Estate Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold 0.35ctw 18in Pre Loved
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This elegant estate diamond necklace in 14kt white gold features approximately 0.35–0.40 carats total weight of natural GH I1 round diamonds, offering classic sparkle in a timeless d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mark Broumand 18.10 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Estate Riviera Necklace
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique estate diamond necklace features 18.10ct of round brilliant cut diamonds that cascade down the neckline in an elegant 14k yellow gold, riviera setting style.
Estate 6.50 Ct G VVS Diamond Flower Leaf 18 Kt Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
This exquisite estate Diamond necklace is 1990 circa, Italian origin Beautiful hand crafted of solid 18 Kt white gold Sober elegance expressed in the unique design in a delicate ver...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Carat Fancy Yellow Heart-Shaped Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant estate diamond necklace featuring a GIA-certified natural fancy yellow heart-shaped diamond weighing 1.30 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Luxurious 17.30cts Diamond Cluster 18K Yellow Gold Statment Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Estate diamond necklace crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing an impressive arrangement of brilliant round and baguette cut diamonds totaling approximately 17.30 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Belrose Estate Jewelers Mixed Cut 29 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Tennis Necklace
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The tennis or Riviera necklace has a long history of uniformity, typically with one diamond cut repeated, but this one departs from that entirely.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
J. E. Caldwell Platinum Pear Shape Double Halo Tear Drop Pendant
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Introducing an exquisite estate diamond necklace crafted by the esteemed J.E.
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Peridot Chalcedony Necklace 18K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Peridot Chalcedony Necklace 18K Gold We were so lucky to take advantage of estate jewelry store closeout, and I am so happy to offer this gorgeous necklace for the fraction ...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Necklace by the Yard Station Necklace 14k White Gold 1.18 Cts
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace by the Yard Station Necklace 14K White Gold 1.18 cts 20" Long This pretty estate necklace is finely crafted in Italy in solid 14K White Gold. 10 bezel set round bri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold Choker
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold Choker This gorgeous estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and set with genuine Earth mined Sapphires and Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Gemstones Heart Necklace Slide Pendant 14K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Gemstones Heart Necklace, Tsavorite, Rubies, Tanzanite, Pink and Blue Sapphire Pendant, 14K Gold Slider This very different large estate pendant is crafted in solid 14K Yell...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, 14k G...
Peridot Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Peridot Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Vintage This beautiful estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and set with genuine Peridots and diamond baguettes.
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Spiral Gold Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Magnificent! Exclusive Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Spiral Necklace. Hand set with 1026 Brilliant-cut Diamonds, F/VS1, weighing approx. 53.35 total Carat weight. Necklace measures ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Baroque Pearl Aquamarine Necklace 14K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Baroque Pearl Aquamarine Necklace 14K Gold This stunning and spectacular Diamond Baroque Pearl Aquamarine Necklace necklace is definitely one of a kind! The necklace is made...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & 7.61ct Colombian Emerald Necklace Bib 14K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond & 7.61ct Colombian Emerald Necklace Bib 14K Gold This absolutely stunning necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and it is made in Italy by MNC company. The cen...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Snake Chain
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Snake Chain This estate necklace is crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold (carefully tested and guaranteed).
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold Choker 1.40 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold Choker 1.40 TDW This beautiful estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold and set with white and fiery diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pendant Necklace Onyx 14K Gold Art Deco
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Pendant Necklace Onyx 14K GoldArt Deco This amazing Art Deco circa 1920s pendant is finely crafted in solid 14K Gold, white for the top and yellow for the back. The center ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Fish Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 2.04 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Fish Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 2.04 TDW This one of a kind estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pendant Necklace Platinum 14K Gold Chain SPARK
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Pendant Necklace Platinum 14K Gold Chain SPARK This beautiful pendant is finely crafted in Platinum and set with four princess cut diamonds. The diamonds are estimated to be...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
White & Champagne Diamond Necklace 18K Gold 3.84 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
White & Champagne Diamond Necklace 18K Gold 3.84 TDW We were so lucky to take advantage of a jewelry store close out, and I am so happy to offer this gorgeous necklace for the fract...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Necklace 18K Gold Choker .91 TDW V-Shape
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace 18K Gold Choker .91 TDW V-Shape This beautiful estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold and set with white and fiery diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Necklace Choker Vintage 14k White Gold 9.52tdw
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Necklace Choker Vintage 14K White Gold 9.52 TDW This necklace is made in solid 14K White Gold and set with natural genuine diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold Choker 5.16 TDW Charms
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold Choker 5.16 TDW This stunning estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold and set with diamonds of many shapes.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Golden Fish Necklace Pendant 14K Gold 2.44 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Golden Fish Necklace Pendant 14K Gold 2.44 TDW This one of a kind estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold (carefully tested and guaranteed).
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold Trillion 1.57 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 1.57 TDW Natural Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold Trillion 1.57 TDW This amazing vintage necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Blue Topaz Pendant Enhancer Necklace 14K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Blue Topaz Pendant Enhancer Necklace 14K White Gold This large and spectacular estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold (the pendant is tested and guarantee...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond V Necklace Platinum & 14K White Gold 1.96 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond V Necklace Platinum & 14K White Gold 1.96 TDW This absolutely gorgeous diamond necklace is finely crafted in luxurious Platinum for the V-shape pendant (carefully tested and...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Citrine Quartz Amethyst Peridot Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Gold Huge
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The chain is 2mm wide and 18" long. The necklace weighs 29.00 grams. Excellent estate condition.
