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Diamond Necklaces

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Creator: David Webb
Gemstone: Diamond
DAVID WEBB Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage David Webb 1970s 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Collar Necklace set with approximately 15 Cts of Fine White Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Length: 16 inches and 5/8 in Width Hallma...
Category

1970s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

DAVID WEBB Gold, Platinum and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, platinum and diamond necklace, David Webb. Designed in a tapering trompe l’oeil twist style in gold, with every other strand of the twist enhanced with mul...
Category

1970s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Strand Lapis, Coral Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Multi Strand Lapis and Coral Gold Clasp Necklace. The multi-strand necklace with alternating rows of rectangular coral and round lapis lazuli beads, to the clasp decorate...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

David Webb 1960 Graduated Coral Necklace In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Graduated coral necklace designed by David Webb (1925-1975). Very nice necklace with three layers of graduated corals, created in New York city at the jewelry atelier of David Webb,...
Category

1960s American Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Diamond Flower 10 Carat Brooch Pendant
Located in Rome, IT
Timeless Masterpiece: Vintage David Webb Diamond Flower Brooch/Pendant Step into a world of unparalleled luxury and sophistication with...
Category

1940s American Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb Celtic Crescent Convertible Necklace / Brooch i
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Celtic Crescent Convertible Necklace / Brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum, encrusted with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The necklace features 7 graduating ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb 18K Gold & Platinum Green Emerald And Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the vivid world of color with this exuberant, voluptuous, and audacious diamond and emerald necklace by David Webb. A vintage masterpiece crafted in platinum and ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Rare Vintage David Webb Coral and Enamel Torsade Necklace
Located in Flushing, NY
Rare Vintage David Webb Coral and Enamel Torsade Necklace Circa 1980s Featuring 12-Strands of Solid "Momo" Orangey-Red Round Coral Beads as well as a textboox Webb example of a subst...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, Coral, Enamel, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage David Webb Baroque Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Link Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage David Webb Baroque Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Link Necklace. Featuring one baroque pearl. Accented by 42 round brillia...
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Platinum Turquoise, Diamond And Ruby Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This estate David Webb pendant is a captivating work of art, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship that the designer is renowned for. Made from a luxurious blend of 18K yellow and...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Carved Jade Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a classic chunky link necklace that holds one carved jade at it's focal point. Trendy yet very elegant this necklace speaks David Webb. Rich 18k yellow gold solid links feel substantial on the neck. Center apple green carved jade...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Blue And Red Enamel Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Blue and Red Enamel Diamond Necklace is a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Its exquisite beauty and attention to detail make it a remarka...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Rock Crystal Necklace, A large necklace consisting of black enamel links attaching to pear and oval cut rock crystals, and 64 round ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb Rubellite Tourmaline and Enamel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Rubellite Tourmaline and Enamel Necklace A hammered gold and black enamel necklace showcasing one emerald-cut and two trapezoid-shaped rubellites. Accented by round-cut d...
Category

Early 2000s North American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Multi Gem And Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The estate David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Cut Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Necklace is an extraordinary piece that encapsulates the designer's flair for merging timele...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 6.40cttw Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Step into the world of timeless elegance with this captivating estate yellow gold necklace by the legendary David Webb. Crafted with met...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k White Gold Coral, Diamond and Pearl Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Experience the exceptional allure of the David Webb Coral and Pearl Diamond Bead Necklace, a unique and captivating piece that combines cora...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Collar 9.00cttw Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Prepare to be enchanted by the mesmerizing beauty of this David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Collar Necklace. This extraordinary piece exemplifies the unparal...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 25 carat Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb collar necklace is a breathtaking piece of jewelry that exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious design for which the brand is renowned. Crafted in a comb...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Black Enamel Diamond Collar Necklac
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Collar Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that showcases the brand's signature style and attent...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Manhattan Minimalism Collar Diamond Enamel
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a captivating pre-owned estate necklace from the masterful hands of renowned designer David Webb. Crafted as part of the esteemed Manhattan Minimalism collection, this exq...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Rock Crystal Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Experience the allure of a truly rare and extraordinary piece with the David Webb Heart Sapphire and Diamond Choker. This captivating choker is a test...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Night CAP 5 Diamond Station Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb is a renowned American jewelry designer who is known for his bold and striking creations. The Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Night Cap 5 Station Black Enamel Necklace is a tes...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Feather Collar Rope Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The 18k and platinum David Webb collar necklace stands out due to its unique design of diamond-set feathers within rope surrounds. The graduating size of the feathers adds to its bea...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Gold Multicolor Cabochon Gemstone and Diamond Maltese Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A substantial 18k yellow gold eight pointed combination brooch/pendant with a large center cabochon emerald, and four each of smaller cabochon blue sapphires and cabochon rubies. Brilliant round diamond pave style borders surround each gem. Diamonds: 6.50cttw (approx.) Gemstones: 37.00cttw. By David Webb...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

