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Diamond Necklaces

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Period: 1980s
Gemstone: Diamond
Diamonds Topazes Pearls White Rose Gold and Silver Beaded 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

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, 14k Gold, Silver

Articulated Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally crafted and articulated diamond necklace in 18kt white gold with brilliant and baguette cut diamonds. Made in Italy, circa 1980s.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Large Opal Ruby Diamond Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Large Opal Ruby Diamond Pendant. Oval Opal and Round Rubies are the stars of this dazzling pendant. The Opal is 10x7mm, faceted Ruby is 4.x3 mm and Ruby cab...
Category

1980s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Marina B. Diamond Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Pearl Choker Necklace and Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent set by Marina B that dates back to the 1980s, comprising a pearl choker necklace and matching earrings. The expandable necklace is se...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Colombian Emerald Beads & Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An impressive long necklace with large Old-Mine Colombian emerald beads (weighing 888cts total) alternated with diamond pavè spheres mounted on 18k yellow gold. Mounted by Eleuteri
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Single Strand Sea Water Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond & 18K Gold Beads
Located in London, GB
Single strand sea water cultured pearl necklace with diamond embedded beads and plain gold beads in 18K gold. Finished with a hidden box clasp and safety chain. Pearl Dimension: fro...
Category

1980s British Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and chic prong-set with round brilliant-cut, marquise-shape, and full-cut diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 45 carats, length 16 1/2 in.
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Sapphire Necklace Suite
Located in New York, NY
An impeccable trio by Van Cleef & Arpels, this 1980's set is comprised of a necklace, earrings, and ring, all of which are finely set with an opulence of brilliant-cut diamonds and r...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Charles Turi 18 Karat Diamond and Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Round brilliant-cut diamonds Signed, numbered 18 karat yellow gold, length approximately 17.00 inches SKU#N-01830
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Onyx Necklace with Pendant, Set with 19 Diamonds, 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
14 carat yellow gold - Germany, 20th century - hallmarked with the fineness "585". - 19 diamonds of together ca. 0,19 ct., of good color and purity - 40 onyx balls with a diameter of...
Category

1980s German Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

JAR 18 Karat Rose Gold Sapphire, Chalcedony, and Diamond Necklace
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
A stylish JAR Paris necklace that dates back to the 1980s, suspending an engraved chalcedony intaglio featuring carved Arabic script ‘Ali Quatrain’ for use as talismanic amulets. The...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Pendant or Brooch on Chain
Located in New York, NY
An emerald and diamond pendant/brooch on chain centering a pear brilliant-cut emerald approximately: 15.51 x 10.83 x 6.17mm; pendant mounted in 18k gold; 14k gold chain; estimated to...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fancy Yellow, White Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A prestigious piece by Van Cleef & Arpels, this flexible collar necklace is pavé set with an opulence of yellow and white diamonds, weighing approximately 7 and 15 carats respectivel...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

22 Karat Gold Diamond Pearl Necklace by Argyros
Located in Austin, TX
Beautiful necklace crafted in 22 k yellow gold with pearls and diamonds by George Argyros, a Greek jeweler. Dated to 1982. It contains 60 pearls and eight round .02ct diamonds. Diamo...
Category

1980s Greek Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold

Aqua collection 18kt white Gold Necklace and Earrings White Diamonds and Topaze
Located in Milano, Lombardia
From the "Aqua" collection born in the 80's we have these beautiful earrings and the fantastic necklace Worn are really awesome! the total weight of gold in the necklace is gr 89...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Topaz, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Amethyst Diamonds Rose Gold and Silver Drop 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

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Leopard Diamond Onyx Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A Leopard inspired collar necklace in 18kt yellow gold with round brilliant cut diamonds and onyx. Made in Italy, circa 1980s.
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Wonderful 18K yellow gold and platinum necklace, with three diamond sections set in platinum with 69 full cut round diamonds weighing 4.36cts, E-F color, VVS clarity.
Category

1980s American Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
18K yellow gold choker necklace set with 264 full cut round diamonds weighing 4.45cts, GH color, VS clarity. 16 inch length. Last retail $22500
Category

1980s American Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Pearl Onyx White Stone Diamond Gold Multi-Strand 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

