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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Style: Artisan
Brazilian Emerald Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat Stud Earrings
Located in Marcianise, IT
Spectacular earring made entirely by hand by expert goldsmiths and Neapolitan setters. The earring is made of 18 carat white gold and present two drop emeralds surrounded and support...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

7.07 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant in White and Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous aquamarine and diamond necklace features an impressive 7.07 carat pear-shaped aquamarine set in 18k yellow gold. The aquamarine is a beautifully crystalline gem with br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Sapphires Diamonds Yellow Gold 18 Karat Stud Earrings
Located in Marcianise, IT
Spectacular earring made entirely by hand by expert goldsmiths and Neapolitan setters. The earring is made of 18 carat yellow gold and present two sapphires surrounded and supported...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Kt Gold Necklace & Pendant With 30 ct. Black & White Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18 Kt Gold Necklace & Pendant With 30 ct. Black & White Diamonds & Rubies Necklace can be worn according to wanted length double or as one very long necklace. Diamonds:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Gold

14mm Kyanite Bead and 18k Gold Necklace with Diamond Rondelles, 18 Inches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This blue kyanite gemstone beaded necklace is breathtakingly luminescent with its gorgeous silvery white sheen and luxurious satin-like appearance! The 14mm kyanite beads display var...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Marina J. Pearl Woven Lace Sautoir with Diamond Encrusted 14k Yellow Gold Tassel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and classic piece by Marina J. This Sautoir is made of all cultured Seed Pearls intricately woven together into a fine lace like design. The weaving on this piece is inspire...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

White Diamond Scattered 24K Keum-boo Gold Leaf Five Bar Spark Pendant
Located in Boulder, CO
White Diamond Scattered 24K Keum-boo Gold Leaf Five Bar Spark Pendant Hand forged one-of-a-kind by Jared Porter Studio out of Beautiful Colorado. Sterling Silver with a Patina (oxi...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Sterling Silver

5.14 Carat Heart Shaped Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
What better way to feel cherished than with a finest quality, heart-shaped gemstone and diamonds? This gorgeous necklace features a stunning 5.14 carat heart-shaped rubellite with br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Tourmaline, Rubelite, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gorgeous Sterling Silver, 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond & Emerald 10 station Necklace
Located in Birmingham, AL
Absolutely Stunning Necklace! It is made in sterling silver and 18 Kt Yellow Gold. It features Old Mine cut and rose cut diamonds that form ten stations of flowers set "en tremblant"...
Category

19th Century Unknown Artisan Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

AJD Elegant faceted Ruby beaded necklace with goldy accents 21 Inches.
Located in Raleigh, NC
21 Inch necklace of faceted ruby, 9.5mm, with goldy accents. The gorgeous necklace is just perfect for all you RUBY lovers. These lovely gems are secured with a gold vermeil clasp s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil

Sterling Silver Water Ripple Dog Tag Pendant With Cognac Diamond
Located in Boulder, CO
Hand crafted and forged dog tag by Jared Porter Studio. This dog tag is sterling silver and has a dark patina (oxidized) finish to the pendant and chain. The surface has a hand po...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Italian Yellow and White Gold Cross with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Italian Yellow and White Gold Cross with Diamonds featuring relief work is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines traditional craftsman...
Category

20th Century Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage "Kabana" Antique 18k 2-Tone Gold Diamond Flower Pin-Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Metal: 18K 2-TONE GOLD Weight: 20.15G Main Stone: APPROXIMATELY 0.36CTW DIAMONDS Color: Clarity: VS-SI
Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

White Diamond Scattered 24K Keum-boo Gold Leaf Floral Frame Necklace
Located in Boulder, CO
White Brilliant Cut Diamond And 24K Keum-boo Gold Leaf Floral Spark Cuff Bracelet. Hand forged one-of-a-kind by Jared Porter Studio out of Beautiful Colorado. Sterling Silver with ...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Sterling Silver

White Diamond Scattered 24K Keum-boo Gold Leaf Floral Sun Ellipse Frame Necklace
Located in Boulder, CO
White Brilliant Cut Diamond And 24K Keum-boo Gold Leaf Floral Sun Ellipse Frame Necklace Hand forged one-of-a-kind by Jared Porter Studio out of Beautiful Colorado. Sterling Silver...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Sterling Silver

Antique 18k Yellow Gold "Poodle" Pendant and Brooch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Metal: 18K (Au 72.91-75%) Weight: 16.43G Main Stone: APPROXIMATELY 0.15CTW Color: FG Clarity: VS
Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

