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Diamond Necklaces

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Item Ships From: USA
Gemstone: Diamond
"Lookup" Micro-Pave Pendant by Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
The "LookUP" collection. The pendant comes in several color combinations of micro pave set natural gemstones and diamonds. Natural diamonds and gemstones Each pendant comes with an 1...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Aquamarine Necklace 1.97 Carat Kite Cut
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
14K white gold necklace set with a 1.97 carat Aquamarine Kite shape, decorated with a total of 0.34 carat round brilliant diamonds. Returns are accepted and paid by us within 7 days...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Beryl, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, Whi...

Aquamarine Necklace 2.24 Carat Pear Shape
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18K white gold necklace set with a 2.24 carat Aquamarine pear shape, decorated with a double halo set with a total of 0.33 carat Blue Sapphires, and a total of 0.26 carat F-G/VS roun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Beryl, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blu...

Impressive Faraone Fancy Pear Diamond Gold Platinum Snake Serpent Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An impressive 18k gold and platinum snake necklace by Faraone, featuring approx. 6.00ctw G/VS diamonds on the necklace, and a center fancy cognac pear shape diamond - approx. 3.60ct ...
Category

20th Century Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Diana M. 2.75cts Diamond Fashion Necklacein 14kt Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
14kt yellow gold diamonds by the yard necklace features 2.75 cts tw of white round diamonds, 9 stones 18" adjutable to 16"
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and White Gold Tennis Necklace - Adjustable Length
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your attire with the unparalleled grace and sophistication of the White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace. Crafted from the finest white gold, this exquisite necklace showcases a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

AGL Certified 47.76 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking work of art, behold the glorious 47.76ct PS Colombian Emerald Pendant Diamond Necklace. This exquisite masterpiece exudes elegance and grace, capturing the essence of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18k Rose Gold Tiffany & Co. Natural Diamond Victoria Medium Necklace i15020
Located in Toledo, OH
Stunning Tiffany & Co. necklace from the Victoria line. Made from 18k rose gold on the Medium pendant and chain. Approximately .46ctw of sparkling marquise diamonds with VS clarity ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cathy Waterman Multi Color Sapphire Platinum Necklace Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous necklace by Cathy Waterman crafted out of multi color sapphire beads with platinum elements. The carved sapphire beads of white, yellow, purple and pink color are strung o...
Category

1990s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Versatile Puff Star with Diamonds and Polished Platinum Charm Only Reversible
Located in Rutherford, NJ
Star power puff star charm in petite size with pave diamonds in front, but reverses to 1 diamond in backside all in polished Platinum. If chain requested, please contact for additional cost. Custom engraving in limited space is available as additional also. Our puff stars are unique in their imperfect shape and have the versatility of a heavy sparkle pave saide or an understated solo diamond side according to mood. The charm and earrings pair up well together. Can be used as a pet charm...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Important Opal Necklace Set With Diamonds 60 Carats Total 19.5 Inches
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
It comes with the appraisal by GIA GG/AJP Condition: Excellent Opals = 54 Carats Diamonds = 6.48 Carats (Color: F-J, Clarity: VS-I) Metal: Silver & 14K Yellow Gold Necklace Length: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

14K White Gold and 1.00 CT Diamond Pendant.
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite pendant, crafted from lustrous 14K white gold, features a dazzling array of diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carats. The diamonds, showcasing a mix of round brilli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

16ct VVS Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted from elegant 14K white gold, this breathtaking tennis necklace boasts an impressive 16 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds, exhibiting VVS-VS clarity and H-I color. Adorni...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 40.32 CTW Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Floral Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged basket links featuring cushion cut sapphires prong set throughout Weighing approximately 30.96 carats total - transparent medium blue in color Alternating with cl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Mikimoto Ladies Platinum White South Sea Cultured Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Mikimoto Gender: Ladies Metal Type: Platinum Pendant Length: 1.00 Inches Chain Length: 17.50 Inches Pendant Diameter: 12.00 mm Chain Width: 1.25 mm Pendant Weight: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

NWT $775, 000 18KT Gold Rare Fancy Paraiba Natural Sapphire Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Important 18KT White Gold Paraiba Diamond Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Necklace. Necklace is comprised of Finely Set Glittering Gorgeous Rare Important Paraiba adorned...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Paraiba, Gold

