$5,420Sale Price|26% Off
Diamond Cluster Necklace 3.08 Carats 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold necklace featuring three diamond clusters each containing 7 diamonds weighing a total of 3.08 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.68 Carat Diamond Beaded Drop Station Necklace
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Modern 14K yellow gold station necklace featuring 140 round brilliant diamonds totaling 1.68 carats with sparkling pavé diamond drops on a polished gold bead chain. Elegant, contempo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Graduated Riviere Necklace 8.26 Carats G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Rhodium plated 14K White Gold riviere necklace featuring one diamond weighing 8.26 Carats G-H SI Color G-H Clarity S This item has been appraised and inspected by a certified Gemolo...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace 0.42 Carats 14 Karat Rose Gold Adjustable
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat rose gold pendant featuring a Butterfly motif containing 13 round brilliants weighing 0.42 carats. Adjustable in 15.75" - 17.75" Available in yellow & white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Multi Diamond Heart Bezel Link Necklace 0.94 Carats 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold link necklace featuring mini diamond hearts with a diamond bezel in between with 241 diamonds weighing 0.94 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Tennis Necklace 11.53 Carats 14 Karat White Gold Average 0.08 Points
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold tennis necklace featuring 131 round brilliants weighing 11.53 carats, averaging 0.08 points.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,363Sale Price / item|20% Off
Evil Eye Hamza Diamond Pendant Necklace 0.62 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold pendant necklace featuring a diamond Hamza design with an Evil Eye design weighing 0.62 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace 0.35 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold 2.13 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Delicate, symbolic, and full of sparkle — this enchanting butterfly pendant necklace is crafted in fine 14K yellow gold and adorned with 92 brilliant round diamonds totaling 0.35 car...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Dog Tag Confetti Pendant Necklace 0.73 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This chic and modern dog tag confetti pendant is crafted in 14K yellow gold and set with 19 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.73 carats. The diamonds are artfully scattered in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Star of David Diamond Pendant Necklace 0.11 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Star of David pendant featuring round brilliants weighing 0.11 carats in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Star of David Fluted Pendant Necklace 0.15 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A powerful symbol of faith and heritage meets contemporary elegance in this exquisite Star of David medallion pendant necklace, finely crafted in 14K yellow gold and weighing approxi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Circle Swirl Pendant Necklace 0.59 Carats G VS2 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold necklace featuring a swirl round circle containing 54 round brilliants weighing 0.59 carats. Available in rose & white gold. Can be adjusted to 16", 17", 18"
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Diamond Drop Box Link Necklace 1.23 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold box link necklace containing 19 graduated round brilliants weighing 0.91 carats. Can be worn 16" - 18" Color G Clarity VS2 Available in white and rose gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,238Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Heart Mesh Pendant Necklace 1.43 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold 14.5 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14 karat gold, this exquisite heart-shaped pendant features a delicate mesh design adorned with 39 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.43 carats, graded G-H color and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Angel Heart Pendant Necklace 0.15 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A charming and beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold angel pendant, featuring sparkling diamond-accented wings and a delicate heart motif above. The heart is set with a single round b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leo Diamond Journey Necklace Pendant 0.61 Carat Set in 14 Karat White Gold
By The Leo Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
LEO DIAMONDS 7-STONES DIAMOND JOURNEY NECKLACE Serial Number: LEO 010046299 Metal: 14KT White Gold Length: 18 Inches Pendant: 1 Inch Total Carat Weight: 0.61 TCW Diamond Shape: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.33 Carat 14 Karat Gold Pave Set Multi Heart Diamond Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K Gold Beautiful Multi Heart (6 hearts) P with total weight of 1.33 Ct Pave Set Diamond necklace with 16" double chain. Total Diamond Weight: 1.33 Ct Total Necklace Weight: 10.0 g...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Locket Pendant 0.21 Carats 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold pendant featuring a Locket motif with a round brilliant in the center weighing 0.21 carats. 17 inches
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
14 Carat Diamond Snowflake Eternity Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant custom-made eternity necklace is crafted in 18K white gold, stamped 750, and designed in a refined snowflake motif that delivers continuous brilliance and visual harmony...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,202Sale Price / item|25% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Feather Flexible Pendant 0.58 Carats
