Ruby with Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.74 carats with Diamond 0.40 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 44.0 cm Total Weight: 8.09 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.27 carats with Diamond 0.58 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 7.16 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.10 carats with Diamond 0.03 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.1 cm Total Weight: 2.94 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 65.2 carats with Diamond 2.82 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 40.6 cm Total Weight: 67.0 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.70 carats with Diamond 0.06 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.1 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 2.36 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.90 carat with Diamond 0.03 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.8 cm Total Weight: 2.08 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.07 carats with Diamond 0.30 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight 2.84 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.77 carats with Diamond 0.25 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 48.0 cm Total Weight: 11.71 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.95 carats with Diamond 0.47 carats Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.8 cm Total Weight: 4.71 grams "We first opened doors ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 32.28 carats with Diamond 9.10 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 40.0 cm Total Weight: 61.38 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamonds Rubies Yellow Gold 14 Karat Silver Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
Total weight of rubies 1.35 karat Total diamonds weight 0.41 karat Necklace total weight 7.40 grams Necklace length 39.5 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 2.10 Carat Pear Cut Ruby 2.04 Carat Diamond Platinum Pendant Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.10 carat pear cut ruby, 2.04 carat diamond and platinum pendant necklace; part of our ruby jewellery collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$16,590Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold studded with square cut ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Handcraft Ruby 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handmade by our artisans assembled with rubies and diamonds Necklace total weight 9.30 grams Diamonds weight 0.24 karat Ruby weight 9.50 karat Chain (open) length 40.5 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fancy Diamond & Ruby 18K Rose Gold Teddy Bear Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 3.50x1.50x0.90cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "214 Fancy Diamonds 3.33 CT 2 Ruby 0.07 CT 18KR 8.38 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewel...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby & Fancy Diamond Pave Set 18K Rose Gold Key Pendant
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 4.40x1.30x0.50cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "47 Fancy Diamonds 0.16 CT 27 Ruby 0.40 CT 18KR 2.56 GM (WDTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewel...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Red Ruby & Fancy Diamond 18K Rose Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 16.5"/18" Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "1 Fancy Diamonds 0.05 CT 10 Ruby 0.81 CT 18KR 3.27 GM (WDIT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewelry Colle...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 3.65 Carat Ruby and Diamonds 3D Pendant 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 3.65 Carat Ruby and Diamonds 3D Pendant 14k solid Gold. The pendant is very well designed and made to perfection.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18K Gold Necklace with Rubies and Diamond Pavé Bow Motif
Located in Roma, RM
A continuous row of vivid rubies follows the curve of the necklace, introducing rich color and visual depth, while diamond pavé accents along the openwork gold framework add refined ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Two-tone Gold 9 Pearl Strand, Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This necklace features nine strands of luminous white pearls elegantly interspersed with polished 18K yellow gold beads and vibrant ruby accents, all secured by a pave diamond white ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.50 carats with Diamond 0.12 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.3 cm Length: 2.7 cm Total Weight: 6.1 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.50 carat with Diamond 0.13 carat Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 1.97 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.44 carat with Diamond 0.15 carat Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.9 cm Total Weight: 1.47 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Bicolor Pendant Necklace with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a bicolor gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and old mine cut diamond. 0.50ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45 cm long an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Diamond and Ruby Miniature Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 25.0 Grams Stone: Diamond 0.414tcw, Ruby 0.415tcw Measurements: 47 x 34.35 x 9.6mm Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1730-102725-17
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 5.02 Ct. Natural Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18KT White gold 5.02 TS Natural diamond heart Belleropon gemlab certified report #R-202025118 with total 5.00 CTS diamonds around.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style Opal Diamond and Ruby Pendant in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive opal, 0.85 carat diamond and 0.15 carat natural ruby, Art Deco style platinum pendant; part of our diverse gemstone estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold Jose Hess Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Jose Hess
Located in Boston, MA
The breathtaking centerpiece ruby is complemented by the delicate diamond chain exquisitely crafted in lush 18k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Drop Choker Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Ruby and Diamond Drop Choker Necklace in 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace features 21 Shield-shaped Natural Rubies, weighing 12.30 carats, set individually and surrounded by...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Lion Brown & White Diamond Ruby 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: Lion measures 2.4x1.95cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "69 Brown Diamonds 0.58 CT 23 White Diamonds 0.15 CT 2 Ruby 0.06 CT 18KR 10.39 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.16 cts of Diamond and 1.33 cts of Ruby Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the rubies are 201 white round diamonds, totaling 1.97 carats, and 20 brown round diamonds, totaling 0.19 carats, all meticulously set to enhance their brilliance and cre...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
22.57 Carat Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Diamonds by The Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable piece of jewelry featuring a row of vibrant marquise cut rubies spaced by marquise cut diamonds. Made in Rose Gold. 45.50 inches Length. 115 rubies weighing 22.57 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Ruby and diamond pendant art deco 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
