White Gold Emerald Diamond Pendant Omega Necklace
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat White Gold Emerald Diamond Pendant, 14 Karat Omega Necklace. The pendant features a step-cut emerald set in a rectangular bezel with nine channel-set princess-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Stunning 1.35 Carat Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning necklace features a centerpiece of six captivating square step-cut diamonds, weighing 0.72 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold Sapphire And Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 14KT white gold pendant is an exquisite piece of jewelry, featuring a square-shaped genuine blue sapphire with a weight of 0.25 carats. The sapphire is elegantly surrounded by r...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Modern 0.70 Carat Crisscut Diamond Platinum Station Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Classic cable chain necklace centers a rectangular diamond station - fixed in place Featuring a crisscut diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat - E color with VS clarity With a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat white gold (stamped 750) necklace set with twenty-four (24) 9mm square shaped freshwater pearls and twenty-four (24) round brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.20-car...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.04CTW Diamond Square Shape Pendant in 14KTRI
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a pendant with a trio of color and a celebration of form. This beautiful concentric-design features 1.04 carats of brilliant diamonds that decorate the nested squares of this...
Citrine, Diamond
Charles Krypell "Apple Peel" Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in Platinum
By Charles Krypell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Charles Krypell "Apple Peel" platinum, sapphire and diamond necklace features 272 square cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 15.00 carats, along with 204 round brilliant c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Checkerboard Cut Amethyst Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed checkerboard cut amethyst measuring approximately 8.0 x 8.0 mm - light pinkish lavender color Surrounded by a diamond halo and a diamond accented bale Round brill...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum, Gold
Sophisticated 1.20ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamond Halo Necklace - GIA
Located in רמת גן, IL
Sophisticated 1.20ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamond Halo Necklace with Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold - GIA Certified This exquisite 18k yellow gold diamond halo necklace showcases ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chimento 18 Karat Gold Greek Key Geometric Square Link Reversible Necklace
By Chimento
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as hinged square links - reversible with yellow gold on one side and white gold on the other. White gold side features an alternating pattern of linear and geometric motif l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace, Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine vintage emerald and diamond necklace in gold. Emerald Quality Color Green Cut Square Faceted Content...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Glamorous 10.92ct Diamonds Necklace in 14k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Glamorous 10.92ct Diamonds Necklace in 14k White Gold - IGI Certified Adorn yourself with the majestic allure of this 14k white gold necklace, featuring an extraordinary arrangement...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Diamond Pave Heart Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pendant with 3.00 ct. of good quality white diamond squares and rounds. Handmade in 14k white gold. Length is 16".
White Diamond, White Gold
Stunning 1.02ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamond Necklace with Pendant
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 1.02ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamond Necklace with Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold - GIA Certified This stunning pendant features a 1.02-carat square-cut diamond that dazzl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,056
18 Karat Gold Diamond Square Cluster Pendant
Located in London, England
A quirky 18k yellow gold and diamond pendant on chain. The central princess cut diamond measures 0.3cts, is F-G colour and has a clarity of VS. This is surrounded by 0.5cts of round ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Glamorous 10.92ct Diamonds Necklace in 14k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
The centerpiece comprises 234 vibrant purplish-red square rubies, totaling 4.87 carats. These captivating rubies are elegantly complemented by 505 round brilliant diamonds, weighing ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold AGL Colombian Emerald Baguette Diamond 26.92ctw Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Super Elegant Substantial AGL Colombian Emerald w/ Diamond Statement Necklace. Must See In Person!!!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marco Bicego 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Santorini Necklace
By Marco Bicego
Located in Plainview, NY
Maroc Bicego 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Santorini Necklace Exuding contemporary elegance and Italian artistry, this refined lariat-style necklace from the Santorini Collection by ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 0.18ct Diamond and Emerald Cross Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Square-cut emeralds totaling 0.70 carats and a square-cut 0.18 carat diamond add plenty of sparkle to the cross-shaped pendant, which measures 0.50 long by 0.45 wide and is suspended...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace is an exquisite piece of jewelry that showcases both unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance. This luxurious nec...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Bar Conversion Necklace 14K Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Item Details Material: 14K Gold White & Yellow Chain Style: 1.0mm Cable Chain Bar Width: 3mm Bar Length: 2 Inches Weight: 4.0 Grams Necklace Length: 18 Inches Including Bar Custom L...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Heart Slide Pendant Necklace 3.50ct 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Ruby Diamond Heart Slide Pendant Necklace 3.50ct 14K Yellow Gold Features 21 Genuine Natural Red Custom Cut Ruby Gemstones Rubies are Custom Cut to Fit the Heart Shape $270 in G...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Diamond Set 18ct White Gold Square Design Happy Diamonds Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chopard Diamond Set 18ct White Gold Square Design Happy Diamonds Pendant Brand- Chopard Model- Happy Diamonds Pendant Product Type- Pendant Serial Number- 2754833 Age- Circa 2004 Ac...
