Vintage Lapis Lazuli Double Strand Diamond Necklace 14 Kt Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Lapis Lazuli Double Strand Diamond Necklace 14 Kt Yellow Gold Clasp This marvelous vintage Lapis Lazuli necklace features two row of luscious Beads .
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 57.00 Carat Double Strand Diamond Necklace
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. Each and every diamond is Gia certified...
White Diamond, Diamond
$20,000Sale Price|62% Off
Rare Fancy 18 Karat Gold Gorgeous Double 2 Strand Large Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Double Strand Diamond Necklace. Necklace contains appr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$47,396Sale Price / item|20% Off
21.85Ct Natural Diamond Double Layer Collar Necklace in 18K Gold Spectrum Jewels
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Elevated to the superlative standard of 18-karat solid gold, this double-layer mixed-cut diamond collar necklace presents 21.85 carats of natural diamonds in a concentric two-strand ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$37,916Sale Price / item|20% Off
21.85CT Mixed Cut Natural Diamond Double Layer Collar Necklace 14K Gold HRD
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-51096A (14K) Gross Wt. :- 28.12 gm 14K White Gold Wt. :- 23.75 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 21.85 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Necklace L...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Double Strand Pearl Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite double-strand pearl necklace combines timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication.
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Conch Pearl and Diamond Double-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 400 cts. Size: 18" Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 213.50 grams Period: Contemporary This exquisite necklace features over 400 carats of conch pearls paired with dazzl...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】Akoya Pearl & Diamond Double-Strand Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This high-luster Japanese AKOYA pearl necklace features a sophisticated double-strand design, with 7-7.5mm pearls that exude a radiant glow, showcasing the timeless beauty of AKOYA p...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Classic 14k White Gold Pearl & Diamond Double Strand Necklace
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 14k White Gold Weight: 66.1 grams Gemstone: Diamond 0.06 cttw Pearl 8.2mm Length: 14.75 inches Classic double strand pearl necklace dating back to 1950's!
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Regency Double-Strand Diamond Akoya Pearl Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite double-strand necklace features high-luster Japanese BABY AKOYA pearls (5.5-6mm), known for their delicate size, exceptional radiance, and smooth, flawless surfaces.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Signed 18k Diamond & Crystal Quartz Bow-Motif Double-Strand Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This signed Patricia Saís necklace is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features an elegant double-strand design of faceted crystal quartz cabochons linked in articulated bezels th...
Crystal, Diamond, Quartz
Double-Strand Pearl Necklace with Gemstone and Diamond Floral Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Double-Strand Pearl Necklace with Gemstone and Diamond Floral Clasp Description: A refined double-strand pearl necklace featuring lustrous, evenly matched pearls and finished with a...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...
【Crown Radiance】Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace Diamond Medallion Clasp
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Japanese Akoya Aurora Double-Strand Pearl Necklace features 7.5-9mm perfectly round pearls with a radiant aurora-like luster and minimal imperfections, showcasing thei...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Double Strand Aquamarine Necklace & Bone Diamond Ebony Pendant
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Double Strand Beaded Necklace consists of: - 20 mm clear quartz beads - white thread - 14 mm aquamarine grade AAA+ beads - 12-14 mm chalcedony grade AAA+ beads - silver clipping at b...
Agate, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, Sterling Silver
Mikimoto Platinum 2.25ct Diamond and Pearl Double Strand Necklace MI54-022026
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
The central pendant measures 1.50 long by 1.63 wide and is suspended at the center of a 14 double strand of pearls.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gi...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Luxle 0.62 Cttw. Diamond Double Strand Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This Luxle dazzling diamond double-strand baguette necklace will elevate your look to new heights.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Lustre Arc】Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Sapphire & Diamond Clasp
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
From the Lustre Arc collection — where light and motion intertwine — this double strand necklace embodies timeless grace with a modern accent.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Ocean Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace w/ Aquamarine & Diamond
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Double-Strand Aurora Akoya Pearl Necklace – A Dazzling Floral Statement This striking double-row necklace features 7-7.5mm Aurora Japanese Akoya pearls, meticulously arranged to show...
Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold
12.94 Carats Total Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Double Strand Tennis Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated diamond necklace, showcasing a double strand with graduating round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 12.94 carats total with G color and SI clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Red Coral Rows, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Double Strand Necklace
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fascinating double strand necklace, all in Italian coral of 211.80 g, the first shorter strand measuring 78 cm, the longest 84 cm, with a fantastic 9 kt rose gold clasp and silver en...
