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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Bespoke Diamond Heart Cluster Pendant 0.15ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: A Diamond Heart Cluster Pendant, with 3 round brilliant cut diamonds pavé set in 18ct white gold. Diamonds 3 = 0.15ct (estimated), Graded in setting as Colour: G,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rebecca NWT $250K Magnificent 30CT GIA Diamond Necklace & 2 Pr Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Gorgeous 18KT White Gold Winston Style Glistening GIA CERTIFIED Fancy Diamond Drop Neckl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

11.06 Carat Aquamarine Pendant in 18Karat White Gold with White Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your look with our stunning Santa Maria aquamarine Set, featuring a mesmerizing ice blue hue that radiates elegance. Enhanced with diamonds and crafted in white gold, this ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.85 Carat Rhodolite Pendant in 18Karat Yellow Gold with White Diamond.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Presented A lovely collection of gems, including Amethyst, Peridot, Rhodolite, Sky Blue Topaz, Swiss Blue Topaz and Morganite is perfect for people who value quality and want to wear it to any occasion or celebration. The yellow gold Rhodolite Pendant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.35 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace 14 Karat White Gold 16''
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful quality tennis necklace, round-brilliant cut white diamonds clean and Excellent shine. 14k white gold classic four-prong style for maximum light brilliance. 16 inch lengt...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

PANIM 12.17 Carats Diamond Rosecut 18k White Gold Necklace
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Diamond Rosecut 18k White Gold 42" Long Necklace In this necklace rosecut diamonds are evenly spaced on a white gold chain. This is a piece that can be worn everyday, alone or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Happy Diamonds Musical Note Necklace Pendant in 18K White & Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This unique and stylish Happy Diamonds musical note pendant is the perfect choice for anyone who loves music or simply appreciates unique and artistic jewelry. The pendant is made of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold Dainty Diamond Cross Chain Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Dainty Diamond Cross Chain Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Certified 15.51 CTW Sapphire and Halo Diamond Necklace Gift 18k White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Certified Sapphire and Halo Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold with diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Sapphire stimulates concent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Minimalist Diamond Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Minimalist Diamond Chain Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Lavender Jadeite Jade Peach and Diamond Pendant, Certified Untreated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is an all natural, untreated jadeite jade carved peach pendant set on an 18K white and diamond gold bail. The carved peach symbolizes longevity. It measures 1.39 inches (35.3 mm) x 0.79 inches (20.1 mm) with thickness of 0.29 inches (7.5 mm) weighing 7.4 grams. Included is a Hong Kong Gems Laboratory Jade Identification Report stating the stone is natural color, type A, 翡翠 (fei cui...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Breathtaking Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
NECKLACE 18K White Gold Diamond 1.60 Cts/91 Pcs Emerald 2.04 Cts/4 Pcs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Lion & Tiger Charm Pendant With Pave Diamonds Made In 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
14KT:5.737g,D:0.07ct,
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18kt White Gold Diamond, Pink Sapphire, and Blue Sapphire Pendant, 15 in, New
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
NEW, Contemporary 18kt white gold diamond, vibrant pink sapphire, and blue sapphire designer pendant on a blue silk rope necklace that has an 18kt w...
Category

2010s Lebanese Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold

Happy Diamonds Flowers Necklace Pendant in 18K White, Yellow & Rose Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This stunning Happy Diamonds flowers pendant is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a unique and stylish accessory. The pendant itself is made of high quality 18k gold and feat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

18K Yellow Gold Everyday Diamond Celestial Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Everyday Diamond Celestial Necklace in 18K Gold studded with diamond of 0.35 carats. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

NWT $275, 000 Rare Fancy 18KT Gold 60CT Gorgeous Important Ruby Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Rare Important Ruby and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Ladybug Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Chain Length: 16" Pendant Measurements: 11 mm x 10 mm Diamond Carat Weight: 0.05 carats Stamped: "14...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Diamond Pave Heart Pendant
Located in Greenwich, CT
Truly beautiful Diamond Pave Heart Pendant by Chopard. Happy Diamonds collection, combining the feminine style with jewelry excellence. This heart...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 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

