Vintage 1990's Chunky Statement Necklace With Diamonds
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's Chunky Statement Necklace With Diamonds - The necklace contains 181 round diamonds weighing approximately 4.80ct total weight, 6 marquises weighing approximately .50ct...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Tennis Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold with Millegrain Finish
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A offers this diamond tennis necklace in 18k yellow gold, designed as a continuous line of round diamonds in finely worked milgrain finish, also known as millegrain, giving th...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fractal Bitcoin Blockchain 18K Gold Collar with Diamonds
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
The fractal cubic collar by John Brevard is inspired by the bitcoin blockchain and designed using a parametric modeling tool. Featuring 40 white princess cut diamonds set in an elabo...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Swirl Necklace with Square & Round Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This sophisticated 18K yellow gold necklace features a striking design of sculpted wave-like links set with 40 round brilliant-cut diamonds and 4 square-cut diamonds, totaling approx...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aries Head 14 Karat Solid Gold Necklace with Diamonds
Located in Roma, RM
Animalia Series Important 14 kt solid yellow gold choker necklace. Necklace created entirely by hand by Italian artisans.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18k Art Nouveau Necklace with Pearls&Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
This exquisite 18k Art Nouveau necklace, crafted in rich yellow gold with silver, is a stunning statement piece that captures the essence of the era. A true antique treasure, this ca...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Natural Diamond Necklace & Earring Suite with 135.87 Ct Diamond in 18 KW Gold
Located in New York, NY
It is a masterpiece of jewelry craftsmanship—a necklace that exudes sheer opulence and elegance. This extraordinary creation boasts a captivating ensemble of pear-shaped and round b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$52,740Sale Price|40% Off
Diamond Tennis Necklace with Detachable 12.01 Carat Tanzanite Pendant
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Taylor Necklace with Vivid Blue Tanzanite Pendant Versatile. Refined. Designed to Move with You. The Taylor Necklace is our signature answer to modern versatility—a timeless d...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.50 carats Diamond necklace with pink sapphire 18KT gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning 18" necklace with diamond tennis necklace totaling 5.50 carats and a single pink sapphire in the middle. This piece is incredibly made and sits well on the neck! Necklace is...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
1950s Platinum Necklace with Old-Cut Diamonds and Natural Sapphires
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant 1950s necklace in finely crafted platinum, showcasing exceptional workmanship. The piece is adorned with old-cut diamonds totalling approx. 1.7 ct and natural sapphires of ab...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
French 18 karat Gold Rigid Necklace with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This French 18 karat gold rigid necklace is a testament to French craftsmanship and sophistication, blending the richness of yellow gold with the contemporary allure of white gold. M...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Woven Mesh Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Heavy with 1.00ct Diamonds
Located in Great Neck, NY
This substantial vintage mesh Somerset Style Necklace is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold and exemplifies the refined luxury and bold gold craftsmanship of the 1990s. Designed with a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
HRD Certified Yellow Gold Necklace with 5.00ct Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Indulge in the ultimate expression of luxury with this breathtaking HRD Certified Yellow Gold Necklace, adorned with a total of 5.00 carats of natural diamonds. This exquisite piece ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LUTH DESIGN - necklace with hematite, moonstone and diamonds 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
LÜTH BIJOUX - 18k yellow gold necklace with hematite, moonstone and brilliant cut diamond. 0.15 carat - G/H - VS/SI - 41 cm Detailed description the length of the necklace with cen...
Diamond, Hematite, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cavo Perforated Necklace with Diamonds in Bronze by Lo Studiolo Genève
Located in Geneve, CH
Rigid choker necklace in bronze with a large textured and perforated pendant.
Diamond, Bronze
Colombian Emerald 28.84ct Necklace with Diamonds and White Gold
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Colombian Emerald Earrings with Diamonds and Yellow Gold Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines classic with contemporary m...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Vintage Jewelry Set Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The contrast between the pavé fields and the sculpted relief gives depth and character, while the precision of the setting reveals the skill of the jeweler. The choker necklace rest...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Measurements : Pendant : width : 3cm , length : 2.5cm , depth : 0.6cm This Vintage French Yellow Gold Necklace is a masterpiece of elegance and craftsmanship, fashioned from 18kt y...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pataka Hasta Gold Pendant with Polki Diamond in by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Pataka Hasta Gold Pendant by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 2.7 x H 2.7 cm Materials: Gold, diamond The color of the enamel can be customized, please contact us. The Rajkumari (princ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
18K White Gold Regency Chandelier Necklace with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8249 18K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace A sophisticated high jewelry necklace showcasing 29.78 carats of vivid natural rubies, elegantly arranged in graduated oval cuts a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Bear Necklace with Fancy Diamonds & Blue Sapphires
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Bear Necklace with Fancy Diamonds & Blue Sapphires 72 Blue Sapphires 1.24 CT 82 Fancy Diamonds 0.90 CT 2 Rubies 0.04 CT 18K Rose Gold 7.51 GM This stunning necklace f...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Baccarat Sherazade White Gold Necklace with Crystals and Diamonds
By Baccarat
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Baccarat Sherazade White Gold Necklace with Crystals and Diamonds is an exquisite piece from the renowned Sherazade collection, epitomizing luxury and sophisticated design. Craft...
