Skip to main content

Diamond Necklaces

146
to
88
146
7
139
1
2
1
1
2
1,048
897
490
442
403
118
27
1
139
81
50
45
38
78
29
17
12
111
12
5
3
3
to
142
2
Creator: Harbor Diamonds
Gemstone: Diamond
14 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Diamond Necklace 21 Grams Turkey
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold necklace featuring aa Byzantine motif weighing 21 grams. Made in Turkey
Category

Early 2000s Turkish Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pendant 0.83 Carats 15 MM
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold pendant featuring one grey Tahitian Pearl measuring 15 mm with a diamond cap of 86 round brilliants weighing 0.83 carats. Diamond Bale 8.4 MM Long Diamond Cap w...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

South Sea Pearl Diamond Floral Pendant 0.68 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold pendant featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 13-14 mm flanked with 186 round brilliants weighing 0.68 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Pearl can be changed to a Pink...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

South Sea White Baroque Silver Overtone Pearl & Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Baroque Pendant 15 + mm Total Diamond Weight: 0.89 Cts. The Pearl is white with a silver overtone. Natural blemishes on the pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Size 11-12mm Nature Tahitian Cultured Pearl Pearl Quality AAA Luster AAA, Excellent Nacre Very Thick Jewelry Style Pendant Metal Purity 18K Metal Type White Gold Stone Shape 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Italian Four Leaf Clover Diamond Pendant on Belcher Clasp Link Chain 18 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Italian four leaf clover pendant featuring one center diamond weighing .05 carats on a 18" heavy belcher chain. Can add more pendants of choice. Pendant & chain can be sold seperate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Puffed Heart Pave on Cuban Chain 14 Karat White Gold 2.30 CTS F-G VS1-2
Located in New York, NY
Fashionable puffed heart pendant featuring 118 pave diamonds weighing 2.30 carats on a Cuban link necklace weighing 30.38 grams. Available in yellow gold.
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Certified Burma Ruby Diamond Collar Necklace 24.50 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat yellow gold collar necklace featuring 5 Oval Burma Rubies weighing 7.50 Carats, Heated, flanked with baguette and round brilliants weighing approximately 17 carats.
Category

1970s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Diamond Heart Pendant on Oval Link Necklace 18 Inches 9.8 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Italian made, this Vintage inspired heart pendant features an outline of round brilliants on an oval link chain, 18 inches. Heart 1.13 inches length x 1.13 inches wide Oval Link 7.4 ...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Large Coral Diamond Moon Pendant on Paperclip Chain Necklace 18" 14KT
Located in New York, NY
Italian made, this 14 karat yellow gold pendant features a large moon with Coral and round brilliants on a mini paperclip chain, 18 inches. Moon 2.25 inches Pendant & chain can be s...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Cut Tanzanite Large Diamond Pendant 20.30 CTTW 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Oval cut Tanzanite weighing 18.55 carats flanked with a diamond decorative pendant of round brilliants weighing 1.75 carats, in 18 karat white gold. Tanzanite 17.8 mm x 14.9 mm Pe...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Star of David Diamond Twist Pendant Necklace 0.12 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Star of David pendant featuring round brilliants weighing 0.12 carats with a twist motif halo.
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Star of David Diamond Pendant Necklace 0.11 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Star of David pendant featuring round brilliants weighing 0.11 carats in 14 karat yellow gold.
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban Link Diamond Pendant Necklace 1.11 Carats
Located in New York, NY
14 karat yellow gold Cuban link chain necklace featuring a round brilliant weighing 1.11 carats on a matte finished pendant. Color J-K Clarity SI1 Nice brilliants & life!
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Three Row Riviere Cluster Necklace 17.50 Carats 18 Karat White Gold H-VS
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold necklace featuring a three row of diamond rivieres and 6 clusters weighing 17.50 carats. Color G-H Clarity VS2-SI1
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Cuban Link Choker Necklace Adjustable 1.88 Carats 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat rose gold necklace featuring 400 round brilliants in a Cuban link chain weighing 1.88 carats. Color F Clarity VS1-VS2 Can be made in white & yellow gold. DM for more info
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pendant 0.83 Carats 15 MM 18 Karat White Gold G-H SI
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold pendant featuring one light grey Tahitian Pearl measuring 15 mm with a diamond cap of 86 round brilliants weighing 0.83 carats. Diamond Bale 8.4 MM Long Diamond...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Double Cluster Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace 0.47 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat yellow gold pendant featuring four round brilliants weighing 0.15 carats and 4 Rubies weighing 0.32 carats. Chain ha 3 loops: 16" 17" 18"
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Two Way Diamond Cuban Link Choker Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold 75.4 Grams
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat yellow gold choker chain featuring a Cuban motif design and 15 diamond links weighing approximately 1 carat. 75.4 Grams Can be worn t...
Category

