Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
19th Century Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1910s French Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Topaz, Platinum
1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold
1880s Unknown Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
1910s Unknown Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1810s Unknown Regency Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1830s Unknown Georgian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
1880s Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
1780s Georgian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 15k Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 1900s Spanish Art Nouveau Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold
1840s French Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mid-19th Century English Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
19th Century Unknown Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century English Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
19th Century Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond
1910s French Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
White Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rose Gold, Silver
1880s Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Platinum, Silver
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1910s Unknown Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum
1920s Unknown Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Platinum
16th Century European Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1910s British Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Amethyst, Diamond
1850s Unknown High Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Platinum
1910s Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Platinum
19th Century Unknown Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1910s Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
19th Century Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Yellow Gold
19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 1900s Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Amethyst, Platinum
20th Century Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Mid-19th Century French Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
20th Century Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Late 19th Century French Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
1910s European Edwardian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Platinum
19th Century English Georgian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
1920s Art Deco Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, White Gold
Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Beautiful Antique Diamond Necklace?
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 rings, vintage 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.
Read More
This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
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.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
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.