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Diamond Necklaces

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Creator: Roman Malakov
Gemstone: Diamond
Roman Malakov, GIA Certified 38.92 Carat Burmese Ruby with Diamond Halo Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and well-crafted piece showcasing vibrant 72 pieces mixed oval cut and pear shape rubies set in a 18K yellow gold floating design weighing 38.92 carats total. Each ruby is ac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov, GIA Certified 1.02 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Features a 1.02 carats GIA certified as F color and SI2 in clarity, pear shape diamond set in a brilliant diamond halo. The pendant is suspended on a chic 16 inch diamonds by the yar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

Roman Malakov Oval Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Halo Flower Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple floral motif pendant necklace showcasing a vibrant 0.51 carat oval cut blue sapphire, surrounded by 0.27 carats of round diamonds. Made in 18 karat white gold. Style availa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 0.51 Carats Total Round Diamond Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for everyday use, crescent moon set with round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.51 carats total. Made in 14K White Gold. Suspended on an 18 inch White Gold chain. Roman Malako...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov, 7.81 Carat Round Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A modern and chic necklace style showcasing round brilliant diamonds weighing 7.81 carats total; Set in a starburst-like setting made in 18 karat white gold. A very brilliant piece o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 15.01 Carats Total Mixed Cut Diamond Cluster Fashion Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous necklace set with 15.01 carats of brilliant round, marquise, and pear shape diamonds in an incredible design. The size of the diamonds graduate larger as it elegantly drop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.18 Carat Emerald with Diamond Double Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a 1.18 carat emerald cut green emerald, set in a beautiful open-work double halo encrusted with diamonds. Diamonds weigh 0.71 carats total. Set in a diamonds by the yard c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 22.33 Carats Total Round and Baguette Cut Diamond Fashion Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fascinating and stylish necklace showcasing baguette and round cut diamonds set in a beautiful triangular design. Baguette diamonds weigh 15.60 carats total; round diamonds weigh 6...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

7.65 Carats Total Round Micro-Pave Diamond Open-Work Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable necklace showcasing Lily & Co. Int. open-work heart shape pendant micro-pave set with 408 round brilliant diamonds weighing 5.08 carats total. Set in a diamonds by the yard 18 inches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 1.83 Carats Total Mixed Shape Diamonds Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and versatile pendant necklace showcasing a pear shape diamond surrounded by a single row of round brilliant diamonds in a halo design. Suspended on a flower made of pear an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 3.09 Carat Blue Topaz and Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple solitaire pendant necklace showcasing a 3.09 carat emerald cut blue topaz, accented by a single round diamond. Made in 18 karat white gold. Suspended on a 16 inch chain (adj...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 10.02 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Lion Mane Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Rare and well-crafted pendant necklace showcasing a GIA certified 10.02 carat heart shape diamond, set in a beautiful and colorful lion's mane halo made in different color diamonds. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 2.00 Carats Mixed Cut Natural Fancy Color Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is an incredibly gorgeous and colorful drop pendant necklace showcasing three GIA certified fancy shaped diamonds set in an elegant drop design weighing 0.96 carats total. Space...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 115.20 Carat Total Mixed Cut Cluster Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious and well crafted high end necklace showcasing mixed pear and marquise cut diamonds, set in an intricate and elegant open-work design. Diamonds weigh 115.20 carats total. Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 0.52 Carats Total Sun Bezel Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable piece of jewelry showcasing diamonds spaced evenly in an 18K White Gold chain. Each diamond alternates with a sun bezel in 18K Yellow Gold. Diamonds weigh 0.52 carats t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 3.12 Carats Light Brown Pear Shape Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique and brilliant pendant necklace showcasing a 3.12 carats pear shape diamond certified by GIA as N (light brown) color, SI2 in clarity. Surrounded by a row of brilliant round ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 10.43 Carat Brilliant Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly made solitaire diamond necklace featuring a HRD certified 10.43 carat brilliant round the diamond, I color, VS2 in clarity. Set in a classic four-prong platinum basket, sus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 10.14 Carats Total Round Diamond Cluster Floral-Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This brilliant and beautiful necklace showcases a row of cluster round diamonds, weighing 10.14 carats total, set in a floral-motif with an elegant drop design. Finely made in 18K Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 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 1.64 Carat Emerald Cut Sapphire with Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and unique pendant necklace style showcasing a 1.64 carats emerald cut blue sapphire, surrounded by a single row of brilliant round diamond weighing 0.43 carats total. Su...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