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold flexible feather pendant featuring 172 round brilliants weighing 0.58 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Chain & enhancer not included. DM if you would like to purch...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,544 / item
14 Round Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning 14 Round Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace is designed to captivate with its timeless elegance and radiant sparkle.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Sagittarius Zodiac Charm Pendant 0.54 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A bold and meaningful zodiac medallion crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring the Sagittarius centaur archer symbol in sculpted relief. Framed with a brilliant diamond halo for elevat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Swiss Blue Topaz Diamond Pendant 6.10 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold pendant featuring one radiant cut Swiss Blue Topaz weighing 5.70 carats flanked with 20 round brilliants, 0.40 carats. Measurement with Bale 7/8"
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Boxed LOVE Diamond Pendant 1.21 Carats 3.6 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat White Gold boxed font pendant spelling the word 'LOVE' and containing 147 round brilliants weighing 1.21 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat 0.19 Carat Diamond & Turquoise Evil Eye Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
Feel Protected and Guarded with this Evil Eye Necklace! Crafted of 14K Gold this pendant features 0.19 carats of natural white Diamonds and 1.98 carats of Turquoise. Comes on an 16"-...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
4.65 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 4.65CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style 29 gram 16 inches in length---5/16 inch in width 184 Diamond...
Diamond, White Gold
Chamsa Evil Eye Diamond Sapphire Charm Pendant 0.56 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Chamsa Evil Eye charm pendant encrusted with round diamonds, 0.31 carats and Sapphires weighing 0.25 carats, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold 0.19 Carat Diamonds Butterfly Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Beautiful 2 Butterfly Diamond Necklace is perfect for your Summer wardrobe! Crafted of 14K Rose Gold featuring 0.19 ct. of Round White Diamonds on an adjustable 16"-18" chain. -...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 4.50 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
Add this Stunning and Elegant Diamond Tennis Line Necklace to your look! Crafted of 14K Yellow Gold this necklace features 193 Natural Round White Diamonds weighing 4.62 carats. Colo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.09 Carat Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
The brilliance of love. This diamond necklace features 0.09 ct of round sparkly diamonds, pavé-set in a heart shape made of 14k yellow gold, with a matching cable chain necklace. -...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.16 Carat Diamond Butterfly Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
Fluttery diamond wings create an almost magical sparkle on this whimsical butterfly pendant necklace. This diamond necklace features 0.16 ct of round diamonds, pavé-set in a heart sh...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,825 / item
14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.06 Carat Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
Add this Classic and Beautiful Diamond Bar Necklace to your look! Crafted of 14K Gold this neckalce features 12 Natural Round White Diamonds weighing 1.06 carats. Chain length is 18"...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.40 Carat Designer Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
5.40 Carat Designer Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace with 18'' chain 5.40CT Color G-H Cl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$10,767 / item
14 Karat Yellow Gold 5.0 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Classic, Elegant and Beautiful Diamond Necklace will make your look so Glamourous! Crafted of 14K Gold this necklace features 180 natural round white Diamonds weighing approxima...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 3.12 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Classic, Elegant and Beautiful Diamond Necklace will make your look so Glamourous! Crafted of 14K Gold this necklace features 213 natural round white Diamonds weighing approxima...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,767 / item
14 Karat White Gold 5.0 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Classic, Elegant and Beautiful Diamond Necklace will make your look so Glamourous! Crafted of 14K Gold this necklace features 180 natural round white Diamonds weighing approxima...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold 3.12 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Classic, Elegant and Beautiful Diamond Necklace will make your look so Glamourous! Crafted of 14K Gold this necklace features 213 natural round white Diamonds weighing approxima...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.53 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 2.53CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style 21 gram 16 inches in length--2 1/4 inch in length 270 Diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.48 Carat Diamond Station Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