Coral, Diamond, 9k Gold, Britannia Standard Silver
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Double strand blue chalcedony necklace, sapphire, diamonds and cultured pearls
Located in New Orleans, LA
Icy and opulent high style double strand fine blue translucent chalcedony beads flanked by smooth rich blue sapphire rondelles which are then centered on fine creamy white round cult...
Chalcedony, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Natural Diamond Double Strand Y Necklace in 18K White Gold 27.35 Carats
Located in Diera, AE
Showcasing timeless elegance and exceptional brilliance, this sophisticated Y-necklace is meticulously crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 27.35 carats of natural diamonds. Th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
AKOYA PEARLS Gia Certified Double Strand Necklace In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A double strand necklace with Akoya pearls. This is a very well-matched double strand pearls necklace, composed by one-hundred-ten Akoya round pearls..
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Aurora Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This regal double-strand necklace unites the luminous delicacy of Akoya pearls with the commanding presence of a South Sea centerpiece.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Double-Strand South Sea Pearl Necklace with Diamond Camellia Motif and Clasp
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant necklace encapsulates luxury and finesse. Crafted from 18K white gold, it features a double strand of lustrous South Sea pearls range from 9.2 to 11.8mm in size of natur...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamonds Solid White Gold
Located in Greer, SC
"A double strand pearl necklace has a 14 karat white gold clasp, stamped 14K, marked AB&F.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold
【Vine Symphony】Regency Bloom Aurora Akoya Double-Strand Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with this exquisite Aurora Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, featuring 7-7.5mm perfectly matched pearls in a luxurious double-strand design.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Spectrum Jewels 14.91 Ct Natural Diamond Double Strand 14K White Gold Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 14.91 Ct Natural Diamond Double Strand 14K White Gold Necklace features a dual layer arrangement of sparkling marquise and teardrop cut stones, creating a graceful V-shaped silh...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$40,832Sale Price|20% Off
Spectrum Jewels 14.91 Ct Natural Diamond Double Strand 18K White Gold Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 14.91 Ct Natural Diamond Double Strand 18K White Gold Necklace features a dual layer arrangement of sparkling marquise and teardrop cut stones, creating a graceful V-shaped silh...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luxle 14k Gold 1/8 Carat T.W. Diamond Double Strand Heart Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Simple, yet elegant, this Luxle double-strand heart necklace offers a look that is sure to captivate.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Salmon Coral Bead and Diamond Knotted String Double-Strand Gold Necklace
Located in Milford, DE
A luxurious necklace, featuring two strands of genuine salmon coral beads, accented with white gold and diamond spacers & accents, and secured with a white gold and diamond butterfly...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$358Sale Price|21% Off
AJD Blue/Green Real Peruvian Opals & Onyx Diamond Clasp Double Strand Necklace
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Magnificent double strand polished 16 inch long blue natural Peruvian Opal enhanced with black natural highly polished Onyx rondels and little glittering gem cut black Spinels with D...
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Spinel, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Platinum 0.47 TCW Diamond & Ruby Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 83.4 Grams Stone: Pearl (6.6 - 9.8 mm), Ruby (0.32 ct.), 0.47 TCW Diamond (0.005-0.02 ct.) Length: 16 Inches Metal: Platinum ITEM #: BR-1422-101124-12
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Luxle 14k Gold 1/10 Carat T.W. Diamond Double Strand Star & Moon Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Luxle double-strand necklace will melt your heart with its ideal blend of richness and inventiveness.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxle 1/3 Carat T.W. Diamond Double Strand Starburst Necklace in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Take your wardrobe to new heights with this Luxle dazzling diamond double strand starburst necklace. This necklace contains starburst motifs set with 0.34 Ct round full-cut diamonds ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$272Sale Price|34% Off
Double Strand Triangular Pearl Necklace by Aria Jewelry, 25" Long
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your collection with this exquisite double-strand Pearl necklace.
Diamond, Pearl, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
$415Sale Price|29% Off
Elegant Amethyst and Kunzite Double-Strand Necklace in Sterling Silver
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Designed for versatility and sophistication, this 20-inch double-strand necklace pairs beautifully with most collars and necklines.