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Necklace Pendant 18K White Gold 1.85 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Necklace Pendant 18K White Gold 1.85 TDW Yellow Sapphire Diamond Necklace Pendant 18K White Gold 1.85 TDW This amazing necklace is finely crafted in solid 1...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 1.20 cts TDW Halo
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold 1.20 cts TDW Halo This gorgeous estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Akoya & Black Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18K Gold with Enhancer
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Akoya & Black Tahitian Pearl Necklace 18K Gold with Enhancer This gorgeous vintage necklace is made with fine genuine cultured Akoya Pearls, black Tahitian pearl and set in ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Diamond Necklace Tahitian Pearls in Motion 18K Pink Rose Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The necklace weighs 19.7 grams and this estate piece is in great condition.
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold
Diamond Necklace by the Yard Station 14k White Gold .20 Carat
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace by the Yard Station 14K White Gold .20 carat This pretty estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Modern Diamond Gold Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Chic and Stylish! Beautiful Diamond 18K Gold Mid Century Modern Collar Necklace. Hand set with 47 Diamonds, weighing approx. 2.00 total Carat weight. Necklace measures approx. 16.5” ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Round and Old mine Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Vintage Round and Old mine Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K White Gold This incredible highly collectible circa 1940s piece is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold. The center piece ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Necklace Choker Vintage 14K White Gold Teardrop Pendant 2.38 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Necklace Choker Vintage 14K White Gold Teardrop Pendant 2.38 TDW This beautiful vintage Pendant is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold and set with white and fiery diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Opal Diamond and Sapphire Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Opal, Diamond and Sapphire Pendant Necklace suspended from a 15” long 18K Yellow Gold Chain. Securely Hand set with Opals, weighing appr...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Estate Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Enchanting and evocative, the Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Estate Pendant Necklace is truly a treasure!
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spinel and Diamond Platinum Lavaliere Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Natural Spinel and Diamond Edwardian Platinum Ribbon Lavaliere Pendant Necklace. Centering a Hand set 12 Carat Natural Spinel, surrounded by Diamond...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Open Circle Diamond Bow Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Art Deco Diamond Pendant Necklace featuring an Open Circle with a Bow on top. Hand set with 3 old European Cut Diamonds weighing approx. 1.05tcw, side old cut diamonds app...
Diamond
Edwardian Diamond Gold Cross Pendant c.1910 Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Edwardian Vintage Diamond Cross Gold c.1910 Pendant Necklace. Pendant, Securely Hand set with .70tcw Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, and .90tcw Single...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Estate 11.52ct Sapphire 1.14ct Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous 18k white gold necklace. The necklace is set with lovely round cut sapphires that weigh approximately 11.52ct. The sapphires are accentuated by sparkling round cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rare Trapiche Diamond Vintage Gold Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Rare Trapiche Diamond Leaf design Gold Pendant Necklace. Hand set with 11 Trapiche Diamonds, weighing approx. 4.12tcw and enhanced with Diamonds, approx. 0.08tcw. H...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage GIA Certified Near Flawless Diamond Trilogy Necklace
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Add to your legacy with this vintage trinity diamond necklace. The trio of flawless-near flawless diamonds boast a fabulous sparkling countenance and weigh 1.66 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
48.5 Carat Amethyst Diamond Gold Drop Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning Necklace showcasing a beautiful 48.5 Carat Teardrop Amethyst enhanced with 2 Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.03 carat and 0.05 carat. Hand crafted in 18K white Gold and suspend...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Platinum Cross Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond Platinum Milgrain Cross Pendant Necklace. Hand set with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.42tcw. Suspended from an 18K White Gold 18” long Ch...
Diamond, Platinum
$200,000Sale Price|20% Off
Estate Platinum 80 CTW Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary example of timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, this estate Platinum Diamond Riviera Necklace is a true masterpiece of high jewelry.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Estate Large Coral Diamond Platinum Necklace 14210
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Necklace, Baguette Diamond 1.97ct G-H VS2-SI1, Oval Cabochon Coral 18mm x 12mm, Platinum 15.10g Jewelry Type : Necklace Metal Type : Platinum Metal Weight : 15.10 grams Bra...
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
Belrose Jewelers Modernist 21 Carat Opal Orb Diamond Sphere Pendant Necklace
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A 21-carat opal sphere, round and full as a small planet, suspended from a delicate 18-karat gold chain. The opal orb rolls with color—greens, golds, a flash of orange—shifting as th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Pearl Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
By Coach House
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond and Pearl Cubular design Pendant with nine graduated cubes, Hand set with six high polished and three Diamond set. Suspending a beautiful spherical-shaped p...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond White Gold Estate Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This breathtaking Tahitian Pearl Diamond White Gold Estate Necklace is a once-in-a-lifetime find!
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
South Sea Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Gold Strand Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! South Sea Tahitian Pearl Strand and Diamond Gold Clasp Necklace. Comprising 39 Impressive Lustrous South Sea Tahitian Pearls, ranging in size from 11-13.30mm. Held ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Seed Pearl Platinum Bib Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Outstanding Edwardian Diamond and Seed Pearl Platinum Swag Bib Necklace, linking 18K Gold chain inter-spaced with Seed Pearls. Center accented by Hand set Diamonds,...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold
Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Art Deco Platinum Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Australian Crystal Opal and Diamond Platinum Art Deco Pendant Necklace. Center securely Hand set with an Australian Crystal Opal surrounded by 11 round old Mine-cut...
Diamond, Opal, Crystal, Platinum
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Heart and Teardrop Amethyst Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
By Coach House
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautifully! Amethyst and Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace. Suspending a Heart and Teardrop facet Checkerboard-cut Amethyst Heart measuring approx. 15mm x 15mm and Teardrop Ameth...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
79.63 Carat Trapezoid Australian Opal and Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace Estate
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Gold Pendant Necklace. Hand set with a securely nestled 79.63 Carat Trapezoid Australian White Opal and surrounded by Brilliant-cut Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.