Waskoll Paris Flamme Necklace 24 Carats of Diamonds
Located in Litchfield, CT
is a sublime example of that tradition. Set with 24 carats of brilliant white diamonds ( F color VS
2010s French Link Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Waskoll Paris Flamme Necklace 24 Carats of Diamonds
Located in Litchfield, CT
is a sublime example of that tradition. Set with 24 carats of brilliant white diamonds ( F color VS
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$192,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 24 Carat Pear Cut Green Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
The detachable pendant centering on a 24 carat pear shaped green emerald diamond framed by round
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Diamond Charm Layered Drop Necklace .24 Carats in 14K White Gold
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant Diamond Total Weight: .24 Carats Diamond Clarity: SI (Excellent, Eye Clean
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
24 Carat Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K White Gold, 4-Prong Setting
Located in New York, NY
A bold reinterpretation of the classic tennis necklace, this 24 carat graduated diamond piece is
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.65 Carat Diamond Hamsa Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold 24 Inch Chain - Tamir
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A refined diamond Hamsa pendant necklace crafted in warm 18K rose gold and set with approximately
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$49,600Sale Price|20% Off
24 Ct. Emerald Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
breathtaking necklace features a stunning collection of 136 natural emerald cut diamonds, with a
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
$7,560Sale Price|37% Off
L 24 in
24" Natural White Diamond(6.28 carat) Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
. Perfect for layering or wearing solo. Made in NYC Length: 24" Beads: 60pcs 3.3-3.6mm white diamond
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
24 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Line Riviera
Located in London, GB
This astonishing and mega Riviera Necklace highlights a whopping total Diamond weight of 24.52
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 24-Carat Burmese Unheated Sapphire Pendant in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite 24-Carat Burmese Unheated Sapphire Pendant in Platinum This rare and timeless piece of
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$307
H 1.62 in W 1.11 in
Yianni Creations Blue Topaz Diamond Fine Silver 24 Karat Gold Two-Tone Pendant
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Midas Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Pendant from Fine Silver with a 24 Karat
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Y...
Silver Pompei XII Coin Replica with Diamond 24 Karat Gold & Silver by Kurtulan
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
XII Pompei Coin with Diamonds, 24kt Yellow Gold and Silver, Size Large, Diamonds: 0.02ct, Colour: H
Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$8,381
W 0.71 in D 0.16 in L 1.3 in
24 Carat Mandarin Garnet Brilliant Pendant Master Class Jewelry 0.50 ct TW VVS
Located in Viena, Viena
/transparency very good, hardly any disturbing inclusions, white full-cut brilliant-cut diamonds total approx
Diamond, Garnet, Mandarin Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
24 Carat Diamond Necklace and Bracelet in 18KT Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
diamonds. The total diamond carat weight of the necklace is approximately 24.0 carats. However the best
Yellow Gold
Unavailable
24 Carats Diamonds Chaumet River Necklace
By Chaumet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A wonderful vintage necklace, made by Chaumet Paris. The diamonds are good quality, the color
Diamond
24 Inch 14k White Gold 1.15 Carat Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clarity: VS Diamond Color: F-G Color: White Gold Necklace Length: 24 Inches Included with your order
Diamond, White Gold
24 Karat Gold Zuckerman Birds Necklace with 5.19 Carat Pear Shape White Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
24k Yellow Gold Zuckerman Birds Necklace with 5.19 ct Pear Shape White Diamond
White Diamond, 24k Gold
.24 Carat Diamond and .24 Carat Sapphire in 14K Purple Stingray Leather Choker
By Cornelis Hollander
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
with .24ct of G VS2 diamonds, and one made from 14K yellow gold and bead set with .24ct of orange
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
24 Inch 14k White Gold 2 Carat Diamond by the Yard Round-Cut Bezel Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Number of Diamonds: Eight Gold Color: White Gold Carat: 2 Carat Necklace Length: 24 Inches Diamond
Diamond, White Gold
24 Inch 14k White Gold 1.5 Carat Diamond by the Yard Round-Cut Bezel Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Number of Diamonds: Eight Gold Color: White Gold Carat: 1.5 Carat Necklace Length: 24 Inches
Diamond, White Gold
Gurhan 24 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Diamond Long Chain Necklace
By Gurhan
Located in Chicago, IL
Gurhan 24K yellow gold and silver 42 inch chain necklace, with 11 double sided oval elements each
Diamond, 24k Gold, Silver
16 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Tennis Necklace 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Elegantly simple 14 Karat Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace set on 4 prong
