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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Style: Georgian
Austrian 1820 Georgian Enameled Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Gold & Rose Cuts Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Georgian pendant brooch made in Austria. An incredible antique pendant brooch, created in Austria during the Georgian period, back in the 1820. This fabulous piece has been crafted ...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Georgian Diamond and Ivory Miniature Portrait Pendant
Located in Stroud, GB
A rare and elegant late Georgian portrait miniature locket pendant, set with five old cut diamonds in a floral motif and cast in 9ct gold. The portrait of the lady is painted on ivo...
Category

1820s British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold

Necklace with pendant set with diamonds 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 1.60ct - G/H - SI - 50 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 50 cm long and 1.0 mm wide....
Category

1880s Dutch Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Gold pansy pendant or brooch with diamond, citrine and amethyst
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold pansy brooch or pendant set with three amethyst petals and two citrine petals on the sides, with a brilliant cut diamond at the heart of the flower, a French ...
Category

1820s French Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

2.20ct Natural Fancy Brown Diamonds Heart Necklace 14kt Gold 12396
Located in New York, NY
2.20ct Natural Fancy Brown Diamonds Open Heart Necklace Vs-2 Clarity. 17 inch 14kt rose gold 4.6 grams Heart 20 x 17mm $4100 Appraisa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Georgian Silver & 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch Necklace
Located in Seattle, WA
This one is for the true vintage jewelry connoisseur who appreciates the story as much as the piece. This stunning necklace came in as part of a...
Category

Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Genuine Antique Georgian Old Mine Diamond Riviere Necklace
Located in Seattle, WA
This one is for the true vintage jewelry connoisseur who appreciates the story as much as the piece. This stunning necklace came in as part of a six-piece estate that escaped the Nazi invasion of Vienna, Austria in 1938. We'd be happy to share more of the story with anyone who has legitimate purchasing interest. If you are interested in the other five pieces as well, we'll offer a 10% discount. We would love to know this whole collection went to a good home together. Get in touch and we'll send you the links to all the pieces. This authentic antique Georgian riviere necklace...
Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Georgian Ruby Emerald Diamond and Gold Cannetille Brooch-Cum-Pendant, Circa 1830
Located in London, GB
A Georgian cannetille brooch-cum-pendant, with a cushion shaped emerald in the centre, surrounded by a cluster of eight, old mine-cut diamonds, wit...
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Georgian Diamond Tassel Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Pendant 15c Gold Tested Circa 1800’s A pretty, floral shaped, Georgian gold pendant. Set with gorgeous, rose cut- natural dia...
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold

Georgian Diamond And Silver Flower Pendant, Circa 1790
Located in London, GB
A Georgian old cut diamond flower pendant, with six petals and a diamond set halter, mounted in silver, with scratched inventory marks 7142 C3...
Category

1790s English Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Antique Silver & Rose Gold Early Georgian Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Georgian Diamond Pendant Necklace Early Georgian Circa 1800-1820 Beautiful Rose Cut Diamonds Set in Silver with a Rose Gold Back (slight indent on the back due to age) High Cara...
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Georgian Natural Pearls and diamonds necklace
Located in Milano, IT
Very Cool Natural Pearls and Diamonds pendant Georgian Necklace consisting in 5.5 cts of diamonds and 32 Natural saltwater pearls ranging from 6.4 mm to 3.8 mm. 55 cm long.
Category

Late 19th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Inspired Multi Gemstone Acrostic Yellow Gold "Dream" Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
This very pretty necklace hides a secret acrostic message, meaning the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word. In this case, there's a Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Aquamarine, an...
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21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Rainbow Moonstone, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Aquamarine, Multi-gemstone, 1...

Antique Inspired Multi Gem Acrostic Yellow Gold "Darling" Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
This lovely necklace hides a secret acrostic message, meaning the first letter of each gemstone spells out a word. In this case, there's a Diamond, Aquamarine, Ruby, Labradorite, Ind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Indicolite, Ruby, Labradorite, Jade, Garnet, Diamond, Aquamarine, Multi-...

