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Diamond Necklaces

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Creator: Roman Malakov
Gemstone: Diamond
Roman Malakov 0.92 Carat Total Marquise Diamond Floral Motif Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish pendant necklace showcasing for marquise cut diamond set in a beautiful flower motif design. Diamond weighs 0.92 carats total, G color and VS in clarity. Finely made...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.90 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pendant necklace showcasing a 1.90 Carat Oval Shape Blue Sapphire Center Stone, surrounded by 10 round brilliant diamonds that weighs 0.88 carats in total, F-G color, VS/...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.44 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Open-Work Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and unique pendant necklace showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds weighing 4.44 carats total, set in an open-work heart shape mounting made in 18k white gold and shar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.66 Carats Total Brilliant Round Shape Diamond Open-Work Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple pendant necklace showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.66 carats total, F color VS-SI1 clarity. Set in an open-work heart shape mounting made in 18K white ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.12 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamonds Open-Work Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and unique pendant necklace showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds weighing 1.12 carats total, F color and VS/SI1 in clarity. Set in an open-work heart shape mounting ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.33 Carats Round Green Emerald with Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A classy pendant necklace showcasing a brilliant round cut color-rich green emerald weighing 0.33 carats, set in a classic four prong basket setting. Surrounded by a single row of ro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.27 Carat Emerald Cut Green Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A charming color rich pendant necklace showcasing an emerald cut green emerald weighing 1.27 carats total, set in a four prong 18K white gold basket, accented by a single asscher cut...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

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

GIA Certified 1.50 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and versatile pendant necklace featuring a solitaire GIA Certified 1.50 carat emerald cut diamond, H Color and SI in Clarity. Set horizontally, in an everlasting 18K white ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov, 1.00 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 weighing 1.00 carats, F color and SI3/I1 clarity. Mounted in a beautiful four prong setting. Made ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov, 1.75 Total Carat Three Stone Heart Shape Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple but elegant diamond pendant necklace showcasing a row of three heart shape fancy intense yellow diamonds that elegantly drop on a platinum chain. Accented by 54 bright round...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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

Roman Malakov 1.94 Carat Total Pear and Heart Shape Fancy Color Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pendant necklace showcasing a GIA Certified 1.69 carat pear shape light yellow diamond suspended on a GIA Certified 0.25 carat heart shape fancy blue pink diamond...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 2.01 Carat Total Oval Cut Diamond Fashion Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique and chic fashion necklace showcasing 2.01 carat total made with 6 pieces of oval cut brilliant diamonds, H-I Color, VS-SI in Clarity, single drilled and attached by 18K Whit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov, Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 1.04 carat radiant cut yellow diamond, set by yellow gold prongs, is surrounded by brilliant round diamonds. Hanging by a dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond

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

Roman Malakov 0.32 Carats Oval Cut Ruby with Round Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable and beautiful piece of jewelry showcasing a 0.32 carats color-rich oval cut ruby, set in an intricately sunburst design accented with br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 13.27 Carats Total Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A stylish and classy tennis necklace style showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds weighing 13.27 carats total, set in a ten-prong style mounting made in 18K white gold. Diamond...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.14 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Features a 1.14 carat heart shape EGL Certified as F color and SI2 in clarity. Diamond set in a beautiful bezel made in white gold. Suspended on an 16 inch chain. Roman Malakov is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

6.83 Carats Total Pear & Round Shape Diamond Halo Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique diamond by the yard necklace showcasing a pear shape diamonds, set in a row of round brilliant diamonds in a halo design. Each diamond halo is spaced evenly with more round ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

