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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Diamonds 24x12mm Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Yurman 18kt Gold Diamond X Cable Necklace
Located in Bethesda, MD
David Yurman's Cable design is one of the most iconic and recognizable motifs in contemporary jewelry. The David Yurman Cable design is not just a style statement but also a symbol...
Category

1990s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Diamond Station Necklace 1.10 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 11 Diamonds = 1.10 Carats Cut: Round Brilliant Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 18 Inches Width: 0.12 In...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

GIA Emerald Cut White Diamond 0.50 ct. Each Cross Pendant Necklace in 18K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 6.03 ct. IJ VVS1-VS2 white diamond emerald cuts. Total of 12 stones, 0.50 ct. each. Handmade in 18k white gold. Length is 18". All stones have GIA certificates.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pink Porcelain Alhambra Necklace 18K Rose Gold
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This is an authentic VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Rose Gold Pink Porcelain Diamond Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace. This stunning necklace chain is crafted of 18 karat rose gold. The pen...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Hand-Made 14K white Gold Pendant Chain with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Hand-Made Pendant Chain with Diamonds Material 14K White Gold Diamonds .70ct Diamond Clarity VS Color Grade G Pendant Shape: Star Pendant Dimension 19 x 18.5mm With Bail 23mm Chai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18ct White Gold De Beers Diamond Wild Flower Necklace
Located in Birmingham, GB
This Pre-Loved De Beers Wild Flower Necklace is an exquisite piece with an enchanting allure. A symphony of luxury and nature, featuring a cascade of meticulously crafted diamond-enc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2258 Comes With Box Only Date 2011 Serial Number JB****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight 9.2 g Length 43 cm Condition Excellent __________________________________...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Series of Eleven Diamond Clasp 14k Mariner Chain Necklace
Located in Manhattan Beach, CA
Inspired by lineage jewelry, Series of Eleven celebrates connection through our signature double-sided diamond clasp that shines alongside a variety of eleven solid 14k gold chains. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

20.00ct Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous platinum necklace. The necklace is set with sparkling baguette cut diamonds that weigh approximately 20.00ct. The color of these diamonds is G with VS clarity. The...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

OROMALIA Rose Gold Brown Diamond Chain Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat rose gold and light brown diamond necklace, Salvatore Barberi, Oromalia, Italy. Designed as alternating large oval links, spaced by sections of smaller oval links, enhanc...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, Rose Gold

Series of Eleven Diamond Clasp 14k Rolo Chain Necklace
Located in Manhattan Beach, CA
Inspired by lineage jewelry, Series of Eleven celebrates connection through our signature double-sided diamond clasp that shines alongside a variety of eleven solid 14k gold chains. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Drop Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.4 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.25 carat. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 1carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. T...
Category

1980s European Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14K Rose Gold Baguette Link Cluster Diamond Chain Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Metal Type: 14K Rose Gold Length: 16.00 inches Width: 9.60 mm tapering to 6.00 mm Weight: 51.78 grams 14K rose gold rectangular bar link chain. The metal was tested and determine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond Necklace by Elan
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Necklace A diamond link necklace by Elan adorned with round-cut diamonds Approximate Measurement: 15" long Approximate Diamond Weight: 8.20 carats Weighs Approximately 148.5...
Category

20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

"Lookup" Micro-Pave Pendant by Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
The "LookUP" collection. The pendant comes in several color combinations of micro pave set natural gemstones and diamonds. Natural diamonds and gemstones Each pendant comes with an 1...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 3 Carat Heart Shape Pendant Platinum Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
This exquisite platinum necklace features a GIA certified heart-shaped pendant, symbolizing love and affection in its most pure and elegant form. The pendant is meticulously crafted ...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Jade Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond and Jade Pendant Necklace A pendant necklace featuring a center diamond wreath with a dangling jade and a floral motif in the middle complimented by a bow on top ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, Platinum