1990s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Heart Fashion Pendant Necklace 0.60 Carat 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Diamond heart fashion pendant featuring 175 round brilliants weighing 0.60 Carats. Color H Clarity SI Full of Sparkle! Chain lengths with 3 hooks 16.25...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Drop Two Row Necklace 33.70 Carats Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Platinum drop necklace featuring 9 sections of Pear shape drops surround by marquise, baguette and round brilliants weighing 32 Carats. Center Pear Shape Diamond 1.70 Carats
Category

1950s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Tennis Drop Illusion Necklace 7.52 Carats 14 Karat White Gold G-H SI1-2
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat White Gold tennis necklace featuring 118 round brilliants weighing 7.52 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI1-SI2 Drop measures 1.5-2 Inches long Diamond illusion is 4 inches on ea...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Collar Bib Necklace 66 Carats 18 Karat White Gold 113.5 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 karat white gold bib collar necklace featuring numerous round brilliants weighing approximately 66 carats, 113.5 grams. Very comfortable on the necklace! A real showstopper!
Category

1980s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rose De France Diamond Halo Paperclip Pendant Necklace 22.60 Carats 14KT Gold
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Rose gold pendant featuring one Rose De France emerald cut weighing 22.11 carats flanked with 69 round brilliants weighing 0.49 carats on a paperclip chain. Amethyst: 20...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

South Sea Pearl Tahitian Diamond Lariat Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold chain featuring two Pearls, one South Sea & one Tahitian measuring 12-13 MM with 31 round brilliants weighing 0.31 carats. 18 inch chain Tassel 5/8 X 13/16
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Rose De France Hexagon Halo Diamond Pendant 2.88 Carats 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
Hexagon shape Rose De France Amethyst weighing 2.57 carats flanked with 33 round brilliants weighing 0.31 carats in 14 karat rose gold. Amethyst 16 MM *6.1 MM Pendant without bail...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond Pear Shape Solitaire Bezel Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.45 Carats
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Diamond Pear shape weighing 1.45 carats in a 14 Karat yellow gold bezel. 16 Inch cable chain. Color Y-Z Clarity SI1
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Feather Flexible Pendant 0.58 Carats
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold flexible feather pendant featuring 172 round brilliants weighing 0.58 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Chain & enhancer not included. DM if you would like to purch...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Charm Necklace Star Moon Heart Clover
Located in New York, NY
Italian, 18 Karat yellow gold necklace featuring 2 Stars, 2 Moons, 2 Hearts and a Clover center on a link & beaded chain. Charms are 0.38 inches Diamond weight .1.32 Carats Can come...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds Straight Line Necklace 17.25 Carats 14k White Gold 0.15 PTS
Located in New York, NY
Diamond straight line necklace featuring 113 round brilliant weighing 17.25 ct, in 14 karat white gold. Color G-H Clarity SI1-2 Average stones 0.15 pts We manufacture Straight line...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified Diamond Riviere Necklace 17 Carats G-H SI1-2 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified Diamond Riviere necklace featuring 109 Round Brilliants weighing 17 Carats, in a 3 prong 14 Karat White Gold. Center Diamond 1.51 Carats GIA G SI2 Two Side Diamonds 0.7...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pink Sapphire Diamond South Sea Pearl Pendant Necklace 2.19 Carat 18K Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold pendant necklace featuring one Pink Freshwater pearl measuring 13-14 mm flanked with pink sapphires weighing 1.97 carats and 36 round brilliants weighing 0.22 carats.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold

Diamond by The Yard 7.29 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold diamond by the yard featuring 56 diamonds weighing 7.29 carats, average stone 0.13 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Can be shortened upon request.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond & Polished Cuban Link Necklace 11.9 Carats 81 Grams
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban link necklace featuring alternating polished & diamond gold links with 642 Round Brilliants weighing 11.91 C...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 18 Karat White & Yellow Gold Diamond Disc Charm Necklace 1.12 Carats
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow or White Gold necklace featuring graduated diamond disc weighing 1.12 Carats on a beaded chain. Color F-G Clarity SI More Charm Necklaces Available Comes in white, ...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 18 Karat Pink Gold Initial White & Black Charm Necklace 1.70 Carats
Located in New York, NY
Italian, 18 Karat Rose Gold charm pendant necklace featuring 74 white diamonds weighing 1.02 Carats and 30 Black Diamonds weighing 0.68 Carats. Can be made with any initial. Black Di...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Black Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, Rose G...

