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Pearls Rubies Diamonds Double Strand

32 Inch Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Ruby Clasp
32 Inch Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Ruby Clasp

32 Inch Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Ruby Clasp

Located in Boca Raton, FL

32-Inch Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace featuring two elegant strands of cultured pearls measuring approximately 7.5–8.0mm, beautifully complemented by an exquisite 14K white g...

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Platinum 0.47 TCW Diamond & Ruby Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace
Art Deco Platinum 0.47 TCW Diamond & Ruby Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace

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

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Double-Strand Pearl Necklace with Gemstone and Diamond Floral Clasp
Double-Strand Pearl Necklace with Gemstone and Diamond Floral Clasp

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...

Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...

Retro Gold Double Row Pearl Onyx 0.4ct Natural Diamond Ruby CAB Necklace 1980
Retro Gold Double Row Pearl Onyx 0.4ct Natural Diamond Ruby CAB Necklace 1980

Retro Gold Double Row Pearl Onyx 0.4ct Natural Diamond Ruby CAB Necklace 1980

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant retro 14 karat yellow gold double-row South Sea pearl necklace, set with 16 natural colorless round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 carats.

Category

Vintage 1980s North American Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Diamond Ruby "Carmen" Necklace & Ruby Pendant
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Diamond Ruby "Carmen" Necklace & Ruby Pendant

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Diamond Ruby "Carmen" Necklace & Ruby Pendant

By Clarissa Bronfman

Located in New York, NY

Carmen Necklace consists of: - 9 MM FACETED ROUNDEL GRADE AAA+ LABRADORITE BEADS, - HEMATITE 8 MM SMOOTH ROUND BEADS, - 8 MM ROUNDEL PEARL BEADS, - 21-24 MM FIREBALL PEARL BEADS, - 1...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Hematite, Labradorite, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Rainbow Moonston...

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Ruby Diamond Carmen Bone Face & Ebony Hamsa Charms
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Ruby Diamond Carmen Bone Face & Ebony Hamsa Charms

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Ruby Diamond Carmen Bone Face & Ebony Hamsa Charms

By Clarissa Bronfman

Located in New York, NY

Carmen Necklace consists of: - 9 MM FACETED ROUNDEL GRADE AAA+ LABRADORITE BEADS, - HEMATITE 8 MM SMOOTH ROUND BEADS, - 8 MM ROUNDEL PEARL BEADS, - 21-24 MM FIREBALL PEARL BEADS, - 1...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Hematite, Labradorite, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Rainbow Moonston...

Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone & Pearl Necklace
Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone & Pearl Necklace

Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone & Pearl Necklace

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Queens, NY

Seaman Schepps 14K Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone Pearl Necklace, featuring one detachable brooch / clasp featuring a centered bezel set carved ruby pear shaped cabochon weighing...

Category

20th Century American Modernist Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Lapis Lazuli, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Yell...

Double Strand Pearl Necklace w/ 18KYG Diamond/Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire Floral Clasp
Double Strand Pearl Necklace w/ 18KYG Diamond/Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire Floral Clasp

Double Strand Pearl Necklace w/ 18KYG Diamond/Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire Floral Clasp

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This elegant two-strand pearl necklace features a circular diamond-set clasp adorned with four floral motifs, each set with either rubies, emeralds, or sapphires. There are 112 roun...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Flower Necklace w/ Double Pearl Strand
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Flower Necklace w/ Double Pearl Strand

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Flower Necklace w/ Double Pearl Strand

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 11 round cut = 0.11cttw Ruby: 11 round cut = 0.65cttw Dimensions: necklace measures 17 inches Weight: 71.50 grams

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Pearl and 23 Carat Ruby Strand Turquoise and Diamond Clasp Necklace
Vintage Pearl and 23 Carat Ruby Strand Turquoise and Diamond Clasp Necklace

Vintage Pearl and 23 Carat Ruby Strand Turquoise and Diamond Clasp Necklace

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage double strand pearl and single strand 23 carat ruby necklace with a 4.20 carat turquoise and 3.38 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold clasp; p...

Category

1990s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Vintage 2-Row Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K WG Diamond Agate Jewelry Clasp
Vintage 2-Row Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K WG Diamond Agate Jewelry Clasp

Vintage 2-Row Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K WG Diamond Agate Jewelry Clasp

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Green Agat Two Strands 17.5" - 19" Japanese Akoya 8.2 - 8.9mm Pearl Necklace Among all the pieces of jewelry, there exists one that possesses a remark...

