Skip to main content

Diamond Necklaces

311
34,162
389
to
6,062
23,600
6,650
2
92
761
5,608
28,086
235
176
224
128
82
244
291
350
535
493
49
897
479
442
403
365
23,200
11,165
186
31,422
15,592
13,660
10,687
10,003
34,551
6,473
5,681
5,302
3,783
15212
4410
2130
1866
1805
to
8,680
7,480
1,619
1,080
759
673
429
319
154
130
121
83
72
29
15
7
5
4
Gemstone: Diamond
Indian Mangalsutra. 14k, Emerald & Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite necklace boasts a stunning 3.00 carat oval cut Colombian emerald, set elegantly in prongs crafted from 14k white gold. Adorned with a total of 1.10 carats of round bri...
Category

2010s European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co Paper Flowers Diamond and Tanzanite Pendant Necklace Platinum 16 in
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Tiffany & Co. Paper Flowers Diamond and Tanzanite Pendant Necklace is a perfect accent to your everyday and evening look and gives a touch of chic to any ensemble you p...
Category

2010s Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Heart Pendant- This dazzling heart pendant features 21 round brilliant cut diamonds set in 14K white go...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Red Jade and Diamond Cts 0.79 Pendant Necklace With 18k White Gold Chain
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Dive into the rich symbolism of red jade, known for promoting vitality and passion. This pendant features a captivating rectangular red jade. It comes with a certificate from the ...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold

Casey Perez 18K Gold Arc Necklace with Brilliant Cut Diamonds on Gold Chain
By Casey Perez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This modern pendant features a minimal arc design with banded detailing. The center diamond is beautifully set in a clean bezel and the outer tier is set with pave diamonds. Total di...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Casey Perez Gold Arc Necklace with Opal and Brilliant Cut Diamonds on Gold Chain
By Casey Perez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This modern pendant boasts a chic arc design complete with unique banded detailing. At the center sparkles a stunning opal, carefully set in a sleek bezel. The outer tier shimmers wi...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

Ruby with Diamond Heart Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.26 carats with Diamond 0.27 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.8 cm Length: 2.7 cm Total Weight: 4.37 grams "We first opened d...
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Casey Perez Sculptural 18k gold diamond toggle bar necklace with wave detail
By Casey Perez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rectangular pendant with graceful curving lines and tiered detail accented with pave diamond. The necklace features a toggle style closure with pave diamonds. Total diamond weight is...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.28 Carat Total Weight Natural Diamond Graduated Bar Necklace, 18k Rose Gold
Located in Houston, TX
This necklace features 1.28 carat total weight in graduated natural round diamonds set in 18 karat rose gold. It is set on an 18 karat rose gold chain. Chain measures 18" with a lob...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Misani necklace with leather and white gold.
Located in BILBAO, ES
Differents decoratives in white gold. Pearl pendant with a brown brilliant, pear-cut amethyst, oval-cut blue topaz, heart-cut citrine, oval-cut garnet and two amber rings and two pea...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Amethyst, Citrine, Brown Diamond, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Blue Top...

Multi Gemstone Chain Necklace With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold & Silver
Located in New York, NY
18KT:2.350g,D:6.54ct,SI:58.744g, Ruby:1.35ct,Tsav:4.34ct,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Tsavorite, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

3.49 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Brilliant and beautiful tennis necklace, natural round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and Excellent shine. 14k rose gold classic four-prong style for maximum light brilliance. El...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Casey Perez Gold Arc Necklace with .8 carats of Brilliant Cut Diamonds
By Casey Perez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architectural yet minimal arc shaped pendant in 18K yellow gold hanging from a delicate cable chain. The pendant features a modern banded detail on the edges which are set with pave ...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rosecut Diamonds Choker Necklace With Pink Sapphire Made In 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18KT:26.306g,D:4.72ct, Sapp:0.45ct,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Elegant 18K White Gold Necklace with 1.01 ct Natural Diamond- GIA Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
Capture love's eternal brilliance with this exquisite necklace, featuring a captivating 1 carat heart-shaped diamond. Bathed in near-colorless E color and boasting near-flawless VS1 ...
Category

2010s Singaporean Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Butterfly Papillon White Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Butterfly Papillon White Gold Necklace. Crafted from luxurious 18k white gold, this exquisite necklace features a captivating diamond butterfly papillon pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Necklace set with diamonds 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace set with old mine cut diamonds up to . 2.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description: the length of the necklace is 40 cm long by 1.2 mm wide the ...
Category

