$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Trinity de 12 Carat Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional contemporary necklace from Cartier’s iconic Trinity collection, celebrated for its symbolic harmony of yellow, white, and rose gold. Crafted in solid 18 karat gold, th...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
11 Carat Oval Tanzanite and 12 Carat Diamonds Necklace 18 Karat Gold Estate
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary Necklace is consist of 7 Fine oval Tanzanite weighing approximately 11 Carats. There are total of approximately 13 carats of shimmering white diamonds, The cl...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
12 Carat Riviera Diamond Necklace
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Graduated 3 prong diamond necklace set in 14K white gold. The center stone weighs 0.75 carats. The total carat weight of the necklace is 12.08. The color of the stones are G, the cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold
12 Carat Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
1940's Diamond necklace set with round, baguette and triangular cut diamonds weighing approximately 12 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
12 Carat Riviera Diamond Tennis Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
White Gold Karat 14K Four-prong setting riviera tennis necklace Graduated tennis necklace with round diamonds four-prong set.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 12 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
The necklace is further accented by a dazzling array of 71 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.04 carats and 29 larger diamonds totaling 2.60 carats, each of fine G color and VS-SI cla...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
12 Carat Diamond Baguette Cluster Necklace
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Modern Estate Composition: 14K White Gold Primary Stone: Baguette, Round Brilliant & Single Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 12 Carats Color/Clarity: H-J / VS2-SI...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Diamond 12 Carat Open Heart Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This simply stunning Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace is a rare and exceptional creation, far more captivating in person than photographs can convey. Elegantly designed with an ope...
Diamond, Platinum
.12 Carat Diamond Pearl White Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1970's 8.5mm, 18-Inch cultured pearl necklace with double sided 18k white gold diamond catch. Pearls are white light natural cream overtone well matched, good lustre, few blemishes. ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 17 Ct Sugar Loaf Cabochon Colombian Emerald & 13 Ct Diamond Necklace 18KWG
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified GIA Report # 2221625145 Origin : Colombia Clarity F2 17 Carat Sugar Loaf Cabochon Colombian Emerald & 12 Carat Diamond Necklace 18KWG approximately 13 Carats of Dia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$12,950Sale Price|30% Off
12 Carat Diamond White Gold 750 Necklace
Located in Lucerne, CH
Beautiful unique white gold 750 necklace with a safety clasp, bezel set with a stunning number of 313 brilliant cut diamonds totaling approx. 12 ct of G/H-vs quality. A brilliant pie...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
Grs 12 Carat Ceylon Untreated Sapphire Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite 12 carat ceylon sapphire certified by GRS as untreated the pendant is made in solid platinum and has a beautiful halo of round brilliant cut diamonds
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
.12 Carat Diamond White Gold Open Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Open heart diamond pendant necklace. 18k white gold open heart pendant with three floating diamonds on a 16 Inch cable chain with lobster catch. 3 round brilliant cut diamonds, G-H ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 12 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Sapphire Pendant Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
An impressive vintage 1960's 18k white gold necklace set with one large exquisite pear shape Natural Aquamarine, for a total weight of 11,90 Carats, surrounded by one large round cut...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold South Sea & Tahitian Pearl Diamond Lariat 0.61 Carats 12-13M
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold Lariat featuring one South Sea Pearl & one Tahitian Pearl measuring 12-13 MM with a diamond cap weighing 0.11 carats and 29 Baguette diamonds weighing 0.50 carats...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
$1,100,000 / item
LEGACY 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace 12 Carat Center GIA
Located in Mumbai, IN
Crafted for the world’s most discerning collectors, this 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Heritage Necklace is a monumental creation of light, scale, and prestige.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,100,000 / item
LEGACY 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace 12 Carat Center GIA
Located in Mumbai, IN
Crafted for the world’s most discerning collectors, this 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Heritage Necklace is a monumental creation of light, scale, and prestige.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
LEGACY 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace 12 Carat Center GIA
Located in Mumbai, IN
This 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Necklace represents the pinnacle of elite high jewelry craftsmanship.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
LEGACY 100 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace 12 Carat Center GIA
Located in Mumbai, IN
