Tassel Pendant Diamond Ruby Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond, ruby and pearl chandelier pendant features a cascade with 6 South Sea pearls of 12mm diameter.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,184Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage statement cabochon Ruby citrine brilliant cut diamonds silver Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
This gorgeous pendant is made up of oxidized silver with rare natural cabochon rubies and natural citrine. The look of the pendant is enhanced with the real brilliant cut diamonds th...
Diamond, Ruby, Citrine, Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century Diamonds Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Flat, it is carried out in smooth gold and decorated on its top in setting star of 5 rose- cut diamonds and in the center, of a cushion- cut ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman for J. E. Caldwell Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Bethesda, MD
Caldwell ♦ Circa: 1965 ♦ Metal: Platinum ♦ Length: 16inches ♦ Gemstone: 9 Rubies=6.85cts, ♦ 221 Diamonds=11.91carats ♦ Packaging: J.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Octopus Pendant in 18K Gold Diamonds, Rubies, Pearl Shell
Located in Hong Kong, HK
With six arms to hold you, you'll fall in love with this octopus pendant, which is a part of our sea wonders collections. Crafted in 18kt rose gold, the animal's wavy arms are brilli...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vacheron Constantin Rare Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Necklace and Earrings Set
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful necklace by Vacheron Constantin Rare and unique piece Made of 18K gold Fantasy chain with diamonds and 28 rubies with a total weigth of ca. 2.27ct Heart main piece with a ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire
Alternating Ruby and Diamond Open Heart Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Celebrate romance and timeless elegance with this ruby and diamond heart shaped necklace, beautifully crafted in 14 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,948Sale Price|25% Off
Circa 1870s 8k Gold Ottoman Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Total weight is 13.8 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond about 4 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J-K-L-M-Brown and s1-s2-s3-Pique.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
0.45ct Round Ruby & 0.59 Diamond Pendant Set in 18ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
This elegant pendant showcases a vibrant 0.45ct round ruby beautifully complemented by 0.59ct of sparkling round natural diamond, all set in luxurious 18ct white gold.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold .50 CTW Ruby and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Stuart, FL
14k yellow gold .50 CTW ruby and diamond halo pendant necklace. The diamonds are all round and the ruby is oval, pendant comes on a 16 inch diamond cut cable chain, has a lobster cla...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Clarissa Bronfman Lapis Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pendant Beaded Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Suitable for multi use - 2 rose cut diamond and silver large spacer beads - Rose cut diamond and silver closing top clasp Pendant consists of: - 925 sterling silver - diamonds - r...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
8.00 Carat Ruby 6.15 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Gems Stone Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 8.00 Carat Round Brilliant Ruby 6.15 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Gems Stone Necklace Style: Gems Stone Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstone 1: 6.15 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Iris Flower Ruby and Diamond Openwork Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its center lies a 0.19-carat oval-cut natural ruby, surrounded by delicate accents of sparkling natural diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,318Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Drop Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Total weight is 14.9 grams. Totally is diamond 3.20 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$320,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 5 Ct. Mozambique Ruby VIVID Red Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
The ruby is surrounded by a stunning arrangement of brilliant and marquise-cut diamonds and is suspended from a heart-shaped diamond surmount.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
21.58 Carat Ruby and 30.98 Carat Diamond Halo Flower Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Each ruby and diamond halo is spaced by a single fancy shape diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.7Ct Madagascar Ruby Pendant with Natural Diamond Accent: Solid 14K Gold, 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
. "1.7Ct Madagascar Ruby Pendant in 14K Gold – Bold Scarlet Sparkle" Specifications: Item Type: Pendant Center Stone: Ruby Treatment: Filled Weight: 1.7cts Head Size: 8x6mm Shape...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby and Diamond Necklace Earrings Set Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The total weight of rubies after cutting is approximately 60 carats. The total weight of diamonds is 6.70 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 40 Ct Ruby 8.90 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Brooch/Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent brooch/pendant come in 18k gold with a Natural Ruby, in perfect oval/cabochon cut , of 40 carat, extra fine quality, spectacular color, and 624 pieces of Natural Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond, and Ruby Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: round brilliant cut = 0.19cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Paraiba Tourmaline: 0.27cttw Weight: 5.54 grams