1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1990s South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace 18 Carat White Gold Clasp
Located in Hamilton, AU
Thoughtfully strung together, this gorgeous strand of round white South Sea pearlsis named Helmi. Perfect for everyday wear, she is finished with a lovely diamond set clasp that perf...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Primitive Coin Charm, Signifying Wealth and Prosperity 24K Gold & 0.02ct DIamond
Located in Bozeman, MT
Primitive Coin Charm, Solid 24K Gold and 0.02ct Diamond Size - Very Small Charm (Looks great paired and layered with other charm pendants) 1 Diamond - 0.02cts 24K Solid Gold - 0.97 ...
Category

2010s Turkish Classical Greek Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Penguin Diamonds Pearl Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
This charming penguin-shaped pendant, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, is a celebration of craftsmanship and uniqueness. With its figure enameled in black through the refined techniq...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Ancient Zeus Seated, Holding Eagle and Scepter, Coin Pendant, 24k Gold Diamonds
Located in Bozeman, MT
Gold-Framed Ancient Zeus Seated, Holding Eagle and Scepter, Tetradrachm Coin (Replica) Charm Pendant, 24kt Gold, Silver & 0.02ct Diamonds COIN: For the silver (tetradrachms and drac...
Category

2010s Turkish Classical Greek Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Casey Perez Sculptural 14k gold diamond rectangular pendant with wave detail
By Casey Perez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This recycled yellow gold rectangular charm features a sculptural tiered design set with brilliant cut diamonds. The charm comes attached to a gold ring which allows you to slip it o...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Neckalce set with ruby and diamonds 18k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt bicolor gold necklace set with ruby ​​tot. 1.90ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to. 1.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: The length of the necklace is 45 ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Turtle Light Pendant Necklace Gold/ Tsavorite/ White Diamond
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The turtle, one of the oldest living creatures, symbolizes earth, wisdom, and immortality, with a history spanning 200 million years. Renowned for its wide-eyed expression and longev...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Garrard Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct white gold pendant necklace from the designer Garrard. The chain is in a wheat style and features a domed pendant set with 17 princess cut diamonds in a cross shape. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

10.90 Ethiopian Opal Necklace With Multi Sapphire & Diamonds In 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18KT:31.353g,D:1.95ct, Opal:10.90ct,Sapp:4.10ct,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Natural Amethyst Opal Diamond Onyx Floral Vase Pendant in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted from solid yellow gold, exquisite pendant features a floral vase design adorned with a variety of gemstones in prong settings. The mix includes purple cabochon round and pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 K white Gold chain Turquoise Baguette cut Diamond pendant Paul Binder Zurich
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A timeless 18 K white chain with pendant by Paul Binder Zurich featuring a fine natural Turquoise Cabochon 15 mm x 13 mm and 22 Baguette cut Diamonds weighing 1.79 ct, F/G color, if...
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

28.41 ct Ethiopian Opal Chain Necklace With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18KT:31.824g,D:4.25ct, Opal:28.41ct,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Byzantine Gold Pendant with Amethyst Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Discover the exquisite charm of our rounded pear-shaped gold pendant, adorned with a square amethyst and an oval pink tourmaline, a harmonious blend of gemstones and design that exud...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold

Natural Black and White Diamond Dangling Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This elegant oval shaped pendant has 12 natural black diamonds and 244 brilliant cut white diamonds set in 18K White Gold. White gold chain is included. Pendant has detailed tag atta...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Vintage 4 Carat Tension Set Colombian Emerald & Diamond Chocker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Natural emerald and diamond choker necklace in 18k gold. Fixed with a textured polished finish, channel tension setting, and box cl...
Category

1990s Colombian Modernist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Estate AIMETTI 18K Diamond Sapphire Pearl Italian Necklace 20.10cttw 17.25”
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An absolutely spectacular Italian made necklace done in 18K yellow gold and strung together with 5.95mm cultured pearls. All sections of this necklace are adorned with F-G color Vs1-...
Category

Late 20th Century European Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Buddha Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Buddha Pendant. The pendant features a praying Buddha with round 1.5mm diamonds adorning the majority of the pendant...
Category

