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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Exquisite 14k Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite 14k yellow gold multi gemstone diamond necklace. The necklace showcases two captivating oval-shaped emeralds, two radiant rubies, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Imperial Green Jade Jadeite and White Agate Pendant in 18K Gold and Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
Indulge in our exquisite pendant, whether the timeless beauty of imperial green jadeite intertwines harmoniously with the elegant white agate. Crafted with meticulous attention to ...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 2015 Pink Porcelain Vintage Alhambra Holiday VCAR05SY00
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k rose gold pink porcelain and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2015 Holiday collection. The pendant features a beaded edge 4-leaf clo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

De Beers White Gold Arpeggia Three Line Diamond Necklace 19.4ct G+/VS+
Located in London, GB
A luxurious white gold De Beers diamond necklace from the Arpeggia collection. The necklace comprises 3 rows, set with a total of 469 round brilliant cut diamonds. Each row features ...
Category

2010s Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Pendant with 17.96 carats Amethyst Diamonds set in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the enchanting allure of Amethyst, exquisitely set in 14K yellow gold. This magnificent gemstone, renowned for its vibrant purple color, is ideal for those who appreciate th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Charles Krypell Diamond and Ruby Open Heart Necklace Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Charles Krypell ruby and diamond open heart necklace is meticulously crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Adorned with a striking contrast of rubies along the heart pendant's edge a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pendant with 17.69 carats Amethyst Diamonds set in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the geological elegance of this Amethyst, expertly set in 14K white gold. Ideal for enthusiasts of natural minerals and fine jewelry craftsmanship, this piece is both striki...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2ct Ruby Pendant w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14k Yellow Gold Oval 9x7mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful pendant features a 1.94 carat oval ruby gemstone with natural earth mined diamonds in solid 14k gold. This pendant can be a lovely July birthstone gift for your loved ...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Chaumet Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brand: Chaumet Paris Accent Stone: 11 diamonds Cut: Round Brilliant Weight: 0.10 carat approximately Color: D-E Clarity: VVS Metal: 18k yellow gold Era: Modern Circa: 2000s Hallmar...
Category

20th Century Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Sapphire and White Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 0.72 ct. blue sapphire oval with 0.58 ct. good quality white diamond round and baguette. Handmade in platinum. Length is 16".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Italian Diamonds Heart Pendant 18 karat Yellow and White Gold
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Italian Diamonds Heart Pendant in 18-karat Yellow and White Gold is a stunning symbol of love and elegance. Crafted with precision and artistry, this pendant features a heart-sha...
Category

20th Century Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

White Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace in 14K 2 Tone Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pendant necklace with 0.54 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 14k white and yellow gold. Length is 18". Matching earrings available.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold

Contemporary Emerald Cut Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
With her alluring emerald cut tourmaline in a vivid purplish-pink, The Vicky Pendant is a design classic. Crafted in 18 carat gold, she is accentuated with the flash of a single diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Round Brilliant Diamond with Emerald Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Art-Deco pendant is completely spectacular! The vibrant color stone (you can select Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby) is a specialty cut to surround the excellent round brilliant cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Black Jade Pendant Elaborately Three-Dimensional Carving, Certified
Located in Southbury, CT
This incredible, substantial, masterfully carved natural and untreated omphacite jade (fei cui) jade pendant features three-dimensionally carved birds nestled among highly detailed w...
Category

1980s Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold

6.44 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
At the heart of this exquisite creation lies a magnificent Colombian emerald weighing 6.44 carats. This emerald possesses a rare and captivating allure, drawing the eye with its unpa...
Category

1960s American Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Paved Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2261 Comes With Pouch Only RRP £7,500 Inc taxes / $ 7,950 Excl taxes /8,700 € Inc taxes Model VCARA45300 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight app...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Christian Dior "Rose Des Vents" Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, by Victoire de Castellane for Dior, France. Victoire de Castellane's eight-point star-on-star design for necklaces is a fashion success. Her work is instantly reco...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Negligee Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A dainty antique Edwardian double diamond drop necklace, a most delightful gift for her. These vintage heirlooms are also known as a negligee necklace or a lavalier for the way ladie...
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver

Pave 1.22 Carats F/VS1 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cross Pendant 18K White Gold
Located in Massafra, IT
Celebrate the beauty of women! Elevate her charm with this exquisite 1.22 carat F/VS1 diamond pendant crafted in 18K white gold, and let her radiate with a sense of fulfillment! Spe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

