Skip to main content

Diamond Necklaces

13
6,394
5
to
719
4,156
2,074
1
17
275
1,882
4,224
94
72
75
52
38
161
185
210
246
211
13
473
337
288
279
255
4,445
1,920
34
5,642
3,483
2,459
1,766
1,062
6,399
1,268
1,022
967
635
2595
975
518
246
245
to
1,238
688
375
356
253
230
118
82
30
19
6
3
2
1
1
Gemstone: Diamond
Recognized Seller Listings
Long Diamond Tennis Necklace with Diamond Motifs
Located in New York, NY
A FANTASTIC Diamond Necklace. 11.11 carats of white round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. 30 inches in length -- the diamond motifs mea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Serpent & Heart Necklace with fancy cut Garnet & Diamond Eyes, c. 1870
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique Necklace hand made in 18K yellow gold with a serpent and heart motif, the heart and serpent have fancy cut red garnets and the serpent's eyes and nose are rose cut diamonds. ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Diamond Necklace 1.12 Carat Merkaba Star
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Merkaba star tetrahedron platinum diamond pendant necklace, featuring a total of approximately 1.12 carats of round brilliant diamonds, F-G color and VVS2-VS1 clarity. This heirloom-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Limited Edition 18ct White Gold And Diamond 'I Love You' Puzzle Pendant
Located in London, GB
A rare 18ct white gold and diamond puzzle pendant by Cartier 1997, the pendant of square shape formed as a sliding puzzle with eight movable tiles which spell out the phrase ‘I LOVE ...
Category

1990s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

15.08 Carat Oval Aquamarine and Round Brilliant Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A mesmerizing blue Aquamarine and Diamond pendant! The 15.08 carats Aqua is set in a four prong basket setting, suspended from a single Diamond station and pave Diamond bale. The D...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Crivelli 18KT White Gold, 27.21Ct. Blue Sapphire & 13.61 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This lovely designed collar necklace by Crivelli is entirely set with 5 rows of round brilliant Diamonds and Blue Sapphires. The alternating stones and the ...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Robert Procop 2.60 Carat Diamond Luminous Starburst Pendant Necklace
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This necklace is fire! Created by world famous designer Robert Procop, this Diamond Luminous Satrburst pendant necklace stuns with 2.60 carats in Diamonds. The pendant is designed ...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A MAGNIFICENT PIECE! An important emerald and diamond necklace. 144.07 carats of fine quality, "Vivid Green" emeralds. 171.40 carats of white diamonds all set in platinum. A re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Verdura 18ct Yellow Gold and Round Brilliant Diamond 'Regatta' Necklace
Located in London, GB
A beautiful gold and diamond ‘Regatta’ necklace by Verdura, c.1970s, the bib-style necklace of openwork design formed of 18ct yellow gold twisted rope work loop motifs each suspendin...
Category

Late 20th Century American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow and White Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exquisitely designed piece! 43.87 of Fancy Yellow and white diamonds set in 18k yellow and white gold. Fancy Yellow cushion cut di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Multi Shape Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique diamond necklace. 12.01 carats of oval, pear, emerald, marquise and round cut white diamonds set in 18k white gold. 16 inch lengt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Rose-Cut Diamond Necklace, 14.73 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
This sensational necklace showcases a design illuminated by a marvelous array of rose-cut diamonds weighing a total of 14.73 carats. Six pear-shaped white diamonds dangle from a slee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in Westport, CT
This Faye Kim 18K gold* Mabe Pearl pendant with triple diamonds will add just the right touch of elegance to any outfit, and can be layered with oth...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Tubogas Gold Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is a wonder of retro design. This necklace is comprised of a revolutionary, flexible Tubogas link chain of 18K yellow gold. Slightly rais...
Category

20th Century French Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3 Carat GIA Pear Shape Solitaire Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An INCREDIBLE diamond pendant! 3.06 GIA certified F color VS1 pear shape diamond diamond -- full of life and sparkle! The stone looks like a 5 ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Antique Burma Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
Sumptuous Burma rubies and vibrant white diamonds come together in this sensational antique necklace. Featuring a remarkable red hue, the Burma rubies total approximately 50 carats, while the diamonds that encircle them weigh a combined 30 carats. Hand-crafted in a fabulous gold-over-silver setting, such spectacular Victorian-era works of jeweled art...
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Silver

Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An impeccably designed diamond necklace featuring pear, marquise, and round cut diamonds. 18.20 carats of FG VS diamonds 18k white gold Approximately 16.5 inch length that can ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Necklace
Diamond Necklace
Free Shipping
Magnificent Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An incredible piece! Over 60 carats of diamonds set in a classic design, this necklace is an amazing piece to add to any collection. 63.29 carats of pear, marquise and round bril...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Important GIA Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Colombian Green Emerald set in a FABULOUS necklace! 20.98 carat GIA certified Colombian Green Emerald with beautiful color and luster. 68.06 carats of F/G VS round, p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

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

2010s Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Marco Bicego .50 Carat Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Marco Bicego 18k yellow and white gold diamond circle pendant from the Jaipur collection. 18k gold rings in three sizes interlink and form and elegant pendant that floats on an 18k y...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Lollipop Multi Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
NECKLACE 18K White Gold Diamond 1.25 Cts/91 Pcs Multi Sapphire 3.65 Cts/7 Pcs With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

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

1960s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold

2.25 Carat Opal Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal and diamond pendant necklace. 2.25 oval opal with a halo of 35 single cut diamonds, in 14k yellow gold setting and 16 inch chain. 1 oval reddish green pendant, approx. 2.25cts...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels 2015 Pink Porcelain Vintage Alhambra Holiday VCAR05SY00
Located in London, GB
A limited edition 18k rose gold pink porcelain and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2015 Holiday collection. The pendant features a beaded edge 4-leaf clo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

.15 Carat Diamond Cultured Pearl White Gold Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1960’s graduated cultured pearl necklace 6-9mm with natural color and 14k white gold diamond catch. 16.5 inches long. 55 cultured pearls, crème color rose hue, very good lustre, fe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.09ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Cross Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
Consider this cross necklace as a beautiful reminder to enrich your spiritual journey. This piece is elegantly crafted in 14K white gold. It bears a cross pendant traced by seven pink sapphires and and clusters of petite round diamonds. The 1 x 0.55 cross pendant suspends from a 17-long chain.This brand new 14K White Gold 0.09ct Diamond and 0.70ct Pink Sapphire Cross...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco 1930 Stations Long Chain Necklace In Platinum With 2.75 Ctw In Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Art-Deco diamonds stations chained necklace sautoir. A classic station long chain created in America during the art-deco period, back in the 1930. It was designed as a sautoir chain...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite, eye-catching necklace features an impressive South Sea white baroque pearl with gorgeous luster, set in 18k white gold with sparkling diamonds! The spectacular gem ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold 0.25ct Diamond and Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
A dramatic design makes this Roberto Coin necklace impossible to ignore. Mother of Pearl adds a pop of color to the pendant, which measures 1.75 long by 1.15 wide. A singular 0.25 ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

England 1870 Neo Gothic Pendant With Griffin In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A Victorian neo-gothic pendant Brooch with a winged Griffin. Fabulous pendant-brooch, created in England during the Victorian era in the late 19th century, circa 1870. This piece was crafted in three dimensions with great details in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with textured finish. Designed with neo-gothic revival...
Category

1870s English Gothic Revival Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k G...

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

1960s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold

10 Carat Round Diamond 16 Inches Tennis Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Exquisite 10 Carat Round Diamond Tennis Necklace Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning 16-inch tennis necklace, crafted to showcase the timeless elegance of round diamo...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

Cartier Sapphire Amethyst Diamond Caresse d'Orchidées Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Cartier "Caresse d'Orchidées" pendant necklace in 18k white gold, featuring three central orchid flowers pave-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, blue sapphires and amethyst. Measuring...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

LB Exclusive 14K Yellow Gold 0.05ct Diamond Pendant Necklace PD4-16247YGA
Located in Southampton, PA
Add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble with this simple, elegant necklace. Suspended from an 18 chain, youll find a 14K Yellow Gold pendant measuring 1.25 long and 0.25 wide. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold

Antique Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Lavalier Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique pearl diamond yellow gold lavalier pendant, circa 1900. The antique pearl diamond yellow gold lavalier from the 1900s was all handmade with its attention to detail and intr...
Category

Early 1900s American Late Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 0.45 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a classic and simple religious cross pendant necklace set with brilliant round cut diamonds weighing 0.45 carats total, G color and VS in clarity respectively. Suspended ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.44 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a classic and simple religious cross pendant necklace set with brilliant round cut diamonds weighing 0.44 carats total, H color and VS in clarity respectively. Suspended ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Pearl Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian river pearls diamonds and platinum pendant necklace circa 1910. * This Edwardian river pearl and diamond platinum pendant necklace was masterfully crafted using materials...
Category