Bespoke Diamond Heart Cluster Pendant 0.15ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: A Diamond Heart Cluster Pendant, with 3 round brilliant cut diamonds pavé set in 18ct white gold. Diamonds 3 = 0.15ct (estimated), Graded in setting as Colour: G,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Versatile Puff Star with Diamonds and Polished Platinum Charm Only Reversible
Located in Rutherford, NJ
Star power puff star charm in petite size with pave diamonds in front, but reverses to 1 diamond in backside all in polished Platinum. If chain requested, please contact for additional cost. Custom engraving in limited space is available as additional also. Our puff stars are unique in their imperfect shape and have the versatility of a heavy sparkle pave saide or an understated solo diamond side according to mood. The charm and earrings pair up well together. Can be used as a pet charm...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Himalia Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming necklace from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This elegant piece showcases an open pendant with a open minimalist design pendant and filled wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold and 1.00 CT Diamond Pendant.
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite pendant, crafted from lustrous 14K white gold, features a dazzling array of diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carats. The diamonds, showcasing a mix of round brilli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Turquoise Gold Necklace
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Turquoise Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Limited Edition Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold 20 Motif Alhambra Diamond Turquoise N...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

NWT $52, 000 18KT 27.50CT Fancy Turquoise Sapphire Diamond Earrings Necklace Set
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Pair of Rare 18KT Gold Large Turquoise Diamond Blue Sapphire Dangle Earrings and Necklace Set. This Magnificent Set is comprised of Finely Se...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

20ct Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
An 18k gold and diamond necklace set with 20.00cts of brilliant cut diamonds. Length: 40.5cm Weight: 56gr
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.31 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Pave Cross Drop “Star of The East” Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k rose gold Diamonds: round brilliant cuts = 0.31 carat weight Color: H Clarity: SI3 Dimensions: necklace is 30-inch long Weight: 5.35 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Contemporary 40.32 CTW Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Floral Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged basket links featuring cushion cut sapphires prong set throughout Weighing approximately 30.96 carats total - transparent medium blue in color Alternating with cl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 18k Lapis Lazuli Diamond Pendant Brooch Pin Brutalist Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Greer, SC
Exquisite vintage 18k lapis lazuli convertible pendant / brooch, adorned with dazzling diamonds. This brutalist style pendant is a great example of mid century art and craftsmanship....
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Antique 1.60ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920's 1.60 carat diamond, 18ct yellow gold and platinum set cross pendant; part of our diverse antique diamond pendant collections. This stu...
Category

1920s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Horseshoe and Riding Crop Locket
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous gem set locket dating back to the Victorian period. This circular piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and showcases a rose cut diamond set hor...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bespoke Diamond Circular Pendant 1.80ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: A Diamond Large Circular Pendant, with 181 round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18ct white gold and with 9 suspended rose cut diamonds on an 18ct white gold neck ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Ladies 14K White Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Rectangular Pendant Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: White Gold  Length: 20.00 inches Weight: 4.19 grams One ladies custom-made polished 14K white gold single strand collar, diamond necklace. The metal wa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hand -Made 14K Y Gold Heart Pendant with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Hand-Made Pendant with diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Shape Heart Diamonds 4.50ct Diamond Clarity VS Color Grade F Dimension 53X33mm Length with bail 53mm Weight 32.7gr Conditi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

8.44CT Neck & Bracelet Diamond Set in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Are you looking for a stunning set of diamond jewelry to add to your collection? Look no further! This one-of-a-kind Choker Diamond Necklace with a matching Diamond Bracelet is exact...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Two Tone Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K Two tone gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 1.51cttw Color: G Clarity: VS-SI1 Multi-Gemstone: 20 marquise cut = 9.10cttw Dimensions: necklace measure...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 15K Gold & Silver 10.8ctw Old Cut Diamond Pendant & Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, silver, and yellow gold brooch and pendant, comprising one large old mine cut diamond, fifty-two smaller old mine cut diamonds, and fifteen rose cut diamonds, se...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Emerald and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Cultured Pearl Necklace A four-strand necklace with cultured pearls and 135 emerald beads separated with gold spacers. It features a center gold pendant adorned with mix...
Category

20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Diamond Pendant Charm 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Geneva, CH
Enhance your elegance with this exquisite small pendant crafted in 18K yellow gold. Adorned with a dazzling diamond weighing 0.4 carats, this pendant exudes sophistication and charm....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

White Diamond Rosecut Layered Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful layered necklace with 1.01 ct. good quality white diamond rose cut rounds. Three total stones. Length is 16", 17", and 18". Handmade in 18k yellow gold. Can be extended...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