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, White Gold

Vintage 5.47ct Zircon and Pearl Yellow and White Gold Spray Brooch, circa 1950
Vintage 5.47ct Zircon and Pearl Yellow and White Gold Spray Brooch, circa 1950

Vintage 5.47ct Zircon and Pearl Yellow and White Gold Spray Brooch, circa 1950

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The spray setting features ten white gold strands arranged in an alternating starburst design, the longer strands each terminate with an impressive cultured pearl.

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Zircon, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Spectrum 26.65ct Gemstone & Diamond Long Station Lariat Necklace
Spectrum 26.65ct Gemstone & Diamond Long Station Lariat Necklace

Spectrum 26.65ct Gemstone & Diamond Long Station Lariat Necklace

By Spectrum Jewels

Located in Deira, Dubai

Its generous length allows for multiple styling options—wear it as a dramatic, single-strand statement, or double it for a layered look that exudes effortless luxury.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gripoix Elsa Schiaparelli ShockingPink Glass HandKnot DoubleStrand Beaded Choker
Gripoix Elsa Schiaparelli ShockingPink Glass HandKnot DoubleStrand Beaded Choker

Gripoix Elsa Schiaparelli ShockingPink Glass HandKnot DoubleStrand Beaded Choker

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in Chicago, IL

In this pre-WWII double-strand necklace that fastens with a gilt chased bronze hook, the fuchsia beads are distinct poured glass made in France by Maison Gripoix, along with its faux...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gilt Metal, Yellow Gold, Bronze

Recent Sales

Detachable 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Perforated Pendant and 2-Strand Pearl Necklace
Detachable 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Perforated Pendant and 2-Strand Pearl Necklace

Detachable 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Perforated Pendant and 2-Strand Pearl Necklace

By BOON

Located in Bangkok, TH

Detachable Velvety Red Ruby Diamond Perforated Medallion Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold on Double Strand Pearl Necklace with Faceted Gold Beads Pendant Gold: 18K Yellow Gold, 5.80 g Rub...

Category

1990s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Double Pearl Necklace Ruby Diamond 18ct Gold Clasp with Cert
Art Deco Double Pearl Necklace Ruby Diamond 18ct Gold Clasp with Cert

Art Deco Double Pearl Necklace Ruby Diamond 18ct Gold Clasp with Cert

Located in Kendal, GB

A grand Art Deco Pearl Necklace featuring two strands of lovely lustrous Cultured Pearls which graduate in size towards the bottom. The piece is held together by a stunning 18ct Whi...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.30 Carat Diamond, Ruby, Pearl & Gold Tassel Necklace
5.30 Carat Diamond, Ruby, Pearl & Gold Tassel Necklace

5.30 Carat Diamond, Ruby, Pearl & Gold Tassel Necklace

Located in Calabasas, CA

The tassel is composed of 15 strands of ruby beads attached to a pierced, diamond-set cap, ruby beads, round pierced diamond-set balls, 1 decorated with ruby beads and a diamond-set ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Ruby Bead and Fresh Water Pearl Long Necklace
Ruby Bead and Fresh Water Pearl Long Necklace

Ruby Bead and Fresh Water Pearl Long Necklace

By Helen Ringus

Located in TRYON, NC

This is a double strand of natural ruby beads, 18 kt gold beads and white fresh water pearls.

Category

Early 2000s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Head Double Strand Pearl Necklace
14K Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Head Double Strand Pearl Necklace

14K Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Head Double Strand Pearl Necklace

Located in Cape May, NJ

Antique 14K Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Head Double Strand Pearl Necklace.

Category

Vintage 1940s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Lions Head Clasp Pearl Garnet Multistrand Necklace
Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Lions Head Clasp Pearl Garnet Multistrand Necklace

Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Lions Head Clasp Pearl Garnet Multistrand Necklace

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Diamond and ruby double lion head clasp necklace fashioned in 14 karat yellow gold. The clasp features 16 round briliant cut diamonds weighing approximately .25 carat total weight an...