AJD Simply Elegant Emerald necklace with goldy accents 18 Inch
Located in Raleigh, NC
18 Inch slightly oval, not quite round faceted emerald necklace. There are tiny goldy daisies accenting the glitter of the emerald facets. All you emerald lovers are in luck with thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Vermeil, Mixed Metal

Marina J. All Pearl Sautoir & Tassel with Diamond encruste solid 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic piece by Marina J. This sautoir is made of multi sized Pearls woven together into a column like design. The white Pearls hold a beautiful luster to them that perfectly match ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

18kt White Gold 11.35ct Sapphire & 6.2 Ct Diamonds Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18kt White Gold 11.35ct Sapphire & 6.2 ct diamonds Tennis Necklace Sapphire: 11.35ct Diamonds: 1049 Brilliant cut 6.2ct diamonds Material: 18kt white gold Measurements: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Italian 18kt White Gold Cross with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Italian 18kt White Gold Cross with Diamonds is a beautiful and timeless piece of jewelry with several distinctive features. Vintage indicates...
Category

20th Century Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hirsh Wildflower Necklace
Located in London, GB
This beautiful necklace celebrates the beauty of British wildflowers. Featuring a delightful array of Wildflowers: two diamond daisies in alternating white and yellow hues, two sapph...
Category

2010s British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Pink Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow G...

One of a Kind 50.88 Carat Watermelon Tourmaline and Diamond 18K Gold Necklace
Located in Tustin, CA
Stunning and very unique, custom made ladies 18 karat white gold 50.88 carat bi-color watermelon tourmaline and diamond 18 karat white gold necklace features 15 Brazilian bi-color em...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Asprey London Ruby & Diamonds Necklace, Estate Sultan Oman Qaboos Bin Said
Located in Antwerp, BE
Asprey London Ruby & Diamonds Necklace, Estate Sultan of Oman Qaboos Bin Said Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds, together approx. 9.75 ct. diamonds Baguette cut diamonds together a...
Category

20th Century British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hirsh Wildflower Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
Roses are a timeless and enchanting flower that have been treasured throughout history and are still regarded as a symbol of romance, love, beauty and courage. The Hirsh Wildflower ...
Category

2010s British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hirsh Wildflower Campion Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
Found in British woodlands, a Campion flower is known throughout history as a symbol of gentleness. Taking inspiration from this beautiful flower, the Hirsh Campion pendant is handma...
Category

2010s British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 kt Gold Choker Necklace Micheletto with Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Gold Choker Necklace Micheletto with Diamonds total weight: 51.1 gram / 32.8dwt
Category

20th Century Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold 4 baguette rubies weighing .60pts. and 1 round full cut diamond weighing .09pts. on a 18 inch small link chain.
Category

Early 2000s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Crown with Diamonds and South Sea Pearl Enhancer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold crown with diamonds and south sea pearl pendant, containing 15mm south sea pearl and 8 round full cut diamonds; color "G", clarity VS and weight .35pts. on 18 inches ...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Freeform Australian Opal Pendant One of a Kind Gold Necklace, Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Freeform Pendant Necklace handmade by award-winning jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich featuring an extraordinary 2.88 carat Aus...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vitolo 18K Gold Diamond Set Cross Pendant with Crown Bail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Tie "Giraffe" Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat yellow gold Diamond Bow tie "Giraffe" pendant, containing 5 diamonds weighing .25pts. on a 16 inch chain.
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vitolo 18K Gold Diamond Set Cross Pendant with Crown Bail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14 Karat Diamond Light Cognac Color "Dragon Fly" Pin or Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat Diamond light cognac color "Dragon Fly" Pin or Pendant, containing 10 round light cognac diamonds of fine quality weighing 1.84cts. we had black antiqued the body of the dr...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, 14k Gold

Coral Diamonds Rubies 18 Karat Yellow And White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Category

1970s Italian Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Agate, Ruby, Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White...

Antique Multi Sapphire Pendant 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Secret Santa Gift
Located in Houston, TX
Multi Sapphire Hexagon Shape Pendant in 18K Gold with diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Sapphire stimulates concentration a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18KT rose gold piglet pendant with Australian pearl, diamonds and sapphires
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
18KT rose gold piglet pendant with Australian pearl, diamonds and sapphires. With an Australian pearl button I made a piglet pendant; I added the nose, ears and eyes. All gold eleme...
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Andrea Fohrman Diamond 18k White Gold Small Rainbow Designer Necklace
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Playfully elegant, this small rainbow necklace is an Andrea Fohrman classic. Hand-wrought in 18K white gold and set with three rows of sparkling diamond...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Coral Onyx Turquoise Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

