$20,956Sale Price / item|20% Off
15 Carat Round Diamond 15K Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your elegance with this stunning 15 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace, featuring a classic design crafted in 15k gold.
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 15k Gold
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
15 Carat Green Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated jewelry store adorned with elegant displays, showcasing exquisite pieces. The camera focuses on a radiant necklace displayed on a velvet-lined tray. Elevate your sty...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
.15 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Freeform Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond pendant necklace. Brilliant cut diamond bezel set in an 18k yellow gold freeform swirl meeting at the center and curling in a ball on each side. 16 inches long. 1 round bri...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seidengang .15 Carat Diamond Leo Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SeidenGang
Located in Stamford, CT
Discover the allure of elegance with the Seidengang Leo Collection pendant necklace. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this pendant features A roarig Lion and star. Accented with 3 diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
15 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The necklace features a substantial 15.45 carats total diamond weight, with diamonds graded G color and SI1 clarity, offering exceptional sparkle while maintaining a refined, classic...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
.15 Carat Diamond Bar Link by the Yard Platinum Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Unqiue Diamond link by the yard 20 inch Platinum bar link chain, circa 1930-1940. 5 old mine brilliant cut diamonds, H SI approx. .15cts SI Platinum Tested: Platinum 8.3...
Diamond, Platinum
$200,000Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified 15 Carat Minor Oil Pear Cut Emerald Diamond Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
At its center, a detachable pendant features a magnificent 15-carat pear-shaped emerald ramed by sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds and enhanced with baguette accents.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,499Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Diamond Slider Pendant 0.25 Carat 15-16 MM 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow gold slider pendant necklace featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 15-16 mm with shattered round brilliants weighing 0.25 carats. Available in different pearls and ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold
15 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating link necklace showcasing a stunning Australian opal as its centerpiece. The opal, weighing approximately 15.00 carats, is cut in a smooth style, revealing its vibrant p...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold "Good Vibes" Natural .15 Cttw Diamond Necklace, 15"
Located in New York, NY
Glistening diamonds with a thoughtful pendant, a fantastic blend of both things you need. A total of 0.15 carats of round full-cut and single-cut diamonds are set in this Good Vibes ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
15 Carat Emerald and 5.50 Carat Old European Diamond Bib Necklace Rare Estate
Located in Miami, FL
Perfect for special occasions, this exquisite estate necklace will make you shine! Circa 1950's Diamond and Emerald Necklace 18 karat gold 15kt Palladium Approximately 5.50 carat to...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Palladium, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$1,380Sale Price|27% Off
14K Yellow Gold 8.1 Carat Ammonite & .15 Carat Bue Diamond Necklace 18k Chain
Located in Eagan, MN
Complimenting it is 5 Brilliant Cut Blue Diamonds measuring 1.8 mm and totaling .15 Carats.
Diamond, Amazonite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and 7.13 Carat Ruby Choker Necklace - 15 inches
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 18K white gold necklace features 7.13 carats of vibrant rubies and 7.50 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$136,000Sale Price|20% Off
AGL certified 15 carat Minor oil pear cut Emerald Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
We present this magnificent pendant with a 15 carat pear cut emerald 18 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds riviera necklace plus 2 carats of round brilliant cut diamond around t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$144,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antinori 15-Inch Platinum Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Italy
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
DIAMOND AND EMERALD NECKLACE designed as a graduated sequence of 15-inch-long oval-cut emeralds set in platinum and 18k gold, with pear-shaped diamonds between each one and marquise...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Italian 18k Gold Diamond Link Necklace Circa 1990s Approx 14-15 Carats
Located in Plantation, FL
The necklace is densely set with hundreds of natural diamonds, including both round brilliant and baguette cuts, with an estimated total diamond weight of approximately 14–15 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold
French 1967 Mauboussin 15 Carat Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Mauboussin
Located in Poitiers, FR
Total diamond weight : approximately 15 carats. Total length : approximately 40 cm, width at the central motif : 9.1 mm.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Luxle 15 Inch Necklace with 0.25 Carat Natural Round Diamonds in 18k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
The Round Luxle Diamond Rectangle Pendant Necklace is definitely the prettiest of all! Crafted in gleaming 18K rose gold, this necklace is featured with a rectangular-shaped pendant ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Graduated Diamond Riviera Necklace 19.45 Carats in 14k White Gold 15 inches
Located in La Jolla, CA
Graduated Diamond Riviera Necklace 19.45 Carat Total Weight in 14k White Gold 15 inches Diamond Riviera Necklace features 97 Round Brilliant Diamonds set in a single row, graduatin...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Sapphire, Rose Cut Diamond and 15 Carat Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This pendant is modelled in 15 carat gold and has two rose cut diamonds and a sapphire set within it. Fully hallmarked 1897 Chester. Dimensions: 16x14mm Height including loop: 22mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold
1.00 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat White Gold 15 Pointers
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 15 pointers 18 inch 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond by the Yard Necklace 1.00CT G-H S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.30 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat White Gold 15 Pointers
Located in New York, NY
4.30 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 15 pointers 60 inches 30 stations 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond by the Yard Necklace ...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
7.55 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14 Karat White Gold 15 Pointer
Located in New York, NY
7.55 Carat Diamond by the Yard Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 18 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond by the Yard Necklace 7.55CT G-H SI 14K Wh...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Sliced 15 Carat Multi-Color Stones 0.05 Carat Diamonds 14 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wearable Length: 16" Pendant Measurement: 68 mm * 16.5 mm Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Type: 15 CT Sliced Natural Multicolor Stones and 0.05 ct G SI1 Diamonds Hallmarks: 14K Total We...