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.40 Carat Buttercup Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Brilliant and beautiful buttercup necklace, natural round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.40 Carat Buttercup Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Brilliant and beautiful buttercup necklace, natural round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12.36 Carat Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Brilliant and beautiful tennis necklace, natural round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.28 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 14 Karat White Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Brilliant and beautiful tennis necklace, natural round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
.24 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace, 14 Karat Gold Adjustable Cable Chain
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Natural Diamonds Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Color: G - H Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 0.24ctw Chain
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
.24 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace, 14 Karat White Gold Adjustable Cable
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Natural Diamonds Clarity: VS2 - SI1 Color: G - H Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 0.24ctw Chain
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Plumeria Necklace, 14 Karat Round Brilliant .24 Carat Flowers
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .24ctw Cut: Round
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 0.4 in L 24.81 in
Nathalie Jean Contemporary 4, 24 Carat Diamond White Gold Chain Drop Necklace
By Nathalie Jean
Located in Milan, Lombardia
Jean Milan's atelier in 18 karat white gold and diamonds (carat total weight: 4,24), this piece can be
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
21.5" Long Diamond Tennis Riviera Necklace 24 Carats Total in 14k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
21.5" Long Diamond Tennis Necklace 24 Carats Total Weight in 14k White Gold Long Diamond Tennis
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
38 Ct Oval Natural Brazilian Emerald & 4 Ct Diamond Tennis Necklace 14KYG 24"
Located in New York, NY
38 Ct Oval Brazilian Emerald & 4 Ct Diamond Tennis Necklace 14KYG 24" There are 77 emerald stone
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Mouawad 24 Carat Diamond Gold Necklace, Bracelet, Ring and Earrings Set
By Mouawad
Located in Miami, FL
18k yellow gold necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings set featuring 327 round brilliant cut
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
24 Carat Diamond Riviera Platinum Necklace
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
of 24 carats and H/I color SI1-SI2 clarity. Necklace Length 15.5 inches. Metal: Platinum Metal
Diamond, Platinum
.24 Carat Diamond Platinum Art Deco Diamond by the Yard Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1930's Art Deco diamond by the yard platinum necklace. Swirl knot link separators. 8
Diamond, Platinum
3.15 Carats Mini Diamond Tennis Necklace Chain 14 Karat White Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
3.15 Carats Mini Diamond Tennis Necklace Chain 14 Karat White Gold. Diamond Link, Length 24 inch
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Diamond by Yard Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 24 Station Chain
Located in New York, NY
3 Carat Diamond by Yard Necklace/ Chain 18 Karat White Gold Chain 36" Length This spectacular
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.95 Carats 19 Stations Diamond by the Yard Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
stunning Diamonds chain necklace 1.96 cttw. The diamonds are about 1 inches apart from each other. 24 inch
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Estate 24 Carat Diamond Oval Emerald 18 Karat Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
3.21 carats, G-H color and VS clarity. This necklace would be an excellent choice for your upcoming
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Temple St. Clair .24 Carat Quartz Crystal Diamond Amulet Yellow Gold Pendant
By Temple St. Clair
Located in Stamford, CT
Temple St Clair pave diamond and quartz crystal amulet pendant. The focal point of this piece is a
Diamond, Quartz, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.50 Carat Diamond by The Yard Platinum Chain Link Necklace 24 Inches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
clarity. The diamonds are each bezel set, and the necklace measures 24 inches in length.
Diamond, Platinum
19 Station Diamond by The Yard Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold 24''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Beautiful 19 Station Diamond by the yard necklace set in Italian made 14K rose gold. The total
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
H 1.42 in W 0.95 in
Yianni Creations 1.75 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Fine Silver 24 Karat Gold Pendant
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
24 Karat Yellow Gold features 1.75 Carat Oval Cut Aquamarine accompanied by 0.03 Brilliant Cut
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow G...
Sold
H 1.62 in W 1.11 in
Yianni Creations 2.50 Carat Blue Topaz Diamond Fine Silver 24 Karat Gold Pendant
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
24 Karat Yellow Gold features 2.50 Carat Oval Cut London Blue Topaz accompanied by 0.03 Carat
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, ...
Sold
H 1.42 in W 0.95 in Dm 0.95 in L 1.42 in
Yianni Creations Aquamarine and Diamond Fine Silver and 24 Karat Gold Pendant
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
24 Karat Yellow Gold features a 1.75 Carat Oval Cut Natural Aquamarine accompanied by a 0.05
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow G...