1910s Edwardian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Chaumet Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brand: Chaumet Paris Accent Stone: 11 diamonds Cut: Round Brilliant Weight: 0.10 carat approximately Color: D-E Clarity: VVS Metal: 18k yellow gold Era: Modern Circa: 2000s Hallmar...
Category

20th Century Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold And Diamond Bead Necklace, 8.80 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite hammered 18k yellow gold necklace exemplifies modern elegance, adorned with 422 pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds, totaling approximately 8.80 carats...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium

Leo Pizzo Fancy Yellow Diamond 18k Gold Dangle Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Italian diamond pendant by designer Leo Pizzo pendant showcases the intricate craftsmanship and beauty of the fine work of jewelry.  Pendant Measuring 30 mm in length...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Emerald Green Jade & Diamond Pendant Certified Untreated
Located in Southbury, CT
Rich, emerald-green certified natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade has been whimsically and masterfully carved into a chili pepper with leaves. An adorable, tiny bat clings to ...
Category

1980s Chinese Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

1960s Pisces Zodiac Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat white gold and diamond necklace, circa 1960. Designed as a curb link chain suspending a Pisces disc medallion with two fish and 11 stars set with approximately 29 round ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Seidengang Diamond Diamond 18k Gold Flower Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Adorned yourself with a dazzling gold and diamond Seidengang necklace. this piece is crafted in 18k green gold. These gold flower disks,  each set with a round diamond, bezel set,  a...
Category

1990s Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique style Heart and Round Diamond Gold Fringe Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This flexible fringe design necklace is set with Natural Heart and Round-shaped diamonds is set in an 18k white gold necklace. It features beautifully curated and meticulously calibr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Gold

Long 36 inches 13-10mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Round Gold Clasp Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
A Perfect 36-inch long strand of High lustrous Tahitian South Sea Pearls of 13 to 10 mm, Hardly with any blemishes. A multicolor dance of black, Dark Gray, and peacock Genuine pearls...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold

Diamond 18K Gold Mesh Choker Statement Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Featuring an exquisite choker statement necklace, featuring natural round diamonds set in a sophisticated geometric kite link design. Crafted in 18K white and yellow gold, this neckl...
Category

1990s Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

13.7 Carats Opal Diamonds ca. 1.7-1.9 Carats South Sea Harlekin Pearl Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
An absolutely stunning necklace, created by Wagner Preziosen. 31 Harlekin South Sea Pearls, 12.4-14.3 mm in diameter, of the finest lustre are complemented by a magnificent clasp ma...
Category

2010s European Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

High Polish Italian Diamond 18K Yellow White Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish High Polish Timeless diamond choker is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow and white gold. This beautifully sculpted Italian diamond choker necklace weighs 104.0 grams. The neck...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier C de Cartier Solitaire Diamond Necklace 1.70ct G/VS1 XXX
Located in London, GB
A stunning 18k white gold diamond necklace from the C de Cartier collection by Cartier. The necklace is set to the centre with a 1.70ct round brilliant cut diamond, G colour and VS1 ...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Kabana White Diamond and Color Marquise Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful estate Kabana necklace with 0.12 ct. white diamond rounds and coral and mother of pearl marquise shapes. Handmade in 14k yellow gold. Made in the USA.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Diamond set Trefoil Key Pendant 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
A diamond set trefoil key pendant in 18 karat white gold A sweet pendant designed as a trefoil key pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds, mounted with a plain polished bale, st...
Category

2010s British Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Seed Pearl Diamond Platinum Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Stunning choker composed of 12 strands of seed pearls (circa 2,5 mm to 3 mm) well matched, of cream body color with faint rose overtones. They are of good quality and luster. The st...
Category

Early 20th Century European Jugendstil Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum, Gold

1970s A. Cipullo 100.00ct Amethyst 2.50ct Diamond Crystal Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow gold necklace from the 1970s by A. Cipullo. The necklace features bead and oval cut amethysts and carved crystals. The amethysts weigh approximately 100...
Category

20th Century Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.17ct Diamond Safety Pin Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
This exquisite necklace has a chic, contemporary sense of style. Suspended at the center of an 18 chain, youll find a safety pin shaped pendant measuring 0.25 long by 0.75 wide. This...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Bvlgari Diamond Pearl 18K Gold Bulgari Circle Drop Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Adore this delightful Bvlgari Diamond Gold Necklace. This Diamond pearl Diamond Drop necklace is crafted in 18-karat white gold, with square and circular diamond motifs.  The gleami...
Category

1990s Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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.

Recently Viewed

View All