Victorian 15 Karat Gold and Platinum and 5.0 Carat Diamond Horseshoe Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 15k Yellow Gold and Platinum and 5.0cts Old Mine Cut Diamond Horseshoe Necklace c.1880s Additional Information Period: Victorian Year: 1880s Material: 15k Yellow Gold and ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Antique 1.01 Carat Diamond and 15 Carat White Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.01 carat diamond and 15 karat white gold pendant; part of our diverse diamond jewellery collections.
Diamond, White Gold
$1,992Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace 15" 14k WG 4.06 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DETAILS Stone: Natural Finely Faceted Quality Emerald, Diamond Species & Variety: Natural Beryl/Emerald Stone Cut: Oval Stone Color: Green Transparency: Transparent Saturation: M...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Era 15 Carat Gold, Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Swag Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
A dramatic English 19th century enamel and diamond starburst swag necklace in fitted velvet box. This unique piece also includes the fittings to wear the starbursts alternatively as...
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace 15 1/4" - 14k Round .10ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Date: May 5, 2026 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .10ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: I1 Total Carats: .10ct Style: Solitaire...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxle Natural Diamond Celestial-Inspired Layered Necklace in 14K Gold , 15"
Located in New York, NY
Each piece is meticulously adorned with round, single-cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle to the necklace.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$104,000Sale Price|20% Off
15 Ct. ICA LAB Pear Shape Minor Oil Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Pear-shaped emerald round, marquise and square-cut diamonds, gold Emerald: 1 pear-shaped tanzanite with client stated weight of 3.50 carats Diamond: over 345 variously-cut diamonds...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Heart Diamond Necklace 15" - Round .40ctw Love
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
Designer: Elsa Peretti Collection: Open Heart Design: Small Metal Content: 950 Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .40ctw (carat stamp) Cut: Round Brilliant Col...
Diamond, Platinum
Luxle 1.00 Cttw Natural Diamond Necklace in 14k White Gold, 15"
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in elegance with this exquisite necklace, featuring a delicate chain complemented by nine symmetrically arranged, rectangular diamond-encrusted links. Each link, shimmering w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Luxle 0.20 Cttw Natural Diamond Charm Necklace in 14K White Gold, 15"
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 14K white gold Luxle charm necklace showcases a series of five rectangular gradual charm drops embedded with diamonds, elegantly suspended from a fine 15-inch cable ch...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Floret Pave Set 30 Ct Diamond , VS1, E Color, Cluster Necklace In Platinum, 15"
Located in New York, NY
With E-F color rating and VS clarity, each diamond exhibits mesmerizing elegance. - Material: Platinum weighing 57 grams. - Diamonds: 100% natural. - Total Diamond Carat Weight: 30 c...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Racket Solitaire Necklace 15 3/4" - 14k 1.00 Sports
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): (1) small Cut: Single Total Carats: 1.00 Style: Solitaire Chain Style: Flat Cable Necklace Style: Chain...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,440Sale Price|20% Off
15 Ct SUGAR LOAF Amethyst & Diamonds Pendent Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 15 Carat Sugar Loaf Amethyst pendant with diamonds in 14 Karat White gold Amethyst is 15 mm X 15mm approximately 15 ct 16 inch 18 Karat White gold Chain is 5.1 grams W...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace 15 3/4" - 14k Rnd .85ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .60ctw Cut: Round Color: Blue Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .25ctw Cut: Round Brillian...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Graduated Link Necklace 15 1/2" - 14k Round 7.00ctw XOXO
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 7.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Champagne Brown Clarity: SI1 - I1 (most SI) Total ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Walters Faith Saxon 18K Yellow Gold Chain Link Necklace with Diamond Clasp, 15"
By Walters Faith
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Walters Faith combines the elegance of timeless jewelry with the principles of modern design. The brand’s unique synthesis of bold and fine is created by pairing deceptively simple s...