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Pearl Ruby Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Pearl Ruby Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Pearl Ruby Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

The double strand continuing to four strands of pearls approximately 4.8 to 4.0 mm., spaced by 8 oval cabochon rubies, framed by round diamonds, centering a hexagonal-shaped carved e...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Carrera Y Carrera 18k Yellow Gold Eagle Necklace On Pearls With Ruby and Diamond
Carrera Y Carrera 18k Yellow Gold Eagle Necklace On Pearls With Ruby and Diamond

Carrera Y Carrera 18k Yellow Gold Eagle Necklace On Pearls With Ruby and Diamond

By Carrera y Carrera

Located in Birmingham, AL

The eagle sits in the center of a double strand 3 x 3.5 mm pearl necklace with gold beads separating every 8 pearls.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modernist More Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds & Rubies
Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds & Rubies

Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds & Rubies

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

The building changed hands in exchange for $100 and a double strand of natural pearls, admired by Plant’s wife and valued at one million dollars, the asking price for the mansion.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds And Rubies
Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds And Rubies

Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds And Rubies

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

The building changed hands in exchange for $100 and a double strand of natural pearls, admired by Plant’s wife and valued at one million dollars, the asking price for the mansion.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1920 Mughal Tutti Frutti Necklace Silver 303.69 Cts Gemstone And Pearls
Art Deco 1920 Mughal Tutti Frutti Necklace Silver 303.69 Cts Gemstone And Pearls

Art Deco 1920 Mughal Tutti Frutti Necklace Silver 303.69 Cts Gemstone And Pearls

Located in Miami, FL

The designs are considered the perfect mix of east and west because they are made up of brightly colored gemstones (like sapphires, rubies and emeralds) carved using Indian technique...

Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Fluorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow...

Pearl Gold Multi Strand Necklace with Ruby Diamond and Sapphire Clasp
Pearl Gold Multi Strand Necklace with Ruby Diamond and Sapphire Clasp

Pearl Gold Multi Strand Necklace with Ruby Diamond and Sapphire Clasp

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This necklace is composed of a double strand of pearls with a stunning 14kt gold clasp with rubies and sapphires.

Category

20th Century American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Akoya Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace Ruby Diamond Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace Ruby Diamond Gold

Akoya Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace Ruby Diamond Gold

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Akoya cultured pearl double strand necklace with ruby and diamond gold clasp.

Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

18 Karat Gold Double Strand Necklace with Diamonds Pearls and Colored Gem Stones
18 Karat Gold Double Strand Necklace with Diamonds Pearls and Colored Gem Stones

18 Karat Gold Double Strand Necklace with Diamonds Pearls and Colored Gem Stones

Located in New York, NY

This classic necklace is designed with two nesting strands of 18 karat yellow gold and cultured pearl links. Each pearl link is joined by links that alternate with diamonds and cabac...

Category

1990s Unknown Retro Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Ruby South Sea Gold Pearl 11m 18" 14k Gold Necklace Certified
Diamond Ruby South Sea Gold Pearl 11m 18" 14k Gold Necklace Certified

Diamond Ruby South Sea Gold Pearl 11m 18" 14k Gold Necklace Certified

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Silk thread is used to string the necklace and in between each pearl the string is double knotted so there is no friction between the pearls and if the strand were to break you will ...

Category

2010s Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold

Double Strand Akoya Pearls with Ruby and Diamond Clasp
Double Strand Akoya Pearls with Ruby and Diamond Clasp

Double Strand Akoya Pearls with Ruby and Diamond Clasp

Located in Dallas, TX

A double strand of white round Akoya pearls that measure 18 inches in length and is strung with 7.5-8 mm in diameter.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cultured Pearl Double Strand Diamond and Ruby Clasp Necklace in 14K
Cultured Pearl Double Strand Diamond and Ruby Clasp Necklace in 14K

Cultured Pearl Double Strand Diamond and Ruby Clasp Necklace in 14K

Located in Vienna, VA

7.5 – 8.0 MM Cultured Pearl Double Strand Diamond and Ruby Clasp Necklace in 14K Cultured Pearl Double Strand Diamond and Ruby Clasp Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Size: Approx. 7.5...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Double Pearl Necklace with Matching Bracelet Set, circa 1960s
Double Pearl Necklace with Matching Bracelet Set, circa 1960s

Double Pearl Necklace with Matching Bracelet Set, circa 1960s

Located in St.amford, CT

Circa 1960s double strand of 5-5.50 Millimeter Japanese cultured pearl necklace with 14 karat ruby and diamond clasp.

Category

Vintage 1960s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Ruby

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Pearls Rubies Diamonds Double Strand For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact pearls rubies diamonds double strand you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, white gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 11 vintage or 3 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a pearls rubies diamonds double strand may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic pearls rubies diamonds double strand over the years, but those made by Clarissa Bronfman are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut and bead alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a pearls rubies diamonds double strand, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Pearls Rubies Diamonds Double Strand?

The price for a pearls rubies diamonds double strand starts at $2,068 and tops out at $9,501 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $3,898.

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 Ruby in Jewelry Design

This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.

Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.

Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.

Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.

When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.

Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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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This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

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.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

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.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

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.