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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Style: Medieval
Byzantine Style 22-Kt Gold Pendent with Antique Coin, Ruby, Diamonds
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Handcrafted in luxurious 22 Karat gold, this pendant necklace is a testament to Byzantine elegance, with a weight of 14.1 grams. At its heart lies an antique coin adorned with delicate Arabic script, set against a backdrop of polished silver. This historic centerpiece...
Category

20th Century Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Silver

18K, 1.25 CT diamond, ruby and sapphire Heart Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
Fashioned from exquisite 18K yellow gold, this pendant boasts a total of 0.75 carats of dazzling diamonds, showcasing VVS clarity and F color for unparalleled brilliance. Adding to i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 0.80 Carat Diamond Pendant Necklace For Her
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted from 14k yellow gold, this elegant pendant necklace features a total of 0.80 carats of natural earth-mined diamonds. With VS clarity and F-G color, the diamonds exhibit excep...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Byzantine Gold Pendant with Amethyst Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Discover the exquisite charm of our rounded pear-shaped gold pendant, adorned with a square amethyst and an oval pink tourmaline, a harmonious blend of gemstones and design that exud...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Polygon Pendant with Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with our gold polygon pendant, featuring a mesmerizing diamond that adds a touch of timeless brilliance to your look. 100% handmade in our workshop. Metal: 18K G...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Byzantine Pear Gold Pendant
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with a pear-shaped gold pendant, meticulously adorned with delicate granulations and featuring a radiant diamond at its heart, creating an exquisite piece that exu...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Pear Pendant with Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Behold the charm of a pear-shaped gold pendant, adorned with a brilliant diamond, encircled by a golden rope outline, and showcasing a gracefully wavy surface—a captivating masterpie...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Gold Pendant with Blue Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with our exquisite oval pendant, graced by the captivating allure of two blue diamonds and a radiant white diamond—a timeless emblem of sophistication and brillian...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Pendant with Rhodolites Topaz and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Exquisitely crafted in gold, this timeless pendant is adorned with rhodolites, topaz, and diamonds for an ethereal, luxurious effect. A perfect addition to any collection, its exquis...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold

Indian Mangalsutra. 14k, Emerald & Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite necklace boasts a stunning 3.00 carat oval cut Colombian emerald, set elegantly in prongs crafted from 14k white gold. Adorned with a total of 1.10 carats of round bri...
Category

2010s European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, White Gold

Byzantine Polygon Gold Pendant with Blue Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Embrace the charm of our gold pendant showcasing, three striking polygons, each adorned with a mesmerizing blue diamond—a harmonious blend of geometric elegance and brilliant allure....
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Bell Pendant with Sapphire Emerald and Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of our bell-shaped pendant, where a radiant square sapphire, lush emerald, and sparkling round diamond find harmony amid intricate gold detail...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Cross Pendant with Emeralds Tanzanite and Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Experience the divine beauty of this Byzantine cross pendant, adorned with exquisite emeralds, tanzanite, and a radiant diamond. This piece is a testament to the rich history and opu...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold

18K White Gold High Quality, VVS Diamond & Ruby Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
Elevate your elegance with our stunning 18K White Gold Pendant, adorned with 1.00 Carat Princess Cut Diamonds and a brilliant 1.00 Carat Burma Ruby. Each gemstone, including the VVS ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Myanmar Icy Type Jadeite Guan Gong Guan Yu Pendant, God of Righteous
Located in Kowloon, HK
This jade pendant is 100% natural, untreated, and undyed Type-A Myanmar jadeite jade. It is hand-carved into a Guan Gong. The beautiful, fine, icy texture with honey-yellow color gif...
Category

Early 2000s Hong Kong Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Vintage 3.04 Carat Diamond Pendant For Her
Located in Miami, FL
This pendant is made of 14-karat yellow gold. The diamond in it weighs a total of 3.04 carats, has VS clarity, and falls within the F-G color range. The diamonds are 100% natural and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Two Tone Italian 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
A pretty necklace made of shiny yellow and white gold with real diamonds. The pendant is not too heavy, weighing 4.75 grams. The diamonds are really good quality, with a nice sparkle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Ruby Byzantine Cross Pendant with Squares
Located in Athens, GR
This exquisite Byzantine cross pendant is a radiant masterpiece, where glistening squares intertwine with the fiery brilliance of radiant rubies, celebrating the artistry of ancient ...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Round Cross Pendant with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
In the heart of our round gold cross pendant, a captivating emerald with its enchanting green hue takes center stage, surrounded by a brilliant constellation of diamonds—a radiant em...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Diamond Square Cross Pendant
Located in Athens, GR
Throughout this gold square cross pendant, diamonds glisten amidst intricate granulations, crafting a divine symphony of faith and elegance, where...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Ruby Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
This stylish Gold Ruby Pendant with Diamonds is the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. The solid metal design is set with glittering diamonds that add a brilliant sparkle. ...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Byzantine Round Flower Pendant with Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Embrace the delicate charm of our round gold pendant, where a gleaming gold daisy takes center stage, accentuated by a brilliant gem—a symbol of ele...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Square Gold Pendant with Pink Sapphires and Diamond
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with our square gold pendant, featuring captivating round pink sapphires and delicate degradé granulations. Embrace the allure of this uniquely designed piece, whe...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Byzantine Oval Gold Pendant with Oval Swiss Topaz and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Adorn yourself with our grand oval gold pendant, intricately adorned with a stunning motif of trapezoids, each embraced by brilliant gemstones, culmi...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold

Botswana agate, 14kt gold, old mine cut diamonds and tsavorite green garnets
Located in New Orleans, LA
Handsome triple strand necklace of fascinating patterns of brown and caramel colored Botswana agate. The agate tubular beads are alternately place smooth rondelles of green tsavorite...
Category

2010s American Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 14k Gold

Byzantine Cross Pendant with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Our unique gold cross pendant blooms with a captivating flower design, where heart-shaped petals cradle a single diamond each, all centered around a radiant ruby. A symbol of love an...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Round Pendant with Sapphire and Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Elevate your style with this exquisite gold round pendant, adorned with a brilliant sapphire, glistening diamonds, and radiant gold accents. Experience the allure of timeless eleganc...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Pure 24 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Replica Blue Glass Bee Pendant Charm
Located in Troy, MI
Rare 24 karat yellow gold revered by discerning investors for its purity and warmth of color is used in combination with hammered silver to make up this square blue glass bee intagli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

18 Kt Gold, Diamond and Enamel Cross Pendant
Located in Cattolica, IT
A delicate Latin-shaped cross pendant with a Byzantine-style design. This cross is embellished with fire enamel work. This glazing technique ensures that the color remains bright and...
Category

2010s Italian Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Kt Gold, Diamond and Enamel Cross Pendant
Located in Cattolica, IT
A delicate Latin-shaped cross pendant with a Byzantine-style design. This cross is embellished with fire enamel work. This glazing technique ensures that the color remains bright and...
Category

2010s Italian Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Kt Gold, Diamond and Enamel Cross Pendant
Located in Cattolica, IT
A delicate Latin-shaped cross pendant with a Byzantine-style design. This cross is embellished with fire enamel work. This glazing technique ensures that the color remains bright and...
Category

2010s Italian Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer pendant enhancer is handmade from 18 Karat yellow gold and finished with White Rhodium. It is microscopically decorated with granulation work - twisted wires...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, ...

Pure 24 Karat Yellow Gold Coral and Diamond Pendant Charm
Located in Troy, MI
Rarest of all the golds, 24 karat gold is valued by all discerning investors. With it's unmistakable warm yellow color & textured finish this pendant / charm features a diamond shape...
Category

2010s Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond

Pure 24 Karat Yellow Gold & Silver and Diamond Replica Ephesus Coin Pendant
Located in Troy, MI
Rarest of all the golds, 24 karat gold is valued by all discerning investors. With it's unmistakable warm yellow color & hammered finish this ancient square replica Ephesus coin with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold White and Blue Diamond Oval Pendant
Located in Astoria, NY
This simple and elegant S.Georgios designer pendant is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and decorated with granulation and Blue and White diamonds. This stunning jewel is microscopically decorated with granulation yellow gold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Pure 24 Karat Yellow Gold Silver and Diamond Replica Athena Goddess Coin Pendant
Located in Troy, MI
Rarest of all the golds, 24 karat gold is valued by all discerning investors. With it's unmistakable warm yellow color & hammered finish this ancient square replica Athena Wisdom God...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Beaded Necklace with Diamond 24K Gold & SS by Kurtulan Jewellery
Located in Bozeman, MT
Beaded Necklace with Diamond 24K Gold & SS by Kurtulan Jewellery 16-18" in length. This piece is made to order and will take approximately 4-6 weeks for delivery. ABOUT KURTULAN JEWE...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold

Silver Pompei iii Coin Replica with Diamond 24 karat Gold & Silver by Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Pompei III Coin Replica w/ Diamond Detail, 24kt Yellow Gold and Silver by Kurtulan, Size Large, Diamonds: 0.02ct, Colour: H Clarity: VS2, Comes with 18" Chain, Gold vermeil. ABOUT K...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Double Sided Bee Coin with Stag & Diamond Detail 24kt Gold & Silver by Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Bee Coin Necklace Pendant with Diamonds, 24kt Yellow Gold and Silver, Size Large, Comes with chain, Lengthof chain: 21", Diamonds: 0.09ct, Colour: H ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Silver Pompei XII Coin Replica with Diamond 24 Karat Gold & Silver by Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
XII Pompei Coin with Diamonds, 24kt Yellow Gold and Silver, Size Large, Diamonds: 0.02ct, Colour: H Clarity: VS2, Comes with 18" Chain, Gold vermeil. ABOUT KURTULAN JEWELLERY: Kurtu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Dimos 18k Gold Byzantine Multicolor Cross
Located in Athens, GR
Byzantine cross in 18 karat yellow gold with a dynamic size. A variety of natural gems giving the authentic multicolor look of the Byzantine era. Artwork with filigrees and granulati...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgios Collection 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Square Pendant with Chain
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios Pendant enhancer is all handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated with the velvet look background and features 0.46 Carats of Brillian...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Carved Coral & Onyx Ball Beaded Necklace with Diamonds Spacer
Located in New York, NY
Diamond:3.64ct, Silver:8.77gm, Coral:70.35ct, Onyx:299.75ct Size: 676mmXXMM"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Silver

Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Diamond Two Tone Pendant with Granulation
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer pendant all handmade solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. This pendant is microscopically decorated - and has granulation work all the way around with gold beads and wires...
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, 1...

Stambolian Aged Silver 18k Gold and Diamond Erebuni Choker Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stambolian Aged Silver 18K Gold and Diamond Erebuni Choker Necklace This necklace is from the Stambolian "Erebuni" Collection. 0.23 carat diamonds This necklace is 16 inches in l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Byzantine 8-11th Century Large Bronze Reliquery Cross Diamonds Silver 18K Gold
Located in Soquel, CA
A LARGE (87 mm, 3 1/2 inches) authentic Byzantine bronze reliquery cross from the 8th to 11th century is set in a Steven Battelle designed sterling silver bezel with 18K gold wire and large granulation (jawan) ornamentation with three 1.8 mm VS1 diamonds to highlight. The cross depicts a robed nimbate (haloed) Christ with arms outstretched with inscription above. These bronze cross were hand forged and cast during the period of the Eastern Roman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Bronze

Tribal Style Multi Gemstone Beaded Necklace with Diamonds Made in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Diamond:5.84ct, Silver:13.96gm, Onyx:128.85, Moonstone:146.20 Size: 582mmXXMM"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Onyx, Multi-gemstone, Silver

14k Solid Gold Cross Diamond Necklace Cross Charm Pendant Religious Necklace
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cross Diamond Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold / White Gold / Rose Gold. Delicate dainty cross charm necklace with natural diamond set in 14k solid gold. This modern minimalist necklace ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Byzantine Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Medieval Style Carved Jade & Onyx Beaded Necklace with Diamond Spacer
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a stunning Medieval Style Carved Jade & Onyx Beaded Necklace With Diamond Spacer, perfect for those looking for a one-of-a-kind piece that ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Silver

Antique Beaded Silver Necklace W/ Quartz Rutile, Jade, Onyx & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This antique beaded silver necklace is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. The necklace is handcrafted with intricate beadwork, featuring beautiful and u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Jade, Onyx, Quartz, Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

Tribal Style Beaded Necklace with Onyx Black & Agate Blue with Diamond Spacer
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a striking and unique Tribal Style Beaded Necklace with Onyx Black & Agate Blue with Diamond Spacer. Perfect for those who love bold statement jewelry...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Onyx, Silver

Ancient Style Pearl and Multicolor Jade Beaded Necklace with Diamond Spacer
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features a beautiful combination of pearls and multicolor jade beads, carefully chosen to create a stunning contrast. The diamond spacer ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Silver

Medieval Style Multicolor Carved Onyx Beaded Necklace with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this mesmerizing medieval-style multicolored onyx bead necklace accented with shining diamonds. A statement piece for any fashionista Diamond:2.79ct, Silver:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Silver

Tribal Style Moonstone & Ruby Beaded Necklace with Diamonds Made in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Tribal Style Moonstone & Ruby Beaded Necklace with Diamond Accents, Handmade in Sterling Silver. Make a bold statement with this unique necklace featuring mesmerizing moonstone & rub...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Silver

Tribal Style Carved Onyx & Coral Beaded Necklace With Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous hand-carved onyx & coral beaded necklace accented with sparkling diamonds made in Silver. A unique and stunning jewelry piece for any occasio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Silver

Tribal Style Carved Multi Gemstone Beaded Necklace with Diamond Spacers
Located in New York, NY
Diamond:3.48ct, Silver:12.9gm, Red Jasper:135.95ct, Agate:1.40ct, MOP:259 Size: 702mmXXMM"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Pearl, Jasper, Multi-gemstone, Silver

Tribal Style Carved Agate & Onyx Beaded Necklace with Diamonds Made in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Enhance your jewelry collection with this stunning Tribal Style Carved Agate & Onyx Beaded Necklace. Made with silver, this unique piece features intricate carvings and sparkling diamonds, making it a perfect addition to any outfit. Get ready to turn heads with this one-of-a-kind, handcrafted necklace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Onyx, Silver

Medieval Style Rose Quartz & Moonstone Beaded Neckalce with Diamonds in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Medieval Style Rose Quartz & Moonstone Necklace with Diamond Accents, Handmade in Sterling Silver. Embrace vintage charm with this beaded necklace featuring radiant rose quartz & moonstone beads...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Quartz, Silver

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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