Petite Evil Eye Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Charm Sterling Silver 24 Karat Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
the yellow gold accents are 24 karat (pure gold). The details are as follows: Total Diamond Weight
Diamond, Sapphire, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold, Sterling Silver
Silver Pompei iii Coin Replica with Diamond 24 karat Gold & Silver by Kurtulan
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Pompei III Coin Replica w/ Diamond Detail, 24kt Yellow Gold and Silver by Kurtulan, Size Large
Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Lika Beha 24 K Yellow Gold Necklace with Sterling Silver, 0.24 Carat Diamonds
By Lika Behar
Located in Dallas, TX
"Krissy" necklace with center oxidized sterling silver pendant has 0.24 ctw diamonds set in a
Diamond, White Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Natural Diamond Ruby 24 Carat 14K Whit Gold Flower Necklace Earrings Jewelry Set
By GLEAMIRE
Located in Los Angeles, CA
of 19.18-Carats. The Necklace is 22-inch in Length. CONTEMPORARY AND TIMELESS ESSENCE: Crafted in 14
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.10 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine and 24=0.68 Carat Diamond Pendant in 14K
Located in Cincinnati, OH
surrounded by 24 diamonds totaling 0.68 carats. Chain is 18" in length.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold
W 0.91 in L 1.03 in
24 Carat Gold Nugget with Pink and White Diamond Pendant in 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Uniquely designed is this natural 24 carat gold nugget wrapped in 18 carat white gold embellished
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, White Go...
$9,900Sale Price|34% Off
Size: Size not marked. Medium fit.
Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length Coat
Located in Tustin, CA
Shown as the ultimate symbol of status and elegance, Russian Sable is considered to be the most coveted fur in the world. This Russian sable fur coat from Michael's Furs of Los Angel...
$16,834
Size: Equivalent size 36 France
A Christian Dior Lace Couture Gown Collection Ligne Oblique (?) Circa 1950
By Christian Dior
Located in Toulon, FR
Ligne Oblique Collection (?) Circa 1948/1950 Paris France A Collectible Calais black lace cocktail or ceremonial dress by Christian Dior. Black and white transparency effect obtained...
CHRISTIAN DIOR taupe FOX FUR Winter Coat Sz. F38 / M
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
Christian Dior coat in off-white, brown, and taupe fox fur with wide collar. Two side pockets. Opens with two hooks on the front. Lined in black silk. Has been worn and is in excelle...
Rainbow Galaxy Confetti Cigar Band, 8.5mm 14K Yellow Gold, Genuine Gemstones
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely rainbow confetti ring is dripping with 1.36 carats of sapphires, rubies, and tsavorites and makes a bold statement as a cigar band. All the genuine gemstones are like a ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alternating lines of lace and sheer. ...
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top stitch...
Natural Diamond Necklace 1.62 CT 18Karat White Gold Single Row Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This Natural Diamonds Necklace is a true masterpiece that embodies modern elegance and sophistication. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, this single-row necklace is a testament to the ...
Diamond, White Gold, Gold
$425Sale Price|38% Off
Superb 1980s Vicky Tiel Couture "Sara" Metallic Gold Lame Dress with Bolero (38)
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Port Hope, ON
Outstanding piece in excellent condition. The dress is boned to the waist and has a an inset bra. The permanent pleats of the skirt complement the gathers to be found at the bust and...
$3,430Sale Price / item|30% Off
Galaxy Confetti Diamond Cigar Band, 8.4mm in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, 1 Carat
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning Galaxy satin finished 14k yellow gold flush set cigar band dripping with diamonds is from our Confetti Collection. The cigar band shape and the creative setting of the ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...
UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
An extremely luxurious and CHRISTIAN DIOR signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, couture-like piece hand-crafted by the seamstresses in Christian Dior's atelier in Pa...
Sold|$7,700
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...
Diamond, Gold
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse, ss 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse with signature Versace print. Spring-Summer 1993
Important Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamond Platinum Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
An incredible piece! 75.50 carats of beautiful Intense to Vivid Blue cushion cut sapphires, including a 17.48 carat cushion cut drop. 45.13 carats of diamonds, all set in platinum...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress, ss 1997
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress with spaghetti straps and scoop neckline. Spring-Summer 1997
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.