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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Chopard Happy Heart Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Newton, MA
Chopard "Happy Diamonds" white gold and diamond heart pendant offered by Alex & Co. This iconic heart shaped 18K white gold pendant features a border of 25 round brilliant cut pave s...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Pave and 18k Yellow Gold "O" Slide Necklace, 1.66 Carats Total
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sparkling white diamonds in graduating sizes and multiple rows are pave set in this chic, 18k yellow gold eternity circle pendant that slides on a beautiful 18k yellow gold link chai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

.925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Angel Wing Double Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Present this sweet and stylish designed diamond angel wings to her. This sterling silver pendant features a glistening heart flies on brightly polished widespread angel's wings embel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Blue Sapphires and Diamond Pendant and Chain in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Blue Sapphires 3.03 carats Round Diamonds 0.69 carats 18kt Yellow Gold 3.49 grams
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18k Gold Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Tahitian Pearl Diamond Necklace 12.9 mm 18k Gold 17.25" Certified $12,500 821383 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry! Nothing says, “I Love you” mo...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Natural Diamond 0.50CT 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Chain Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Immerse yourself in the world of timeless elegance with the Natural Diamond 0.50CT 18Karat White Gold Cluster Necklace. This necklace is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and mo...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Tiffany & Company Platinum and Diamond Solitaire Pendant necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Tiffany & Company Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace, suspended from a 16 inch Platinum chain, a Platinum 4 prong mount h...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Classic Cross Black Diamond White 14k Gold Pendant for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
White Gold 14K Cross (Same Model with Black Diamond and Blue Sapphire Available) Diamond 68-RND-0,2-G/VS1A Blue Sapphire 16-0,37 ct Weight 1,23 grams I...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ladies 14K Yellow Gold Heart Lapis Lazuli Diamond Tennis Necklaces
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal type: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 17.50 inches Weight: 19.92 grams Ladies 14K yellow gold single strand, diamond and lapis lazuli contemporary-style station...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Diamond Bar Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone diamond brings lo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Tiffany & Company Platinum 1.54CT Peretti Diamond by the yard
Located in Miami, FL
Tiffany & Company Platinum 1.54CT Peretti Diamonds by the yard This beautiful necklace is 16 inches long and features 11 Diamond by the yard. Comes with Tiffany blue box and blue inn...
Category

Early 2000s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pearl Necklace and gold lock with diamonds 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Pearl necklace with 18k yellow gold clasp set with brilliant cut diamonds up to. 0.37 ct - G/H - SI - 50 cm detailed description: length of the necklace is 50 cm long the dimensio...
Category

Early 2000s Dutch Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Yellow Gold, Multicolored Stones, Pearls and Diamonds Necklace
Located in Monaco, MC
Bulgari Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold with multicolored stones (tourmalines, topazes and citrines) cabochon cut, diamonds and 9 pearls. Length: 17 inches, 43 c...
Category

20th Century Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Sliver Obsidian Rose Gold 2023 Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2341 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2023 Model ARP9T000 Serial Number JD****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Weight 6.4 g Length 42 cm Condition Excellent ________...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Temple St. Clair .24 Carat Quartz Crystal Diamond Amulet Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Temple St Clair pave diamond and quartz crystal amulet pendant. The focal point of this piece is a mesmerizing quartz crystal which is ensconced...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Faberge Victor Mayer 18K Yellow Gold Green Enamel Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Faberge Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Thickness: 8.75 mm Length: 1.00 inches Width: 0.75 inches Weight: 9.09 grams 18K yellow gold symbol diamond vintage heart-shaped pend...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold

Natural 3.40 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Tennis Necklace 10k White Gold
Located in IN
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Natural 3.40 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Tennis Necklace in 10k White Gold. This stunning piece of fine jewelry showcases the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

Pave Diamond and 14 Karat Gold Shield Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Pave diamonds fill this gold shield pendant. Based off of Victorian shields, it is a perfect piece to layer with other charms. This design pairs well with our larger diamond shield pendant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Argentina 1826 Silver Sun-Face Coin Diamond 18k Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
An interesting and rare silver 2 "soles" coin from pre-Argentina Spanish colonial times has a depiction of the sun's face as the primary motif. "Rio de la Plata" is the river in So...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K Gold Lapis Lazuli Butterfly Carving Turquoise Moonstone Pendant Brooch
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 Karat gold lapis lazuli butterfly carving turquoise moonstone diamond pendant brooch. The process of making this pendant brooch set in 18k g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Pendant #16415
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Pendant This stunning white pearl has been paired with a beautiful round brilliant cut diamond to make the most gorgeous pendant! Approxima...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