Add this Beautiful and Detailed Layering Necklace to your look! Crafted of 14K Yellow Gold this Necklace features approximately 1.48 cts of round Natural White Diamonds. Wear alone o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond MOM Boxed Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.95 Carats 3.4 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold boxed font pendant spelling the word 'MOM' and containing 134 round brilliants weighing 0.95 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Chain & Gold Link Enhancer not in...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
A beautiful and classic 14k Gold Diamond Bar Necklace featuring 0.10 ct. of round sparkling natural Diamonds. Diamond Color and Clarity is GH SI1-SI2. Chain measures 18" perfect for ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,142 / item
14 Karat White Gold 0.21 Carat Diamond Star Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
A classic 14k gold and diamond Necklace featuring a Star disc of 0.21ct of Diamonds, and accent diamonds along the side. Diamond Color and Clarity is GH SI1-SI2. Adjustable chain of...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold 0.17 Carat Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Stunning & Cute Pave Diamond Heart Pendant crafted of 14K White Gold features approximately 0.17 ct of Round Natural Diamonds, on an adjustable 16,17 & 18" Chain. --Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
A beautiful and classic 14k Gold Diamond Bar Necklace featuring 0.10 ct. of round sparkling natural Diamonds. Diamond Color and Clarity is GH SI1-SI2. Chain measures 18" perfect for ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat White Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
A beautiful and classic 14k Gold Diamond Bar Necklace featuring 0.10 ct. of round sparkling natural Diamonds. Diamond Color and Clarity is GH SI1-SI2. Chain measures 18" perfect for ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond French Bulldog Disc Pendant 0.50 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold 5 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Details: • Metal: 14K Yellow Gold • Weight: 5.06 grams • Diamonds: 50 Round Brilliant Diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carats • Design: Raised French Bulldog motif with diamond h...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.85 Carat 14 Karat Pave Set Diamond Heart Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K Gold Pave Set Diamond Heart Necklace on double strand chain. 35 pieces of 1.7mm Round Brilliant diamonds with total Diamond Weight of 0.85 Ct. Total Diamond Weight: 0.85 Ct Tota...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold 0.32 Carat Diamond Star Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
A classic yet trendy Star necklace crafted of 14k Gold featuring approximately 0.32 ct. of round Diamonds on a 16" Chain. Diamond color and clarity GH SI1-SI2. -Diamond Weight: 0.32...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
5.30 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Hearts Pendant Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K Gold Heart shaped Pendant with 25 Invisible Set 3.5 mm Princess Cut Diamonds with total weight of 5.30 Ct H-I/SI1-SI2). A beautiful gallery (back) allows light to go through and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.36 Carat Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Stunning & Exotic Pave Diamond Heart Pendant crafted of 14K White Gold features approximately 0.36Ct of Round Natural Diamonds, on a adjustable 16,17 & 18" Chain. Diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.79 Carat Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Stunning & Exotic Pave Diamond Heart Pendant crafted of 14K White Gold features approximately 0.79Ct of Round Natural Diamonds, on a adjustable 16,17 & 18" Chain. Diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.02 Carat Diamond Butterfly Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This Beautiful Butterfly Pendant is crafted of 14K Yellow Gold and features 0.02cts of round Diamonds. Adjustable Chain 16-18'' inches. Gorgeous for every day wear! -14K Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.08 Carat Black Diamond White Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.08 Carat Black Diamond White Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace This beautiful necklace has Natural Rose Cut Black Diamonds that weigh 1.78 carats and also Natural Round C...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
.50 Carat Diamonds Station Yard Necklace 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
.50ct. Diamonds ladies Station Yard Necklace. Rounds, Full cuts. F/G colors Vs-2 clarity. 14 diamonds total count. Total Necklace Length: 16 Inch. 14Kt White gold 2.8 Grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.25 Carat Natural Sapphire Diamond Cluster Necklace 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
.25ct. Natural Sapphire 1.00ct. diamonds Modified cluster H-color Vs-2 clarity 19.20 X 19.50mm 16.5 inches $4000 appraisal will accompany
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rose De France Hexagon Halo Diamond Pendant 2.88 Carats 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Hexagon shape Rose De France Amethyst weighing 2.57 carats flanked with 33 round brilliants weighing 0.31 carats in 14 karat rose gold. Amethyst 16 MM *6.1 MM Pendant without bail...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.50 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat White Gold 14 Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
3.50 Carat Diamond by the Yard Bezel Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 25 pointers 18 inches 14 stations 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond by the Yard Neck...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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.