Diamond Necklaces
1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
1980s Egyptian Revival Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Egyptian Revival Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s American Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1980s American Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Spinel
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s American Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald
1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Coral, White Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
1980s Italian Artisan Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces
White Diamond
1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
1980s French Artist Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces
White Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Italian Artist Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
1980s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1980s Swiss Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
1980s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
1980s Unknown Romantic Vintage Diamond Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 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.
Read More
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.