48 Carat Natural Emeralds Ruby Sapphire Diamonds Statement Necklace 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Parisian Iconic Prime Natural Cabochon Emeralds, Sapphires & Rubies Statement Necklace 20ct Emeralds 8.00ct Sapphires 20ct Rubies Natural Round Diamonds: 12.95ct.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Statement Necklace 18" with Appraisal
Located in Eagan, MN
This is gorgeous quality necklace stamped with the Maker's Mark "14K CJ". But I'm not sure who "CJ" is. But I can tell you that this is just extraordinary necklace in every sense o...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed Oscar de la Renta Faux Diamond Statement Feather Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Dazzling signed Oscar de la Renta Runway Feather Necklace set with Sparkling Faux Diamonds; script Signature Hang Tag and Iconic Fleur De Lis Charm; approx. 18 Inches long, Chic and ...
Gold Plate
Schiaparelli Black Crystal Faux Diamond Lava Rock Art Glass Statement Necklace
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful signed Schiaparelli Runway Necklace featuring Black Crystal Faux Diamond enhanced with iridescent Lava Rock Art Glass stones; Silver Tone; circa 1950s-1960s; approx. size: ...
Silver Plate
Lions Head Diamond Emerald Gold Pendant Multi Strand Pearl Statement Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Fabulous! Lions Head Diamond and Emerald Gold Pendant on 9 Strand Pearl Necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar De La Renta Signed Faux Pearl and Faux Diamond Statement Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Oscar De La Renta signed Runway Necklace, comprising Faux Pearl Crown capped Sparkling Crystals. Signed with script Signature hang tag and Iconic Fleur de Lis Charm; Approx...
Certified Jade & Diamond Statement Pendant. Imperial Green Color & Substantial.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! 99% of jades of this quality are treated and color enhanced, but this jade is certified by 2 labs to be natural without any treatments! Here is a rare ...
Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Red Carpet 15 Carat Morganite and Diamond Gold Statement Pendant
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Statement Morganite and Diamond Gold Pendant. Featuring a securely Hand set Morganite, weighing approx. 15 Carats. Enhanced with Diamonds, approx. 0...
Diamond, Morganite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.02ct octagon-cut Sapphire & Diamond Statement Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Presenting an extravagant, statement piece, this Sapphire Pendant with a unique color and one-of-a-kind design! The centerpiece is a magnificent, 5.02 Carat Sapphire, that is emeral...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Retro Gold 8 Carat Natural Australian Opal & Diamond Statement Pendant 1990
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14K white gold pendant featuring a magnificent natural Australian pear-shaped opal weighing approximately 6.5 carats and measuring about 23 × 16 × 4 mm. The opal is framed by 2...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Fei Liu Bird Carved Prehnite Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Pendant
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Prehnite is a stone of unconditional love. Known as "grape jade" for its translucent light green colour. This limited edition statement pendant in 18ct yellow gold features an exquis...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980S Wide Diamond & Gemstone 18K Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning 18K Yellow "X" Grooved Gold Links with Diamond Pave and Cabochon Gemstone ( Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald) Statement Necklace.
Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Surprise a special woman in your life with this large, breathtaking, statement ruby diamond necklace.This eye-catching pendant necklace features 0.25ct total weight of accent diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Diamonds Rubies Blue Sapphire Paris Necklace Chain
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paris Chain Necklace Statement White Diamonds Rubies Blue Sapphire J Dauphin J DAUPHIN SS19 Necklace in 14K Gold plated brass Made in Los Angeles 2-3 weeks made to order
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Brass
135.41ct Ruby & Diamond Necklace & Bracelet Set 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Statement ruby with diamond necklace and bracelet high jewelry set. 77 rubies, 107.76 carats heat. 184 round brilliant diamonds, 27.65 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Style 23.72ct Kunzite with Diamonds Drop Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Statement Edwardian inspired kunzite with diamond necklace. 2pear shape kunzites, 23.72ct. 1.72 carats of round diamonds, approximately H/I color and SI clarity. 18-karat white gold ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s 9.39 Carat Diamond and 4.10 Carat Emerald White Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The tongue of the clasp is struck with the 14k gold fineness hallmark - 585. This vintage statement emerald necklace with diamonds is supplied with an independent diamond grading re...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Necklace This statement piece is intricately detailed in its beauty!
