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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
18 K Rose Gold Chain with Pendant Pink Sapphires Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very attractive bombé style pendant pavé set with 71 pink Sapphires weighing 3.06 ct and 17 brillinat cut Diamonds weighing 0.55 ct, G color, vs clarity. Length of the chain 40 cm. D...
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Dazzling 18k White Gold Necklace with 0.01 Ct Natural Pearl and Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful necklace with a dazzling round natural pearl. It has 0.01 carat of side diamonds which add more to its elegance. The jewelry is made of 18k white gold with a high quality...
Category

2010s Singaporean Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Necklace and Earclips
Located in New York, NY
The wide gold necklace composed of geometric hammered gold links, featuring a cabochon emerald and ruby, framed and accented by round diamonds, tog...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold

4 Carat Pave Diamond Rectangular Shape Pendant Necklace 18 Karat In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 4ctw Pave Diamond Rectangular Shape Pendant Necklace Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 4 carats of invisible set diamonds. There are Pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.41 Carat Pave Diamond Flower Necklace 18 Karat In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 0.41ctw Pave Diamond Flower Necklace Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 0.41 carats of Round...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roberto Coin Love Letter J Pendent with Diamonds 001634AYCHXJ
Located in Wilmington, DE
Roberto Coin Love Letter J Pendant with Diamonds 18kt Yellow Gold Diamonds 0.05 total carat weight 18″ Chain 001634AYCHXJ
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mask Pendant in 18K Gold with Emerald & Diamond
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural Mask Pendant situating Brancusi’s modernity in conversation with West African sculptural tradition, featuring an eye set with a round cut emera...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamonds and Emerald
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
A yellow gold necklace with brilliant cut diamonds and oval cut gemstones is a stunning piece of jewelry that effortlessly blends classic elegance with vibrant color. The necklace fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

4.50ct Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow gold necklace. The necklace is set with sparkling baguette and round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 4.50ct. The color of these diamonds is F-G wi...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

2.07 Carat Emerald Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
2.07 carats oval Zambian Emerald, framed with 12 round diamonds with pointer 12.0, totaling a diamond weight of 1.44 carats. This stunning Emerald Diamond Pendant...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Green Tourmaline & Enamel Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold 5 Diamonds 0.03ct
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer pendant necklace, Cocktail collection, 18k yellow gold white gold, emerald green vitreous enamel with three paillons, 5 diamonds, total 0.03 ct, G VS, green Tourmaline ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, White Gold

13 Carat Combine Mix Shape Diamond Necklace Certified
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Necklace: Carat Weight: 13.06 Carats Style: Combine Mix Shape Chains: 14 Karat Rose Gold Setting: Pave
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Single Ant Pendant Necklace Yellow Gold Black Rhodium Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning pendant features a unique design inspired by the queen ant, symbolizing strength and leadership. The combination of 14k yellow gold and black ...
Category

2010s North American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rhodium, Yellow Gold

14k White Gold Diamonds Large Spider Pendant Necklace jherwitt unique gift
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the captivating SP301PD WG Limited Edition Spider Pendant, a stunning embodiment of creativity and self-determination. Crafted with meticulo...
Category

2010s North American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diana M.Custom 40.00 Cts Diamond-By-The-Yard Necklace 42" 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Custom 42" 18k white gold long bezel set approximately 40.00cts diamond-by-the-yard 125stone 0.32 each. Color FG SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Gold Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Fabulous! Beautiful Finely detailed Red Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Hand set with Rubies, weighing approx. 2.90tcw and Diamonds, ap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Dimos 18k Gold Diamond Neoclassic Necklace
Located in Athens, GR
18k gold from the Balance collection Necklace that says is it all. Around in a square elements of neo classic aesthetics with granulation and set with very white brilliant diamond to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Neoclassical Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

POLINA ELLIS White Diamonds 18k Raw White Gold Necklace
Located in Κηφισιά, GR
This necklace from POLINA ELLIS' ENOSIS collection is handcrafted in 18K raw white gold with 0,52ct white brilliant cut diamonds. Total Length: 40cm
Category

2010s Greek Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Clear Crystal Diamond Bracelet Pendant Necklace Set 14k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous pendant necklace and bracelet set is crafted in 14k white gold and encrusted with 4 round cut diamonds and clear crystals. Chain length: 16 Inches. Pendant size: 38mm. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire & Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
6 pear shape sapphires weighing 1.04 cts 1 round sapphire weighing .04 cts 18 round diamonds weighing .13 cts H-SI Set in 18k white gold Adjustable 16-18 inch white gold...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Kat Florence 18 Carat Gold and If Diamond Wasp Pendant Brooch
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning Kat Florence designer pendant brooch. Solid and substantial piece, solid 18 carat yellow gold. Pave set with round brilliant cut diamonds, IF-VVS1, E-F. 0.87 carats total....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

4.40 Carat Rubellite and Diamond Necklace
Located in Carlsbad, CA
• 4.40 Carats of Rubellite • 2.10 Carats of Diamonds • 18K Gold • 16 Inches Gift box included
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, White Gold