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace #18100
By BJC
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace This elegant cross pendant features 13 round single cut diamonds and 11 square cut sapphires set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
SeidenGang Vintage Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Hercules Greek Mythology Necklace
By SeidenGang
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is comprised of chain suspending panels with raised gold cameos Center panel depicts Helios, the sun god, riding a golden chariot pulled by Pyrois, Aeos, Aethon, and Phlegon...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seidengang Athena 18K Gold .34ct Diamond Rhodolite Garnet Large Pendant Necklace
By SeidenGang
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy :) --Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.10ctw (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Step Cu...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 3.02 Carat Aqua Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
The aqua is from a 1920's estate made into an Art Deco style pendant necklace by the Peter Suchy Workshop. 1 square step cut blue aqua, approx. 3.02cts 26 round diamonds, G-H SI ap...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 29.20 Carat Amethyst and 1.00 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The necklace is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Elongated Hexagonal Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace, 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
An Elongated Hexagonal Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace made in 18K Yellow. Sapphire Weight: 4.59 carats, Diamond Weight: 0.37 carats. Total Weight: 10.60 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rectangular Invisibly Set Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Rectangular Invisibly Set Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold. Total Weight: 11.06 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Single Strand Saltwater Natural Pearl Necklace with Emerald Diamond and Peridot
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive single strand, saltwater natural pearl necklace with a 0.40 carat emerald, 0.30 carat diamond and 0.15 carat peridot, white gold clasp; part of our di...
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Peridot, White Gold
5.47 Carats Natural Columbian Emerald & Diamonds Art Deco Style Pendant Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Emerald Art deco style Pendant Necklace set in Platinum 900 & Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.47 carats. The Emerald is natural, without a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Charming 18k Yellow Gold Necklace w/ .58 Carat Natural Diamonds IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
A sparkling square pendant with a chain with a dazzling 0.5-carat square modified natural diamond. It has 0.08 carat of side diamonds which add more to its elegance. The jewelry is m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.55 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Shape Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Heart shaped 14k yellow gold pendant set with 21 square cut rubies and a halo of full cut diamonds on a 18 inch box chain. 21 square cut red rubies, approx. .55cts 22 full cut diam...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Green Tourmaline, Sphene, and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful necklace showcasing a 8.52 ct. green tourmaline oval and two 7.70 ct. green sphene stones. 0.93 ct. good quality white diamonds. 18" length for chain. Handmade platinum mo...
Tourmaline, Platinum
Hexagonal Invisibly Set Yellow Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Hexagonal Shaped Invisibly Set Yellow Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold. Yellow Sapphire Weight: 4.74 carats, Diamond Weight: 0.68 carats. Total Weight: ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18KT Yellow Gold Signed Penny Pruelle Turquoise And Diamond Necklace
By Penny Preville
Located in New York, NY
The estate-signed Penny Preveil turquoise and diamond necklace. This exquisite piece features a single, beautifully faceted turquoise gemstone as its centerpiece, encircled by a halo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Estate H. Stern Citrine and White Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful H. Stern necklace with a square cabochon cut citrine and one single white diamond round brilliant.