Heart Shape Pink Gemstone Necklace Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
Located in IN
Presenting this exquisite heart-shaped pink gemstone necklace, adorned with diamond accents, crafted in 18 karat white gold. This stunning handm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Star of David Rose Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace Unisex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 14K rose gold Star Of David pendant necklace, is set with a total of 0.47 carat round brilliant diamonds. David Star size is 0.60" inches long (top to bottom) and 0.54” wide....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Eostre Unheated Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
An entry level Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold. This is the prefect entry level ruby Necklace as it is not too grand but at the same time it is well designed and looks ex...
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Rose Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/3 Carat Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A twinkling 1/3ct round diamond rests in a soft bezel setting. Anchored on each side, a cable chain holds the pendant in place. This 14k rose plated ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver

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...

5.50 Carat Aquamarine Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Aqua and diamond halo pendant necklace. 5.50ct natural untreated oval aqua surrounded by 18 round brilliant cut accent diamonds in 14k white gold. 18 inch chain. 1 oval cut ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

18K Yellow Gold 7.35 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace Gift for Mom
Located in Houston, TX
7.35 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace Gift for Mom in 18K Gold studded with round cut diamond of 7.35 carats. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Leaf Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Diamond Leaf Chain Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone diamond br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Blue Sapphire, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

.35 Carat Diamond Synthetic Emerald Gold Tassel Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1930’s style Art Deco pendant necklace. The center piece of this necklace is the engraved, pierced and filigree 14k white gold pendant which is set with 9 round European cut diamonds and accented by 2 green synthetic French cut emeralds. 7 tassels dangle below the pendant adding to the elegance of the piece. The 18 inch cable chain gathers about an inch above the pendant. This necklace features a unique synthesis of a synthetic emerald gemstone and a shimmering diamonds, creating a beautiful contrast, indictive of the era. 9 round diamonds approx. total weight .35cts 2 French cut synthetic emeralds...
Category

Early 20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Baroque Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning 5.5 CTW Diamond Heart Necklace in 18kt Solid White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning 5.5 CTW Diamond Heart Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthsto...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

16.15 Carat Australian Opal, Diamond and Emerald Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed House of Ming design with a Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Dark Gray Opal Pendant Necklace. Center Hand set with a securely nestled ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Pendant 1.10 ct 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Make sparkle a priority with this elegant baguette and Round diamond Cluster Halo with a delicate design open work around the cluster in this pendant necklace. Inspired by the era o...
Category

2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Blue Enamel Shield Pendant in 14 Karat Gold with Diamond Star on Gold Rolo chain
Located in New York, NY
An updated take on the classic shield shape. This pendant, in stunning royal blue enamel, is set off by a gold star with a center diamond. It has chunky jump rings, and hangs off o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Tanzanite Cabochon Pendant 21 Carats Diamonds 18 Karat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Tanzanite Cabochon Pendant with a Diamond surround is done in 18K White Gold and is brand new and never been worn. This tanzanite is a...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

Verdura Citrine Diamond Pearl Byzantine Long Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
"Byzantine" long necklace, featuring a single-strand comprised of polished citrine beads accented by gold beads, silver and diamond pierced beads, and cultured pearls. 18k yellow go...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Irene Neuwirth Labradorite Diamond Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Irene Neuwirth 18k rose gold necklace. 5 cabochon color change marquise Labradorites, each with a halo of round diamonds. 1 round cabochon labradorite. 18.5 inches long. 5 cabochon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Labradorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Five-Row Diamond Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and highly flexible necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels that dates back to the 1990s, designed as five rows of graduated round-cut diamonds of exceptional brilliance, exqui...
Category

1990s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Necklace Tiara
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