5 Ant Crumb Necklace Yellow Gold Black Rhodium Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These devoted subjects want to tote that precious crumb back to their queen, but it's meant to twinkle and tempt right there at your décolleté. AT408NK YG/BR Limited Edition 14k y...
Category

2010s North American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rhodium, Yellow Gold

Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Solar Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The solar-shaped pendant is crafted in 18k yellow gold and paired with lapis lazuli edged by 45 round brillant cut white diamonds for 0.18 ct. The solar gold ornament measures ≈ 1 1/...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Pave Diamond High Heel Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = .46cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: pendant measures 14 X 21.50mm Weight: 2.90 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alexander 12.32 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Beautiful and classic diamond tennis necklace, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 12.32 carats of round brilliant diamonds, approximately G/H color and VS clarity. 18k white gold, 13.38 gra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Victorian Era, Silver, 15 Karat Gold, Natural Pearl, and Diamond Brooch Necklace
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A very beautiful Victorian brooch pendant crafted from gold and silver, set with a natural pearl and diamonds. The brooch section of the piece contains 6 old European cut diamonds an...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Si...

Maria Kotsoni Contemporary 18k Gold XO Pink Enamel Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Nicosia, CY
The XO, pendant necklace is crafted in 18K gold hallmarked in Cyprus. This cool pendant necklace, comes in a highly polished finish and features 0.23 Cts...
Category

2010s Cypriot Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

GIA Burma Red Ruby & Trillion Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous GIA 4.43 ct. purplish red ruby oval cabochon with 0.35 ct. good quality white diamond trillion. Handmade in platinum. Length is 18". GIA certificate included.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Roberto Coin White Gold Cross Pendent with Diamonds 001857AWCHX0
Located in Wilmington, DE
Roberto Coin Cross Pendent with Diamonds 18k White Gold Diamonds 0.39 Carat Total Weight Chain Length 18" 001857AWCHX0
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Psychedelic Solitaire Necklace 5.9gms 8.15ctw Tourmaline and Cobalt Enamel
Located in New Orleans, LA
Manifest unused potential and enhance your perception. This one of a kind necklace, featuring an oval shaped pink tourmaline and sky blue enamel, is designed to challenge what we con...
Category

2010s American Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Enamel

1.40 Carat Total Red Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
Floral motif pendant necklace featuring a vibrant pear shape ruby approximately weighing at 0.62 carats, accented by mixed shape diamonds that weigh about 0.78 carat, FGG color and V...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov, 0.31 Carat Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This simple and timeless pendant necklace showcases one brilliant round cut diamond. Diamond weighs 0.31 carats and mounted in a beautiful three prong setting. Made in 14 karat and 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 0.45ct Diamond and Platinum Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1930's 0.45 carat diamond and platinum locket - boxed; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry...
Category

20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Pearl Brooch Pendant in 15 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.86 carat sapphire, 1.33 carat diamond and pearl, 15 carat yellow gold and silver set pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collectio...
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hexagonal Amethyst Pendant with Diamond Halo 3.75 Carat and Chain in 14k Gold
Located in Austin, TX
Hexagonal is an unusual shape for a gemstone but this amethyst will definitely delight anyone’s taste for unique. The lovely amethyst was cut by an American gemstone artist and was s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

43.66 Ct Tanzanite Diamond 18 K White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Territet, CH
We all remember the iconic film TITANIC by James Cameron featuring the shipwreck of the most famous shipwreck in the world. As a symbol of love and wealth Rose’s fiancé gifted her an incredible jewellery named « The Heart Of The Ocean...
Category

20th Century Russian Empire Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold

Magic Wand Pendant Green Tourmaline Heart And Diamonds Yellow/White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Lois D. Sasson Design 14k yellow and white gold magic wand pendant with heart green tourmaline and diamonds. Chain not included Made in USA Length 52.40mm Width of the bottom heart ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Black 18ct Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Crab Pendant Brooch
Located in St Helens, GB
A superb quality and highly unusual crab pendant brooch. Solid 18 carat white gold which has been expertly oxidized all over to give a blackened matt fini...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold

Melting Ice 18k Yellow Gold Tanzanite Drop Necklace by MadStone
Located in El Dorado Hills, CA
Specs: 18k yellow gold necklace with 1.25 carats of tanzanite and 0.15 carats of white diamond. Story: The Melting Ice collection by MadStone designer Kerri Halpern draws influence...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White 4k Gold in Black Rhodium Diamonds Large Spider Pendant Necklace jherwitt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exceptional SP301PD YGBR Limited Edition Spider Pendant, a sophisticated tribute to creativity and personal empowerment. For centuries, the spider has symbolized inge...
Category

2010s North American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Rhodium

Diana M. 1.00 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
1.00ct oval ruby surrounded by 0.70 cts round diamonds creating a halo pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Oval Pendant Locket Necklace 18k White Gold Green Enamel 35 Diamonds 16 Emeralds
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer oval pendant locket necklace 18k white gold, Peacock Collection, emerald green guilloche vitreous enamel, 35 diamonds, total 0.69 ct, G VS, brilliant cut, 18 Emerald Cab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