David Webb 18K Gold Carved Coral Onyx Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Featuring carved coral, black onyx, and brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approx. 5.12ct, set in 18K gold, and platinum. Signed Webb, 18K, Plat.
Category

Late 20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Dinner Roll Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Dinner Roll Necklace. David Webb carved azuremalachite necklace with brilliant-cut diamonds, polished 18k gold and platinum. Round Diamond 3.0ct...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Scroll Diamond Collar Hinged Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Put a modern twist on your wardrobe rotation with this 18K gold sculpted collar design. This is certainly a choker to remember! David Webb collar necklace adds a pop of color and e...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Liberty Head Coin Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb coin chain necklace. Featuring a U.S. $10 coin, the front with the Liberty Head, reverse with an eagle, accented by round diamonds, suspende...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Maltese Style Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Checkerboard Cut Rock Crystal Pendant, Brooch. You will love this brooch when you see it in person, it's a perfect pendant and a brooch whatever...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Multi Strand Jade Medallion And Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful David Webb multi strand jade necklace made with a prominent carved medallion in the center, framed by articulated gold. Ancien...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Vintage Diamond Floral Platinum 18K Brooch Pin and Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This remarkably created David Webb vintage brooch pin and pendant was inspired by a floral motif and crafted in Platinum and 18Kyellow gold. Each petal is meticulously detailed with...
Category

1970s North American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

David Webb Manhattan Minimalism Parthenon Black Enamel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Manhattan Minimalism Parthenon Black Enamel Necklace. Save bog on this beautiful current model neclkace by David Webb, it is made in 1...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Vintage 18ky Gold, Platinum, Azurmalachite, Ruby & Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Vintage 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum, Azurmalachite, Ruby & Diamond Necklace. The necklace is crafted from carved azurmalachite with 18k yellow gold, platinum, diamond, and r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