1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch with Enameled Flower and Diamond Centre
Located in Milano, Lombardia
18k yellow gold brooch with enameled flower and diamond centre, a tiny chain maintain it safely closed Gold weight is 4.40g, diamonds ct. 0.015...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Turquoise Diamonds Topazes Rose Gold and Silver Pendant
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 TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Wonderful pendant in 9 kt pink gold and silver with a turquoise paste center of 3.6 g enriched with diamonds of ct 0.51 and topazes of 0.71 ct. Total weight 18.6 Turquoise g...
Category

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Silver

Piero Milano Synthesis Diamond Gold Set
Located in New York, NY
A peculiar set by esteemed Milan jeweler Piero Milano, from its Synthesis collection, comprising an 18kt yellow gold necklace and matching bracelet of geometrical design, embellished...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamonds Pearl White Gold Pendant
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 TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Beautiful and elegant 14 kt white gold pendant...
Category

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 75 Carat Snowflakes Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Snowflake collection by Van Cleef & Arpels is inspired by gently falling flakes of snow, an inspiration of the jewelry house since the 1940s. This magnificent necklace part of t...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Modernist Rhodolite Garnet Diamond 18K Gold Fringe Necklace Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant & Finely detailed Garnet and Diamond Fringe Necklace, featuring five Garnet drops; each drop holding one teardrop facet-cut deep red Rhodolite Garnets inter-spaced with four ...
Category

1980s Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Beautiful Diamond Gold Drop Pendant and Pearl Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning in its simplicity…Custom made and Hand crafted in 18 Karat Gold mounting, showcasing three round Brilliant cut Diamonds: 1 round Transitional Brilliant cut Diamond; .90 cara...
Category

1980s Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Gold Woven Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elaborate 18kt Yellow Gold Necklace, highly polished, with alternating Emeralds & Diamonds interwoven into a complex & colorful Tapestry. 99 square cut clean & white Diamonds weigh...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

2.02 Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. 2.02cts Oval center pink sapphire mounted in an open work 18k rose and white gold frame. The sapphire has a halo of round diamonds with detailed open work wiring of rose gold and then a larger second halo of round diamonds. Hand twisted rose gold...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Color Semi Precious Color Stone and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
18K yellow gold chain, bezel set with faceted square amethyst, tourmaline, garnet, blue topaz, peridot and 16 full cut round diamonds weighing .97cts, G-H color, VS-SI1 clarity
Category

1980s Italian Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Diamond Platinum By The Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum necklace features diamonds cut in marquise, pear, trilliant, round, oval, emerald and heart shapes. Weighing approximately 66 carat, the colors of these diamond...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Cabochon Emerald Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Kurt Wayne 18K yellow gold necklace, set with one cabochon emerald weighing 11.63cts and 229 full cut round diamonds, F-G color VS clarity
Category

1980s American Contemporary Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1980s Bulgari Aquamarine and Rock Crystal Sautoir and Earringsss
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated sautoir and earrings manufactured by Bulgari in the 1980s, presenting aquamarines (120cts approximately) and rock crystal beads, interconnected by white gold elements e...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

18kt White & Yellow Gold & Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Segmented necklace with 18kt Yellow Gold elements & White Gold raised sections, each set with a 10 point full cut Diamond. Can be separated to a bracelet. Marked 750, DKW, & numbere...
Category

1980s European Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Simple & Elegant! Beautiful diamond necklace. Two ends connected together with channel set baguette shape diamond band and hanging tassel ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Necklace
Diamond Necklace
Free Shipping
Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
!8kt Yellow Gold Necklace. Each link is connected with oval rings & is backed with gold. Five links are bezel set with full cut Diamonds.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire Diamond Hematite Platinum Parrot Salavetti Necklace Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Signed Salavetti Platinum Pendant Necklace; Hand made Parrot Head, Hand set with Diamonds Sapphires and Hematite. The unique combination of Diamonds, Pink and Blue Sapphires and Hema...
Category

1980s Italian Modernist Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Hematite, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Buccellati Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Buccellati necklace composed of 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds and pearls. There are 11 carats of rose-cut and round brilliant-cut diamonds and 15 light gray cultured pearl...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Modern Boulder Opal & Diamond Pendant Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Modern pendant with a bezel set a Queensland Boulder solid opal and a diamond set scrolled bale. Queensland Boulder Opal is celebrated not only for its visual appeal but also for its...
Category