Antique 0.86ct old European cut diamond pendant, GIA certified
Located in Magdeburg, DE
This diamond is set in its original Georgian collet setting which was made in Germany around 1890. The bail was newly added by Beaubijouxantique. Th...
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1890s German Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Iberian Peninsula 17th Century Cross Table Cut Diamonds Colombian Emerald Pendan
Located in New York, NY
Iberian Peninsula 17th Century Silver Cross Table Cut Diamonds Colombian Emerald and Burma Ruby Pendant H 7.28 cm x W 5.27 cm / H 2.86 in. x W 2.1 14.75 grams Ribbon included 18th ...
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Early 18th Century Spanish Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver

Georgian Ruby Diamond 22 Kt Diamond Cross Pendant 1770 ca
Located in Napoli, IT
This rare Georgian period cross pendant is 1770 ca 22 Kt solid gold, superb design artful made throughout, adorned with red pigeon blood natural Rubie...
Category

1770s European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold

Marvelous antique Flemish cross - Georgian rose cut diamond cross - 1714-1830
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning Georgian cross pendant. This beautiful royal cross was most likely made in Belgium or France in the beginning of the 1...
Category

Early 19th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Georgian style Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Chandelier Pendant 2.5-3 ctw
Located in Joelton, TN
Elegant Georgian Era Pendant: An Antique Georgian style with Old Mine Cut diamonds cut in a style that predates the typical old mine cut, which were created between the table cut an...
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19th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Georgian Rose Cut Diamond En Tremblant 12 Kt Gold/Silver Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This marvelous Georgian era pendant has been crafted of solid 12 Kt gold topped by silver Fascinating “En Tremblant” trembling suspended pendeloques typical of the Georgian era, 1780...
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1780s European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Style 0.10ct Old Cut Diamond Yellow Gold & Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This dainty diamond pendant is a piece you'll never want to take off. Just as lovely on its own as it is layered with other pieces, the delicate diamond cut chain means it feels almo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Georgian Baroque Table Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Baroque Georgian period pendant is silver pure gold gilt, 1700 ca Combined with an antique Victorian period (latter in time than the pendant) 9 KT solid gold chain which matches nicely to the pendant Pendant is designed in a top Bow in the taste of the time and suspended Pendeloque marvelously hand crafted in an intricate art work Set throughout with 7 table cut Diamonds...
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Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver

Georgian Style Rose Cut Riviere Necklace 18 KT Gold/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Georgian Style necklace has been hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold and silver A full line of Rose cut Diamonds set in the Georgian manner graduated in size from bigg...
Category

1930s European Georgian Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Georgian Natural Pearl Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful pendant chain necklace is late Georgian period, 1840 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold in a glorious workmanship Marvelous in design tailored in a sort of heart shap...
Category

1840s European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Georgian Rare Rose Cut Diamond 18 KT Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This Georgain era brooch pendant is 1790 ca 18 Kt solid gold topped by silver Typical flower and leaf design so loved by the Georgians artful modelled in a tri-dimensional manner r...
Category

1790s European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgian Rose Cut Diamond 18 KT Flower Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Amazing Georgian era large flower shaped Diamond pendant, can be used bypassing it through a black velvet or silk ribbon, or as pendant b...
Category

Late 18th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rare 18th Century Antique Rose Cut Diamond Feather Diadem Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1790 This finely modeled diamond feather is crafted in silver-topped 14K gold (front – silver, back – gold). It is densely set with sparkling old rose cut diamonds. The feather could be worn as a diadem or a necklace. The silver headband...
Category

1790s Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Georgian Tween Hearth Diamond Natural Pearl 18 Kt Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Romantic Georgian period tween heart pendant 18 kt /Silver set Modelled as two hearts entwined by a gorgeous Diamond bow as symbol of enduring love, pearl is seal of purity Adorned by Royal Blue and White enamelling and natural not nucleated Pearls...
Category

Early 1800s European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Bristol Glass Forget Me Not Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Treasure This surprisingly beautiful antique pendant is Georgian period, 1790 ca The large circular body is set with a rich Royal Cobalt Blue Bristol glass, encircled in gold wi...
Category

1790s European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum Old European Diamond Pendant
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
This necklace is a piece to cherish for a lifetime. This bezel set diamond pendant contains one Old European diamond with a total weight of 3.40 c...
Category