14 Karat White Gold Bezel Set Diamond Smile Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K white gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.32cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 18-inches in length Weight: 3.22 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Necklace / Pendant Turtle with Mother of Pearl, Diamonds & Ruby Eyes with Chain
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Super unique and real masterpiece! Necklace / Pendant Turtle with Mother of Pearl, Diamonds and Ruby eyes White Shell 27 Diamonds - 0.23 CT 2 Round Rubies - 0.02 CT 7 Mother of Pea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Dimos 18k White Gold Greek Key Cocktail Pendant
Located in Athens, GR
Happy Greek key collection. This pendant in 18 karats white gold it’s one of the most recognizable designs worldwide. Recognizable for its Greek origin but also known as the symbol o...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold

18k Gold Pendant with White Diamonds and Uncut Tourmalines
Located in ประเวศ, TH
Organic collection by VOTIVE. Introducing VOTIVE's exquisite Organic collection, featuring a captivating 18K yellow gold pendant adorned with lustrous white diamonds, uncut tanzanit...
Category

2010s Thai Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Theo Fennell Black and White Diamond Heart Pendant 2.62 Carat
Located in London, GB
A striking 18k white gold Theo Fennell diamond pendant. The pendant comprises of an open work design with 6 hearts. Each heart has round brilliant cut diamonds in a pave setting alte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov, 0.23 Carat Total Round Diamond Illusion Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a cluster of 15 brilliant round diamonds illusion-set in a round mounting. The illusion setting makes it look like one large diamond. Diamonds weigh 0.23 carats total, G c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.56 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pear Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, Kowloon
Butani's necklace is made from two-tone 18-karat white and yellow gold and encrusted with 0.89 carats of pear-cut emeralds and 0.60 carats of pear-cut diamonds. A single rose-cut ro...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Stunning 18k Yellow Gold Necklace 1.05 Ct Natural Diamonds, GIA Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful classic halo ring with a dazzling 1.05 carat Cushion Modified natural diamond in F VS1 quality and ideal cut what's means extremely bright and sparkles Natural Diamond. T...
Category

2010s Israeli Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified .30 Carat Sapphire Diamond Pearl Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond, pearl and sapphire butterfly pendant necklace. GIA certified natural no heat blue sapphire accented with natural peal, genuine ruby and old mine cut diamond accents. White, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...

Rachel Koen Diamond Octagon Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 0.17Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and delicate this diamond pendant necklace will leave everyone speechless the moment they see it. Crafted in high polished 14k yellow gold. Octagon shape cut out pendant wh...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Dimos 18k Gold Alexander the Great Diamonds Oval Pendant
Located in Athens, GR
Noir collection pendant in 18k yellow gold. Hosting a coin of Alexander the Great surrounded with 0.32 carats brilliant cut diamonds and decorated with our famous hand made wire...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Greek Revival Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Emerald and Marquise Cut Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K rose gold Diamond: 1 emerald cut = 0.41ct Color: G Clarity: SI1 Diamond: 1 marquise cut = 0.42cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: necklace me...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Bar Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K white gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.22cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Dimensions: necklace measures 18-inches in length Weight: 2.25 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby, Pearl, Diamond Victorian Pendant, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
Victorian Pendant/Brooch in 15 carat yellow gold with rubies, pearls and diamonds in a starburst floral design, circa 1850 15 carat gold Ceylon rubies, half pearls and diamond set. Rubies, Ceylon, natural untreated, 0.6ct total (approx) Half Pearls, natural “Gulf” Pearls...
Category

1850s British Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yell...

31.77 TCW Round Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic and versatile necklace that can be pulled together with any outfit. This show stopping array of round natural diamonds is in a prong setting and is lined up perfectly to crea...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Shop Vintage and Antique Diamond Necklaces on 1stDibs

Whether you're pairing an elegant drop necklace with an evening gown for a fancy dinner or layering a solitaire pendant with your favorite gold or silver chains, you can count on the fact that antique diamond necklaces will elevate any ensemble.

Pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige in ancient times. Wearing jewelry has since become far more widespread, and today, personal adornment is all about expression: Luxury diamond necklaces — Cartier diamond necklaces, Harry Winston diamond necklaces and other iterations — exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship. (Diamond lockets, for example, which feature a motif that first emerged in the 1800s, are frequently shaped like a heart.) 

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.

In the late 19th century, "King of Diamonds" Charles Lewis Tiffany — founder of famed luxury house Tiffany & Co. — purchased a 287-carat yellow diamond discovered in the Kimberely Mine in South Africa. The stone was the largest yellow diamond ever mined, and was fashioned by gemologist George Kunz into a cushion-cut brilliant of 128 carats. Kunz gave it a total of 90 facets: 48 on the pavilion, 40 on the crown, plus the table and culet. Breakfast at Tiffany’s fans may recognize the stone from promotional photos for the film — actress Audrey Hepburn wore it as part of the Jean Schlumberger-designed Ribbon Rosette necklace.

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. 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).

Grading aside, a beloved diamond necklace is going to deliver the perfect amount of sparkle and joy every time you put it on, whether it's an emerald and diamond necklace, a classic diamond choker or some other similar accessory.  

Find antique and vintage diamond necklaces today on 1stDibs.

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