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Diamond Necklaces

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Item Ships From: USA
Gemstone: Diamond
Antique Rose Gold, Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Swag Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The delicate chain centering 3 oval sapphires ap. 12.50 cts., suspending one oval color-change sapphire ap. 3.75 cts., spaced by 10 old European-cut diamonds ap. .35 ct., c. 1900, ap...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

White Diamond Pear Shape Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 0.40 ct. good quality, white, and bright diamond pear shape and rounds. Handmade in 14k yellow gold. Chain length is 17".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow 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

Contemporary Diamond 18k Two-Tone Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A splendid necklace embellished with white round diamonds set in 18K white and yellow gold. Diamond weight approx. 13.00 carats total, estimated G-H colors, VS-SI clarity. Overall ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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

Phillips House Large Infinity Necklace N20223PDW 1.00 Carat Diamond Disc
Located in Carmel, IN
Gold and Diamond Large Infinity Necklace (1.00 tcw) Style Number: N20223PDW Size: 18mm in diameter Material: 14k White Gold Length: 18"
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

8.41 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Station Necklace 18 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Rose Gold 8.41ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Station Necklace Material: 18k Rose Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 8.41ctw of Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. There are 48 stones tot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond Akoya Pearl 14 Karat 2-Strand Necklace Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality Akoya Pearl Diamond Necklace 8 mm 14k Gold 2-Strand Certified $9,750 010933 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry! Nothing says, “I Love you” more th...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Luca Carati 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Flower Pendant Necklace 0.86Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Luca Carati 18k yellow and white gold diamond flower pendant long necklace. Features a gorgeous display of Brilliant pave Diamonds 0.86Cttw. Diamond color G and VVS-VS clar...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 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

.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

Fancy Yellow Marquise Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This piece comes from J.Birnbach's highly-curated Fancy Yellow Diamond collection. The 18-karat yellow gold pendant features a gorgeous 0.82 carat fancy light yellow marquise-shaped ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Heart Charm / Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat White Gold Heart Charm/Pendant with Round Diamonds 0.23 TDW. 2.73 grams total weight.
Category

2010s Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1.60 Carat Round Diamond Plaque Pendant in White Gold with Chain
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique Diamond Plaque Pendant w/ Unique Chain Plaque Features Invisible-Set Princess-Cut Diamonds Interrupted by a Zig-Zag Dimensions...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamond Encrusted Pendant 0.25 TDW
Located in Stamford, CT
14Kt Yellow Gold 20 Inch Necklace with Diamond Encrusted Pendant 0.25 Total Diamond Weight 4.47 grams total weight.
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

De Beers Rough Diamond Yayadhama Amulet Pendant from Talisman Collection
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous "Yayadhama" (Yaya-Damma) Amulet Pendant from De Beers Talisman Collection Features Round, Marquise, and Rough Tumbled Diamonds Set in Mask P...
Category

Early 2000s American Native American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Retro Gold Pendant 1.80 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Gem Stone, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Pendant approximately 1.80 Carat Natural Diamond & Green Emerald. Set with 4 round and 1 half-moon natural F-G color, VS-SI clarity diamonds weighing 0.40 car...
Category

1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold

8.21 Carat Round Cut Diamond 17" Tennis Necklace 14 Karat In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k White gold Diamond Details: Approx. 6.88ctw of round cut Diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Clasps: Tongue in box with safety clasp Total Weight: 15g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hera Sterling Silver and 18k Rose Gold Station Necklace with Diamond Leaf Ball
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Hera Material: sterling silver / 18K rose gold Diamond: 32 round cut = .32cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1-2 Weight: 28.53 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver

18 Karat White Gold Flexible Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This flexible diamond pendant features 0.39 carats of G VS diamonds set in 18K white gold. 5.7 grams total weight. Made in Italy. Viewings available in our NYC showroom by appointm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum Gold Gemstones Golf Club Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful stylized Golf Club pendant made of platinum and yellow gold featuring yellow sapphires, diamonds and a pink tourmaline. Total carat weight of diamonds is 0.54 points, they ...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 2.74ct Diamond Hour Glass Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming 14k white gold hour glass pendant necklace. The pendant is set with sparkling GIA certified trilliant cut diamonds that weigh 1.4...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamond Necklace 14k Gold 18" 5.06 TCW Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Finely Faceted Quality Ruby Diamond Necklace 14k Gold 18" 5.06 TCW Certified $5,975 121097 Please look at the video attached for this item. With the video you can see the mo...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

0.38 Carat Total Brilliant Round Diamond Open-Work Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and unique pendant showcasing a triangular open-work design set with 0.38 carats of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are approximately F-G color, SI1 clarity. Made in Y...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Andreoli Tahitian Pearl Drop Diamond Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Tahitian Pearl Drop Diamond Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace This Andreoli Pendant features: - 0.38 carat diamond - 13.00mm x 11.00mm Tahitian Drop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate 18 Karat White Gold Pink and White Diamond Daisy Flower Fashion Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate 18K white gold pink and white diamond daisy flower fashion necklace. Showcasing one fancy pink round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.18 carats, having I1 clarity grade. Accen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

13.74 Carat Diamond Pave Cuban Link Chain Necklace 14 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Style: 14k Yellow Gold 13.74ctw Diamond Pave Cuban Link Chain Necklace Material: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Details: Approx. 13.74ctw of round cut diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold 1.15 Carat White and Black Diamonds Cross Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 16" Pendant:26 mm * 16 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14K Stone Type:Black & White Diamonds 1.15 CT G VS2 Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 6.5 Grams C...
Category

