18K White Gold Chopard Clown Diamond Pendant
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold Chopard clown diamond pendant containing 0.10 cts tw (Original Chopard)
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Chopard Clown Diamond Pendant
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold Chopard clown diamond pendant containing 0.10 cts tw (Original Chopard)
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Clown Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
Here we have an iconic necklace design from the world renowned jewellery designer, Chopard. Crafted from 18ct yellow gold, this piece features a whimsical clown pendant showcasing in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Large Happy Clown with Flowers Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Large Happy Clown With Flowers Pendant Necklace by Chopard.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard Happy Clown Pendant With Diamond's, Ruby's, Emerald, And Blue Sapphire's
By Chopard
Located in Dallas, TX
Chopard Happy Clown Pendant. 18K Yellow Gold. 23" Chain From the 'Happy Clown' series, this pendant showcases a clown figure crafted in 18K yellow gold, its surface set with pave ro...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Clown Pin Brooch 18K WG 90/2182
By Chopard
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item Number: 23120329 ■Brand:Chopard ■Product Name: Happy diamond pin brooch clown ■Reference Number: 90/2182 ■Material: 1P Diamond, 1P Sapphire, 1P Ruby, 1P Emerald 750 K18 WG Whit...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard 4 Charm Bracelet Teddy Elephant Clown Fish Happy Diamond 18k White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Northbrook, IL
This charming Chopard bracelet is a delightful piece of fine jewelry that adds whimsy to any ensemble.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
CHOPARD Happy Diamond Gold Clown Pendant/Charm
By Chopard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a quirky, fun pendant or charm from Chopard. The floating diamonds are called "happy", and his limbs move. WEIGHT: 8.1 grams HEIGHT: 3.3 cm WIDTH: 2.2 cm METAL: 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.19 in L 1.58 in
Chopard Happy Diamond 18 Carat Gold Emerald Ruby Sapphire Clown Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
Adorable Chopard "Happy Clown" pendant from the "Happy Diamonds" range.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chopard Vintage Diamond and Gemstone Yellow Gold Clown Brooch Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Chopard clown pendant that can also be worn as a brooch is made out of 18K yellow gold and multiple gemstones.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold clown pendant from the Chopard Happy Diamonds collection.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Multi Gemstone Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
Here we have a quirky articulated clown pendant taken from Chopard's Happy Diamonds range.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Gold Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
An adorable motif presented in a luxurious and exquisite setting, this wonderful clown pendant from Chopard boasts their iconic wandering diamonds at its transparent heart-shaped cen...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Ruby Diamond Gold Clown Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
An adorable design boasting a wonderful selection of finest materials that combine to create a delightful sight, this fabulous necklace from Chopard is made of enchanting 18K yellow ...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Gemstone Gold Clown Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
A nostalgic piece by Chopard, this playful clown necklace is a whimsical yet sophisticated 18K white gold necklace and pendant.
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Clown Multi-Stone and Diamond Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer: Chopard Style: Happy clown Material: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 2.67ctw round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Pave Diamond Gold Clown Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
A dazzling diamond pave paired with an adorable design are the hallmarks of this Chopard Happy Diamonds design. The necklace is made of 18K yellow gold as is the clown-shaped pendant.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Happy Diamond Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Clown by Chopard from the Happy Diamond collection.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Clown Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fun and exciting color-filled portrayal of comic relief by Chopard. This clown has been dressed in an 18k gold costume polka dotted with numerous near colorless diamonds and a tran...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 karat Chopard Diamond Happy Clown Pendant circa 1985
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
Playful yet unmistakably luxurious, this articulating Chopard happy clown pendant is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and pavé set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
This Chopard Happy Diamonds pendant is incredibly charming.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Clown Happy Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
This whimsical pendant features a friendly clown with a crystal case body containing a brilliant cut diamond, floating in the case.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Happy Clown Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Happy Clown Pendant Necklace by Chopard. With 3 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds VS1 total weight approx. .17ct 2 round rubies 3 round sapp...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds, 0.50 ct Diamond Ruby Sapphire and Emerald Clown Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
The Chopard “Happy Diamonds” necklace is crafted from 18K yellow gold, boasting a 22” chain with lobster claw closure and a clown pendant that measures 2.50” in length and 1.50” in w...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Full Diamond Clown Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
A charming jewelry piece from Chopard made of elegant 18K white gold, boasting a creatively designed and well-made pendant paved with diamonds, with transparent heart-shaped center i...