Product Overview This 100 Carat Fancy Light Yellow to Y-Z Radiant-Cut Diamond Necklace is the epitome of refined brilliance.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Opera Tennis Necklace 12 Carats 36 Inch
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Opera necklace 36 inch set in 14K white gold. Each stone weighs 0.06 carats. The total weight is 12.04 carats. The color of the stones are G The clarity is S1-SI2. This is a stateme...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$53,637Sale Price / item|20% Off
16.48 Carat Emerald 12 Carat Diamond Floral Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
16.48 Carat Emerald 12 Carat Diamond Floral Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold features diamond flower and alternatively with emerald making a necklace with diamond emerald flower set i...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$42,909Sale Price / item|20% Off
16.48 Carat Emerald 12 Carat Diamond Floral Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
16.48 Carat Emerald 12 Carat Diamond Floral Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold features diamond flower and alternatively with emerald making a necklace with diamond emerald flower set i...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$116,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 12 Carat Green Emerald Pear Cut Minor Oil Diamond Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent necklace features an exquisite deep green emerald weighing 12 carat, delicately suspended from a line of pear cut, marquise and round white diamonds representing a l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold 12 Carat Diamond Chocker Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold 12 Carat Diamond Chocker Necklace An extraordinary vintage masterpiece crafted in 18K yellow and white gold, this diamond choker embodies timeless so...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
LEGACY GIA 80 Carat Fancy yellow heart diamond necklace 12 Carat Center
Located in Mumbai, IN
Crafted to honor the timeless elegance of emotion, the LEGACY 80 Carat Heart Diamond Necklace is a glowing cascade of rare natural brilliance — made only once and never again. Compo...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$144,000Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat White Gold Necklace with 55 Carats of Rubies and 12 Carats Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and substantial necklace crafted in 18 karat white gold, set with an impressive total of approximately 55 carats of natural rubies and 12 carats of natural diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 12 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Palladium on Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 12 Carat Aquamarine. Accented by Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.12tcw. Hand craf...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Palladium, Platinum
12 Carat Baguette Round Cut Diamond Floral Fan 18K White Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
About The Stones: Four hundred diamonds totaling 12 carats encircle the necklace in two distinct cutting styles that work together to maximize visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.00 Carat Diamond Necklace G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold 140 Diamonds 12 Grams
Located in New York, NY
2.00 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace G SI 14K Yellow Gold 16 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 2.00CT G-H SI ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Dainty Diamond Daisy Necklace .12 Carats in 14K Rose Gold, April Birthstone LV
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Add a dainty diamond daisy in rose gold to the neck of a loved one. This beautiful petite pendant has a sparklingly bright diamond made to flatter your favorite person in rose gold! ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Greek 12 Carat Diamond South Sea Pearl Tourmaline Citrine Earring Necklace Set
Located in Miami, FL
Greek-made jewelry set featuring woven floral motif in 18K white gold with 12 carats of diamonds, South Sea pearls, pink tourmalines, and yellow citrines.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Legacy 12 Carat GIA Fancy Yellow Pear Drop Diamond Necklace An Icon of Prestige
Located in Mumbai, IN
This is the spirit captured in the 12 Carat Fancy Light Yellow Pear-Shaped Diamond Necklace, a piece that speaks in subtleties yet leaves a lasting impression across generations.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro 12 Carat Blue Zircon Gemstone Gold Link Necklace Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant & finely detailed Necklace featuring Blue Zircon Gemstones, inter-spaced with 14K Yellow Gold Links. Hand set with 12tcw Blue Zircon Gemstones. Necklac...
Diamond, Topaz, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold
45 ct Zambian Emerald and 12 ct Diamond Necklace and Earring Bridal Suite
Located in New York, NY
The necklace has one layer of pear-shaped emeralds, while the earrings have luminous clusters of round diamonds suspending a brilliant pear-shaped emerald The necklace is made with ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Roman Malakov 12 mm South Sea Pearl & Round Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pearl necklace, showcasing a 12 mm south sea pearl of golden color.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Old Cut Diamond & Pearl Pendant in 12 Gold & Sterling + Akoya Pearl Necklace
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
We acquired this extraordinary pendant from an antique jewelry dealer in New Zealand. Sort of a hybrid between a garland and a wreath, it boasts at least 1.7 carats in old cut dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k ...
