Sadies 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Dot Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Sadies Material: 18K yellow and white gold Diamonds: 2.45cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Dimensions: necklace measures 16-inches in length Weight: 94.28 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond and Ruby V Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold / Platinum Diamonds: 23 baguette cut = 2.00cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 18-inches in length Weight: 18...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
CHAUMET 1970 Paris Collar Necklace In 18Kt With 26.40 Cts Diamonds & Malachite
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
The necklace is embellished in the center with one huge cabochon, carved from vivid green malachite and accented with twenty natural white colorless diamonds. This gorgeous collar-ne...
Diamond, Malachite, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Bulgari 8.50 Carats Pavè Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Parentesi Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Collar style necklace is comprised of interlocking hourglass links with ribbed arch links.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Coin 1.00 Carats Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Primavera Collar Necklace
By Roberto Coin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Collar necklace is comprised of woven strands of white gold Centering a striated center station accented by round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 1.00 carat ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Double Circle Link Collar Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
A remarkably unconventional design is beautifully presented in 18K yellow and 18K white gold in this exceptional necklace. The necklace is wonderfully decorated with a plethora of da...
Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
If you wish to accentuate your look with a piece that exudes prestige and opulence, this fabulous necklace is the perfect choice. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the necklace is made...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
If you wish to accentuate your look with a piece that exudes prestige and opulence, this fabulous necklace is the perfect choice. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the necklace is made...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Yurman 18k Gold Emerald and Diamond Double Cable Collar Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Montclair, NJ
Up for sale is this breathtakingly designed, vintage, collar necklace crafted by David Yurman from solid 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Appassionata Woven Collar Necklace
By Roberto Coin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is flexible and comprised of deeply grooved gold basket-weave motif links. With white gold press release clasp pavè set with round brilliant cut diamonds. Weighing approxima...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Dust Leaf Convertible South Sea Pearl Brooch Necklace with 18K Collar
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, and Natural Diamonds Dimensions Pendant Approx. 3.5 x 5.5cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 10-13mm Quality: AAAA Nac...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Silver-Topped 14 Karat Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Collar style necklace comprised of scrolling foliate stations alternating with square stations decorated by a milgrain edge Each square station centers a bezel set emerald, with lar...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
18 Karat White Gold Round and Baguette Diamond Illusion Flower Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 108 round brilliant cut = 5.56cttw Color: F / G Clarity: VS1-2 Diamonds: 432 baguette cut = 13.83cttw Color: F / G Clarity: VS1-2...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Cartier Panthère Brick Link 18 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond Cartier Panthère brick link 18 karat yellow gold collar necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Cartier Panthère Brick Link 18 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond Cartier Panthère brick link 18 karat yellow gold collar necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Round Brilliant and Baguette Diamond and Sapphire Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 104 round brilliant cut = 6.61cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Diamonds: 52 baguette cut = 3.75cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White and Yellow Gold Diamond or Onyx Hinged Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom designed Material: 14k white and yellow gold Diamonds: 1 round brilliant=1.00ct Color: I Clarity: SI Diamond: 1 round brilliant=.10ct Color: I Clarity: SI Dimension...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Paris Collar Necklace In Three colors 18Kt Gold With Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
A collar necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Exceptional collar-necklace created in Paris France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 6 Carat Diamond Crossover Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Incorporate this vintage jewel into your day-to-day style and use it as a statement piece that reveals your bold character. This Van czleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 6.00 ct diamond c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Yurman 14k Gold Diamond 2 Sections Double Twisted Collar Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (56) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant & Single Cut - Pave Set - Nice Fiery White Color - 1.12ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Acce...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold and Diamond Rope Link Collar Necklace
By Monte Carlo Designs
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat Yellow & White Gold Oval Rope Link Necklace Featuring Pave-Set Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds Totaling 0.85 Carats of VS Clarity & G/H Color. 16 Inches Long. Clasp with Figure...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Carrera y Carrera Danza 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Smoky Quartz Cluster Collar
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
This refreshingly original necklace from Carrera y Carrera is sure to intrigue. The necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and features a pendant that depicts a cluster of flower motifs...
Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Stefan Hafner Diamond Aquamarine and Topaz 13 String White Gold Collar Necklace
By Stefan Hafner
Located in Southampton, PA
A piece of such aesthetic value that is so rarely seen even in the world of high-end jewelry, this extraordinary necklace will elevate your style in a most luxurious manner. The neck...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stefan Hafner Diamond Aquamarine and Topaz 13 String White Gold Collar Necklace
By Stefan Hafner
Located in Southampton, PA
A piece of such aesthetic value that is so rarely seen even in the world of high-end jewelry, this extraordinary necklace will elevate your style in a most luxurious manner. The neck...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stefan Hafner Diamond Aquamarine and Topaz 13 String White Gold Collar Necklace
By Stefan Hafner
Located in Southampton, PA
A piece of such aesthetic value that is so rarely seen even in the world of high-end jewelry, this extraordinary necklace will elevate your style in a most luxurious manner. The neck...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari 7.87 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Spiga Vintage Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fitted 'Spiga' style chevron links graduating in size Featuring segments of channel set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 7.87 carats total - G/H color...
White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 0.81 Carat Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Buckle Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Collar necklace is comprised of high polished gold brick links centering a buckle motif Featuring round cut rubies bead set in frame and chevron motif terminals Transparent purplis...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Italian 18k White Gold 10ctw Pave Diamond "Necklace" Collar Open Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 w/ Few SI Clarity - 9-10ctw (approx.) Material: 18k Solid White Gold Weight: 7...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. 1.08 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Wave Collar Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as three gold segments organically free-formed into a collar necklace Accented throughout by bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds, varied in size Weighing in total appro...
Diamond, Gold
Chopard High Jewelry Diamond Gemstone White Gold Collar Necklace and Earring Set
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
Elevate your style in an extraordinarily luxurious fashion by accessorizing with this exceptional Chopard set that includes a beautifully designed and splendidly embellished necklace...
White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K White & Yellow Gold Diamond 2-row Beaded Inside Out Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Fashionably embellish your outfit with this elegant necklace by Cartier. Beautifully designed with the glamorous combination of 18K white and yellow gold, the stunning necklace is em...
Diamond, Gold
Amethyst, Peridot , Ruby, Diamond Multi Gem Collar Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a bib set with Amethyst and peridot in Trilliion cut Cabochon with Ruby and diamonds, mounted in 18 Karat yellow gold Each Trillion has 1 ruby and 10 diamonds Th...
Diamond, Amethyst, Peridot, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Panther Diamond and Colored Stone Collar Necklace & Bracelet Set 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Colored Stone & Diamond Panther Necklace & Bracelet Set in 18k Yellow Gold Columnar motif Panther Necklace and Bracelet Set centering a panther set with round diamonds, against back...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Coin Appassionata 18k Rose Gold Woven Wide Collar Necklace Diamond Clasp
By Roberto Coin
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (19) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.25ctw (approx.) (3) Natural Genuine Rubies - 1 Marquise Cut , 2 Emeral...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18k Solid Gold Woven Multi Strand Wide Collar Necklace w/ Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (6) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Round Cut - Burnish/Flush Set - Very Nice Blue Color - 0.72ctw (approx.) (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Cut - Burnish/Flush Set - ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Collar in 18 Karat Gold with 4.5 Carat Illusion-Set Diamond Centerpiece
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The plates have been precisely cut to maintain a sexy collar silhouette. The discreet tab closure has a figure 8 safety hook.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4.00 Ctw. Diamond & Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Geomtric Disc Collar Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 4.00 Carat Diamond & Gold Disc Collar Necklace composed of 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Danza 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Smoky Quartz Cluster Collar
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
This refreshingly original necklace from Carrera y Carrera is sure to intrigue. The necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and features a pendant that depicts a cluster of flower motifs...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Sold|$14,500
Bulgari Tubogas and Siliqua Coin Collar Necklace
Located in Bethesda, MD
The collar is an average collar length and the design of the collar makes the gold flexible.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Di Modolo Tempia 0.52 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Necklace
By Di Modolo
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This is a fabulous Di Modolo Tempia Diamond and 18 karat yellow gold collar necklace.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roger Mathon for Cellini NYC 18 Karat Gold, 25.45 Carat Diamond Braided Collar
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Set in 18 karat white gold, this braided necklace designed for Cellini is set with 1449 round brilliant cut diamonds. The classic collar necklace measures 16.5 inches.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gilt & Enamel Diamond Pattern Collar Necklace By Anne Klein, 1980s
By Anne Klein
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 5.5" x 6" - One size fits most - Gold plated - Brown, tan and olive green enamel - Hook clasp closure - By Anne Klein (signed on verso) - Circa 1980s - Estat...