Diamond, White Gold
Chopard Clown Charm Floating Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer: Chopard Style: Chopard 18k White Gold Clown Charm Floating Diamond Necklace Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: 1 round brilliant diamond approximately 0.03ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s Gold Chopard Gem Set Happy Diamonds Clown Necklace
By Chopard
Located in London, England
A whimsical articulated Chopard clown pendant set in 18ct yellow gold. With moving legs, arms, head and bow tie.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond Clown 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chopard Clown from the HAPPY DIAMONDS collection Articulated with moving arms and legs Crystal cased body featuring bezel set 0.05 carat freely moving diamond, E color and VS clar...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard Yellow Gold and Gem-Set Happy Diamond Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Dallas, TX
This 18K Yellow Gold Happy Diamond Cloud Pendant made by Chopard has a crystal encased belly containing 5 bezel -set diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire that are free floating in the...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Chopard Large Happy Clown Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Large Happy Clown Pendant Necklace by Chopard. With 28 round brilliant cut diamonds = VVS1 clarity, E color total weight .40ct 1 round ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Sold
W 1.3 in L 1.7 in
Vintage Chopard 'Happy Clown' Pendant Necklace with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in London, England
A highly unique vintage Chopard ‘Happy Clown’ pendant necklace set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Clown Pendant with Diamonds & Rubies in 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.12
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Retails for 6500 USD. In excellent condition and recently polished.
Yellow Gold
Chopard Articulated Diamond Clown Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a quirky articulated clown pendant taken from Chopard's Happy Diamonds range.
Diamond, 18k Gold
CHOPARD Happy Diamond Clown Necklace
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Original 18K gold Chopard diamond clown necklace with "Happy" diamond belly.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard Gem-Set Gold Happy Diamonds Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Happy Diamonds" clown pendant, the crystal encased belly containing five free-floating bezel-set diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire, the clown with articulated limbs, as well as sa...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold...
Chopard Happy Diamond and Multi-Gem 18K Gold Clown Necklace
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
A very special Chopard Happy Diamond necklace. This clown is set in yellow gold, wears a ruby hat, and has a ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamonds in his belly.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.65 in W 1.2 in L 24 in
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald Sapphire Clown Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald Sapphire Clown Pendant Necklace A rare design by Chopard, this clown pendant from the "Happy Diamonds" collection features a cry...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Christian Dior by John Galliano orange and maroon sweater dress set, fw 1998
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano orange and maroon knitted ensemble comprising: rib-knit maxi dress with turtle neck and oversized crochet-knit sweater with bat wing sleeves and large...
F/W 2002 Christian Dior by John Galliano Blue Floral Orylag Fur Trench Coat
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous blue floral orlyag Christian Dior fur coat, designed by John Galliano. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, a version of this coat debuted on the season's runw...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Sheer Size 10 / 12 Black Silk Chantilly Lace Gown
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite 1990s vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA for SAKS 5th AVE Couture black silk chiffon and chattily lace sheer evening gown ! This beautiful dress has so much attention to details. Mu...
Stunning Thierry Mugler Archival FW 1986 Evening Gown Crystal Black Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Gorgeous extremely rare Iconic Thierry Mugler Evening Dress, FW 1986 Collection "Les Voleuses" Museum worthy Collectors Piece The most dramatic evening gown with amazing crystal rhi...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Silk Cord Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage black passementerie cord belt featuring a gold and silver toned heart with crystal embellishement. One size fits all. Adjustable length. Embossed YSL Mad...
CARTIER Constellation Diamond Ruby Sapphire Yellow Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Cartier wrap earrings from the classic Constellation collection feature intertwined bands crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with red rubies, blue sapphires and brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Late 1980s Thierry Mugler Velvet Lace-Up Pointed Strapless Bustier Corset Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the late 1980s, this black velvet Thierry Mugler lace-up corset is a major addition to any wardrobe or collection. Designed by Manfred Thierry Mugler, this shapely corset featur...
$9,087
Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Christian Dior by John Galliano red croc-embossed lambskin leather coat, fw 2005
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior red croc-embossed lambskin leather coat ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Double-breasted ▪ Large logo etched buttons ▪ Silk lining ▪ FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8 ▪ Fall-Winte...