2010s Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond

A Jade Bead Diamond Demi-Parure
Located in New York, NY
A demi-parure comprising necklace and earrings presenting 82 beads of jade of diameters ranging between 1.2 and 0.6 cm. The necklace's clasp and earrings...
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Jade, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Floral Motif White and Black Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Unique Pave set diamond necklace set in 18K White Gold with the following specifications; White diamonds: 3.50ct F-G VS1-VS2. Black Diamonds: 1.2ct. Length: 17.5''. Total weight ...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Diamond Four Leaf Clover Pendant Necklace in 18k Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.00 ct. white diamond round four leaf clover pendant handmade in 18k yellow and white gold. Necklace length is 16".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

11.00cttw Tanzanite & Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Tanzanite and diamond pendant necklace is crafted in 14K yellow gold. The pendant features prong set 11.00 carats of oval shaped Tanzanite and 0.09 carat of round cut ...
Category

2010s Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow 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

1900s Diamond Moon with One Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The neckalce is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with one center dia weighing approximately total of 1.20 carat and more diamonds on the moon setting weighing approximately total of...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k 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

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

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

6.76 Carat Round Diamond Four Prong Tennis Necklace 14 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k Yellow gold Diamond Details: Approx. 6.76ctw of round cut Diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Clasps: Tongue in box with safety clasp Total Weight: 14...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.51 Carat Diamond/1.05 Carat Ruby 18 Karat Gold Hearts Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Gold Heart shaped Pendant with 21 Invisible Set Princess Cut Rubies (Total Gem Weight 1.05 Ct) surrounded by a Channel set Halo of diamonds with total weight of 0.51 Ct. Total D...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Diamond Emerald Cut Pendant 2 Carat
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning pendant on a chain is set in 18K white gold. The horizontal pendant consists of emerald, baguette, and round diamonds that create the look of a single emerald cut piece...
Category

2010s Thai Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Pendant-Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The necklace is finely crafted in 18k platinum, with diamonds weighing a total of 0.40 dwt and sapphires 0.30 dwt. Circa 1950
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

0.43 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Fish Pendant with 14 Karat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 18" Pendant Measurement: 23 mm * 16 mm Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 18K Pendant & 14K Chain Hallmarks: 18K & 14K Total Weight: 2.90 Gram Stone Typ...
Category

2010s Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Victorian Style Silver and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Victorian style silver and 18K yellow gold floral ruby and diamond necklace. Showcasing seven round and oval shaped fine quality natural rubies weighi...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Silver

15.33ct Round & Pear Diamond Drop Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Grand statement diamonds high jewelry necklace. 6 pear shape diamonds, 2.39 carats. Approximately G/H color and VS2/SI1 clarity. 5 round brilliant diamonds, 2.74 carats. Approximatel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Figaro Amethyst and Diamond Station Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat White Gold 16 Inch Figaro Amethyst And Diamond Station Necklace 15.8 grams total weight.
Category

2010s Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, 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

Art Deco Style Round and Baguette Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Type: Pendant Necklace Style: Art Deco Metal: Platinum (pendant) 14k White Gold (chain) Stones:...
Category

Late 20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Fancy 18 Karat White Gold 0.60 Carat Diamonds and 1.20 Carat Ruby Pendant Charm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Pendant Height: 29 mm Weight: 22 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18KStone Type:SI1-VS G-H 0.60 CT Diamond and 1.20 Ruby Hallmarks: 750 Total Weight: 4.1 Grams Condition: New...
Category

2010s Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 171 round brilliant cut = 8.41cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Dimensions: necklace measures 17-inches in length Weight: 18.84 g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

America Gem Labs Report# CS36208 Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold heart shape Burmese ruby and diamond necklace Center Burmese ruby 2.12 ct. surrounded by 22 full cut round diamonds wei...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Retro Gold Camel Pendant 1.75 Carat Natural Diamond Ruby Emerald, Sapphire, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro Yellow Gold Hand Made Camel Pendant. Approximately 1.75 carats, set with Natural Diamonds (.20ct), Rubies (.55ct), Emeralds (.75ct), Sapphire (.2...
Category

1960s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Lauren Harper 1.92 Carat White Diamond Matte Oxidized Silver Trinity Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
Trinity Necklace handmade by jewelry designer Lauren Harper in matte-finished oxidized sterling silver with 1.92 total carats of round brilliant-cut white diamonds on an oxidized ste...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver, Other

Gold Diamond Wave Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18k gold necklace with diamonds approx. 5 carats. Measures - 16" long x 18mm wide. Weights 87.3 grams. Marked maker's mark Y.
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

14k Yellow Gold and Pave Diamond (App. 0.80 TCW) Ribbed Link Necklace
Located in Southport, CT
14K Gold And Diamond Italian Necklace. With a classic design this stylish necklace has polished yellow gold links leading to a centered pendant set with diamonds for a brilliant shin...
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Mikimoto 18 Karat White Gold Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
MIKIMOTO 18K WHITE GOLD PEARL & DIAMOND PENDANT Mint condition 18k White Gold, Pearl, Diamonds Pendant dimension: 0.5x1.6” Diamond: 0.08ct R...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

White and Yellow South Sea Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful necklace showcasing 27 white and yellow South Sea pearls and 0.50 ct. of white diamond rounds in a 18k yellow gold clasp. Superb lus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Moonlight Cluster Necklace: 1.4 Carat Diamonds in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: A total of 1.4 carats of dazzling diamonds grace this necklace, promising to mesmerize. Diamonds: Meticulously arranged, the necklace features 63 exquisite diamonds, e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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

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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