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Gold Diamond Necklace 1960s

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1960's Sapphire Diamond Gold Starburst Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
1960's Sapphire Diamond Gold Starburst Necklace An 18k Gold vintage floral necklace, showcasing a
Category

Antique 1660s Italian Modernist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Opal and Diamond Vintage Necklace in 18k Gold Circa 1960's
Located in Wailea, HI
Opal and Diamond Vintage Necklace in 18k Gold Circa 1960's Purchased From a Los Angeles Family's
Category

Mid-20th Century American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier 1960s Diamond Necklace in Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage Cartier diamond necklace set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1950-1960. From
Category

Mid-20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 33.5 grams. Totally 2.80 ct diamond. The diamond has s1-s2-s3
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1960's Victorian Revival Amethyst 14K Gold Vintage Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hinged optional bale and pinstem with locking closure Stamped for 14 karat gold Circa: 1960s; Victorian
Category

Vintage 1960s Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

HOBE c.1960's Gold Diamond Crystal Tassels Pendant Rope Chain Necklace Signed
By Hobé Jewelry
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage c.1960's Hobe crystal geometric statement pendant with gold-tone chain tassels and rope
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

1960s 14k White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful necklace from the 1960s features a beautiful 14k white gold diamond cluster pendant
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1960s Cultured Pearl and Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1960s cultured pearl and 0.02Ct diamond, 18k white gold necklace; part of our
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1960s Diamond Necklace in White & Yellow Gold – 3.55 Carats Total
Located in Wailea, HI
Vintage 1960s Diamond Necklace in White & Yellow Gold – 3.55 Carats Total Experience the timeless
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has H-I-J-K color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally lenght is pearl part necklace 39 cm. Lock Part
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Retro 1960s Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Berkeley, CA
The aquamarine 5.5ct TW in this necklace has a brilliant blue color and clarity that is unusual to
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Italian 1960s Diamond and White Gold Heart Pendant/Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1960s Italian 0.28Ct diamond and 18k white gold heart shaped pendant; part of
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

VCA 1960's Pery et Fils 18k gold and diamond pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
white gold and round and baguette diamonds. The length of the necklace measures 42cm while the pendant
Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s Riviera Diamond GIA Heart Emerald Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning estate diamond and emerald heart necklace is crafted in 18 karat White and yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

1960s Freeform Australian Gray Broad Flash Opal Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
& yellow broad flashes. This gorgeous Australian opal in mounted in a handmade 14k gold frame with diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold

1960s Cultured Pearl Diamonds Ruby Clasp Choker Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Authentic antique jewelry - Work of the 1960s. Necklace of antique pearls entirely threaded on silk thread
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gol...

French 1960s Gold, Carved Malachite Bead, and Diamond Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A mid-century gold, malachite, and diamond long chain necklace of cable links with carved malachite
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.8 grams. Totally is diamond 1.25 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Vintage Circa 1960s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 22.9 grams. Totally is diamond about 3.70 carat. The
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Circa 1960s Rose Cut Diamond Allah Written Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 11.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has
Category

Vintage 1960s Asian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1960s Italian 18k gold, enamel and diamond necklace and earring set
Located in London, GB
This intricately made 1960s Italian 18k gold necklace and earring set is beautifully adorned with
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Thee Classic Diamond Heart Pendant on Chain 1.75 Carats Circa 1960's
Located in Wailea, HI
Thee Classic Diamond Heart Pendant on Chain 1.75 Carats Circa 1960's 16 Round Brilliant Cut
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Combination Pearl Necklace and 1960s Diamond Brooch Clip
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
jewellery was created in our workshop from a 1960s brooch. Total length of the necklace: 47 cm, Brooch
Category

20th Century French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, Onyx, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gol...

Black, Starr & Frost 1960s 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Necklace
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in Lexington, KY
jewelry company in the United States! Dated to the 1960s and made of 18K yellow gold and amazing diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960s Boucheron Crystal Onyx and Diamond Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with carved Crystals, Onyx, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Link Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s 18K Yellow Gold Jade, Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 131.0g
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960's Carved Guan Yin Natural Jade 0.60 Carat Diamonds 18K White Gold Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds, approx. 0.35 carats total Metal: 18K white gold (stamped 750) Dimensions: 2.75" height x 0.65
Category

Vintage 1960s Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Pearl Cluster Flower 14k Gold Chain Pendant Necklace With Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite 1960s Pearl Cluster 14k Gold Chain Pendant Necklace is a stunning testament to
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

1960's , 35 Ct Emeralds & 35 CT Rubies + 15 Ct Diamond Bracelet 18KY Gold, 8 "
Located in New York, NY
Fine quality vintage 1960's bracelet set with emeralds, rubies, and round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Mid-Century South Sea Pearl Diamond Clasp Yellow Gold Necklace 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century South Sea cultured pearl and diamond clasp necklace in yellow gold, 1950s/1960s. An
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Multi Strand Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage circa 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, set in 18k yellow gold, featuring a total of ten
Category

20th Century French Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

1960S GIA 62.25 Ct Cabochon Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Tassel Lariat Rope Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
necklace, with a lariat style with two tassel pendants. Crafted in solid 18K white gold with 18K Yellow
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Modernist Gold and Keshi Pearl and Diamond Convertible Brooch Necklace, 1960s
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Mid century modern choker necklace featuring an abstract gold plaque. The 1 1/2" gold abstract
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

1960s Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Delightful antique pendant, it is constituted of a line
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Fire Opal, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Go...