1980s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

7.994 Carat Rubellite Necklace in 18KYG with Ruby and White Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata showcases an exquisite diamond studded Rubellite jewelry set that exudes grace and elegance. This exquisite 18Karat yellow gold set is ideal for any special occasion be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Rubelite, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Heart diamond pendant necklace 18KT gold Valentines Mothers day gift
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning diamond pendant necklace made with VS diamonds totalling 1 carat in large heart design, the pendant is unique in its craftsmanship and made well to last you generations. We ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold Polygon Pendant with Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with our gold polygon pendant, featuring a mesmerizing diamond that adds a touch of timeless brilliance to your look. 100% handmade in our workshop. Metal: 18K G...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Estate Baroque Pearl and Pavè Diamond Pendent in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Estate Pearl & Diamond Pendant in 18k White Gold Estate Pearl & Diamond Pendant features a 14.4mm white Baroque Pearl with a light pink overtone and high luster set in a tulip flowe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Natural Pearl Necklace with Gem Set Clasp
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous natural pearl necklace crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. This piece consists of a single row of individually knotted round shaped natural ...
Category

20th Century Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pear Shape Natural Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Bezel Pendant Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
This diamond solitaire necklace exudes classic luxury, showcasing a substantial 1.80ct pear-shaped diamond nestled in a streamlined 14k yellow gold bezel setting for a sleek appearan...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Byzantine Pear Gold Pendant
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with a pear-shaped gold pendant, meticulously adorned with delicate granulations and featuring a radiant diamond at its heart, creating an exquisite piece that exu...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Carved Black Onyx Diamond Ruby Pendant Necklace With Pearls and 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Radiate opulence with the strikingly carved black onyx centerpiece, complemented by 17 freshwater pearls delicately encircling its elegance. Atop the onyx, a vibrant ruby weighing 0...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Art Nouveau elaborate artistic necklace with diamonds and gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Introducing a dreamy, exquisite Jugendstil necklace in 14k yellow gold, a true embodiment of elegance and craftsmanship. This captivating piece of jewelry is adorned with intricate d...
Category

1910s French Jugendstil Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 4 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Platinum Necklace F COLOR VVS2
Located in Rome, IT
GIA Certified 4 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Platinum Necklace F COLOR VVS2 INVESTMENT GRADE
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Half Disc Diamond & Tanzanite Pendant Chain Neckalce Made In 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18K:5.174g,D:1.123ct, ,,TANZANITE:1.523ct,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Tanzanite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3/4 Carat Ct 1 Real Natural Solitaire Round Diamond Pendant Necklace 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Classic approx. 3/4 carat solitaire round diamond pendant necklace in 14k white gold. A large center approx. 3/4 carat brilliant round diamond (size of an engagement ring) is natural...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Pink Sapphire Cts 2.44 and Marquise Diamond Cts 0.42 Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Charm and captivate with every sway. This beautiful piece features two diamond-cut pink sapphires totaling 2.44 cts. Adorning the delicate drop are five marquise diamonds, totaling...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 5 Carat Emerald & Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold. This necklace features an emerald-cut emerald center stone, weighing 5 carats total. The emerald is paired with round-cut whi...
Category

20th Century North American Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Pear Pendant with Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Behold the charm of a pear-shaped gold pendant, adorned with a brilliant diamond, encircled by a golden rope outline, and showcasing a gracefully wavy surface—a captivating masterpie...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18k White Gold Blue Sapphire Cts 32.42 Tanzanite with Diamond and Pearl Tassel
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to your outfit. Adorning the cap and bale are shimmering diamonds, totaling 1.86 carats. The metallic bulb and chain are set with brilliant b...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Tanzanite, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

TJD 0.03 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14KT White Gold Owl Pendant Necklace
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
A striking addition when worn on its own, this diamond pendant makes a stunning impression. This pendant is crafted from 14-karat white gold and features 10 single cut diamonds set i...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co Atlas Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co 18k yellow gold Atlas necklace, featuring ten diamond links - approximately 1.00ctw G/VS. Necklace is 16.5" long and 1/8" wide. Hallmarked Tiffany & Co, 1995, 750. Weig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Byzantine Polygon Gold Pendant with Blue Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Embrace the charm of our gold pendant showcasing, three striking polygons, each adorned with a mesmerizing blue diamond—a harmonious blend of geometric elegance and brilliant allure....
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Gold Pendant with Blue Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with our exquisite oval pendant, graced by the captivating allure of two blue diamonds and a radiant white diamond—a timeless emblem of sophistication and brillian...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

12.60 ct Shell Cameo pendant Necklace With Diamonds Made In 18k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
18k:8.13g,D:0.53Ct Shell Cameo:12.60Ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Mikimoto 18K White Gold Pearls in Motion Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Length: 18.50 Inches Weight: 15.90 grams Ladies 18K white gold single strand collar pearl and diamond bead necklace. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Decorated Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.7 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.75 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J-K-L-M color and s1-s2-s3-Pique clarity. Totally is ruby about 0.03 ca...
Category

Early 1900s Turkish Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 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.

Recently Viewed

View All