Diamond, Tourmaline, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Onyx, White Stones, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Gold and Silver Necklace
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing multi-strands necklace mounted with two strands of onyx ( 8 mm) and a butterfly clasp in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure studded with diamonds for all the body and rubies...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Sophia D. Heart Shaped Platinum Pendant with Rubies and Diamonds
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Art Deco inspired platinum set pendant by Sophia D. consisting of a 0.80 carat heart shaped diamond in the center and French cut rubies weighing 0.63 carats along with 0.32 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$20,370Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified 17 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Certified 17 Carat Ruby and Diamond in 18K Gold studded with oval cut ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
14 Karat White Gold Necklace with Diamond and Ruby Pendant 1.25 TDW
Located in Stamford, CT
14Kt White Gold Charm 18 inch Necklace with Diamond And Ruby Pendant 1.25 Total Diamond Weight 0.20ct Ruby Weight 6.53 grams total weight
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
1.9Ct Madagascar Ruby Pendant with Natural Diamond Accent: Solid 14K Gold, 6.5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Each piece showcases the timeless elegance of fine jewelry, combining the rarity of authentic Madagascar rubies with the enduring sparkle of genuine diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Drop Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold, 18.75" long
Located in La Jolla, CA
Vintage Drop Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace features 5 Vibrant Red Cushion-shaped Rubies accented with Marquise and Round Brilliant Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette Shaped Mozambique Ruby Minimal Pendant Accented With Diamonds In 18k
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Metal Details: 18KT Gold Weight: 3.53 grams Diamond Details: Diamond Weight: 0.67 carats Product Features: Style: Minimal Pendant Design: Baguette-Shaped Ruby with Diamond Halo Met...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Madagascar Ruby Pendant with Natural Diamonds in Solid 14K Gold – Round 4.5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Accented with sparkling earth mined diamonds, this design adds brilliance and sophistication, enhancing the ruby’s natural fire and elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
38.30ct Natural Ruby and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
38.30Ct Natural Ruby and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Necklace Natural Oval Ruby Weights Approx. 36.90 Carats Ruby Measures: Approx. 5x3 - 6x4 - 8x6 mm Total Natural Round Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Sapphire Ruby Yellow Gold 3D Cowboy Boot Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's 3D hand detailed western cowboy boot pendant in solid 14k gold set with genuine diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Set with 4 round brilliant cut diamonds, 4 round blue ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Carved Jade, Diamond, Onyx Ruby Pendant Enhancer
Located in beverly hills, CA
Below the jade are eight round cut diamond with an round cabochon ruby. Clusters of sparkling diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 carat (F-G color and VS clarity), set in white gol...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 0.30tcw Ruby and 0.15tcw Diamond Tahitian Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This vintage pendant is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a luminous Tahitian pearl accented by rubies and diamonds. The pearl displays deep natural luster, beautifully complem...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Flower Brooch Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 10.21 carats with Diamond 3.84 carats Brooch set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 3.8 cm Length: 4.1 cm "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store was then situated in t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
AIG Certified 4.10 Ct Burma Ruby 4.80 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Burma Ruby and Diamonds pendant. Crafted with meticulous attention on details and with extremely care on manufacture.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.74 carats with Diamond 0.11 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 0.6 cm Length: 2.6 cm Total Weight: 3.25 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.78ct Ruby & 0.28ct Diamond Pendant in 18k White Gold, Circa 2000
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive contemporary ruby and diamond pendant has been crafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Necklace Graceful Modern Jewelry 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
7.12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Necklace Graceful Modern Jewelry, 18K White Gold Ruby Weight: 7.12 carats Diamond Weight: 4.98 carats This stunning 18K white gold necklace features 7.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold With Oval Ruby and Natural Diamond Teardrop Smile Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Metal: 18k Gold Gemstone: Oval Ruby and Natural Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: 0.680 (3 stones) Gold Weight: 0.840 g Design: Teardrop smile with ruby and diamond accents A symbol of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Adler 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Lionshead Doorknocker Enhancer Pendant