14K White Gold Straight Line Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in London, GB
Experience the allure of exquisiteness with this wonderful tennis necklace, expertly crafted in 14 carat white gold. This timeless piece features 154 round brilliant cut diamonds, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

18k Diamond Shaker Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Upgrade your style with our 18k Diamond Shaker Locket Pendant Necklace. The 0.25 carats of diamonds are showcased in a unique 0.80 by 0.60 inch pendant. The 18 inch chain is adjustab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Five Moons Round Cut Diamonds Luxury Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Aventura, FL
This luxurious Five Moons choker/necklace comes with a diamond. Its adjustable chain allows for a personalized fit, ensuring ultimate comfort and style. Details: Necklace Type: Moon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1.49 ct Natural Black Pearl & Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous natural black pearl necklace features 114 diamonds that weigh 1.49 ct. The diamonds boast G/H in color, and SI1/SI2 in clarity. A magnificent necklace for anyone's ward...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond White Gold Crescent Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stone: 29 diamonds Cut: Single Weight: 0.60 carats approximately Color: J-K Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 14k white gold Era: Retro Circa: 1950s Hallmarks: Purity marks Size: 16-3/4 inc...
Category

20th Century Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Brown Diamond and White Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1.07 ct. brown diamond pear shape with 0.16 ct. white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Length of chain is 18".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum

Modern 1 Carat Butterfly Cut Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: Diamond Shape: Butterfly Cut Weight: Approximately 1 carat Color: I-J Clarity: SI1 Metal: 14k yellow gold Era: Modern Circa: 2000s Size: 21 inches Adorn yourself ...
Category

20th Century Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.56ct Pear Shape Diamond Link Chain Station Necklace Pendant 14K White Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite pendant necklace with a pear-shaped diamond by the Yard in 14k white gold is both elegant and feminine. The 1.56ct carat pear-shaped center diamonds in this necklace c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

17.48 ct Riviera Graduated Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning graduated diamond necklace features 123 diamonds weighing 17.48 ct set in platinum. The diamonds boast a color of F/G with a clarity of VS2/SI1. This must have piece is...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Asprey Daisy Collection Multi-colored Semi-precious and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
from Asprey Daisy Collection 18 kt White Gold Cut: Marquise Cut Blue Topaz 11.16 tcw Amethyst 7.92 tcw Pink Tourmaline 8.40 tcw Peridot 9.10 tcw Diamond 1.82 ct twd PreOwned - in a B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Dainty Blue Sapphire Pendant with Diamond for Her in Sterling Silver
Located in Houston, TX
This Dainty Blue Sapphire Pendant with Diamond for Her is meticulously crafted from the finest materials and adorned with stunning sapphire which helps in relieving stress, anxiety a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver

White Diamond and Chain Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful necklace with 1.00 ct. good quality, white, and bright diamond rounds. Handmade in 14k white gold. Length is 18". Total of 10 stones. Available in yellow gold as well.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

White Diamond and Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful necklace with 1.00 ct. good quality, white, and bright diamond rounds. Handmade in 14k yellow gold. Length is 18". Total of 10 stones. Available in white gold as well.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Asprey Daisy Collection Pave Diamond Flowers Necklace
Located in New York, NY
From Asprey Daisy Collection 18 kt White Gold Brilliant Cut Diamond = 5.76 ct twd PreOwned - with Asprey box and Paperwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.56 ct Diamond By Yard Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous necklace features 32 diamonds weighing 2.56 ct. The diamonds boast F/G in color and VS1/VS2 in clarity. Such a stunning piece for everyday wear.
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Modern Diamond Butterfly Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stone: 94 diamonds Cut: Round brilliant Weight: 0.50 carats Color: H-I Clarity: VS Metal: 18k yellow gold Era: Modern Circa: 2000s Hallmarks: Purity marks and diamond weight Size...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Tiffany Co Diamond Enamel Filigree Guilloche Watch Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Tiffany Co Diamond Enamel Filigree Guilloche Watch Necklace. This incredible one of a kind Tiffany and Co watch necklace is crafted in platinum. This gorg...
Category