Vintage 18k Lapis Lazuli Diamond Pendant Brooch Pin Brutalist Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Greer, SC
Exquisite vintage 18k lapis lazuli convertible pendant / brooch, adorned with dazzling diamonds. This brutalist style pendant is a great example of mid century art and craftsmanship....
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Hemmerle 20.00 Carat Heart-Shaped Sapphire Necklace with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a Heart-Shaped Sapphire weighing approximately 20.00 carats and Square cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.00 carats....
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diana M 56.01cts Pear & Marquise Diamond Fashion Necklace in 18kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold fashion necklace featuring a GIA certified pear shape diamond (PSC258-K-VS2) surrounded by multiple shapes of diamonds on the the pendant and 2 rows of pear and marqu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Trio Diamond Pink Coral 18K Gold Flower Star Large Brooch Pin
By Trio
Located in Miami, FL
With an exquisite textured design by TRIO, these enchanting vintage pink Carved coral & diamond piece is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. Centered by a genuine cabochon oval channel...
Category

1970s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Ladies 14K White Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Rectangular Pendant Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: White Gold  Length: 20.00 inches Weight: 4.19 grams One ladies custom-made polished 14K white gold single strand collar, diamond necklace. The metal wa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Cultured Pearl Necklace A four-strand necklace with cultured pearls and 135 emerald beads separated with gold spacers. It features a center gold pendant adorned with mix...
Category

20th Century Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

14 Karat Two Tone Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K Two tone gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 1.51cttw Color: G Clarity: VS-SI1 Multi-Gemstone: 20 marquise cut = 9.10cttw Dimensions: necklace measure...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

10K Yellow Gold 15.08ct Pave Diamond Cuban Link Chain Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Metal Type: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 22.00 inches Width: 9.00 mm Weight: 120.52 grams One custom-made polished 10K yellow gold diamond Cuban link chain. The metal was tested and d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace - 1.98ct Stunning Jewelry Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this stunning 14K yellow gold pendant necklace, adorned with a captivating 1.982 carat oval brilliant emerald and 0.14 carats of dazzling single-cut diamonds....
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Black Diamond and African Ruby Pendant with 14k Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18k and 14k Black Diamond and African Ruby Pendant Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 15.5 inch chain, 1.5 inch pendant, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

14k Yellow Gold Double Row Diamond Tennis Necklace With Circle Diamond Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Diamonds: 247 round brilliant cut = 21.35cttw Color: G Clarity:VS- SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16-inches in length Weight: 32.81 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Christopher Designs L'Amour Crisscut Diamond East West Halo Pendant in 18kt
Located in Los Gatos, CA
This elegant Pendant from Christopher Designs features a 0.56 ct. L'Amour Oval Crisscut®  Diamond with a G Color VS Clarity rating and is adorned with 0.08 ct. t.w. of Brilliant Mele...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k White Gold Multi-Shaped Halo Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: Multi-Shaped and round brilliant Diamonds= 17.97cttw Color: G Clarity:VS-SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16.5-inches in length ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Scrolling At The Front 48.00cttw Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the captivating allure of this exquisite diamond scrolling necklace, a vision of timeless elegance. Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Diamond Rosecut Layered Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful layered necklace with 1.01 ct. good quality white diamond rose cut rounds. Three total stones. Length is 16", 17", and 18". Handmade in 18k yellow gold. Can be extended...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Chopard Large Happy Clown with Flowers Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Large Happy Clown With Flowers Pendant Necklace by Chopard. With 4 round brilliant cut diamonds = VVS1 clarity, E color total weig...
Category

20th Century Swiss Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Ladies 18K White Gold Three Flower Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Length: 16.00 Inches Chain Width: 1.30 mm Largest Flower Measurement: 9.80mm x 9.80mm Weight: 4.50 grams Ladies 18K white gold single ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Rose Cut White Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful rosecut diamond necklace with 1.98 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k white gold. This necklace is fun and frivolous. A great take on the traditional...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

14K Tourmaline Diamond Pendant Necklace - Vintage Style Jewelry, Statement Piece
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold pendant necklace, featuring a captivating 0.49 Carat Faceted Oval Tourmaline and shimmering diamond accents. SPECIFICATIONS: ...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 60ct Aquamarine and Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Newton, MA
This exquisite art deo statement piece of jewelry is offered by Alex & Co. This pendant showcases a four prong double basket set blue aquamarine octagonal step cut weighing approxima...
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 10 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
This amazing heart diamond necklace features a large heart shaped diamond weighs 10 carat. The diamond is bright white, completely clean, and vibrant with bold sparkle! The 18k Whi...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

1.01ct Marquise & Round Diamond Pendant in 18KT White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 18KT White Gold Total Carat Weight: 1.01ctw Chain Length: 15" Long Designer: SES Creations Number of Marquise Diamonds: 1 Carat Weight: 0.46ctw Number of Round Diamonds: 1 C...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