20th Century Unknown Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Georgian 18 Kt table Cut Diamond Flemish Large Cross Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
An impressive antique Georgian period European Sacred Cross, possibly Dutch origin Georgian period – 1820 ca – traditional Flemish cross in elaborate filigree work typical of the Georgian era, extremely well made of solid 18 Kt gold tiny floret details spreading in between are made of silver Adorned by antique table cuts Diamonds...
Category

Early 19th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Georgian 3.50 Ct Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Latin Cross
Located in Napoli, IT
Beautiful Georgian period Diamond cross – 1820 ca Hand crafted of solid 16 Kt rose gold – unmarked Modelled in the latin design, beautiful enhanced by black enameling delineating bor...
Category

Early 19th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Antique Biedermeir 5.00 Ct Diamond Winged Cherub Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
History on Focus Rare and outstanding, authentic Biedermeier -1815 – 1848 ca – Signed Resch, probably Austria, large Brooch pendant of Museum Bea...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Georgian Silver Over Gold Natural Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Georgian Silver over Gold Diamond and Emerald Collar / Choker Necklace This stunning necklace is from the 18th Century Georgian era. This necklace is w...
Category

18th Century Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique 18Th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch Stomacher. Impressive 18Th Century Iberian (most probably Spanish origi...
Category

Mid-18th Century Spanish Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Georgian Large Diamond & Bristol Blue Glass Drop Pendant with Hand Engraving
Located in Danvers, MA
Absolutely stunning and a rare find, this original Georgian period Diamond Pendant with Bristol Blue Glass is gorgeous for the collector but is still very wearable, as well. Crafted...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

GIA Certified Basra Natural Saltwater Pearl & Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Rare Basra Natural Saltwater Pearl & Diamond Pendant/Brooch, Ca. 18th Century. (Pinctada Radiata, as per the GIA certificate Pteriidae Family) The pearl has a near-Drop shape with a ...
Category

1760s Spanish Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Graded 'Fancy Light Yellow' Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Pendant 3.15carat
Located in London, GB
This dazzling antique diamond pendant was made in Germany and dates to the mid-19th century. The stunning central pear-shaped ‘fancy light yellow’ rose cut diamond weighs approx. 1.5...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

18th Century Grand Tour Bocca Della Verita Calcedony Intaglio Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally rare 18th century diamond set calcedony intaglio pendant depicting the famed Roman marble Bocca della Verita, the Mouth of Truth. The eni...
Category

18th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Rare 18th Century Georgian Diamond Gold, Silver Scarlet Pimpernel Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary museum quality 18th Century Georgian 3 TCW diamond, silver topped rose gold transformable pendant brooch of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a flower synonymous of England, chivalry, romance, restraint and humility. The unassuming English wayside flower is symbolic of Sir Percy Blakeney, "the most British Britisher" of Baroness Orczy's first novel in a series of historical fiction which took London's West End...
Category

18th Century British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Georgian Victorian 1830 Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Gold 4.58 Cts Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Georgian-Victorian 1840 era jeweled pendant-brooch An antique early transitional convertible piece, made in England around the 1840's. It was designed...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

18k Yellow Gold Silver & Oval Salt & Pepper Diamond Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pendant is our very own Georgian-inspired design featuring a sparkling 7.66 carat diamond set in 18K yellow gold and sterling silver.
Category

2010s American Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Georgian 1820 Allegory Beauty Grisaille Enamel Necklace 18Kt Gold And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent Neo-classic pendant-necklace from the Georgian period. A gorgeous antique pendant-necklace, created in Europe (most probably France) around the 1820's, between the kingd...
Category

1820s French Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Georgian Gardinière Pendant 15 Kt Gold Amethyst Citrine Pearl Diamond
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This fine example of georgian jewellery is a 15 karat gold pendant designed as a bouquet of flowers in a vase, a so called gardinière. Two citrines ...
Category

1820s English George III Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Gold

Antique Diamond Flemish Pendant circa 1780
Located in Firenze, IT
Flemish circa 1780 silver pendant set with rose diamonds vertical measurement:45mm Gross weight:9,38gr.
Category

