Antique French 8.50 Carat Diamond, 9k Gold and Silver Necklace Circa 1860
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 8.50 carat diamond, 9 karat gold and silver necklace; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collection.
Diamond, White Gold, Silver
French 1950s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Heart Pendant and Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant and its chain in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This charming and beautifully proportioned vintage pendant is shaped like a heart and set with modern brilliant-cut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes Diamond Torsade Necklace 18K White Gold Necklace
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and highly collectible Hermes Torsade diamond necklace. This no longer produced Hermes choker style necklace is featured in 18K high polish substantial white...
Diamond, White Gold
Messika Paris Round Diamond 18K White Gold Orb French Sautoir Drop Necklace
By Messika
Located in Lisbon, PT
Messika Paris Diamond and 18K White Gold Orb Sautoir Necklace, French, in maker’s case.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1967 Mauboussin 15 Carat Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Mauboussin
Located in Poitiers, FR
This retro Mauboussin diamond necklace is the perfect illustration of antique diamond jewelry from this period.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond & Sapphire Pendant Necklace, France
Located in Vannes, FR
Découvrez ce superbe collier en or blanc 18 carats, orné de diamants étincelants et d'un saphir bleu ovale, offrant une combinaison parfaite de beauté et d'élégance. Ce collier chaîn...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewel - French work from the 1970s. Our opinion : A precious emerald and diamond necklace set with a deep green emerald.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French Necklace Rose Diamond 18K Gold Pearl Napoleon III Belle Epoque Wedding
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A MUSEUM QUALITY RARE NAPOLEON III BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE FROM FRANCE WITH GORGEOUS ROSE CUT DIAMONDS AND A STUNNING BAROQUE PEARL WITH A LEAF AND FLOWER MOTIF IN THE MOST ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
French Art Nouveau Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique French Art Nouveau pearl and 0.24 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set necklace; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 20th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chimera Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Total weight of the jewel : 3,2 g approximately. Antique jewel - French work of the early XXth century. Our opinion : An elegant transformation of an antique pin, this antique chimer...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Antique Crescent Diamond Brooch Pendant Necklace Chain French
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Crescent Rose cut Diamond Brooch/Pendant silver and gold on a Necklace Chain 18K gold.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
French 18K Yellow And White Gold 32.00 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
French 18K Yellow And White Gold 32.00 Carat Diamond Necklace.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 20th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Car Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Original and mischievous antique necklace, it is formed of a thin filed convict mesh chain, which holds on the front an antique pendant in the form of a car, decorated with rose-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Gem Set 18K Tri-Color Gold Butterfly Necklace Slide, France, C. 1900
Located in Chatham, CA
Art Nouveau Butterfly necklace slide/pendant - 18K yellow gold wings with pink and green gold wing tips and white gold body - one bezel set emerald and three small diamonds form the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Cloisonné French Enamel Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold cloisonné french enamel ruby diamond pendant necklace. High quality diamonds along with rubies are used to depict two flowers in this pendant necklace set in 18k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Cellini France 90´s 18k Yellow Gold, diamonds, emerald and panthere necklace
By Cellini
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Their eyes are set with square emeralds and in their mouths holds a central diamond round ring. Necklace chain measuring 17.5 cm or 7" Diamonds are total of 27 of aprox 0.10ct ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the opulent allure of this timeless French Art Deco Diamond Collar Necklace from the 1930s, suitable for individuals of any gender and all ages.
Diamond, Platinum
$11,880Sale Price|20% Off
French 18k Gold Yellow Pink Blue Sapphire Diamond Graduated Curb Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - High Quality - Blue, Pink & Yellow Colors - 4.7x4.3mm (pink), 6.3x4.7mm (blue), 4.9x4mm (yellow) - 2.50ctw (a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century Pink Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Delightful and easy to wear, this antique necklace features a fine convict chain fastened with a spring ring, onto which slides a pendant holding a round pink sapphire topped by a sm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Cascade Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Cascade Diamond Pendant Necklace Mad circa Circa 1955 A necklace featuring a row of graduated baguette cut diamonds suspending a pendant set with baguette, round ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique French Ch. Fontana & Cie Diamond Tiara Necklace Silver Upon Gold, c 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, diamond fringe tiara necklace, by Ch. Fontana & Cie, with the front section comprising a fringe of graduating pendants, linked at the top with rose-cut diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
French Old Mine Diamond Sapphire Pearl Garland Necklace Antique Belle Epoque 18K
Located in New York, NY
THE GORGEOUS NECKLACE FROM FRANCE HAS A STUNNING ROSE FLOWER GARLAND WREATH MOTIF DESIGN AND IS SET WITH OLD MINE CUT DIAMONDS, ROSE CUT DIAMONDS, SQUARE CUT FACETED SAPPHIRES AND NA...
Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,832Sale Price|20% Off
French 1900 Edwardian Natural Pearls Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
This necklace is made up by a knotted strand of one hundred twenty pearls and a round security push box lock, crafted in yellow gold of 18 karats and topped with a layer of platinum ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Antique French 14k Yellow Gold and Platinum Star Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This antique French pendant necklace is a striking and highly distinctive gemstone piece, centered by a substantial 16.15ct star ruby surrounded by 1.10ctw of diamonds.
Diamond, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Emerald Pendant. Round and French Anchor Shape Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Emerald Weight: Approximately 0.20 Carats Total Emerald Cut: French Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.35 Carats T...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
French Rose Diamond Five Pointed Star Brooch/ Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A stunning French Rose Diamond Five Pointed Star Brooch/ Pendant in silver topped 18 k gold with clip sits over a pentangle. The central larger diamond is surrounded with a group of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Baccarat Sherazade Crystal and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold France
By Baccarat
Located in La Jolla, CA
BACCARAT 'Sherazade' Necklace Clear Crystal & Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold Made in France Baccarat 'Sherazade' Necklace Clear Crystal & Diamond Necklace features Baccarat Clea...
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct White Gold & Platinum 1920’s French Art Deco Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Necklace 18ct White Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920’s Gorgeous, French, Art Deco diamond necklace.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
23.20 Carat French Cut Sapphire Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Original natural light slightly greenish blue aquamarine. Scroll setting with a French cut sapphire and 28 accent diamonds, set in platinum. 1 natural untreated emerald cut 23.20ct...
Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14K Rose Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
14K Rose Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 1.86 grams Diamonds. 0.25 carats G-H VS round natural diamonds Bar: 19.5mm Chain length:...
Diamond, Rose Gold
CARTIER Panthère De Cartier Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Iconic Panthère de Cartier diamond necklace A timeless Maison icon, reinvented time and time again since her first sighting in 1914. Magnetic, feline and free, the Panthère ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
14K Yellow Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 1.86 grams Diamonds. 0.25 carats G-H VS round natural diamonds Bar: 19.5mm Chain lengt...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Antique Pigeon Blood Burmese Burma Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Necklace French
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A VERY RARE NO HEAT PIGEON BLOOD RED BURMESE BURMA RUBY, ROSE CUT DIAMOND AND PEARL MUSEUM QUALITY FRENCH BEAUX ARTS NAPOLEON III BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE IN 18 KARAT GOLD.
Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
0.90 Carat French Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace on 18ct White Gold Trace Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Diamond Heart Necklace 18ct White Gold- French Stamped Circa 1990s Introducing a stunning vintage heart pendant necklace from the 1990s, a timeless piece that effortlessly combin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier Symbol Diamond Cross Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier diamond necklace set in 18k white gold.
The necklace features a cross motif set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. It hangs from a 15.5 inches ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,120Sale Price|20% Off
FRENCH Art Nouveau 18k Gold & Platinum Necklace with Diamonds and Natural Pealrs
Located in Aventura, FL
Adding to its allure, the necklace is embellished with 25 Rose cut Diamonds, with a total weight of approximately 0.15 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Diamonds Platinum Transformation Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Transformation necklace in platinum, mascaron hallmark. Antique jewelry from the early 20th century, it features articulated motifs set with claw-retained Antique Cushion Cut diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Guilloché French Enamel Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat yellow gold autumn maple leaf guilloché french enamel diamond pearl pendant necklace This elegant pendant captures the beauty of autumn.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14 Karat White Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
14K White Gold .25 Carat Natural Diamond French-Set Bar Necklace Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 1.86 grams Diamonds. 0.25 carats G-H VS round diamonds Bar: 19.5mm Chain length: 16 inc...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Zodiac Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless Cartier creation, this vintage Zodiac Pendant Necklace showcases the Maison’s exceptional craftsmanship and refined celestial design. Expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Diamond Platinum Necklace And Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A truly magnificent 1950's Boucheron diamond necklace. Designed as a stylised, flexible ribbon set with graduated and tapered baguette & step-cut diamonds, suspending an articulated ...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Nouveau Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning antique piece crafted at a time when the Art Nouveau style was at the height of design. A platinum open geometric frame plays host to a vast array of gleaming...
