34.04ct Multi Shape Diamond Fringe Statement Necklace 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
34.04ct Multi Shape Diamond Fringe Statement Necklace 18K White Gold features multi cut diamonds set in fringes which are set in a graduated style making statement diamond wedding ne...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
34.04ct Multi Shape Diamond Fringe Statement Necklace 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
34.04ct Multi Shape Diamond Fringe Statement Necklace 14K White Gold features multi cut diamonds set in fringes which are set in a graduated style making statement diamond wedding ne...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
14k Yellow and White Gold Diamond "V" Shape Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features 104 glittering diamonds channel set in a 14 karat gold pendant with yellow gold "x" links. The necklace is in a "V" shape design for those appreciate geometry ...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco Double Open Oval Diamond Platinum Statement Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Oscar Worthy Art Deco Double Open Oval Diamond Platinum Statement Pendant Necklace. Pave Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx. 2.00tcw.
Diamond, Platinum
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Graduated Riviera Gold Vintage Statement Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
A Stunning Oscar Worthy Diamond Half Way RBC Diamond Graduated Riviera Vintage Statement Necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1.0 Carat Diamond Riviera Statement Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The total diamond weight of this necklace is 1 cttw. 'Video Available Upon Request.'
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Nina Zhou Galaxy 50.50ctw Aquamarine Pink Sapphire Diamond Statement Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Enter a world of celestial elegance with the Galaxy 50.50ctw Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, and Diamond Statement Necklace. This piece features an array of aquamarine and pink sapphires,...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
13.10cttw Baguette Cut Diamond Tennis Statement Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and alluring, this diamond tennis statement necklace features prong set Baguette Cut shimmering white diamonds weighing 13.10 carats in total.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18.06 Total Carat Statement Sapphire and Diamond, White Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18.06 Total Carat Statement Sapphire and Diamond, White Gold Necklace Necklace worthy of royalty, designed to dazzle.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
17.20 Carat Colombian Emerald Statement Necklace with Multi-Cut Diamonds
Located in Jupiter, FL
This breathtaking emerald and diamond statement necklace is a masterpiece fit for royalty.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
58.05 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat White Tennis Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 58.05 Carat Round Brilliant G VS1 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Gems Stone Necklace Style: Tennis-Statement Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstone 1: 58.05 Carat Diamond Number of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Lauren Harper Collection 1.62 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Statement Necklace
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
Inspired by the art and sculptures of the 1920's Art Deco era, this Diamond and 18kt Gold geometric necklace is delicate yet makes a serious statement.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro Gold 5 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace, Circa 1975
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One magnificent 14K yellow gold and natural diamond necklace, measuring 16 1/2 inches in length and weighing approximately 23.4 grams. This stunning piece is set with approximately 1...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Symphony 28.50 ctw Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Statement Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Symphony 28.50 ctw Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Statement Necklace, a masterpiece that transforms light and color into wearable art.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Emerald Ruby and Diamond Cascade Gold Link Statement Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Gold Link Cascade Statement Necklace. Featuring Emeralds, weighing approx. 1.80tcw, Rubies, approx. 2.00tcw and Rose cut Diamonds, approx. 2.25tcw.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 27.20cts Gemstone 9cts Diamond 18K Gold Statement Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This statement necklace is 16" long, and 18 mm in width, embraces your neck with a regal presence, and is secured seamlessly by a hidden insert clasp, ensuring a sleek and uninterrup...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold
Baguette Cut Diamond Tennis Statement Necklace 18K White Gold 16.24cttw
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and alluring, this diamond tennis statement necklace features prong set Baguette Cut shimmering white diamonds weighing 16.24 carats in total.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Graduated Brilliant Diamond Cluster Bib White Gold Classic Statement Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Experience the refined luxury of this exquisite necklace. This piece is meticulously designed with a continuous line of sparkling diamonds, each set in a delicate prong setting, crea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$27,856Sale Price / item|20% Off
Statement 15.77TCW Zambian Emerald Halo Diamond Wedding Necklace 18k Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Celebrate this festive season with a touch of pure brilliance. Our 18K gold diamond choker necklace is more than jewelry it’s a statement of timeless elegance.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Lauren Harper 2.79 Carat Diamonds, 18 Karat Gold Statement Necklace
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