The Kim Pendant with Diamonds in 22k Gold by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
The Kim Pendent is hand made in 22k gold and features a string of diamonds running through it for added glamour. The unique shape stands out on its own and organically set diamonds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold

Handcraft White Gold 18 Carats Brazilian Aquamarines Diamonds Drop Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
Spectacular 18-karat white gold necklace made entirely by hand by our artisans and composed of 82 pear cut Brazilian aquamarines, all mobile pendants separated from each other by dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Seed Turquoise, Raw Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Graduated Seed Turquoise, Raw Diamond and Pearl Necklace with an 18k white gold clasp. Multiple strands of seed turquoise spaced with raw diamond beads an...
Category

Early 2000s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Hirsh Chatsworth Kunzite And Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A stunning 4.93 carat pear shape Kunzite set below a diamond top in the Hirsh Chatsworth setting. This beautiful pendant is handmade in London in platinum with a total diamond weight...
Category

2010s British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Platinum

22K Gold Initial 'S' Turquoise Floral Enamel Reversible Charm Handmade by Agaro
Located in New York, NY
This 'Tree of Life' Clover Reversible Initial Mohur Charm is a modern heirloom that encapsulates the power of self-expression, a tangible representation of your individuality, and a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Hirsh Burlington Lagoon Tourmaline Pendant
Located in London, GB
An exquisite 2.87 carat pear shape lagoon tourmaline set beneath a diamond top in the Hirsh Burlington setting. Handmade in platinum with a total diamond weight of 0.43 carats. Form...
Category

2010s British Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Diamond Enamel Medallion Vacation Mode Pendant Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The 14 karat gold pendant is handset with .12 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Meghna Jewels is proud...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Oval Shaped Fire Opal Chain Necklace With Pave Diamonds In 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
18KT:45.421g, Diamond:3.22ct, Opal:16.26ct, Size: 458 MM"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Tassel Pendant With Pave Diamonds In 18k Yellow Gold & Silver
Located in New York, NY
18k:0.82g, Diamond:1.7ct, Silver:1.52gm, Ruby:86ct Size: 87X13MM"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond Mermaid Crescent Moon 14K Yellow Gold Xiao Wang Pendant Necklace
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Absolutely gorgeous four diamond 14K yellow gold pendant necklace from Xiao Wang's Mermaid Collection. “This collection is inspired by the Japanese manga Mer...
Category

2010s American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond set 18k white gold OHLIGUER croc Dragon tail cross pendant necklace
Located in Brisbane, AU
Custom OHLIGUER Croc tail Cross pendant in 18ct white gold With 18ct gold extender chain Croc skin filigree detail Set with 45 diamonds GSI = 0.25ct total diamond weight We can c...
Category

2010s Australian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

18ct Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace "Maternity Star"
Located in AGNES WATER, AU
"Maternity Star" 18ct yellow gold featuring a cabochon cut (dome-shaped) amethyst center stone surrounded by nine white diamonds (TDW 0.22ct), which is a reflection on the miracle ...
Category

2010s Unknown Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct White Gold and Diamond Necklace "Maternity Star"
Located in AGNES WATER, AU
"Maternity Star" 18ct white gold featuring a cabochon cut (dome-shaped) amethyst center stone surrounded by nine white diamonds (TDW 0.22ct), which is a reflection on the miracle t...
Category

2010s Unknown Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Gold Power Tiger Pendant Cube Chain Rubies Diamonds Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the highly sought-after Rossella Ugolini handcrafted unisex unique tiger pendant, a true masterpiece of artistry and luxury. This exceptional pendant is crafted from 18K ...
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Teddy Bear Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Australian Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Teddy Bear Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Australian Pearl Pendant Necklace I use a cultured Australian gold pearl to make a little head of a bear. All the particulars are in 18 karat y...
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Labradorite Chain Neckalce Accented With Diamonds Made In 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
18k:45.6g, Diamond:4.75ct, Labradorite:188.70ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Labradorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Golden Necklace with Carved Coral Pendant and 0.70 Carat Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Yellow Golden Necklace With Hand Carved Coral Pendant And 0.70 Carat Diamonds Diamonds: 30 brilliant cut diamonds, together 0.70 ct Materi...
Category

20th Century Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Diamond Good Luck Enamel Wheel Medallion Pendant Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The 14 karat gold pendant is handset with .17 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Meghna Jewels is proud...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Multi Shaped Ice Diamonds Chain Necklace Made In 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
18KT:7.074g, Diamond:8.73ct, Size: 468 MM"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vitolo 18K Gold Diamond Set Initial Pendant with Crown Bail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 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.

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