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ribbed Collar Necklace with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and elegant 18K yellow gold collar necklace composed of textured ribbed segments, alternating with sections set with channel-set round diamonds and baguette-cut rubies. The ne...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Bear Necklace with Fancy Diamonds & Pink Sapphires
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Bear Necklace with Fancy Diamonds & Pink Sapphires 7 Fancy Diamonds 0.06 CT 2 Green Garnet 0.04 CT 202 Pink Sapphires 3.10 CT 18K Rose Gold 8.98 GM Elevate your jewelr...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Elegant 14K White Gold Collar Necklace with 4.01 Carats F. VS Diamonds
Located in Great Neck, NY
Understated luxury meets timeless refinement in this stunning Riviere line choker necklace. Handcrafted in solid 14k white gold, this elegant collar is set with 4.01 carats of high-q...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$605Sale Price|38% Off
Handcrafted 18kt Gold Barn Owl Necklace with Diamond Eyes, Unisex
Located in Roma, RM
Animalia Series Necklace created entirely by hand by Italian artisans. The technique is that of lost-wax microsculpture. The Barn Owl's eyes are set with diamonds. The necklace is ...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Bronze
18K Yellow Gold Necklace with Square-Cut and Round Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking designer necklace crafted in rich 18K yellow gold featuring an elegant floral motif accented with diamond-encrusted links. The piece is set with 9 square-cut diamonds and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Bear Necklace with Fancy Diamonds & Blue Sapphires
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Bear Necklace with Fancy Diamonds & Blue Sapphires 72 Blue Sapphires 1.24 CT 82 Fancy Diamonds 0.90 CT 2 Rubies 0.04 CT 18K Rose Gold 7.51 GM This stunning necklace f...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cratere Perforated Necklace with Diamonds in Bronze by Lo Studiolo Genève
Located in Geneve, CH
Cratere Perforated Necklace with Diamonds in Bronze by Lo Studiolo Genève. Unique Piece Dimensions: Pendant H 75 × W 75 × D 20 mm Materials: Bronze, Diamonds. Rigid necklace with a ...
Diamond, Bronze
Rigid Necklace in Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds - Micheletto
By Vanessa Drumond
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Discover the exquisite elegance of this rigid necklace from the Teardrop Collection. Designed with an oval-shaped collar made of a thin round rod, it perfectly fits the contours of a...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Chocker Rose Gold with Fan Shaped Ceramic and Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Angeletti Chocker Rose Gold with Fan Shaped Ceramic and Diamonds. Everyday Fashionable Chocker with Glossy Ceramic and Diamond ct. 1.2 G-SI, from the Wave Collection. 18kt Gold is ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$111,701Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthère openwork bracelet diamonds and emeralds with box and papers
By Cartier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Panthère from Cartier Openwork, geometric bracelet diamonds and emeralds with box and papers 18K White Gold (750/1000) Gemstones: 1,827 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 5.46 carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Four Sided Chain Necklace with Diamond, Ruby and Emerald
Located in Jaipur, IN
This 14k solid yellow gold necklace features a vibrant combination of natural gemstones in a sleek, modern bar-link design. The piece centers on a row of baguette-cut stones, includi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Tennis Necklace with Detachable 7.61 carat Green Tourmaline Pendant
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Medium Taylor Necklace with Mint Green Tourmaline Pendant Versatile. Refined. Designed to Move with You. The Taylor Necklace is our signature answer to modern versatility—a timeless...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Alternating Fancy Shape Necklace with Natural Round Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking display of brilliance and craftsmanship, this 17-inch necklace is meticulously handcrafted in 14k yellow gold and adorned with 198 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Necklace with 30.41ct Diamonds & 27.44ct Emeralds, USA
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8246 18K White Gold Emerald & Diamond Necklace – 27.44ct Emeralds 30.41ct Diamonds GIA Certified An elegant and exceptionally crafted 18K white gold necklace featuring 27.4...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
17.20 Carat Colombian Emerald Statement Necklace with Multi-Cut Diamonds
Located in Jupiter, FL
This breathtaking emerald and diamond statement necklace is a masterpiece fit for royalty. At its center lies a magnificent emerald-cut Colombian emerald, radiating a rich and vivid ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère OpenWork necklace diamonds and emeralds with box and papers
By Cartier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Panthère de Cartier necklace, white gold (750/1000), emerald eyes, onyx spots and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 19.05 carats. Titanium Core Also Matching Bracelet and Ring Bracelet...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 14K White Gold Diamond Heart Pendant with Solid Omega Tubogas Chain
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Italian-made omega necklace with removable diamond heart pendant is a refined example of timeless luxury and versatile design. Crafted in solid 14K white gold, the subst...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,715Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Uncut polki Diamond moonstone Sterling silver necklace with earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
This gorgeous Floral Style necklace with matching earrings is unique in itself. It has been created by the fine artisans using Natural real Uncut Diamond and Moonstone. The Gemstones...