This crown design necklace is feminine and delicate, while making a true impact! Finished in Lauren Harper's signature 18kt Gold matte yellow gold, this necklace will complete any l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$16,625Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Diamond 21.54ct Cluster Statement Choker Necklace 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Magnificent in scale and compelling in design, this 21.54 carat Natural Diamond Cluster Choker Necklace in 14 karat white gold presents one of fine jewellery's most impactful formats...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby 14.22Cttw and Diamond 21.05Cttw Statement Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Made to win your heart at first sight! This lavish and enchanting masterpiece is adorned with captivating 11 pear and oval shaped purplish red rubies in tear drop graduated design we...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heavy Platinum Statement Necklace with Diamonds Scallop Design PT850 49g R4711
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Heavy Platinum Statement Necklace with Diamonds Scallop Design PT850 49g R4711 ♥ Both sides are brightly polished, the entire necklace has a puffy scallop / shell-like design
Diamond, Platinum
22.20tcw Fine Quality Colombian Pear Emerald & Diamond Accent Statement Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
A crown of brilliant round, marquise, and tapered baguette diamonds highlights the remarkable emerald. A true statement that necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 7.0ct Diamond and Sapphire Statement Necklace MF37-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The necklace itself is a mix of pearls and 18k yellow gold collars with diamond rings.Offered in estate condition, this 18K Yellow Gold 7.0 ct Diamond and 13.50 ct Sapphire Statement...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Inspired 6.00 Carat Round Cut Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Elevate your collection with this breathtaking White Gold diamond statement necklace, boasting a stunning 6.0 carats of meticulously selected, brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Statement Tanzanite Diamond Chain Necklace 18k White Gold, Bridesmaid Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Statement Tanzanite Diamond Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded with baguette cut tanzanite and round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luxury Heavy Evening Diamond Heart, Puffy Panther Link Statement Necklace 8.00ct
Located in Great Neck, NY
Commanding in presence and artistry, this ultra high-end contemporary/ Mid-Century Style white gold diamond necklace is a statement of power, glamour, and impeccable taste.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$20,850Sale Price|20% Off
Impressive Emerald Diamond White 18K Gold Statement Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White 18K Gold Necklace With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-based jewelry brand that creates modern jewelry masterpieces suitable for every...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Statement Diamond Tassel Necklace 14k White Gold Multi Row
Located in Great Neck, NY
Striking 14k White Gold Multi-Row Diamond Necklace, 9.50 Carats Crafted in luminous white gold, this sophisticated necklace is set with approximately 8.50 carats of brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
11.00 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Title: 105.00 Carat 11.00 Carat Round Brilliant H VS1 Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Necklace Style: Statement Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 105 Carat PERI Number o...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Fringe Necklace in 18K White Gold Statement Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
An extraordinary handcrafted necklace in 18K white gold featuring cascading pear-shaped natural blue sapphires paired with brilliant natural diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Natural Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold Floral Statement Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
Crafted in elegant 18K white gold, this exquisite necklace features vivid natural blue sapphires paired with brilliant natural diamonds in a graceful floral-inspired tennis design.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
10.62tcw 18K Royal Colombian Emerald & Diamond Floral Choker Statement Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
Fit for royalty, the Colombian Emerald and Diamond Choker is an extraordinary masterpiece of opulence and elegance. At its center lies a magnificent 5.33-carat emerald cut emerald fr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Retro Gold Natural 0.65 CT Diamond Statement Necklace by CHIAMPESAN Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Retro-era necklace is crafted in two-tone white and yellow gold and is stamped 585, confirming 14K gold purity. Made in Italy by Chiampesan, the design features oval gold links ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,790Sale Price / item|20% Off
Fashionable Italian White Diamond White Gold Statement Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Necklace Diamond 4-RND 57-0,01-4/6 Diamond 4-RND 57-0,19-4/5 Diamond 8-RND 57-0,16-99 Length 45 m Weight 4.56 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry tra...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 14K White Gold 8.0 Carat Diamond Riviera Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
As elegant as it is dramatic, this dazzling Riviera diamond necklace elevates any attire. Expertly crafted in cool weaves of 14K white gold, this eye-catching design features flower-...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Luxury 18k White Gold Statement Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Necklace, 82.58 Carats
Located in Great Neck, NY
A jewel of distinction and grandeur, this 18K solid white gold sapphire and diamond necklace captures the very essence of high jewelry.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro Gold & Steel 0.6 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace Circa 1985
