TDW This stunning estate necklace is finely crafted in
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Coral Onyx Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
small coral spheres that alternate with small onyx bars supported by an 18-karat white gold chain make
Category

1980s Italian Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Classic Round-Cut White Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Necklace. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Natural Round-cut white Diamond (13 Pcs) 0.20
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Pearl Diamond Clasp Beaded Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k white gold necklace features a stunning combination of pearls and diamond. The
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

18k 750 White and Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow and White Gold Natural Diamond Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18K 750 Yellow & White
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Dangly Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Type: Ruby Diamond Dangly Necklace Metal: 18k White Gold Total Weight: 16.5 Grams Pendant
Category

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

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s Old Euorpean Pear cut Diamond and White Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1930s 0.68 carat diamond and 9 karat white gold necklace; part of our diverse
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

585 white gold necklace with sapphire and diamonds, certificate included
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional pendant crafted from 14-karat white gold combines timeless elegance with vibrant
Category

20th Century Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire diamond gold necklace Round-cut sapphires of approximately 0.40 carat, 18 karat white
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

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

Diamond V Necklace Platinum 14K White Gold 1.96 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond V Necklace Platinum & 14K White Gold 1.96 TDW This absolutely gorgeous diamond necklace is
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Gray Pearl and Diamond Floral Swag White Gold Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
18k white gold necklace with diamond swags or scallops with diamond flower spacers and five
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Apx 82ct Mixed Diamond Necklace 18-Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
diamonds complimented by round brilliant diamonds and dangling pear diamonds. 18-karat white gold
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold Natural Aquamarine and Diamond
Category

20th Century North American Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace #18836
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace- This lovely cross pendant features one
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

4.50ct Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning 14k white gold pendant necklace. The pendant is set with sparkling round cut
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pear Diamond Pendant Necklace GIA Certified
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold diamond Pendant Necklace GIA Certified- This sparkling pendant
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cameo Diamonds Rubies 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
centerpiece. The white gold setting is further enriched with sparkling diamonds, which are carefully set to
Category

1980s Italian Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace #14889
Located in Washington Depot, CT
white gold. Total diamond weight: 1.0 ct. Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Stamped: 14K
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds Coral Enamel White Gold 18 Karat Drop Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
hangs in the lower part, the necklace is made in 18 Karat white gold. Total weight of the Necklace
Category

1980s European Baroque Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Pearl, Emerald, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful pendant necklace in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a diamond and an emerald in
Category

1970s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Handcraft Rubies 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. 18 karat white gold pendant
Category

1990s Italian Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklace White Gold

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Heart Station Necklace #18273
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Heart Station Necklace- This sparkling 18K white gold station
Category

20th Century 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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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.