David Webb Carved Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Carved Emerald Gold Link Necklace A carved emerald set with round diamonds in a gold link chain. Emerald measuring approximately...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Convertable Chain with a French Chinois Jade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Convertable Chain with a French Chinois Jade Necklace. Exquisite pendant/brooch in 18 karat yellow gold textured chain necklace. Made of 18 karat yellow g...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & Gold Carved Amethyst Multi-Strand Lavender Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is an impressive David Webb Lavender color Amethyst bead necklace. Composed of 5 strands of amethysts featuring large egg shaped amethyst stations total of 7. Each large amethys...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Gold Azurmalachite And Diamond Chain Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous necklace is an 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and azurmalachite necklace designed and signed by David Webb. The necklace centers a large smooth oval tablet of high quali...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Peace Sign Pendant
Located in New York, NY
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Peace Black Enamel And Diamonds Round Pendant Necklace. From the Motif Collection. Shapes and geometric forms - arrow, rhombus, zig-zag, the U - expressed ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Octagon Open Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The combination of platinum and 18K yellow gold adds a luxurious touch to the piece, ensuring both durability and a rich aesthetic. The choice of an octagonal onyx as the focal centerpiece is not only unique but also adds a sense of boldness to the design. The use of an open-link flat rectangular chain...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Bold yet elegant necklace created by David Webb in the 1970s. Features two cabochon rubies accented with round diamonds set in yellow gold. The necklace comes apart and turns into tw...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Stud Diamond And Black Enamel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Stud Diamond And Black Enamel Necklace Coral, collet-set diamonds, black enamel, 18K gold, and platinum. David Webb certificate incl...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Pave Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent David Webb 18k gold and white enamel necklace feautures large elongated links connected by hammered gold links. Center link is made in platinum and is encrusted with...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Celtic Crescent Gemstone Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Convertible Horseshoe Necklace. Those enduringly classic, horseshoe-shaped links are alluring, no doubt. The fact that they're adorned with all manner of glimmering gemstones doesn't hurt, either. But what'll really seal the deal...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Yellow Gold Link Black Enamel Diamond Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This estate David Webb 18k Yellow Gold chain exhibits the timeless allure of black enamel in jewelry. Black enamel is celebrated for its dark, moody, and bold character. It exudes co...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Hexagonal-Shaped Azurmalachite Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Centering upon a circular-cut diamond and hexagonal-shaped azurmalachite plaque, enhanced by a cabochon ruby within a circular-cut diamond frame, joined by cabochon ruby bar links to...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Large Topaz and Diamond Pendant on a Black Enamel Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a very special and rare pendant brooch necklace crafted by David Webb in 1980's. The exciting feature of this necklace is the fact that you can wear it as a brooch, as a lin...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Platinum & 18KY Gold Multicolored Pearl Strands Torsade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning five-strand pearl necklace by David Webb is a true statement piece. Measuring 17 inches in length, the strands are adorned with pearls ranging from 8mm to 10mm in size....
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Link Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb Twisted Rope Link Diamond Collar Necklace is a true masterpiece, elegantly crafted with brilliant-cut diamonds, hammered 18K gold, and platinum. This exquisite piece m...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Garnet, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a two-row band of fluted gold oval twin links each centering upon an oval-cut garnet with circular-cut diamond accents, spaced by gold and cabochon turquoise horsebit lin...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Yellow Gold Ruby, Diamond and Lacquer Pendant Necklace on Long Chain
Located in New York, NY
RUBY, DIAMOND AND LACQUER PENDANT, DAVID WEBB Cabochon ruby, circular-cut diamonds, black lacquer, platinum and gold, pendant 5.6 cm, necklace 86.0 cm, together with a fancy-link nec...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Gold and Diamond Choker
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking 18K yellow gold and platinum diamond choker by David Webb. The round brilliant cut diamonds are set into platinum plates and weigh an approximate total of 10.75ct of ov...
Category

Late 20th Century American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb Amethyst Diamond Gold Platinum Necklace
Located in New York, NY
David Webb amethyst bead necklace, featuring carved amethyst clasp, set in 18k gold and platinum, with approx. 0.80ctw in diamonds. Necklace is 25....
Category

20th Century American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Platinum

David Webb Gold Diamond Platinum Vintage Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Diamond, Platinum, Gold Necklace, David Webb The hinged necklace features full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.50 carats, set in platinum and 18k gold, marked Webb ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

David Webb Diamond Yellow & Blue Sapphire Gold Necklace, circa 1958
Located in New York, NY
This Signed David Webb Diamond Yellow & Blue Sapphire Gold Necklace, made in the middle of the 20th century, features a dazzling array of yellow and blue sapphires arranged in three ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Night CAP 5 Station Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Night Cap Chan Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and luxury. This necklace features five "barrel" looking stati...
Category

20th Century American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Rock Crystal, Coral, Angelskin Coral and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
David Webb carved rock crystal, coral, angelskin coral and diamond pendant set in platinum and 14k white gold, on an 18k white gold chain. The base of this pendant is carved rock cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Crystal, Diamond, Coral, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold, 1...

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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