C. Dunaigre Certified 2.33 Carat Total Columbian Emerald Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A rare piece of jewelry showcasing a C. Dunaigre Certified 2.33 carat colombian vivid green emerald in a heart shape, VS in Clarity. Surr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 8.05 Carats Heart Shape Light Yellow Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Well crafted and vibrant pendant necklace showcasing an 8.07 carats yellow diamond certified by GIA as Y-Z color, set in a five prong 18k yellow gold setting. Surrounded by a single ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov, Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant pendant necklace showcasing six round diamonds bezel set in an 18 karat white gold cross design. Suspended on a diamond by the yard chain. Diamonds weigh 1.27 carats tota...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.10 Carats Total Fancy Shape Diamond Circle Pendant in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A stylish pendant necklace showcasing a row of 16 bright round diamonds, set in an open-work, circular design. Diamonds weighs 4.10 carats total and are approximately G color, VS cl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.51 Carats Trillion Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable yet simple pendant necklace showcasing a single 0.51 carat trillion diamond, set in a 14K White Gold mounting. Suspended on a 16 inches white gold chain. Perfect for yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.73 Carats Oval Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and timeless piece of jewelry showcasing a 0.73 carat oval cut blue sapphire, surrounding by a single row of brilliant round diamonds weighing 0.23 carats total, G color and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.13 Carats Pentagon Yellow Diamond and Round Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A stylish and unique pendant necklace showcasing a pentagon cut yellow diamond weighing 2.13 carats, set in a halo of round brilliant diamonds weighing 0....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 24.28 Carats Total Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and important drop necklace showcasing two rows of round brilliant diamonds that elegantly drop and divide into three rows of diamonds. Diamonds weigh 24.28 carats total....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.01 Carats Total Oval & Round Diamond Halo Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcases a single oval cut diamond weighing 0.26 carats, surrounded by two rows of round brilliant diamonds in a open-work halo design. Attached to a short diamonds by the yard...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.40 Carats Total Round Blue Sapphire & Diamond Reversible Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique circle pendant necklace showcasing round brilliant diamonds weighing 1.60 carats total on one side, and reverses to round blue sapphires weighing 1.80 carats total on the ot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov, 0.79 Carat Round Diamond Bezel Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and versatile solitaire pendant necklace showcasing a single round diamond in a 14 karat white gold bezel. Attached to a 16 inch white gold chain. Style available in diffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov GIA Certified 0.92 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Bezel Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple pendant necklace showcasing a GIA Certified 0.92 carat pear shape diamond, L Color and SI2 in Clarity. Bezel set in 14K Yellow Gold, suspended on a 14K White Gold Chain. 16 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Roman Malakov 1.25 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cluster pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and stunning pendant necklace showcasing a 0.76 carats round diamond center stone surrounded by dazzling diamond weighing 0. 49 carats total in a intricate halo starburst de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.47 Carats Round Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This necklace speaks simplicity. Perfect for everyday wear. Solitaire pendant necklace showcasing a single 0.47 carat round diamond G color and VS in clarity, made with 18 karat rose...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 0.45 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple pendant necklace that packs a lot of brilliance. Set with a 0.45 carats round diamond center set in a beaded bezel made with 14K white gold. The center diamond is surrounded...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 4.43 Carats Total Micro-Pavé Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcases a rounded heart shaped pendant micro-pavé set with sparkling round diamonds. The diamonds graduate in size as it reaches the center of the heart....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

13.08 Carat Total Pear Shape Natural Fancy Color Diamond Halo Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Well crafted and color rich diamond necklace showcasing different shade of 61 pieces natural fancy color pear shape diamonds weighing 13.08 carats total. Set in a halo design within ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 0.28 Carats Total Round Cut Diamond Heart Shape Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple pendant necklace showcasing 3 round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.28 carats total, set in a chic heart shape design and suspended on an 18 inches adjustable chain. Finely ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Roman Malakov 0.82 Carats Total Round Diamond Open-Work Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing this gorgeous 18K white gold heart pendant with an elegant open-work design; set with round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.82 ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.35 Carat Round Graduating Diamond Constellation Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Features a 0.35 carats total brilliant round graduating diamonds, bezel set in a constellation style setting. Made in 14 karat white gold. Suspended on a 16 inch adjustable white gol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.55 Carats Total Brilliant Round Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A simple and timeless solitaire pendant necklace showcasing a round brilliant diamond in a 4 prong white gold basket setting. Suspended on a rabbit ear bail attached to a 16 inch whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.15 Carat Round Diamond Encrusted Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and elegant necklace featuring an 18k white gold open circle design set with dazzling round diamonds. The diamonds graduate in size and weigh 1.15 carats total. Comes with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.82 Carats Total Brilliant Round Shape Diamond Open-Work Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and unique pendant necklace showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.82 carats total, F color VS-SI1 clarity. Set in an open-work heart shape mounting made in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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