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Musical Scales Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous estate Art Deco style 18K yellow gold, diamond and sapphire statement necklace - a perfect gift for a music aficionado or performer.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
17.6 Carat Emerald 6.3 Carat Diamond Pendant Necklace Antique Estate Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular Antique Estate Emerald and Diamond Pendant Statement Necklace of great beauty.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.03 Carat Round Black Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surprise a special woman in your life with this large, breathtaking, statement hand crafted halo diamond necklace. This eye-catching pendant necklace features 0.38ct total weight of ...
Black Diamond, White Gold
3.49 Carat Round Black Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surprise a special woman in your life with this large, breathtaking, statement hand crafted halo diamond necklace. This eye-catching pendant necklace features 0.40ct total weight of ...
Black Diamond, White Gold
3.36 Carat Round Black Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surprise a special woman in your life with this large, breathtaking, statement hand crafted halo diamond necklace. This eye-catching pendant necklace features 0.40ct total weight of ...
Black Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Heavy Diamond Curb Link Necklace 3.40 Carat Pavé
By Larry Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal: Solid 18K Yellow Gold Style: Diamond Curb / Cuban Link Necklace Length: 16 inches Total Weight: 60.3 grams Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Diamond Quality: G color, VS2 clarity Si...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.25 Carat Round Black Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surprise a special woman in your life with this large, breathtaking, statement hand crafted solitaire black diamond necklace.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.28 Carat Round Black Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surprise a special woman in your life with this breathtaking, statement hand crafted solitaire black diamond necklace.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.22 Carat Round Black Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surprise a special woman in your life with this breathtaking, statement hand crafted solitaire black diamond necklace.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilbert Albert Blk Tourmaline, Ruby, Pearl & Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Gilbert Albert
Located in La Jolla, CA
Black Tourmaline, Ruby and Diamond Statement Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold by Gilbert Albert (Geneva) features Large Black Tourmaline Crystals set in textured 18k Yellow Gold with Rub...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9 Ct Pear Cut Emerald & 3.5Ct Diamond Halo Pendent/Necklace 14 KW Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 9 Ct Pear Cut Emerald & 3.5 Ct Diamond Halo Pendent/Necklace 14 Kt White Gold Chain 18 " Long large, breathtaking, statement Emerald and diamond Pendant necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
13 Ct Pear Cut Emerald & 1 Ct Diamond Halo Pendent/Necklace 14 KW Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
known weight of 12.75 Ct Pear Cut Emerald & 1 Ct Diamond Halo Pendent/Necklace 14 Kt White Gold Chain 18 " Long large, breathtaking, statement Emerald and diamond Pendant necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Designer Robins' Egg Blue and Faux Diamond Statement Necklace Bracelets
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning Pair of Designer Robins Egg Blue Cabochon Turquoise and Sparkling Cubic Zirconia Runway Bracelets; each measuring approx. 7.5 Inches long; push button tongue closures; conn...