Yellow Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Roberto Coin 15 Carat 18K Yellow & White Gold 390 Diamond Complete Suite Set
By Roberto Coin
Located in Chicago, IL
There are collections, and then there are statements of identity. The Primavera suite by Roberto Coin belongs to the second category. Crafted in 18k yellow and white gold, this comp...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxle 18k Rose Gold "Good Vibes" Natural .10 Cttw Diamond Pendant Necklace, 15"
Located in New York, NY
Glistening diamonds with a thoughtful pendant, a fantastic blend of both things you need. A total of 0.11 carats of round full-cut and single-cut diamonds are set in this Good Vibes ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Diamond Link Necklace 15 1/4" - 14k 18k Round Brilliant .20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold & 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Total Carats: .20ctw Styl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Quartz Diamond Halo Necklace 15 1/2" - 14k 18k Square Step 21.88ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold (chain) & 18k Yellow Gold (pendant) Stone Information Natural Quartz Carat(s): 21.28ct Cut: Square Step Color: Colorless Stone Note: Matte Finished w...
Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Belle Epoque Style 15 Carat Diamond Pearl and Platinum Tiara
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Fifteen carats of shimmering, mixed-cut diamonds sweep across a platinum and white gold frame in a breathtaking arc of swags, bow motifs, and pearl finials, with individual pearls su...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
15 Ct Pear Hydro Emerald & 4 Ct Diamond Pendent/Necklace 18 Kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
15 Ct Pear Hydro Emerald & 4 Ct Diamond Pendent/Necklace 18 Kt White Gold large, breathtaking, statement Emerald and diamond necklace. This eye-catching pendant necklace features...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luxle 0.45 Cttw Natural Diamond 15 Inch Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Layering never goes out of style with this Luxle stylish Round and Baguette Diamond Layered Pendant Necklace. Rendered in gleaming 14K white gold this necklace sparkles with baguette...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Floral Diamond Wreath Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Diamonds are approx 15-17 carats Measurement: Approx 16" Long
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.28 Carat Diamond and Blue Enamel 15 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 0.28 carat diamond and blue enamel, 15 karat yellow gold cross pendant; part of our collection of antique pendants. This exceptional, fin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Simon G. Diamond Pendant Necklace, Elongated Curved Organic Leaf, 0.10 Carats
By Simon G Jewelry
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
DP113 18K White Gold "Garden" Collection Pendant Necklace with 15 Round Diamonds 0.10 carat. Necklace can be worn 16 inches or 18 inches, using an additional loop along the chain.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 19th Century 15 Carat Gold Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant on Chain
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lovely pendant containing a cluster of glowing natural pearls and an old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.25 carats ringed by smaller diamonds making the total diamon...
Tiffany & Co. Signed 22.41 Carat No Heat Cabochon Ruby and Ruby Bead Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 22.41 Carat No Heat Pear Cabochon Cut Ruby and Diamond Pendant with a 2-Strand Ruby Bead Necklace by Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.15 Carat Diamond Cultured Pearl White Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1960’s graduated cultured pearl necklace 6-9mm with natural color and 14k white gold diamond catch. 16.5 inches long. 55 cultured pearls, crème color rose hue, very good lustre, fe...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$34,995
15 Carat Diamonds Platinum Necklace
Located in Frederick, MD
All diamonds are graded according to GIA grading standards. ·Item: Platinum 15.10 CTW G-H / VS Diamond Tennis Necklace 17" ·Era: Modern / 2000s ·Composition: Platinum Marked/Te...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$33,000
64Facets Rose Cut Diamond and Platinum Chain Necklace, 15 Carat
By 64 Facets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This necklace is 32 inches, has 3 thin platinum links between each diamond and has 15 carat diamond weight.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,369
Antique Victorian Pearl Diamond Necklace 15 Carat Gold
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous solid 15ct Gold Antique Victorian necklace is set with the most beautiful workmanship from the Victorian period. Circa 1900. Adorned with beautiful rich creamy pearls ...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$30,800
Diamond Necklace 15 Carat Bezel-Set in Platinum with a Diamond Flower Clasp
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful diamond necklace is approximately 15 carats in weight and is designed to be worn at any time, for all occasions.
Diamond, Platinum
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.