GIA Certified 1.18 Carats Heart Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A classic pendant necklace showcasing a GIA Certified 1.18 Carats heart shape diamond, J color and SI2 in clarity. Set in a polished Platinum basket mounting. Suspended on an 16 inch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Roman Malakov GIA Certified 37.20 Pear Shape Diamond Chandelier Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious and elegantly made diamond chandelier necklace showcasing 276 pieces brilliant mixed cut round, pear and marquise shape diamonds weighing 37.20 carats total. Set in a graduating chandelier...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov, All GIA Certified 60.61 Carat Round Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant and classic piece tennis necklace showcasing a line of round diamonds set in polished platinum. All the diamonds in this necklace is GIA certified and weighs 60.62 carats...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.52 Carats Heart Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A classic heart shape pendant necklace showcasing a 1.52 carats brilliant heart shape diamond certified by GIA as F color, SI1 clarity. The pendant is set on a 14k yellow gold basket and suspended on an adjustable 16 inch yellow gold chain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 0.50 Carat Brilliant Round Diamond Two Tone Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Simple but elegant two tone heart shape pendant necklace accented with 10 brilliant round diamond weighing 0.50 carats total. Finely made in 18K Yellow and White Gold. 17.6 inches in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 2.58 Carat Heart Shape Blue Sapphire with Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A versatile and unique pendant necklace showcasing a 2.58 carats heart shape blue sapphire certified by GIA as Sri Lanka origin. Surrounded by a row of round brilliant diamonds weigh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Roman Malakov 1.00 Carats Marquise Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and classic piece showcasing a 1.00 carats marquise cut diamond, H color and SI2 in clarity. Set horizontally in a polished bezel made in 14K White Gold. Suspended on an adj...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.78 Carat Pear Shape Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A classic pendant necklace showcasing a pear shape blue sapphire weighing 1.78 carats total. Embellished by two rows of round diamonds, weighing 1.28 carats total. Suspended on a rou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 2.60 Carat Total Pear and Heart Shape Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This simple and beautiful drop pendant necklace showcases a 2.00 carat Pear shape, H color SI1 clarity, hanging from a 0.60 carat Heart shape diamond. Connected to a platinum chain. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 3.39 Carat Blue Sapphire with Diamond Halo Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and timeless pendant necklace showcasing an oval cut blue sapphire surrounded by a single row of round diamonds, suspended on a vibrant cushion cut blue sapphire and diamond...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

1.68 Carat Total Mixed Cut Diamond Open Work Heart Design Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Well-crafted open work heart pendant necklace showcasing 0.40 carats heart shape diamond. Center stone is set in an open work heart shape setting clustered with brilliant round diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 30.81 Carat Total Round Sapphire & Diamond Riviere Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious and elegantly made riviere tennis necklace showcasing brilliant round blue sapphires and diamonds that elegantly alternate with each other and get larger to the center of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.24 Carats Round Diamond, Aries Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Astrological Zodiac Sign, Stylish open work ram design pendant necklace. The ram is made with 18K white gold clustered with brilliant round diamonds. Circular open work clustered wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 8.62 Carats Total Graduating Round Diamond Riviere Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant and classic piece of jewelry showcasing a line of round brilliant diamonds that elegantly get larger to the center of the necklace. Diamonds weigh 5.72 carats, largest di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary 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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