Gold Plate
14K 1.44ctw Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant: Elegant Statement Necklace, Luxury
Located in Holtsville, NY
Step into a world of mesmerizing colors and natural beauty with our Rainbow Gemstone Radiance Collection. This Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant, a stunning creation from Jeweltiqu...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxury 14K Diamond Pendant Necklace - Exquisite & Timeless Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Experience the enchanting beauty of winter with our Snowflake Soirée Diamond Necklace, a masterpiece from the exclusive Snowflake Soirée collection.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 22.55ctw Diamond Collar Necklace - Exquisite & Elegant Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Weighing in at 23.9 grams, this necklace is a statement of both elegance and opulence.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer 14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace, Gemstone Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Make a statement of elegance and refinement with our exquisite Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxury 14K Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant & Timeless Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Experience the enchanting beauty of winter with our Snowflake Soirée Diamond Necklace. Part of our exquisite Snowflake Soirée collection, it showcases the delicate and unique intrica...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant & Timeless Statement Jewelry Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Experience the ethereal allure of winter with our Snowflake Soirée Diamond Necklace. This exquisite piece is part of our exclusive collection that captures the enchanting intricacy o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace - Timeless & Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Indulge in luxury with our meticulously crafted 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace. This stunning necklace is adorned with a trio of mesmerizing gemstones, including ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Gemstone Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing allure of nature with our Forest Ferns collection. This exquisite necklace, part of our Forest Ferns line, is a tribute to the lush, verdant fores...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Sapphire Diamond Pendant Necklace - Timeless & Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold pendant necklace, showcasing a captivating 0.62 Carat Faceted Oval Sapphire complemented by shimmering diamond accents. SPECIF...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Timeless & Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Step into elegance with this exquisite 14K yellow gold pendant necklace, showcasing a captivating 0.74 carat round brilliant emerald. Crafted to perfection, this piece exudes sophist...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace, 1.58ctw - Stunning Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
This captivating 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace boasts a stunning 1.58 Carat Emerald Cut Tourmaline, accented by 64 dazzling Single Cut Diamonds totaling 0.35 carats. Crafted to pe...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rubellite & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Design, Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Experience timeless elegance with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace featuring a stunning Pear Modified Brilliant Rubellite. Perfect for adding a pop of vibrant color to...
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Tourmaline Diamond Pendant Necklace - Vintage Jewelry, Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace, featuring a stunning 0.36 Carat Pear Brilliant Tourmaline and 0.22 Carats of sparkling Diamonds. This timeles...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxurious 14K Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace: Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing allure of the Rose Radiance pendant from our Vibrant Pink Treasures collection by Jeweltique. A celebration of the captivating Rubellite, reminisc...
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxurious 14K 32.23ctw Diamond Pendant Necklace - Exquisite Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Introducing the Magma Blaze Black Diamond Pendant, a masterpiece from Jeweltique's captivating collection that channels the fierce energy of a volcanic eruption. Meticulously crafted...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Gemstone Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of nature with our Forest Ferns collection. This exquisite pendant is a testament to the lush, verdant forests that inspire us. Featuring a ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 3.30ct Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Dive into the depths of elegance with our "Beneath the Waves" Sapphire and Diamond Ocean Pendant from the esteemed Jeweltique collection. This exquisite piece is a tribute to the mes...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Exquisite Gemstone Jewelry Statement
Located in Holtsville, NY
Embark on a journey of color and elegance with our Rainbow Gemstone Radiance Pendant from Jeweltique's exquisite collection. Crafted with passion and precision, this pendant is a mes...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace: Exquisite Luxury Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing allure of our Rainbow Gemstone Radiance Collection, where the vivid palette of nature's colors finds expression in the exquisite Pink Tourmaline a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 1.45ctw Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace: Exquisite Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of our Forest Ferns collection with this exquisite Emerald and Diamond Pendant from Jeweltique. Inspired by the verdant forests that grace o...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite 14K Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace: Luxe Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with the enchanting allure of the "Rose Radiance" pendant from our Vibrant Pink Treasures collection. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Rubellite, ...
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Necklace: Elegant Statement Piece, Timeless
Located in Holtsville, NY
Step into a world of mesmerizing colors with our Rainbow Gemstone Radiance collection, where each piece is a celebration of nature's kaleidoscope. The Enchanting Radiance Pendant, a ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Gemstone Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Dive into the enchanting world of the ocean with our "Beneath the Waves" Sapphire and Diamond Pendant. This exquisite piece from Jeweltique's collection is a testament to the captiva...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 1.64ctw Peridot & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with our exquisite Harmony in Green Peridot and Diamond Pendant, a true testament to the timeless beauty of nature. Crafted with precision and care in our Indian a...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 1.64ctw Peridot & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with our exquisite Harmony in Green Peridot and Diamond Pendant, a true testament to the timeless beauty of nature. Crafted with precision and care in our Indian a...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace - Elegant Gemstone Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of our Forest Ferns collection with this exquisite pendant. Crafted with precision and adorned with nature's finest treasures, it captures th...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k 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.