1980s Australian Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond Omega Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This vintage omega necklace features a station of 2.40 carat total weight in natural round diamonds centered and set in 14 karat yellow gold. Bo...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Yellow Gold, Coral and Diamond Torsade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, coral and diamond necklace. Designed as nine (9) strands graduated in length of deep orange coral beads measuring approximately 3.9 mm completed by a double...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Panther Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Diamond Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Panther Necklace. Featuring 40 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.40 carat, graded H-I color, VS clarity. Accented by t...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Spectacular Seidengang Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Seidengang, New York. This 18k yellow gold necklace by Carolyn Seiden and Carol Gang explores the mythos of the ancient world. Its rough-hewn and die-stamped cen...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Iolite, Cultured Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Bulgari 1980's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Curb Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a graduated curb link chain with bead set diamond link stations Round brilliant cut and weighing approximately 3.80 carats G/H color with VS clarity Completed by conceal...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tsavorites, Orange Sapphires, Diamonds, Sapphires 18 Karat Gold Pendant
Located in Crema, Cremona
Long chain necklace with links alternating hearts elements set with small sapphires, a lovely "sailboat" pendant with a bombé front, sails in the wind set ...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

FRED PARIS 18k White Gold, Diamond & Steel Sagittarius Zodiac Pendant Vintage
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fred Paris 18k White Gold, Diamond & Steel Sagittarius Zodiac Pendant Vintage Circa 1970s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer diamond pendant...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Steel

Topaz Citrine Diamond Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Topaz, Citrine, and Diamond Pendant 14K Yellow Gold. Pendant only, does not include chain. 14 Grams 1.75" x 1.375"
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Suite Diamond Ruby 18k Gold Earrings Ring Collar Necklace Set
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite Italian-made set of Diamond & Ruby jewelry, with matching ring, earrings & spectacular collar link necklace. Completely crafted in 18K Yellow Gold with 18K White Gold accents. The necklace is 15" long x 8 to 14 mm, with polished "X" shaped links  Set with 3 genuine red rubies weighing approx. 2.40 cartas and surrounded by  2.20 carats of extra white diamond, G-H color, and VS clarity. It is secured by an insert clasp. The beautiful ring has a cluster pave diamond...
Category

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Colombian Cabochon Emerald Chain Necklace Gold Diamonds Fancy Brown Chocker
Located in Milano, IT
18K yellow gold curb link chain necklace centering a panel with Colombian cabochon emerald encrusted between two wide Fancy Brown with a vibrant cognac color Diamond triangles and em...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980's Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
A display of color with vivid Blue, Red, and Green, enhanced by the sternal sparkle of the Diamonds, this beautiful butterfly brooch is perfect to wear with your favorite scarf. Thi...
Category

1980s North American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 9.00ct Diamond Platinum Lavender Flower Leaf Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
Estate Diamond Platinum Elegant Lavender Flower Inspired Pin Brooch & pendant, with a bale. Dazzle yourself with the sparkle on this exquisite piece w...
Category

1980s American Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Circa 1980s Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Octopus Pendant in 14K Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chain not included. Circa: 1980s Metal Type: 14 Karat Gold Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: Cut: Round Color: G Clarity: VS
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

1980's Diamond 18K White Gold Regal Tiara
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage diamond tiara of captivating floral romantic design and immaculate craftsmanship is handcrafted in 18K white gold and weighs approx...
Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond & Emerald Waterfall Necklace Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamond (4.80ctw) and emerald (3.35ctw) waterfall necklace in 18k yellow gold and platinum. 131 grams 16" length 0.75" at widest part
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Important Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace by Graff
Located in New York, NY
Important Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace by Graff 1 GIA certified emerald cut fancy deep yellow center diamond weight:...
Category

1980s English Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

White and Fancy Diamonds, South-Sea Pearl, 18 Karat White Gold 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

1980s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Vintage Diamond Zodiac Yellow and White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow And White Gold Vintage Zodiac Diamond Pendant Necklace by Cartier. With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx. .03ct This chain comes w...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Leather Rose Quartz Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brown leather cord necklace featuring 18k (tested) yellow gold wrap-around rose quartz pendant and diamonds. Diamonds are round cut, carat weight is 0.06 cts. Has a tie closure. Mea...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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