14 Karat Gold Pendant with Opal, Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold pendant with genuine opal, pearl and diamonds. Metal: 14k gold Total weight: 3.35 g. Size: 42 x 24 mm. Gemstones (all are tested by professional gemmologist): 1. Genui...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

14k Yellow Gold Diamond Slide Pendant with Appraisal
Located in Eagan, MN
This pendant is just so beautiful!! It is 1.25 inches wide and .90 inches long. It is stamped "14k". It has 8 Brilliant Cut Diamonds ranging in different sizes, the largest being...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Necklace 16.5g Elevate your jewelry collection with our 14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Pearl Necklace. This piece radiates sophistication and timeless c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold .42ct Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Gold .42ct Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K Gold Chain: 16" long Pendant: 0.73"(18.42mm) long x 0.50"(12.74mm)" wide Diamond: 11 round brilliant diamonds,...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

22 Karat Gold Vermeil Diamond Hammered Crescent Medallion by Chee Lee New York
Located in New York, NY
This bold 18-inch necklace is 22 Karat Yellow Gold Vermeil with a 1-Point Natural White Diamond, set in the center of the crescent symbol. This medallion is also an amulet with the ...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Vermeil

Tiffany & Co. 0.21ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Pendant
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. 0.21ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Pendant Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Diamond Solitaire Pendant Product Type- Pendant Serial Number- 28****** Accompanied...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. Horseshoe 18P Diamond Necklace 16" 18 Karat White Gold Authentic
Located in New York, NY
TIFFANY & CO. Horseshoe 18P Diamond Necklace 16" 18K White Gold Authentic, Vintage Tiffany horseshoe pendant in 18 Karat white Gold Metal: 18K White Gold 2 Gm Tiffany & Co. Necklac...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Necklace set from the collection of a royal family
Located in Bangkok, TH
This is a vintage necklace made in Platinum with over a hundred years old history. It is from a collection of one of the royal families. with over 200 carats in total and the large...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

18k Two Tone Gold 0.15ctw Diamond Buckle Graduated Panther Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (14) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G-I Color - VS2/SI1 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.15 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Whit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Studio Mullins Poppy Pendant Necklace
Located in Birmingham, AL
gold material: 14k yellow gold stones: 0.32 ctw GHI natural diamonds size: 25 mm diameter calligraphy hand engraving: by Laura Lines, custom initialing upon request lead-time: m...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

18kt Rose Gold Solitaire Diamond Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic elegance at it's finest! This 18 karat Rose Gold necklace features a single round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.43 carats expertly bezel set and suspended from a link chai...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

0.65ctw Diamond V Necklace 14k Yellow Gold 16.75" Woven Chain
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.65ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - K - M Clarity - VS2 - SI1 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 8.5 Grams Stamps: 14k Style...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Amulette de 18K White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2524 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2022 RRP £ 5,000 incl. VAT/ € 5 650 incl. VAT Model B3047300 Serial Number AG**** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx ...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2522 Comes With Dandelion Authenticity Guarantee Card Only Model Happy Diamonds Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx 8.7 g Length approx 44 cm Condition Excellen...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 6.70ct Old Mine Cut Diamond & Black Enamel Pendant, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Victorian-era locket with a checkered board-style motif in black enamel and adorned with old mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 6.70 carats. Crafted in 18k yellow ...
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

20K Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Heart Necklace by Buddha Mama
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The 20K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Hearts necklace features 3.13ctw aquamarine hearts beautifully encased in three diamond frames totaling 0.18ctw. This elegant piece is suspended on a 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold

1.57ct White Diamond & 1.87ct Yellow Diamond Necklace, 14k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
A finely crafted panther necklace adorned with an assortment of round brilliant-cut and yellow radiant diamonds, exuding elegance and allure. The eyes of the panther are accentuated ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Rose Gold

0.82ct Diamond & 8.35ct Natural Blue Sapphire Pendant Necklace, 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
An elegant necklace featuring a graceful dancing ballerina adorned with a stunning array of sapphires and diamonds. The tutu of the ballerina showcases an invisible set of natural bl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold

14K Ruby & Diamond Pendant Necklace Ruby 0.34ct & Diamond 0.12ct
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning 14K ruby and diamond pendant necklace. Expertly crafted with 14K yellow gold and 18K yellow gold accents, this exquisite piece feat...
Category

2010s American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

14K Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace Sapphire 0.23ct & Daimond 0.12ct
Located in Holtsville, NY
Add a touch of elegance to your jewelry collection with this exquisite 14K sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. Crafted from 14K yellow gold, this stunning piece features a 0.23 ca...
Category

2010s American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this stunning 14K emerald and diamond pendant necklace. Crafted from 14K yellow gold, this elegant piece features a 0.24 carat oval emerald at its center, sur...
Category