Diamond, Platinum, Silver
$47,620Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Maillon Panthère Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exude timeless elegance with this sophisticated Cartier Maillon Panthère diamond necklace. Crafted in luminous 18k white gold, this exquisite piece from the iconic Maillon Panthère c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Vintage Hex Sapphire Diamond Lariat Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Two Ceylon sapphires Material: 18K yellow gold, Ceylon sapphires, round diamonds Weight: Approximately 83.30 grams Length: Approximately 15.78 inches (40cm) Certificati...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$5,160Sale Price|20% Off
FRENCH Art Nouveau 18k Gold & Platinum Necklace with Diamonds and Natural Pearls
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: Art Nouveau, Belle Époque (circa 1890–1900s) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Stones: Natural Pearls & Natural Diamonds Pearl Size: Approx. 0.20 inches (5.0 mm) each...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Trinity Diamond Necklace 18k Gold
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Cartier Trinity diamond necklace, crafted in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold is one of Cartier’s most recognizable motifs. The necklace features a series of interlocking circul...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1930s Art Deco Mother of Pearl Diamond 18 K White Gold Medal Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Medal in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. An authentic antique Art Deco medal, it is made of mother-of-pearl engraved with a haloed Virgin Mary and roses at the bottom. Th...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Belle Époque "négligé" necklace in platinum, and diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique necklace, circa 1910-1920, France. Mascaron hallmark Chain length: 41.5 cm - Motif height with drops: 4.5 cm - Width: 1.6 cm Total estimated diamond weight: 2.05 ct Condi...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Double Heart Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Two hearts one nesting in the other. Diamonds adorn half of each heart to make one full heart. 16" 2mm cable chain is equipped with a safety chain. From the Skibell Estate Collecti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier White Gold Diamond Panthere Necklace N3014700
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A remarkable 18k white gold Cartier necklace from the Panthere collection. The necklace is formed of circular and rectangular motifs featuring 26 scattered black onyx markings and pa...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco French Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Drop Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco French Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Drop Necklace.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearls Necklace
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearls Necklace Yellow gold necklace with a round pendant which has a pearl in the center, 3 decorations are linked to it set also with pearls and diamonds....
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Roman Malakov 1.81 Carats Old European & French Cut Diamond Heart Shape Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A pretty pendant necklace, showcasing a 0.72 carat old European cut diamond, set in a dangling open-work design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
VCA Frivole 18k Yellow Gold/Diamond Necklace/Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in San Antonio, TX
Very classic and chic Van Cleef and Arpels Frivole 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace/Pin, Circa 2010.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Majestic amethyst necklace with diamond
Located in Berlin, BE
Introducing the enchanting and timeless Amethyst, a dreamlike gemstone that captivates with its ethereal beauty. This exquisite Amethyst showcases a truly exceptional cut, combining ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Gold Necklace with Tassels and Diamonds Clasp Fashionable yellow gold necklace with 15 gold tassels that adjust to wanted length.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond 12 Station White Gold Chain Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond 12 Station Choker Necklace by Cartier. With 12 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight 1.5ct Details: Chain: Length 14.5" Weight: 6.3 gr...
Diamond, White Gold
Citrine and Diamond Lace Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold by Georland France
By Georland
Located in La Jolla, CA
GEORLAND 18k Yellow Gold Lace Citrine & Diamond Pendant Necklace Citrine and Diamond Lace Pendant Necklace features a 10.58 carat Square-shaped Citrine with 72 Round Brilliant Diamo...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Lavalier Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An elegant Edwardian pendant necklace perfectly executed in platinum that drapes delightfully on your neck. The lacy filigree of this Belle Epoque lavalière creates a sinuous, curvil...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$7,880Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco GIA Akoya Pearl 3 Strand Necklace French Cut Diamond Sapphire Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 234 Genuine Cultured Saltwater Akoya Pearls - Round Shape - Light Cream Color w/ Pink & Green Overtone - Very Nice Luster - 3.76-7.81mm (exact) **See Certification De...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.