1960s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Charm Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This thin pendant has the shape of a heart and is decorated with a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Impressive Heavy Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold [5 Ounces+] 7.00 carats
Located in Wailea, HI
Introducing our exquisite Lady’s 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Circa 1960's Necklace, a timeless
Category

Mid-20th Century Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Opal Diamond Pendant, Brooch, 1960s 13+ Carat
Located in Wallkill, NY
14K Gold Opal and Diamond Brooch / Pendant with a 13 Plus Carat center Opal stone. 16 Prong-set
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sophistication and style. It is suspended from an 18K yellow gold open link necklace with a textured gold finish
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond 18k Yellow and White Gold Brooch / Pendant, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
textured yellow gold with the icy brilliance of the diamonds creates a striking contrast that embodies the
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Necklace with Coral Onyx and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 6.00 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s 4.65ct Parti Sapphire & Diamond Sunflower Pendant 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Embodying the sun's embrace, the 18 carat yellow gold Adil pendant gleams with a 4.65ct Parti
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960s Hammerman Brothers Necklace and Earrings Set
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in New York, NY
Brothers Circa 1960s Necklace 20 inches Pendant 4 inches Earrings 1 5/8 inch
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Multi-Gemstone Brooch Pendant Sautoir Necklace
Located in New York, NY
. Circa 1960s Made in France The brooch measures 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" The necklace breaks into 4 separate
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s 208.45 Carat Aquamarine and Pearl Strands Necklace
Located in New York, NY
each side, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.00 carats. Circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

1960s 18k gold cross with 15c oval faceted sapphires and diamonds
Located in London, GB
This spectacular 1960's cross is made of 18k gold and contains 10 oval faceted sapphires weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s David Webb Carved Coral Brooch Pendant Sautoir Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in white enamel over 18k yellow gold with carved Coral, Round Brilliant cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1960s 1.65 Carat Cabochon Cut Opal Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. This impressive 1960s pendant is supplied with an independent diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Cartier Paris 18k gold and diamond pendant on a Cartier chain dated 1991
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This graceful Cartier Paris pendant dates back to 1960s. It is made of 18k gold and adorned with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s Art Deco Style Tahitian Pearl 18k Solid Yellow Gold Pendant With Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite 1960s Art Deco-style pendant is a stunning testament to the elegance of a bygone era
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

1960s Large Shadow Box Basket Of Stones 14k Yellow Gold Charm Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Large shadow box Basket of Stones 14k yellow gold charm pendant. The 1960s Large Shadow Box
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960's Hammerman Brothers Onyx and Diamond Necklace
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in New York, NY
1960's Hammerman Brothers Onyx, Diamond and Gold Necklace American Circa 1960
Category

Vintage 1960s American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cartier 1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Collar Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Vintage collar necklace, designed in polished 18k yellow gold with a pavé diamond front section set
Category

Vintage 1960s More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rare David Webb 1960s Diamond Carved Coral Gold Earrings Necklace Set
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Impressive circa 1960s 18k gold necklace and earrings set by David Webb, featuring carved coral and
Category

Vintage 1960s American More Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold

1960s White Ceramic Amethyst Peridot Diamond Gold Heart Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold link Chain/Necklace Designed With A Large Heart Hanging From The Bottom Measuring
Category

Vintage 1960s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold

1960s Boucheron Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Boucheron
Located in Portland, ME
18K Yellow gold diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald Boucheron necklace and bracelet set. The leaf
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace 18 Carat White Gold, 1960s
Located in Oxted, Surrey
Fine Quality 1970s Emerald and Diamond Necklace, set in 18ct white gold. Set with a large 4.00ct
Category

20th Century British Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1960s White Gold Necklace with a Total of 11.20 Ct. of Diamonds
Located in roma, IT
Precious and charming 1960s white gold necklace set with totalling 11.20 ct. brilliant-cut and
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1960's Diamond and 18k Gold French Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
the alternating gold pieces fastened to eachother adorned with 15 beautiful white diamonds. Adding the
Category

Vintage 1960s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Gold Diamond Necklace 1960s For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of gold diamond necklace 1960s for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Pieces in our collection of gold diamond necklace 1960s made by Retro jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Cartier each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for round cut gold diamond necklace 1960s and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our gold diamond necklace 1960s for sale are for women, but there are 117 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Gold Diamond Necklace 1960s?

Prices for gold diamond necklace 1960s start at $370 and top out at $675,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $6,879.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

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. 

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Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

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.