18 Karat White Gold South Sea & Tahitian Pearl Diamond Lariat 0.61 Carats 12-13M
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold Lariat featuring one South Sea Pearl & one Tahitian Pearl measuring 12-13 MM with a diamond cap weighing 0.11 carats and 29 Baguette diamonds weighing 0.50 carats...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Diamond Floral Cluster Drop Necklace 26.19 Carats 18 Karat White Gold F-G VS2
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold drop necklace featuring a floral cluster of Pear, Marquise & Round Brilliant diamonds weighing a total of 26.19 Carats. Color F-G Clarity VS2 A real show stopper!
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pearl Floral Diamond Link Necklace 11.50 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, 18 Karat Yellow Gold necklace featuring two diamond floral center with White Pearls, 10-11 MM, on a diamond link necklace weighing 155.2 Grams. Color G-H Clarity SI
Category

1990s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Circa 1950s Diamond Collar Necklace 45 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1950's, this Vintage Collar necklace features round brilliants weighing approximately 45 Carats. Color G Clarity SI Stunning & Bold!!
Category

1950s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

South Sea and Tahitian Pearl Diamond Tassel Gold Pendant Necklace 0.27
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Pearl Type: South Sea Pearls Quality: AAA, Exc. Pearls luster: AAA Nacre Very Thick Diamond Count: 37 Diamond Weight: 0.27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Tassel Necklace 0.27 Carats
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow Gold tassel necklace featuring a White & Golden South Sea pearls measuring 12-13 mm and a diamond bar with 37 round brilliants weighing 0.27 carats. Chain: 18 inches...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Cushion Brilliant 3.01 Carats Pink Sapphire Diamond Bow Ring
Located in New York, NY
One fashionable Bow motif ring featuring a GIA Certified Cushion Brilliant weighng 3.01 Carats Color I Clarity VS1 flanked with pink Sapphires weighing ...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold

Tahitian Pearl Diamond Slider Pendant Necklace 13-14 MM 0.29 Carats 18K
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold pendant featuring one grey Tahitian pearl measuring 13-14 mm with decorative shattered diamonds weighing 0.29 carats. Available in different pearl and gold color....
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

14 Karat White Gold Byzantine Diamond Necklace 17.8 Grams Italy
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat White Gold necklace featuring a Byzantine motif link weighing 17.8 grams, 18 inches. Made in Italy
Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Two-Tone 14K Diamond Station Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
1.08 cts diamonds G-H Si 14k yellow and white gold This item has been appraised and inspected by a certified Gemologist. All diamond and gemstone grading is done under GIA standards
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Boxed Mom Diamond Pendant 0.95 Carats 3.4 Grams
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold boxed font pendant spelling the word 'MOM' and containing 134 round brilliants weighing 0.95 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Chain & Gold Link Enhancer...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Harbor D, Pink Freshwater Pearl and Four Diamond Rose Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Freshwater Pearl: 11-12 mm 18K Rose Gold 4 Diamonds 0.15 Carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Pearl Diamond Charm Link Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
14K Yellow gold link necklace featuring pearl charms of stars, moons, hearts, horse shoe, and diamonds. Charms can be purchased individua...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Boxed Love Diamond Pendant 1.21 Carats 3.6 Grams
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat White Gold boxed font pendant spelling the word 'LOVE' and containing 147 round brilliants weighing 1.21 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

South Sea Pearl Diamond Slider Pendant 0.25 Carat 15-16 MM 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow gold slider pendant necklace featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 15-16 mm with shattered round brilliants weighing 0.25 carats. Available in different pearls and ...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold

South Sea Pearl Floral Sapphire Diamond Pendant 0.80 Carats 18K
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold pendant featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 13-14 mm with a floral sapphire & diamond design. Sapphires: 0.45 Carats Diamond: ...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Purple Amethyst Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Gold Italian
Located in New York, NY
14k made in Italy, approximately 10 g. 20" gold chain Amethyst 23 x 16.5 mm, approximately 25 cts About 0.60 cts diamonds
Category

Early 1900s Italian Contemporary Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Interchangeable Sapphires Diamonds Hoop & Dangle Earrings or Pendant
Located in New York, NY
14 Sapphires 1.93 Cts Diamonds 2.32 Cts. F-G SI 18K white Gold The Earring can be used as only Huggies too or as a pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Freshwater Pearl Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
14K White gold pendant necklace featuring one Freshwater pearl measuring 8-9 mm with a diamond bar weighing 0.03 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Pearl can be changed to South Sea, Tahi...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, White Gold

Diamond Graduated Riviere Necklace 8.26 Carats G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Rhodium plated 14K White Gold riviere necklace featuring one diamond weighing 8.26 Carats G-H SI Color G-H Clarity S This item has been appraised and inspected by a certified Gemolo...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Tahitian Pearl Diamond Starfish Pendant Necklace 0.13 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold pendant necklace featuring one diamond starfish motif weighing 0.13 carats and a Tahitian pearl measuring 11-12 mm. Color G-H Clarity SI
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Yellow & White Diamond South Sea Pearl Pendant 0.37 Carats 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold pendant featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 14-15 mm with a Radiant cut yellow diamond weighing 0.25 carats flanked with round brilliants weighing 0.12 carats...
Category

2010s Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 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.

Recently Viewed

View All