Citrine, White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Brilliant 18k White Gold Natural Diamond Halo Necklace w/0.91 ct - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Brilliant 18k White Gold Natural Diamond Halo Necklace w/0.91 ct - GIA Certified Embrace timeless elegance with this brilliant diamond halo pendant necklace, meticulously crafted in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 20th Century Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Charming antique necklace, it consists of a thin filed convict mesh chain, which holds an antique pendant consisting of a square-shaped pattern and movement, set millegrain of a squa...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Bliss by Damiani Blue Topaz Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold 0.88cttw
By Bliss by Damiani
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bliss by Damiani pendant necklace features a prong set square blue topaz weighing 0.88cttw with 4 bezel set round cut diamonds weighing 0.03cttw of color H.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marvelous 18K White Gold Necklace w/ 1.5 ct Natural Diamonds IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
An elegant pendant with chain with a dazzling 1.5 carat round brilliant diamonds. The jewelry is made of 18K White Gold with a high quality polish. It comes with IGI certificate and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ladies Antique Art Deco 18k White Gold Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Chain Length: 16.00 inches Chain Width: 1.30mm Pendant Width: 13.75mm Weight: 4.32 grams Ladies 18K white gold single strand choker di...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Natural Sapphire and Diamond Bar Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat white gold bar pendant necklace set with five (5) square cut natural blue sapphires, surrounded by thirty round brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.30-carat total we...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Necklace Medal French Vintage Silver White Diamond Black Pearls
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Necklace Medal French Vintage Silver White Diamond Black Pearls 16" J Dauphin One of a kind French Vintage Up cycled Silver Spiritual Medal Pendant with White Diamond Set in ...
Pearl, Black Pearl, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Silver
Emerald Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Enhancer Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Pearl necklace show in photos is not included. 1 white mabe pearl, approx. 14mm 18 square cut green emeralds, approx. 1.44cts 32 round brilliant cut diamonds, G VS approx. 1.10cts ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vinatge GIA Aquamarine Diamond Yellow Gold Square Pendant Enhancer
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant 1970's aquamarine and diamond pendant is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Displaying a prominent centered emerald-cut bezel set aquamarine weighing approx. 28.18 c...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Whiteside & Blank Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Pendant Lavaliere 14K Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning antique Art Deco - Victorian - Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Lavaliere Pendant in 14 Karat Gold by the esteemed American jewelry maker Whiteside and Blank. The be...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 0.55 tcw Diamond 14k White & Rose Gold Square Pendant
Located in Towson, MD
This 14 karat white and rose gold diamond pendant weighing 3.51 grams features exceptional vintage craftsmanship with four princess-cut diamonds and twenty-three round brilliant diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Estate 1.28 TCW Princess Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Square Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 2.9 Grams Stone: Approx 1.28 TCW (0.08 ct) I/J VS-SI1 Diamonds Measurements: 23 x 14 mm Hallmark: 18K ITEM #:BR-1072-101323-01
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Regal 18k Rose Gold Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Style Necklace w/ Pendant w/1.47 ct
Located in רמת גן, IL
Regal 18k Rose Gold Ruby and Natural Diamond art deco style Necklace w/ Pendant w/1.47 ct - IGI Certified This stunning necklace features a captivating design, crafted from luxuriou...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Chopard LOVE Happy Diamond Square Pendant 18k White Gold 16.75" Chain
By Chopard
Located in Northbrook, IL
This Chopard 18k white gold pendant necklace is a refined piece of jewelry. It measures 16.75 inches in length and offers a comfortable fit. The pendant features the word "LOVE" in a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum 0.92ct Round Diamond Solitaire Squared Pendant w/Cable Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Cut - Prong Set - I Color - SI1 Clarity - 6.5x6.42x3.38mm (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 0.92 (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Pen...
Diamond, Platinum
Barzizza 18 Karat Gold, 22.2 Carat Semi-Precious and 2.95 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat white gold necklace is set with fourteen large square cut stones of Citrine,Yellow Quartz,Amethyst, and Blue Topaz.
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Quartz, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold...
18 Karat White Gold Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Square Dome Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 163 round brilliant cut = 1.88ct Color: H Clarity: SI Diamond: 42 fancy yellow = 0.55ct Clarity: SI Dimensions: pendant mea...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Square Dome Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 163 round brilliant cut = 1.88ct Color: H Clarity: SI Diamond: 42 fancy yellow = 0.55ct Color: H Clarity: SI Dimensions: pe...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman Cable Square Photo Locket Pendant on Pave Diamond Wheat Chain
By David Yurman
Located in San Diego, CA
David Yurman Photo Locket on Circle Diamond Wheat Chain Style: Pendant Necklace Metal: Sterling Silver & 18kt Yellow Gold Chain: 4 MM Circle Wheat Chain 16.5' inches with Pave Di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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.