2010s American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

3.15 Carat Tanzanite 0.28 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This lovely 3.15 carat tanzanite is surrounded by 0.28 carats of diamonds and is suspended from a 20 inch, white gold chain with a lobster clasp.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Diamond White Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features the lucky clover pendant crafted in 18k white gold and set with brilliant-cut round diamon...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

5.58 ct Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous 5.58 ct diamond tennis necklace has 136 diamonds set in 14k white gold. The diamonds brag F/G in color and VS2/SI1 in clarity. A stunning necklace for yourself or as a ...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Clover Pendant by Daniel K.
Located in San Francisco, CA
From the heart of New York City comes this exquisite pendant necklace featuring a platinum clover design from Daniel K that showcases the incredible craftsmanship and fine micro-pave...
Category

Late 20th Century American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

4.48 ct Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning 4.48 ct diamond tennis has 136 diamonds mounted on 14k white gold. The diamonds boast a color of F/G and VS2/SI1 in clarity. A gorgeous necklace accompany any wardrobe.
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

0.47ctw Floating Diamond Teardrop Pendant Necklace 14k White Gold 18" Chain
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.14ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - F - H Clarity - VS2 - Natural Diamonds (moving center) - Total Carats - 0.28ctw Cut -...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Two Tone Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant #17419
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Two Tone Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant- This lovely cross pendant features one round brilliant cut diamond set in classic 14K yellow and white gold. Approximate total dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant #17420
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant- This lovely cross pendant features 12 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow gold. Approximate total diamond weight:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.19 ct Natural Yellow Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous diamond necklace features a center diamond weighing 1.02 ct and 10 diamonds surrounding the center diamond weighing 2.17 ct set in 18k yellow gold. The natural yellow d...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Unique 1.50ct Diamonds Kite-Shaped Cross Pendant w/ Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Extraordinary 1.50ct Diamonds Kite-Shaped Cross Pendant w/ Necklace in 14K White & Black Gold - AIG Certified Unveil the extraordinary allure of this dazzling 14k white and black go...
Category

2010s Israeli Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant #17422
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant This sparkling cross pendant features 15 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow gold. Approximate total diamond weight: .15 ct...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Open Heart Pendant #17426
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Open Heart Pendant- This elegant open heart pendant features one round brilliant cut diamond set in classic 14K yellow gold. Approximate total diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Pendant #17450
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Black Opal and Diamond Pendant- This lovely pendant features a stunning black opal stone accented with one round brilliant cut diamond and set in 14K yellow gold. Approxim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marco Bicego Santorini Multi-Strand Diamond Necklace 16" Yellow Gold 18k .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $7950 Brand: Marco Bicego Collection: Santorini Design: Multi-Strand Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Pendant #17452
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Pendant- This sparkling pendant necklace features one round brilliant cut diamond bezel set in 14K yellow gold. Approximate total diamond wei...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Honora 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Heart Pendant/Enhancer #17532
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Honora 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Heart Pendant/Enhancer This elegant heart pendant enhancer features eight round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 18K yellow gold. Appro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Shop Vintage and Antique Diamond Necklaces on 1stDibs

Whether you're pairing an elegant drop necklace with an evening gown for a fancy dinner or layering a solitaire pendant with your favorite gold or silver chains, you can count on the fact that antique diamond necklaces will elevate any ensemble.

Pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige in ancient times. Wearing jewelry has since become far more widespread, and today, personal adornment is all about expression: Luxury diamond necklaces — Cartier diamond necklaces, Harry Winston diamond necklaces and other iterations — exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship. (Diamond lockets, for example, which feature a motif that first emerged in the 1800s, are frequently shaped like a heart.) 

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.

In the late 19th century, "King of Diamonds" Charles Lewis Tiffany — founder of famed luxury house Tiffany & Co. — purchased a 287-carat yellow diamond discovered in the Kimberely Mine in South Africa. The stone was the largest yellow diamond ever mined, and was fashioned by gemologist George Kunz into a cushion-cut brilliant of 128 carats. Kunz gave it a total of 90 facets: 48 on the pavilion, 40 on the crown, plus the table and culet. Breakfast at Tiffany’s fans may recognize the stone from promotional photos for the film — actress Audrey Hepburn wore it as part of the Jean Schlumberger-designed Ribbon Rosette necklace.

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. 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).

Grading aside, a beloved diamond necklace is going to deliver the perfect amount of sparkle and joy every time you put it on, whether it's an emerald and diamond necklace, a classic diamond choker or some other similar accessory.  

Find antique and vintage diamond necklaces today on 1stDibs.

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