12 Diamond Multi Sapphire 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Link Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 12 Diamond Multi Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Link Necklace is a vibrant expression of elegance, featuring natural diamonds alongside multi-colored sapphires and kyanite stones, tota...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 12 Carat Green Peridot with Multi Cut Diamonds in 18K Two Tone Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage pendant, with an oval cut green peridot center stone, this pendant is paired with diamond side stones. Secured through channel setting, these baguette and round cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 12.00 Carat Diamonds Fancy Formal Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 12 Total Carats Full Diamonds Necklace Signed ADL in 14k solid white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 12-13mm Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A stunning necklace crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring an exquisite collection of South Sea pearls totaling 7pcs 12-13mm .Each pearl is beautifully complemented by radiant di...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LEGACY 70 carats Fancy Yellow 12 Carat Pear Drop Red carpet Exclusive
Located in Mumbai, IN
Presenting the LEGACY 70 Carat Fancy Yellow Drop Diamond Necklace, a radiant testament to ultra-rare color, exceptional proportion, and unmistakable elegance.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
LEGACY GIA 65 carats Fancy Yellow 12 Carat Pear Drop Red carpet Exclusive
Located in Mumbai, IN
Introducing the LEGACY 65 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Drop Necklace, an elite, one-of-a-kind high jewelry creation that merges warmth, rarity, and elegance into a wearable work of art.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
LEGACY 50 carat GIA Certified 12 Fancy Yellow Pear D–F colour High Jewelry
Located in Mumbai, IN
A crown sculpted in silence. This 50 Carat Diamond Necklace, anchored by a singular 12 Carat GIA-Certified Fancy Yellow Pear-Shaped Diamond, is more than high jewelry — it is a momen...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,625 / item
H/I 14K Gold Natural 12 Carat 10 pointer Diamond Tennis Necklace *SI1*
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Item specifics Condition: New Main Stone Creation: Natural Metal Purity: 14k Gold Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Total Carat Weight: 12 Carat Style: Tennis Base Metal: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18-carat yellow gold necklace with a pendant 12 diamonds of 0.12 carats in total
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
A necklace composed of a chain in 18-carat yellow gold and a rectangular pendant in 18-carat yellow gold decorated with 12 brilliant round cut diamonds of 0.01 carats each, or 0.12 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$10,000
12 Carat Carved Jadeite Jade Pendant with Ruby Chain
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
14 Karat white gold estate pendant consisting of one 12 carat oval shaped carved piece of jadeite jade set with approximately 2.5 carats of round brilliant cut white diamonds. The p...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold
Sold|$22,500
12 Carat Diamond Riviere Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite diamond necklace crafted in 18 Karat white gold, showcasing 68 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 12 carats total, G color, SI Clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$10,300
12 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Riviere Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous Riviere necklace crafted in yellow gold, featuring 120 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 12 carats total, I-J color, SI clarity.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Sold|$177,000
12 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous over 12.00 carat! Pear shape pendant necklace would make Liz Taylor blush . This truly extraordinarily cut gem is a show stopping piece . The diamond is a D color . D i...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso .12 Carat Diamond Platinum Heart Pendant Necklace
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Iconic Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso diamond heart pendant necklace. 17 round brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum. 16 inch chain. 17 round brilliant cut diamonds, approx. .12cts ...
Diamond, Platinum
Bulgari Nuvole Platinum 12 Carat Diamond Platinum Choker Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Nuvole 12ct Diamond Chocker Necklace by Bulgari. With 810 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx. 12ct Details: Chain Length: 16'' Width: 1...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond and White Gold Necklace, over 12 Carat of White Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Over 12 carats of fine white diamond adorn this gorgeous 18kt white gold necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 12 Carat Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace Enhancer 18K G
Located in New York, NY
12 Carat Pear Cut Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant Necklace Enhancer GIA Certified Report # 5192640764 This spectacular Pendant Necklace consisting of a single Pear Shape Pink To...
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold
1800s Victorian .70 Carat Diamond 12 Carat Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
1800s Victorian Diamond, Turquoise and 18 Karat Gold Necklace features .70 carats total weight of Diamonds, 12 carats total weight of Turquoise and 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 18 Karat Yellow Gold 12 Carat Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 1980's made in 18k yellow gold this substantial rigid gold choker necklace is just lightly encrusted with round cut diamonds for a little glitz. Other than that it's a bea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold 12 Carat Total Weight Round Brilliant Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Modern Composition: 14K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: One Hundred Thirty Nine Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 12 Carats Color/Clarity: H-I / SI1-...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Station Drop Necklace 18K Gold
By Novel Collection
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious design diamond drop necklace is simple but elegant. features Just under 4 carat Fancy Light Yellow Pear shape GIA certified, internally flawless and Excellent polish a...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.