8.44CT Neck & Bracelet Diamond Set in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Are you looking for a stunning set of diamond jewelry to add to your collection? Look no further! This one-of-a-kind Choker Diamond Necklace with a matching Diamond Bracelet is exact...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K 1.36ctw Tourmaline Diamond Pendant Necklace - Fine Statement Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace, featuring a captivating 1.36 Carat Emerald Cut Tourmaline and 0.27 Carats of shimmering Diamonds. Specificat...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diana M. Custom 32.20 cts 4 Prong Diamond 18k White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18 k white gold, 16.5" 4 prong diamond tennis necklace 32.20 cts brilliant cut round diamonds 81 stones 0.40 each FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Illusion Diamond Graduated Tennis Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: round brilliant Diamonds= 8.30cttw Color: G-H Clarity:VS-SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16.5-inches in length Weight: 36.93 g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Horseshoe Necklace
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 14K white gold, the necklace features a diamond set horseshoe in the center. 12 round brilliant cut diamonds: 0.36ctw. Color: G-H, Clarity: SI2-I1 Measurements: Horseshoe:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Alexander Beverly Hills 21.65ct Three-Row Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite and timeless three row diamonds tennis bracelet, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 327 diamonds total, 21.65 carats total. Approximately F-G color and VS clarity. 40.28 grams, 18...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Baccarat Sherazade Crystal and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold France
Located in La Jolla, CA
BACCARAT 'Sherazade' Necklace Clear Crystal & Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold Made in France Baccarat 'Sherazade' Necklace Clear Crystal & Diamond Necklace features Baccarat Clea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds by the Yard Single Diamond Pendant Yellow Gold by Elsa Peretti T & Co
Located in Newton, MA
Iconic Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard® Single Diamond Pendant by Tiffany & Co. offered by Alex & Co. A single hand-polished bezel set brilliant cut diamond shines at the center of...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Pendant with 6.03ct Fancy Intense Yellow Heart Shape Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Heart Shape pendant crafted in lustrous 18K Yellow Gold, featuring a stunning centerpiece - a dazzling 6.03 carat Fancy Intense Yellow Heart Shape diamond c...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cinnamon Diamond Rose Gold Pendant Necklace Handmade
Located in Miami, FL
Show your timeless love with this glowing Cinnamon Diamond Rose Gold Pendant Necklace! Crafted with light brown bezel-set diamond, this necklace is absolutely stunning. The 14kt. ros...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

PICCHIOTTI Pavé Diamond Curb Link Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
PICCHIOTTI Pavé Diamond Curb Link Necklace in 18k White Gold Diamond Choker Necklace by Picchiotti features a center section of Round Brilliant Diamonds Pavé set and edged with Squa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diana M. Custom 10.00 cts 3 prong diamond 18k white gold tennis necklace 16.5"
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18 k white gold 3 prong diamond tennis necklace 10.00 cts round diamonds 109 stones 0.09 each Color FG SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Diamond Round Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1.00 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 14k yellow gold. Length is 18".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Diana M. Custom 41.00 Cts Round 4 Prong Diamond 18k White Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18 k white gold 4 prong diamond tennis necklace 41.00 cts round diamonds 79 stones 0.51 each FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace - 2.82ct - Timeless Elegance, Luxury
Located in Holtsville, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace. Crafted with precision and elegance, this necklace is a timeless piece that...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold & Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold & Diamond Necklace A yellow gold necklace with nine pave square motif designs. Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Approximate Measurements: 13 inches 5 inches diam...
Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

White Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 7.15 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Total of 234 stones. Handmade in 14k rose gold. Length is 21".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Rose Gold

1.09CT Total weight Fancy Vivid Orangy Yellow Pendant Necklace, set in 18kyw GIA
Located in New York, NY
Get your hands on a truly unique piece of jewelry - a stunning 0.90ct Fancy Vivid Orangy Yellow pear-shaped diamond pendant, certified by GIA with an SI2 clarity rating. This rare Di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

15 Carat Green Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
A sophisticated jewelry store adorned with elegant displays, showcasing exquisite pieces. The camera focuses on a radiant necklace displayed on a velvet-lined tray. Elevate your sty...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

10.66 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Pendant & Diamond Tennis Necklace In 18k Gold.
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this classic 10.66-carat diamond tennis necklace features a distinctive touch: a 1.51-carat Fancy Intense Yellow pear-shaped ...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow 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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