Ruby and diamond cluster pendant 18K white gold Composed of ruby and diamonds art deco pendant in 18k white gold Ruby natural gemstone total weight 0.45ct round cut Diamond solitaire...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A halo of 9 old cut diamonds surrounds the ruby. They are G colour and VS clarity, and total to 0.90 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Gold Sri Lankan Ruby Cts 0.42 with Diamond Accents Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The chain glimmers with six bezel‑set round diamonds totaling 0.13 cts, leading the eye toward an oval motif formed by four marquise diamonds (0.19 cts) and two princess‑cut diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
20 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking estate necklace showcasing a rich arrangement of natural oval rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds, elegantly set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14kt Gold & Silver Shell Pendant with Diamonds & Ruby, Italy
Located in Marcianise, IT
Distinctive and fascinating vintage-style pendant with extraordinary originality, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and 800 silver, embellished with rose-cut diamonds, a ruby, a caboch...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$12,869Sale Price|20% Off
15kt Gold and Silver Emerald, Ruby, Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Braintree, GB
An ornate 15kt gold and silver necklace featuring a tassel pendant suspended from an emerald- and diamond-set cluster surmount. The pendant is composed of alternating strands of emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Elegant Invisibly Set Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Gold Buckle Pendant
Located in Darnestown, MD
Exquisitely designed and made 18 karat gold pendant with invisibly set rubies and sapphires framed by diamonds. The pendant is in a buckle design measuring 1 1/4 inches in length and...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Classic Ruby Butterfly Diamond Yellow 18K Gold Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Gold 18K Necklace Yellow Same Model with Saphires Avaliable Diamond 3-0,05 ct Ruby 50-0,62 ct Weight 3,64 grams Size 45 cm It is our honour to create fine jewelry, and it’s for ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Handcraft Pheasant 14 Karat White Gold Diamonds Ruby Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handmade by our artisans,pheasant assembled with ruby and diamonds Pheasant total weight 3.20 grams Diamonds weight 0.39 karat Ruby weight 0.02 karat (the price is without chain)
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Pendant with Chain by Sophia D.
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Platinum set pendant and chain with rubies weighing 0.73 carats and center pear shape diamond weighing 1.01 carats and smaller diamonds with a total weight of 0.29 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Solid 14k Gold Crescent Moon Pendant Natural Ruby Gemstone Diamond Necklace
Located in Jaipur, IN
Solid 14k Gold Crescent Moon Pendant Natural Ruby Gemstone Diamond Necklace Fine Jewelry Details:- Item Code :- NEMJ-632 Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Net Weight - 4.30 Grams Dia...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Bird 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Ruby Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handmade by our artisans assembled with ruby and diamonds Bird total weight 4.90 grams Diamonds weight 1.04 karat Ruby weight 0.06 karat (the price is without chain)
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Round Diamond & Ruby Bezel Set Alternating Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Natural Round Diamond & Ruby Bezel Set Alternating Necklace Product: Natural Diamond & Ruby Adjustable Chain Necklace Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: The...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Falconer and Sons 18k Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace, Circa 1970
Located in Greenville, DE
A rare opportunity to acquire a remarkable ruby and diamond necklace that embodies beauty, elegance, royal heritage, and enduring value.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Italian Pendant Yellow Gold with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The design features a luxurious combination of diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, arranged in a timeless and elegant composition.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage 0.80ct Ruby & 0.58ct Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage 1970s ruby and diamond pendant has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Necklace Geometric Modernist
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Carat Weight: 1.0 ct total Ruby Carat Weight: 1.25 ct total Weight: 28.5 g
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Duck Pearls Diamonds Rubies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Pendant total weight 16.30 grams Diamonds weight 0.19 karat Pearl weight 11 grams Rubies weight 0.30 karat (the chain is not included in the price)
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Bvlgari Burma no heat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Necklace – SSEF Certified
Located in Roma, RM
The cabochon rubies create a striking contrast with the scintillation of the diamonds, resulting in a timeless and powerful aesthetic.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Halo Pendant - 14k Round .40ctw Floral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .16ctw Cut: Round Brilliant & Single Color: H - I Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Natural Rubies Treatment: Heat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Rubies 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handmade by artisans assembled with rubies and diamonds Necklace total weight 16.40 grams Rubies weight 3.50 karat Diamonds weight 3.12 karat Chain lenght 44 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chicks Necklace with Diamonds & Rubies in 18k Yellow Gold
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Chicks Necklace with Diamonds & Rubies in 18K Yellow Gold 31 Diamonds 0.14 CT 196 Fancy Diamonds 1.62CT 4 Bubies 0.05 CT 18 K Yellow Gold 7.84 GM Cute little animals always mak...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Collar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 178 round brilliant cut = 1.04cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ruby: 9 oval cut = 1.71cttw Dimensions: necklace measures 13-inches in len...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Diamond Ruby Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl is embedded –but minimally concealed- in a flower-like gold design set with diamonds and decorated with a faceted ruby bead. The pendant is accompanied by a 15” white gold ...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sceptres The Universal Original, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds
By ASTROM
Located in PARIS, FR
Wearable by both men and women, this High Jewellery piece features a sceptre surmounted by a crown adorned with diamonds, intense sapphires, rubies and emeralds. The crown highlighte...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.