Enamel
1980s 18K Gold Collar Necklace with 13 Carats of Diamonds and 30 White Pearls
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This 1980s 18K gold retro collar necklace combines elegance with bold design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Precious Gemstone Gold Collar Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Southampton, PA
The name Boucheron is synonymous with luxury and this necklace is a perfect example of the opulence the brand is known for. The necklace is made of 18K yellow gold accented with an a...
Blue Sapphire, Crystal, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Danza 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Smoky Quartz Bouquet Collar
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
Sumptuous gems paired with an intricate design make this Carrera y Carrera necklace an absolute delight! The necklace is made of 18K yellow gold and features a pendant that depicts a...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
La Triomphe 8.75 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Circle Collar Necklace
By La Triomphe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged circular links graduating in size - each centering a round brilliant cut diamond. Bezel set and weighing approximately 8.75 carats total. G/H color with VS to SI ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred 18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Heart Collar Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Fred
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: FRED Material: 18K white gold Necklace: Diamond: 1219 round brilliant cut = 22.90cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Bracelet: Diamond: 505 round brilliant cut = 9.46cttw Color: G...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Diamond and Tahitian Pearl Articulated Collar and Clip-On Earring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k white gold Diamonds: =13.11cttw on necklace Color: G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Diamonds: =4.58cttw on earrings Color: G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Tahitian Pearls...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Mosaic Set Diamond and Onyx Deco Style Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 732 round brilliant cut = 7.53cttw Color: G/H Clarity: VS2-SI1 Diamonds: 312 baguette cut = 10.09cttw Color: G/H Clarity: V...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari 18K Gold & Lapis Lazuli Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This rare and beautiful 1980s Bulgari 18k Gold chain link collar necklace features Lapis Lazuli oval stone with two White Diamonds on each side.
White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Georges L'Enfant 3.45 CTW Diamond 18K Gold Agrafe Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of wheat style chain featuring three looped stations Bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds throughout Weighing approximately 3.45 carats total E-F color with VS1 clari...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian natural pearl and diaond collar, c. 1900
Located in Aspen, CO
This piece possesses 11.5 cts. of diamonds and nearly 900 natural oriental pearls.
Diamond
Beaded Collar Nacklace with Lapis Lazuli and Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Elevate your neckline with this stunning choker necklace, adorned with 144 round lapis lazuli beads of around 8.2 mm in diameters and 104 brilliant-cut diamonds of G-H color and vs c...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro 18K Rose Gold Woven Collar Necklace with Diamonds, Circa 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
A striking example of Retro-era craftsmanship, this substantial 18K rose gold woven collar necklace captures the glamour and elegance of the 1940s.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Golden Bough 14 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Necklace with Custom Diamond Slides
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: The Golden Bough Material: 14k yellow gold Round Diamonds: 28 round brilliant cuts = 0.28 carat weight Baguette Diamonds: four baguette cuts = 0.60 carat weight Carat Total...
18 Karat Yellow, Rose, and White Gold Diamond Cut Feather Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow, rose, and white gold Dimensions: necklace measures 18-inches in length Weight: 41.16 grams
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Pearl Gemstones Collar Necklace Vintage Jewelry
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular vintage collar necklace by Marina B, crafted from pearls and featuring a calf’s head shaped cabochon emerald accented with diamonds, ruby and black onyx set in 18 karat...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
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.