Amethyst, Diamond, Kunzite, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
18K Rose Gold 1/2 Cttw Diamond & Freshwater Pearl Double Strand Station Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds and pearls are spaced along a delicate cable chain in this chic 18k rose gold station in a double strand design that can be worn with a variety of different styles. Multi-si...
Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Go...
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Hamilton 14k White Gold Ladies Watch Double Strand Pearl Necklace
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with the stunning Hamilton Watch Necklace, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines the timeless beauty of pearls with the sophistication of a luxury timepiece. C...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.06 Carats Total Round Cut Diamond Double Strand Beaded Necklace in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A stylish necklace, showcasing two rows of 18K white gold balls. Accented by round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 1.06 carats total with G color and VS clarity, set after every four...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Cartier Natural Pearl Double Strand Necklace 24 inches - GIA
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Cartier Natural Pearl Double Strand Necklace 24 inches - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco Cartier natural pearl double strand necklace's clasp is crafted in pla...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
$8,400Sale Price|39% Off
【Vine Symphony】Rose Blossom Convertible Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Long Necklace
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Lustrous Japanese Akoya Pearl Set – A Versatile Statement of Elegance This exquisite 115cm long sweater pearl necklace is crafted with 6.5-7mm high-luster Japanese Akoya pearls, desi...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Caelmare】Saint Maria Aquamarine Convertible Akoya Double-Strand
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Details 5 CT Santa Maria Aquamarine Pear Shape Eye-clean clarity Strong brilliance and fire Japanese Akoya Pearls 6–7 mm Aurora-level luster Near-round 18K White Gold 0.92 CT Diamond...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Ladies Faux Double Pearl Strand with 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Clasps
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
24 inch Faux Double Pearl Strand with 18k White Gold Diamond and Ruby Clasps.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Double Stranded White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian 18 karat double stranded white gold star necklace with diamonds for a total of 9 carats / Made in Italy 1970s
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Double Row Multi-Shaped Diamond Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: 96 Multi-Shaped Diamonds= 17.74cttw Color: G Clarity:VS-SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16.5-inches in length Weight: 23.36 gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pearl and Diamond Double Opera Length Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Pearl and Diamond Double Opera Length Necklace in Yellow Gold Purchased From a Renowned Hollywood Family who wish to remain anonymous. 200 Round Cultured Peals 8 - 8.3 mm [Great Colo...
White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Double Layer 24.89ct SI/H Mixed Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Double Layer 24.89ct SI/H Mixed Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Necklace features mixed cut diamonds on the double strand making multi strand diamond chain necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Double Layer 24.89ct SI/H Mixed Cut Diamond 14k White Gold Necklace
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Double Layer 24.89ct SI/H Mixed Cut Diamond 14k White Gold Necklace features mixed cut diamonds on the double strand making multi strand diamond chain necklace.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$26,390Sale Price / item|20% Off
10.25 Ct Natural Diamond Double Layer Drop Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$54,604Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified 24.94 Natural Diamond Double Layered Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Certified 24.94 Natural Diamond Double Layered Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold Each layer features a seamless flow of intricately set mixed cut diamonds, ending in graceful drops tha...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$32,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
Statement 17.62ct Natural Diamond Double Layered Bridal Necklace 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Statement 17.62ct Natural Diamond Double Layered Bridal Necklace 14k White Gold Each layer features a seamless flow of intricately set mixed-cut diamonds, ending in graceful drops th...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$41,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Statement 17.62ct Natural Diamond Double Layered Bridal Necklace 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Statement 17.62ct Natural Diamond Double Layered Bridal Necklace 18k White Gold Each layer features a seamless flow of intricately set mixed-cut diamonds, ending in graceful drops th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$68,252Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified 24.94 Natural Diamond Double Layered Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Certified 24.94 Natural Diamond Double Layered Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold Each layer features a seamless flow of intricately set mixed cut diamonds, ending in graceful drops tha...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$64,166Sale Price|20% Off
27.83ctw Certified Diamond Studded Double Layer Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, this exquisite necklace is handset with 27.83 carats of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance cre...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$80,208Sale Price|20% Off
27.83ctw Certified Diamond Studded Double Layer Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, this exquisite necklace is handset with 27.83 carats of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance cre...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Petite Sun, Moon and Stars Diamond Station Double Row Gold Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Petite Sun, Moon and Stars Diamond Station Double Row Gold Necklace. Suspended from a 14K Yellow Gold Link Chain. Measuring approx. 18” long. More Beautiful...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.