By Philippe Charriol
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18K yellow gold and steel statement necklace set with 30 natural round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 0.60 carats total.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Natural Diamond Marquise Collar Necklace in 18K White Gold Statement Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
Featuring 10.17 carats of marquise-cut natural diamonds with SI clarity and H-I color, this elegant statement necklace delivers exceptional brilliance and refined sophistication.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
7.30 Carat Diamond Emerald 14 Karat White Gold Statement Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat white gold, this exquisite necklace is hand set with 6.25 carats Emerald and 7.30 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the lates...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Statement 6.9ct Natural Emerald Diamond Halo Paperclip Chain Necklace 14K Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These may birthstone necklace are a perfect gift for Anniversary Gift, Birthday Gift, Engagement Gift, Wedding Gift, Mothers Day Gift, Easter Gift, Statement Jewelry Daughter, Girlfr...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold 8 Carat Natural Diamond and Multicolor Cabochon Statement Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With nearly 8 carats of natural, colorless diamonds, this piece is a vibrant and luxurious statement necklace.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Triple Heart Link Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A large heart sits between two smaller ones in this lovely statement necklace. Invisible set, glimmering princess cut diamonds inlay the hearts.
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
26.61 Carat Emerald 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Statement Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat white gold, this exquisite necklace is hand set with 26.61 carats Emerald and 21.0 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the late...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
4.50CT T.W. Diamond Natural Earth-Mined Link Choker Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 4.50ct t.w. diamond natural earth-mined link choker statement necklace will instantly elevate any look.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$79,880Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum & Gold GIA 169.84ctw Sapphire Emerald Ruby & Diamond Statement Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 22 Natural Genuine Sapphires - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Yellow Orange Color - Ceylon - Heated - 89.14ctw exact *See Certification Details Below For More Info* 68 Natural Ge...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
53.04 TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Statement Fringe Necklace 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
53.04 TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Statement Fringe Necklace 18K White Gold features oval cut emerald set as charms with diamonds cluster studded below the arc of the emeralds and some d...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
53.04 TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Statement Fringe Necklace 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
53.04 TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Statement Fringe Necklace 14K White Gold features oval cut emerald set as charms with diamonds cluster studded below the arc of the emeralds and some d...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Black Star & Frost Diamond Cabechon Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Statement Necklace
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant 18 karat yellow gold Black, Starr & Frost statement necklace features a sophisticated series of cabochon colorful citrine, amethyst, and tourmaline gemstones accente...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold 4.0 Carat Round Diamond Graduating Riviera Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous riviera statement necklace is created in the finest 10k yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
47.61TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Halo Statement Choker Necklace 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
47.61TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Halo Statement Choker Necklace 14k White Gold features oval cut Zambian emerald set with halo of diamonds around in a choker.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
47.61TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Halo Statement Choker Necklace 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
47.61TCW Oval Emerald Diamond Halo Statement Choker Necklace 18k White Gold features oval cut Zambian emerald set with halo of diamonds around in a choker.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.33Cttw Round Cut Diamond Statement Necklace 18K White Gold 16 Inches
Located in New York, NY
This luxury full diamond statement necklace is set with 520 pave set round brilliant cut shimmering diamonds totaling 8.33 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.31Cttw Round Cut Diamond Statement Necklace 18K Yellow Gold 16 Inches
Located in New York, NY
This luxury full diamond statement necklace is set with 520 pave set round brilliant cut shimmering diamonds totaling 8.31 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Statement 21.45 TCW Zambain Emerald Diamond Accents Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
This emerald and diamond necklace, designed to capture attention with its vibrant color and exceptional brilliance. Featuring a series of rich green oval-cut emeralds, each stone is ...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Hexagon Onyx Platinum Vintage Statement Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful Art Deco Diamond and Hexagon Black Onyx Platinum Pendant Necklace. The Hexagon Onyx, centering a .44 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and surrounded by 1.10tcw Diamond...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
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.