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18 K white gold Diamond wide collar Necklace
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Esplendent and bold, this wonderful 18 K white gold collar necklace features an intricate open work
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Collar Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamond Collar Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold. The necklace features approximately 6.65ctw of
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A breathtaking collar-style necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold, featuring an extraordinary 126.95
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A dazzling creation from the 1980s, this vintage necklace is crafted in 18K white gold and designed
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Striking and sculptural, this vintage 1980s collar necklace is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Diamond Infinity Collar Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
18K Diamond Infinity Collar Necklace This exquisite 18K white gold diamond infinity collar
Category

Early 2000s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18k Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous collar necklace from the Vintage (ca1960s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this snake
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow and white gold collar necklace with diamonds. The diamonds are set in white gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Collar Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This necklace is made in features an 18K Yellow Gold. It features 449 round cut diamonds and 4
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jose Hess 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Collar Necklace
By Jose Hess
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
rich 18 karat yellow gold. The triple-row collar design is adorned with 63 round brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Aquamarine 36.80cts Diamond Baguette 18K Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
 A striking late 1970S aquamarine and diamond collar necklace in 18k yellow gold. At the center is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Preowned 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Pre owned vintage estate 18K yellow gold collar necklace with black enamel and diamonds. The heavy
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Collar Necklace, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
craftsmanship, designed in luxurious 18K yellow gold. The necklace features a series of ribbed triangular links
Category

20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

18K White Gold 35 Carats Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Drape yourself in the resplendent radiance of this Triple Dot Collar Diamond Necklace, a true
Category

20th Century American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond, Onyx Gold Link Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Estate 18K Yellow Gold diamond and onyx gold link collar necklace. Collar necklace is comprised of
Category

20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Natural Sapphire and Diamond Collar Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified Sapphire & Diamond Collar Necklace in 18k White Gold Custom made Sapphire necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate 18K Gold Diamond Collar Necklace with Briolettes
Located in Houston, TX
18K white gold scalloped necklace encrusted with round and briolette diamonds that drop from the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This necklace is made in 18K white gold and features an 27 oval blue sapphires weighing 27.05 carat
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold

100 carats Diamond Collar Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Estate 100 carats Diamond Collar Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold Very Fine estate necklace designed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 5.40 Carats Diamond 18K Gold Collar Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting an Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Collar Necklace  Crafted in Italian 18K Gold with
Category

1990s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chanel 18K Yellow Gold Multicolor Gemstone and Diamond Collar Necklace
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Stunning multicolor gemstone necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold by Chanel. Fits like a collar
Category

20th Century French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold

Vintage David Webb 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Collar Necklace ~1.4ctw
By David Webb
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage David Webb 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Collar Necklace ~1.4ctw This modern
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Multi Gem And Diamond Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The estate David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Cut Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Necklace
Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Sting Ray 18k Yellow Gold Collar
Located in Wailea, HI
Diamond and Sting Ray 18k Yellow Gold Collar A Truely Remarkable One of a Kind Creation From our
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Blue And Red Enamel Diamond Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Blue and Red Enamel Diamond Necklace is a true masterpiece of
Category

20th Century American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Platinum, White Gold, and Diamond Bow Collar Necklace
Located in Princeton, NJ
A charming and whimsical platinum, white gold, and diamond necklace in the form of a latticework
Category

Late 20th Century French Revival Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

18K Gold Estate Vintage 4.43ctw Natural Emerald & Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
of 20th Century collar necklace exemplifies that evolution. Thirty-seven emeralds, a gemstone prized
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

18k Gold Interlocking Diamond Cable & Polished Link Substantial Collar Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Clarity - 0.75-1.0ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold & White Gold Accents Weight: 132.5 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Snake Link Collar Necklace 18K Yellow Gold ~4.5ctw Diamonds 16" Length
Located in Fairfield, CT
Diamond Snake Link Collar Necklace 18K Yellow Gold ~4.5ctw Diamonds 16" Length This Diamond Link
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Yellow Gold Braided Collar Necklace
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
A classic 18KT yellow gold braided necklace set with 15.03 carats of round brilliant diamonds. The
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

4.00 Carat Diamond Maile Leaf Collar Necklace Marquise Diamond Pendant 18K Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 28.1 Grams Chain Length: 16
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1980s Bvlgari Gold and Diamonds Link Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total
Category

Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18k Yellow & White Gold Two-Tone Chain Collar Necklace 2ct Diamond
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Make a statement of timeless elegance with this exquisite 18kt white and yellow gold necklace
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Collar Necklace 18K Yellow Gold, Additional Loops for Length Adjustment
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Simple, clean and timeless. This 18K yellow gold collar necklace is set with round brilliant-cut
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage La Triomphe Coral Diamond 18K Gold Tear Drop Collar Necklace
By La Triomphe
Located in Miami, FL
prong-set in 14K yellow gold links. The Vintage necklace showcases 15 oval corals and a stunning large
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Scroll Diamond Collar Hinged Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Put a modern twist on your wardrobe rotation with this 18K gold sculpted collar design. This is
Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Feather Collar Rope Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The 18k and platinum David Webb collar necklace stands out due to its unique design of diamond-set
Category

20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 25 carat Diamond Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
gold, this necklace is adorned with round diamonds across its entire surface, totaling a remarkable
Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18k White Gold Onyx, Ethiopian Opal with Diamond Collar Style Necklace
By Avanti
Located in Carrollton, TX
diamonds are sprinkled throughout and tastefully complement the neck piece. The beautiful 18k white gold
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 2ctw Diamond Collar Open Round Link Italian Ladies Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The 18K White Gold 2ctw Diamond Collar Open Round Link Italian Ladies Necklace with a matte finish
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Blue Processed Gemstone Collar Cuff Necklace Pear Diamond 18k White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The setting of this necklace is crafted in 18k white gold, known for its lustrous appearance and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Pave Diamond Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent David Webb 18k gold and white enamel necklace feautures large elongated links
Category

20th Century American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Alternating Ruby and Diamond Collar Necklace, 15.67ct
Located in Houston, TX
This collar necklace is made in 18K white and yellow gold. It features 50 rubies weighing 9.87
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Chimento 18K Tri Color Gold 1.05ctw Diamond Collar Choker Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very well and solidly made diamond collar necklace designed by Chimento in Italy and
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Diamond 'Casmir' Collar Necklace
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
A sumptuous Chopard Diamond 'Casmir' Collar mounted in 18k white gold. The articulating and
Category

1990s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Collar 9.00cttw Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Collar Necklace is a true
Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Fine 18k Two Tone Gold 4.70ctw Diamond Cluster Fringe Collar Statement Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very well and solidly made diamond collar necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold and
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 178 round brilliant cut = 1.04cttw Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Link Diamond Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb Twisted Rope Link Diamond Collar Necklace is a true masterpiece, elegantly crafted
Category

20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Two Tone 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Collar Necklace, Circular Connectors
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K yellow and white gold collar necklace with diamonds. The necklace has three round circles
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18k Gold GIA Colombian Emerald & Ruby Diamond Three Strand Pearl Collar Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
This fancy statement collar necklace is crafted in solid 18k white and yellow gold and features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Roberto Coin Appassionata 18k Rose Gold Woven Wide Collar Necklace Diamond Clasp
By Roberto Coin
Located in Montclair, NJ
Set - Red Color Material: Solid 18k Rose Gold w/ White Gold Clasp Weight: 103.94 Grams Length: 16
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Collar 9.00cttw Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Black Enamel Diamond Collar Necklace. This extraordinary piece exemplifies the unparalleled
Category

20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef & Arpels 72.35 CTW Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Vintage V Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped with French Hallmarks for 18 Karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels With
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Bulgari 29.45 CTW Diamond Multi-Gem 18K Gold Vintage Parentesi Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Bvlgari, Made in Italy Circa: 1980s; from the Parentesi
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Round and Baguette Cut Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 404 round brilliant cut = 10.30cttw Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Picchiotti, 60 Carats Platinum and Diamond Collar Necklace
By Picchiotti
Located in Chicago, IL
round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 60.00 carats total. Crafted in platinum, this necklace is
Category

Early 2000s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Open Link Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Open Link Necklace by David Webb. This exquisite necklace graces the collar bone with a luxurious
Category

20th Century American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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18k Gold And Diamond Collar Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k gold and diamond collar necklace you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 95 vintage or 54 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a 18k gold and diamond collar necklace may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 18k gold and diamond collar necklace over the years, but those made by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut and oval cut alternatives. Finding a 18k gold and diamond collar necklace for sale for women should be easy, but there are 20 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 18k Gold And Diamond Collar Necklace?

On average, a 18k gold and diamond collar necklace at 1stDibs sells for $16,944, while they’re typically $2,568 on the low end and $360,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

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. 

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Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

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.