1910s Edwardian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

36.51 ct Natural Emerald & Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Check out this stunning pear shaped necklace! This necklace features 13 natural pear shape emeralds weighing 19.38 ct and diamonds weighing 17.21 ct set in 18k white gold. The diamo...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

11.05 Carat Round Diamond Tennis Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 18''
Located in Great Neck, NY
Natural round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and Excellent shine. 14k yellow gold classic four-prong style for maximum light brilliance. 18 inch length. Average Color G , Clari...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Diamond and Pink Sapphire Shaker Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 18k diamond and pink sapphire shaker locket pendant has a total carat weight of 1.57 carats of diamonds and 7.14 carats of pink sapphire. The 18 inch chain can be short...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Estate Neil Joseph White Diamond Princess Cut Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous necklace with 13.32 ct. good quality, white, and bright diamond princess cuts. Handmade in 18k white gold. Length is 15".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

White Diamond Floral Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful floral necklace with 0.50 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. Length of chain is 14".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

6.64 Carat Buttercup Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 22''
Located in Great Neck, NY
Brilliant and beautiful buttercup necklace, natural round-brilliant cut 14k yellow gold buttercup setting. 22 inch length. 2.9mm, 23 grams, Average I Color, SI Clarity. *Free shipp...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

15 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
15.45 cttw. Graduated Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold Material: 14k Yellow Gold Style: Graduated Stone: White Diamond Shape: Round White Diamonds Weight: 15.45 cttw Colour: G Clar...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Natural Yellow Radiant Diamond 3.44 Carat TW Gold Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic GIA certified diamond pendant. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with a natural radiant cut yellow diamond. The yellow diamond is surrou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...

Victorian Pearl Diamond and Enamel Buckle Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a remarkable creation taken from the Victorian era. This unique antique pendant has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold into the shape of a shield which plays host...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

IGI Certified 3.06ct Natural Cat's-Eye 0.53ct Natural Diamonds Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This lavish Cat's-eye round cabochon-cut centre gem boasts of yellowish-green colour and has semi-transparent look. Adorn by sparkling round brilliant and tapered baguette cut diamo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Platinum

London Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace Rhodolite Diamonds 2.9 Carats 18K White Gold
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Gemstones: London Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Diamonds Total Carat Weight: 2.90 Carats Total Quan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Wh...

Lovely 1.22ct Diamonds Heart-Shaped Halo Necklace in 18k White Gold - GIA Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
Lovely 1.22ct Diamonds Heart-Shaped Halo Necklace in 18k White Gold - GIA Certified Dazzle with sophistication and charm wearing this exquisite diamond halo necklace. Crafted in lux...
Category

2010s Israeli Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Champagne Diamonds Pendant Necklace White Diamonds 1.47 Carats 18K Rose Gold
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Diamonds are Natural 7 Champagne Diamonds = 1.12 Carats 76 White Diamonds = 0.35 Carats Metal: 18K Rose Gold Pendant Dimensi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Boodles 1.70 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning diamond necklace from the world renowned jewellery designer, Boodles. An elegant 18ct white gold belcher chain has been sporadically set with 5 rub-over set d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.28 ct White & Rose Gold Diamond Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
This super unique 18k white and rose gold diamond pendant features 28 round, pear and marquis shaped diamonds weighing 1.28 ct and are graded F-G in color and VS2/SI1 in clarity. A s...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Estate Charles Krypell Emerald Baguette and Round Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous estate Charles Krypell pendant with 1.50 ct. emerald baguettes and 1.00 ct. white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k yellow gold.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Morganite Pendant Necklace Diamond Setting 4.65 Carats 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Morganite = 4.40 Carats 59 Diamonds = 0.25 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Dimensions:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

AIG Certified 38.00 Carats Zambian Emeralds 4.80 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Necklace
Located in Massafra, IT
A stunning necklace features a breathtaking Emeralds . The necklace is further adorned with vibrant emeralds and diamonds, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to the already...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Our Lady of Graces Medal Pendant White Gold and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Our Lady of Graces Medal Pendant in White Gold with Diamonds is a divine piece of jewelry that radiates elegance and reverence. Crafted from luminous 18kt white gold, this pendan...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Diamond White Gold 18K Cross Pendant Charm
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Diamond on White Gold 18K Cross Pendant Charm. A stylish 18k white gold Cartier diamond pendant charm representing a Cross. The pendant is set with round brilliant cut diamon...
Category

Early 2000s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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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