GILIN 18 Karat White Gold 14.14 Carts Classic White Diamond Necklace
Located in Central, HK
Glamour drops collection - glamour is a sense of luxury , GiLIN 's master craftsmen have set the white diamonds at different angles to form a beautiful necklace with different size d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swazi Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One mid-century diamond necklace set in platinum featuring 324 marquise, pear and straight baguette diamonds with an approximate total weight of 48 ct., H-I-J / VS-2, SI-1. 18 of the...
Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Classic Diamond Platinum Wreath Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The most elegant diamond necklace! 51.14 carats of F-G color VS clarity diamond set in platinum. Features diamonds from approximately 1 cara...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

TIFFANY & Co. Platinum .42ct Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Platinum .42ct Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Metal: Platinum Chain: 16" long Pendant: 0.71"(18.1mm) long x 0.52"(13.2mm)" wide Diamond: 11 round brilliant diamonds, c...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K White Gold Blue Sapphire Halo Necklace
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K white gold double chain halo necklace with accented diamonds on the chain. There are a total of 42 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 0.46 carats total weight. In the center t...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald, Diamonds, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Round Shape Emerald Pendant necklace
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald, Diamonds, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Round Shape Emerald Pendant necklace. 14 karat white gold Pendant size - 12 mm Chain size - 43 sm Total weight: 4.50 g Set with emerald, co...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stefan Hafner Chandelier Lariat Diamond White Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Stefan Hafter chandelier lariat necklace is crafted in 18k white gold and set with brilliant-cut round diamonds of an estimated 2.77 carats. A delicate and timeless ...
Category

2010s Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Gold Deco Style Pendant with Opal and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco is the influence for the design of this modern pendant. This piece features a opal center rosecut stone with a black onyx backing to create a rich blue/green color. Fabricated in 18k gold, with a geometric rim of diamonds around the opal. This is a fashionable pendant which is beautiful worn alone, or layered with other necklaces. The pendant hangs from a gold round link chain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Boucheron Diamond Onyx 18 Karat White Gold Trouble Snake Pendant Necklace 80cm
Located in Tokyo, JP
Brand:BOUCHERON Name:Trouble pendant necklace Material :Diamond, Onyx, 750 K18 WG white gold Comes with:Boucheron Box,Case, Pouch,Boucheron Guarantee (...
Category

Early 2000s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Elongated Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Pendant in 14KW Gold
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant elongated Ethiopian Opal and diamond pendant is bezel set in 14 karat white gold. There are sparkling brilliant cut diamonds on the bail for a beautiful accent. This pen...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graduated White Coral Necklace
Located in New York, NY
These White Coral beads were purchased as part of an estate before being made into this classic 24 inch graduated hand strung White Coral Necklace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, White Diamond

Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One diamond 18K yellow gold necklace with weave design featuring eighty round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 1 ct. With Italian hal...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Syna Yellow Gold Owl Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.10 ct approx Chain sold separately Crafted with 18 karat yellow gold, this pendant is enriched with 0.10 carats of dazzling diamonds, nee...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov GIA Certified 23.45 Carat Total Fancy Intense Yellow Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An important and very rare diamond necklace showcasing a row of graduating radiant cut fancy intense yellow diamonds, surroun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

White Gold Diamond Ribbon Heart Pendant - 10k Single & Baguette .50ctw Love
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Single & Baguette Color: G - H Clarity: VS2 - I1 Total Carats: .50ctw Theme: Ribbon Heart, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold White Diamonds Natural Citrine Garavelli Necklace
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Karat White Gold Garavelli Necklace featuring a natural oval madera orange surronded on top ad bottom by white diamonds. Chain lenght cm 45 with adjustment at cm 40 Made In Italy...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx and Coral Necklace
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Onyx, and Coral Necklace An 18k yellow gold link necklace, set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, onyx, and white coral signed...
Category

1970s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Pendant and Chain 18 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Chopard Happy Diamonds diamond pendant, 18k gold necklace. Pendant and chain original Chopard, 18k gold. Diameter of the pendant 11.5mm Total...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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