New Hermès Finesse Pendant Diamonds Rose Gold 18k
Located in Paris, IDF
Stunning​ ​Hermès Pink​ ​Gold​ ​Pendant​ ​set​ ​with​ ​diamonds,​ ​adjustable​ ​lobster​ ​clasp.​ ​The​ ​ring-stick​ ​becomes​ ​pattern.​ ​A​ ​character,​ ​graphic​ ​and​ ​pure Pink...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Art Deco Diamond Négligée Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful diamond négligée necklace from the later stages of the Art Deco movement. A duo of old cut diamonds hang freely from individual diamond set knife edge bars ...
Category

Early 20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Alexander Beverly Hills 21.65ct Three-Row Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite and timeless three row diamonds tennis bracelet, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 327 diamonds total, 21.65 carats total. Approximately F-G color and VS clarity. 40.28 grams, 18...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rose Cut White Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful rosecut diamond necklace with 1.98 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. This necklace is fun and frivolous. A great take on the traditional...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

14k White Gold Multi-Shaped Halo Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: Multi-Shaped and round brilliant Diamonds= 17.97cttw Color: G Clarity:VS-SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16.5-inches in length ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k Yellow Gold Double Row Diamond Tennis Necklace With Circle Diamond Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Diamonds: 247 round brilliant cut = 21.35cttw Color: G Clarity:VS- SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16-inches in length Weight: 32.81 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Scrolling At The Front 48.00cttw Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the captivating allure of this exquisite diamond scrolling necklace, a vision of timeless elegance. Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond and Pearl Pendant, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This dainty Diamond and Pearl pendant was hand crafted in the 1920s. Centring around a 4mm drop down pearl, a circlet of platinum surrounds with six diamonds set between petal design...
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

The Shanti Compass Amulet 18K Fairmined Yellow Gold & Diamond
Located in London, GB
Introducing the mega Shanti Compass pendant - the bold, beautiful big sister to our mini compass amulet. Designed as an empowering reminder for you to navigate your own path. It in...
Category

2010s British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k White Gold Illusion Diamond Graduated Tennis Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: round brilliant Diamonds= 8.30cttw Color: G-H Clarity:VS-SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16.5-inches in length Weight: 36.93 g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diana M. Custom 10.00 cts 3 prong diamond 18k white gold tennis necklace 16.5"
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18 k white gold 3 prong diamond tennis necklace 10.00 cts round diamonds 109 stones 0.09 each Color FG SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Tourmaline Diamond Pendant Necklace - Vintage Style Jewelry, Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold pendant necklace, featuring a captivating 0.49 Carat Faceted Oval Tourmaline and shimmering diamond accents. SPECIFICATIONS: ...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Blister Pearl and 0.42Ct Diamond 9k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, antique Victorian blister pearl and 0.42 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set pendant; part of ou...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage 14K 1.36ctw Tourmaline Diamond Pendant Necklace - Fine Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace, featuring a captivating 1.36 Carat Emerald Cut Tourmaline and 0.27 Carats of shimmering Diamonds. Specificat...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Amethyst Diamond Pendant Necklace - Vintage Style Jewelry, Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold pendant necklace, adorned with a captivating 1.10 Carat Oval Modified Brilliant Amethyst complemented by delicate dia...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Diamond Open Clover Necklace 14k Solid Gold Lucky Flower Necklace Gift
Located in Chicago, IL
Genuine Diamond Open Clover Necklace 14k Solid Gold Lucky Flower Necklace Gift rose gold Diamond Clarity Grade vs - si Setting Style Prong Type Necklace Metal Purity 14k Colored ...
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Flowers Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.85 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Total lenght is chain 45 cm. Please contact for any ...
Category

1980s European Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Chopard Large Happy Clown with Flowers Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Large Happy Clown With Flowers Pendant Necklace by Chopard. With 4 round brilliant cut diamonds = VVS1 clarity, E color total weig...
Category

20th Century Swiss Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diana M. Custom 41.00 Cts Round 4 Prong Diamond 18k White Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18 k white gold 4 prong diamond tennis necklace 41.00 cts round diamonds 79 stones 0.51 each FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern 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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