1760s British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Silver

French 1790 Georgian Guilloche Enameled Pendant 18Kt Gold 4.26 Diamonds Amethyst
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent late 18th century French pendant. A fabulous and rare master-piece of jewelry, made in France during the Georgian period (1714-1830), circa late 18th early 19th centurie...
Category

1790s French Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique 18th Century Georgian Rose Cut Diamond 14K Rose Gold Trilobed Cross
Located in New York, NY
Fine elegant late 18th century Georgian rose cut diamond 14K rose gold trilobed cross. Hand cut, natural diamonds of irregular shapes, approximately 2.2 TCW The Trilobed cross, som...
Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Honnore Lieutaud of Marseille Georgian 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pocket Watch
Located in Narberth, PA
A rare and exquisite mixed metals diamond pocket watch made by Honnoré Lieutaud of Marseille, France during the Georgian (ca1780) era. This vibrant 18kt gold verge quarter repeater t...
Category

1780s French Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

14k Gold American Georgian era Natural Amethyst Diamond Cross Antique Chain
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14k Gold American Georgian era Natural Amethyst Diamond Cross Antique Chain Weighting 9.0 gram Cross measures from top of the loop to bottom 1.5 inch, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

GIA-Certified Diamond & Mother of Pearl Pendant, Georgian
Located in Southbury, CT
Dating from around the 1830s, this magnificent Georgian pendant features a silver-over-gold "bow" set with 13 beautiful old rose-cut diamonds that total at least 1 carat. From this s...
Category

1820s Unknown Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Silver

Antique Georgian 18k Gold Silver Diamond Royal Blue Enamel Laurel Wreath Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent antique pendant was crafted during the Georgian era from solid 18k yellow gold with a silver top. This large pendant features a puffed oval center embraced by an ele...
Category

Early 1800s Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

18th Century Silver Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Firenze, IT
The Latin cross, set with rose-cut diamonds in raised closed-back settings. Mounted in silver and gold, lengths: pendant 3.7cm
Category

Mid-18th Century British Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Georgian Style Rhodolite Garnet Diamond Silver Starfish Pendant Brooch Amulet
Located in New York, NY
Fine Georgian style rich ruby red oval Rhodolite garnet center stone starfish pendant/brooch with full cut diamond encrusted arms. This piece is fitted with a bale in the back to be worn as a pendant as well as a clasp for use as a brooch, lovely multi-use jewel. Starfish or Sea Stars have been a favored subject for jewelry designers as amulets representing instinct and intuition. Garnets were among the most desirable gemstones during the Georgian period as day jewelry. They are associated with love, inner fire, vitality and the heart. King Solomon, Mary Queen of Scotts...
Category

20th Century Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, Silver

Antique Georgian Diamond and Gold Miniature Portrait Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A beautiful antique Georgian (1714 to ca. 1830-1837) 14 karat gold miniature portrait pendant depicting a lady. This portrait, handmade...
Category

Early 19th Century European Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

Georgian 15kt / Sterling Table Cut Diamond Cross 3ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
An unusual and beautiful Table Cut diamond cross from the Georgian (ca1790s) era! Crafted in 15kt yellow gold and topped in sterling silver, this rare cross...
Category

1750s English Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal

7.53tcw 18K Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Halo Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Take a peek at this stunning emerald and diamond halo pendant. The center stone carries 7.15-carats of pure natural emerald beauty! Displaying a desirable dark green color, and excel...
Category

2010s American Georgian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 1750s Diamond and 18K Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This is an antique 18th century triple pendant crafted in rose gold with touches of silver. A pendant of three graduated panels of open scrollwork and domes set with diamonds. An estate jewel - encrusted with six individual small diamonds within a frame setting and body of chased, filigree-worked, articulated of 18 karat rose gold and silver. Six small diamonds are set at the tops of the gold domes. These kind of pendants are also known as 'Croix à la Jeannette'. This rare antique Christian cross...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Georgian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Gold

George III Blue Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Georgian lozenge-shaped pendant, to the centre a rose-cut diamond-set interlocking double-heart mounted in silver, applied on blue enamel background surrounded by white enamel bord...
Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Enamel

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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