1.60 Carat Total Sapphire with Diamond Flower Pendant Necklace in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Features marquise cut sapphires with a round diamond center, set in a floral motif design. Suspended on a round blue sapphire spaced by round diamonds. Attached to a diamonds by the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 6.75 Carat Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An important and brilliant pendant showcasing 6.75 carats of round diamonds, set in a classic cross design made in platinum. Suspended on an adjustable 18 inch chain. Roman Malakov...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 2.58 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Long Fashion Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A well crafted long fashion necklace showcasing 189 row of round brilliant diamonds spaced evenly in a polished 18K White Gold mounting. Diamonds weigh 2.58 carats total, F color and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.42 Carats Round Fancy Yellow Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a 0.42 carats round natural yellow diamond, surrounded by row of brilliant round cut diamonds weighing 0.71 carats total. Accent diamonds are set in a micro-pave set and F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.67 Carat Round Diamonds by the Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A classic and timeless piece showcasing and a thin 18 karat white gold chain, set with round brilliant diamonds in three-to one equal intervals. Diamonds weigh 0.67 carats total. 16 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.12 carats Total Round Diamond Cluster Flower Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A modern flower pendant design showcasing round brilliant diamonds, set in a bezel accented with a chic geometric pattern design. Suspended on an 16 inch diamonds by the yard chain. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.84 Carats Brilliant Round Diamond Starburst Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant piece of jewelry showcasing a brilliant round diamond center, accented by smaller round diamonds in a chic starburst design. Diamonds weigh 0.84 carats total. Made in 14k...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 1.56 Carat Bezel Set Round Diamonds by The Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique diamonds by the yard bracelet showcasing 1.56 carats of round brilliant diamonds, set and spaced evenly in a cushion shape bezel made in 18 karat yellow gold. 16 inch white gold chain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Roman Malakov 0.65 Carat Oval Cut Ruby with Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple classic piece of jewelry showcases an oval cut red ruby weighing 0.65 carats total, surrounded by round brilliant diamonds, set in a milgrain-edged bezel creating a floral m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.36 Alternating Princess and Round Diamond by The Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple diamonds by the yard necklace showcasing alternating round and princess cut diamonds, weighing 0.36 carats total bezel. Set and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.89 Carat Pear Shape Blue Sapphire with Diamond Flower Design Long Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable and beautiful long necklace showcasing a row of bezel set round diamonds weighing 4.76 carats total. Accented with a flower made of pear shape blue sapphires, finished ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

GIA Certified 9.17 Carats Brilliant Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A bold and classy pendant necklace showcasing a luxurious 9.17 carats brilliant round diamond certified by GIA as S-T color, VVS2 in clarity. Set in a four prong basket setting and m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 0.40 Carat Round Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary and simple pendant necklace showcasing a round brilliant diamond, surrounded by a single row of round melee diamonds. Suspended on a 16 inch white gold chain. Diamonds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.90 Carats Total Oval Cut Diamond Cross Bezel Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique pendant necklace showcasing five oval cut diamonds weighing 0.90 carats total, H color and VS in clarity, bezel set in a cross design....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.69 Oval Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a 0.69 carat oval cut blue sapphire, set in a floating halo of round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.27 carats total. Suspended on a diamond encrusted bale in an 16 inch whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 2.11 Carats Total Graduating Round Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a fashionable swirl design encrusted with graduating round brilliant diamonds weighing 2.11 carats total. Made in 18k white gold. Suspended on an adjustable 16 inch white ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.40 Carat Round Diamond Black Rhodium Hamsa Hand Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A hamsa pendant necklace showcasing a hand with a six-point star in the middle, encrusted with round brilliant diamonds. Attached to an diamond encrusted bale. Diamonds weigh 0.40 ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium

Roman Malakov 51.48 Carat Total Multi Shape Graduating Diamond Riviere Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant necklace showcasing two rows of marquise, pear and round shape diamonds, hand-crafted in an 18K white gold mounting. Diamonds weigh 51.48 carats total, F-G color and VS-S...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.85 Carats Total Oval Cut Blue Sapphire and Round Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and classy pendant necklace showcasing a drop pendant with a 2.50 carats oval cut blue sapphire, surrounded by two rows of round brilliant diamonds. Suspended on a blue ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 30.56 Carats Total Graduating Mixed Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and finely crafted high end graduating diamond necklace showcasing a cluster of marquise, pear, and round brilliant diamonds. Elegantly arranged in an intricate and creative ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 5.93 Carat Oval Cut Rubies with Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and classy pendant necklace showcasing a drop pendant with a 1.30 carats oval cut ruby, surrounded by two rows of round brilliant diamonds. Suspended on a ruby set in a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 36.07 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Flower Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A well crafted necklace showcasing a cluster of round brilliant diamonds set in a floral motif design. Diamonds weigh 36.07 carats total. Made with 18K White Gold. Roman Malakov is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 36.28 Carat Total Mixed Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant and well crafted diamond necklace showcasing a row of alternating baguette and round diamonds in a polished platinum...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 1.40 Carats Total Round and Marquis Cut Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple pendant necklace showcasing two concentric circles set with round brilliant diamonds. Finishing the necklace are marquise cut diamonds shaped like a butterfly. Diamonds weig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 4.29 Carat Blue Sapphire with Diamond Halo Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful and finely crafted halo drop design necklace features an oval and pear shape blue sapphires weighing 4.29 carats total, suspended on a vintage style diamond by yard ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 1 Carats Total Diamond & Pearl Collapsible Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique and beautiful pearl necklace showcasing two separate strands of pearls that can be worn independently. It can connect to form into one long necklace. Each strand is spaced b...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov GIA Certified Yellow Diamond Double Halo Pendant Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a 2.07 carat pear shape yellow diamond certified by GIA as U-V color. Surrounding the center diamond are two rows of round brilliant yellow and white diamonds. Suspended o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Roman Malakov 0.48 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple yet unique pendant necklace showcasing a cluster of round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.48 carats total. Suspended on a diamond encrusted bale and 16 inch adjustable rose go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 0.71 Carat Oval Cut Green Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This pendant necklace of floral motif features a 0.71 carat oval cut green emerald, surrounded by a single row of round brilliant diamonds in a halo design weighing 0.30 carats total...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 3.88 Carats Oval Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable piece of jewelry showcasing a 2.12 carats oval cut blue sapphire center stone, surrounded by smaller blue sapphires 1.76 carats in a floral motif style. Finished with b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 0.19 Carat Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing round brilliant diamonds set in a traditional cross design made in 18 karat white gold. Diamonds weigh 0.19 carats total. Suspended on a 16 inch white gold chain (adjustab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.68 Pear Shape Green Emerald and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing 0.68 carat green emerald accented with two rows of round brilliant diamonds. The pendant is suspended on a two pear shape yellow diamond halos, attached to a diamonds by t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 10.04 Carat Graduating Round Diamond Riviere Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A chic and brilliant design showcasing round brilliant diamonds that graduate larger as it gets to the center. Diamonds weigh 10.04 carats total. Set in a seamless 18 karat yellow go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 0.10 Carat Round Cut Diamonds in Ovoid Brushed Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and unique pendant necklace style showcasing an ovoid shaped pendant set with round brilliant diamonds. Pendant has a brushed finish and suspended on a double chain made in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov Round Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a round brilliant diamond center weighing 0.52 carats, set in a beaded bezel. Accented by a single row of round diamonds weighing 0.34 carats total. Made in 14 karat white...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 9.10 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A bold solitaire pendant necklace showcasing a 9.10 carat pear shape diamond, K Color and VVS2 in Clarity. Set in 8 prong, Made with Platinum. 18 inches ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov, Illusion Set Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing baguette diamonds connected to look like a single large emerald cut diamond. Center diamond is surrounded by a diamond halo on an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.77 Carats Total Marquise Cut Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A simple and unique pendant necklace showcasing marquise cut diamonds set in a cross design with a round diamond center. Diamonds weigh 1.77 carats total. Set in a 14k white gold mou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k 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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