$48,467
Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Christian Dior by John Galliano black full length lamb and lace coat, fw 2001
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior black full-length coat ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Mongolian lamb with lace overlay ▪ Heavyweight ▪ Large button fastening at the waist ▪ 100% lamb, lace - 100%...
S/S 1999 Atelier Versace Documented Runway Black Beaded Gown worn by Carmen Kaas
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace ATELIER Runway Black Beaded Gown S/S 1999 Collection Italian Size 38 - US 4 Actual Runway sample worn by Carmen Kaas Color: Black Retail back in 1999 was $57,600 Meas...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2002 Safari Collection Leopard Silk Top F 38
By Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Silk Top Blouse Fr. size - 38 S/S 2002 Collection 100% Sheer Silk, Leopard Print, Front Zip Closure Attached Ruffled Tie, Long Raglan Sleeves....
$6,731
Size: FR 36 - UK 8 - US 6
Jean Paul Gaultier red silk dress with built-in cone bra and corset, fw 2010
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
▪ Jean Paul Gaultier red silk dress ▪ Fall-Winter 2010 ▪ Built-in corset and cone bra ▪ Wide-cut open sleeves ▪ Corset lace fastening at the back ▪ FR 36 - UK 8 - US 6 ▪ Made in I...
Yves Saint Laurent Runway Oversized Fox Fur Wool & Cashmere Coat Fr. 44
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exquisite Yves Saint Laurent luxury coat featuring plush fox fur panels combined with a rich, structured wool and cashmere body. This rare piece showcases an oversized silhouette wit...
New Atelier Versace S/S 1994 Collection Velvet Lace Purple Pink Dress Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Atelier Versace Velvet Lace Watercolor Purple/Pink Dress Gown S/S 1994 Collection Purple and Pink Watercolor Crushed Velvet and Lace, Corset Style, Fully Lined in Crinkle Silk, S...
Piaget Cocktail Watch Diamond & Sapphire Set 2504 Watch
By Piaget
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A ladies Cocktail Watch crafted in white gold by Piaget. Featuring a silver dial with a white gold bezel set with 19 baguette cut sapphires and 19 baguette cut diamonds. Fitted with ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
In 1860, a 24-year-old son of a farmer, Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836–1915), established the L.U.C. company — now known simply as Chopard, rather than by the founder’s initials — in Sonvilier, Switzerland. His initial work evolved from making mechanical movements to building the watches themselves, concentrating on making the pocket watch slimmer to carry for everyday use while also ensuring it was precise and reliable.
Early successes for Chopard included providing watches for the punctuality needs of the Swiss Railway Company. Recognizing the international market for Swiss watchmaking, Chopard traveled across Europe and Russia, with Czar Nicholas II becoming a client in 1912.
Chopard’s son, Paul-Louis, took over after Louis-Ulysse’s death in 1915 and expanded the business to La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1937, the company relocated to the watchmaking center of Geneva, where they could mark their work with the prestigious Geneva Seal. (Paul-Louis’s son, Paul-André, took the reins in 1943.) Business thinned in the postwar years, and Paul-André’s sons declined the opportunity to take over for their father.
In 1963, Chopard was acquired by German goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele III and his wife, Karin. Under their ownership, Chopard added jewelry to its offerings. The popular Happy Diamonds wristwatch debuted in 1976 — it launched a collection, which now features bracelets, rings and other items. The distinctive watch sees dozens of glittering diamonds, loosed from their settings, moving freely around the dial.
The story goes that the in-house designer Ronald Kurowski was inspired by the kinetic glimmers of sunlight on a waterfall in the Black Forest. He would then develop the innovative system for the Happy Diamonds timepiece that he hoped would essentially mimic his experience in the woods.
A young Caroline Scheufele — Karl and Karin’s daughter, who would later become copresident and artistic director — led the introduction of a Happy Diamonds jewelry line in 1985, with her design for a playful clown pendant with a belly full of jittering precious stones. Subsequent lines and accessories such as the Happy Dreams bracelet, Happy Hearts collection and the Happy Sport watches further enhanced Chopard’s range of dynamic adornment.
The Scheufele family-run company continues to be synonymous with excellence in timepieces, such as its role as the official timekeeper for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, creating all of its movements in-house. And Chopard is constantly developing its wares, from sunglasses and fragrances to recent introductions of high-end handbags.
Find a wide range of vintage Chopard wristwatches, necklaces, rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.