By Adler
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Vintage piece features 76 diamonds in the lion's mane and two cabochon rubies as the eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.71 carats with Diamond 0.41 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.2 cm Length: 2.6 cm Total Weight: 4.47 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Certified 3.85 Carat Natural Diamond & Pink Sapphire Thai Ruby Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent Platinum Certified 3.85 Carat Natural Diamond & Pink Sapphire Thai Ruby Pendant. The certified centerstone is a 3.25 carat Cushion Shape Natural (Untreated) Pink Sapph...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Impressive Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Pendant Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
44.60 CTW Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Diamond necklace Total Necklace Weight: 28.7 Grams Necklace Length: 74.8cm (18.5 Inches) Center Ruby Weight: 3.50 Carat (10.00x8.00 Millimeters) Side ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.16 Carat Diamonds 10.54 Carat Invisible Set Ruby Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wearable Length: 16" Pendant Measurement: 23 mm Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Type: Diamonds 0.16 CT G VS2 and 10.54 Ct Natural Ruby Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 10.9 Grams Condition:...
Diamond, Ruby
Ruby with Diamond Pendants set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.69 carats with Diamond 0.46 carat Pendants set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.6 cm Total Weight: 5.12 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Reversible Octagonal Ruby Pendant Yellow Sapphire Bird Diamond Gold Pendant
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The bird is accented with a warm yellow sapphire at its center, adding a luminous golden contrast to the vivid ruby background. Brilliant-cut diamonds are set at the tips of the bran...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burmese Ruby Cabochon and Old Cut Diamond Necklace/Bracelet, circa 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A rare Victorian ruby cabochon and diamond necklace/bracelet in yellow gold, ca. 1890s.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cultured Pearl Necklace with an Emerald and Ruby Cabochon, and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A Cultured Pearl Necklace with an Oval Emerald Cabochon, a Pear-Shape Ruby Cabochon, and Diamonds on the pendant and on the clasp as well.
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby
Italian Yellow Gold Panther Head Pendant with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The ruby adds a touch of vibrant contrast, perfectly complementing the warm glow of the polished yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 19.82 Carat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Drop Necklace in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A Unique and Certified necklace showcasing the captivating dual beauty of rubies and diamonds, highlighted by a ruby drop. It features 17 natural, unheated pear-shaped rubies weighin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.16ct Diamond & Ruby Pendant Necklace PD4-15752WRU
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Put on this diamond and ruby necklace and let your look sparkle with a statement.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Pendant in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
(approx. in total) Center Gemstones Type: Ruby Shape: Oval Size: 4 x 3 mm. Number: 1 Weight: 0.10 Carat (approx. in total) Accent Gemstones I Type: Diamond Shape: Round Average Col...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$600Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 0.50ct Deep Red Ruby & 0.20ct Diamond Sunburst Pendant Enhancer
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
The piece is adorned with a gorgeous 0.50 carats oval well- saturated deep red ruby from Thailand and with 0.20 carats of brilliant diamonds surrounding and icing all over the red ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Ruby Cts 62.10 and Diamond Tassel Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace is adorned with small pearls along the chain and 12 pearls at the ends of the ruby beads. Also, a total of 1.65 carats of sparkling diamonds give this magnificent piec...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Heart Pendant - 14k Round Brilliant .50ctw Love
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity: I2 Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .30ctw...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Cross Pendant - 14k Round Brilliant .39ctw Faith
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI2 - I1 Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Necklace and Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pendant holds a square ruby measuring 10pts and is surrounded by a total of 15pts. The pendant and chain is modelled in 9ct gold. Chain Length: 50cm Pendant Dimensions...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Flying Swallows Pendant with Rubies and Champagne Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rubies 0.04 carat approx. Champagne diamonds 0.20 carat approx.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 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.