Diamond, Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Signed Diamond & Platinum Tennis Necklace with Heart-shaped Clasp
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This platinum necklace by Tiffany & Co. features approximately 5.45 carats of full-cut diamonds, set in a classic, bezel-set design. A notable beautiful detail of the piece is it...
Diamond, Platinum
Necklace with tourmaline and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold necklace set with green tourmaline and brilliant cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 4...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Multi-Color Gemstone Necklace with Diamonds in 18k White Gold, 16"
Located in La Jolla, CA
Multi-Color Gemstone Necklace with Diamonds in 18k White Gold Multi-color Gemstone Necklace features a mix of gemstones including Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz and others, accent...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.35ct 18k gold 22.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 4.35ct - F/G - VS/SI - 44cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 44 cm long by 2.8 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Wood Collar Necklace with Citrines, Diamonds & 14k Gold by Jen Proudman Jewelry
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Wood Collar Necklace by Jen Proudman Jewelry Wood, Citrine, Diamonds and 14k Gold Brown chunky wood collar with three thick gold bezeled 8mm round citrines and four round gold bez...
Alexandrite, Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Necklace with 342 Brown Diamonds by Audrius Krulis
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The 18K Yellow Gold Necklace by Audrius Krulis is beautifully set with 342 rich brown diamonds totaling approximately 2.0 carats, creating a warm, luminous cascade of earth-toned spa...
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hanging Antiquities Necklace in 20K Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Antiquity Necklace Set in 20 karat Yellow Gold with Hanging Antiquities and 3.37-carat Rose-Cut Diamonds on a Black Stringray Cord. This Necklace Is Complete with 3.27-carat Citrine,...
Citrine, Diamond, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold
Diana M. Egyption Multicolor Necklace 18K Yellow Gold With Diamonds
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold egyptian style necklace featuring 10.00 cts of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires with 1.50 cts of diamonds
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 14k gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace set with rose-cut diamonds up to 2.50ct – G/H – SI – 40 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 40 cm long by 0.7 mm wide the dimensions...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Sunita Nahata Ocean Blue Aquamarine Necklace with Diamond in 18KWG
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata Fine Design presents the second edition of its Blue Planet collection – an ode to the vast oceans of our planet. This collection uses the finest deep blue Santa Maria A...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Tennis Necklace with Detachable 4.11 Carat Rubellite Tourmaline Pendant
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Taylor Necklace with Rubellite Pendant Versatile. Elegant. Unmistakably Yours. The Taylor Necklace is our signature answer to modern versatility—a timeless diamond tennis strand wit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$272,000Sale Price|20% Off
100 Carat 18K Gold with Emerald and Mixed Cut Diamonds Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Unveil Timeless Elegance: White Gold Necklace Set Step into a world of luxury and grace with our breathtaking White Gold Necklace Set, a harmonious blend of exquisite design and unma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Necklace with chrysophrase and brilliant cut diamond - 16.2 gram, 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace set with chrysophrase and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.15ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.5 mm wide size of ce...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Necklace with Baroque Pearls, Sapphires, Tsavorites and Diamonds
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
There is a 2" section that is detachable allowing you to wear the necklace at choker length. Total Diamond Weight 44=0.51 carats Total Blue Sapphire Weight 22= 12.16 carats Total Tsa...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Studio Rêves Radiant Pear Drop Necklace with Baguette Diamond Halo in 18K Gold
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Graceful and luminous, this necklace pairs the clean geometry of 18K white gold with the warm glow of yellow pear-shaped diamonds (9.22 cts). Each pear—ranging from 0.90 pts to 1.50 ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Whi...
Snake Necklace with Diamonds and Blue Sapphire Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake necklace with diamonds and blue sapphire consists of articulated white gold sections set with a recurring pattern of round diamonds. The head of the snake shows the highest...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 4.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver centerpiece set with various sizes of rose diamonds. 4.50 ct – G/H – SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And 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. 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. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). 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).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Vintage choker necklaces are elegant, alluring and stylish. Cameos, pearls, diamonds and other stones can decorate these necklaces, which come in single or multiple strands. Whether it is a statement piece or a delicate chain, these short necklaces always stand out and turn heads.
The history of the choker can be traced back thousands of years, with Sumerian examples discovered from 2600–2500 B.C. They endured as a popular form of adornment through the centuries, and during the French Revolution they took on a symbolic significance. Women wore ribbons around their throats to mark the passing of those killed by the guillotine. Soon, the plain ribbons were adorned with small cameos and other ornamentation.
European choker necklaces gained a salacious reputation in the 19th century when prostitutes were associated with black ribbons tied around the neck, such as the model in Édouard Manet’s Olympia (1863). Queen Alexandra, Princess of Wales, reversed the trend in the late 19th century by wearing a large pearl and diamond choker, reputedly to hide a scar.
Fashioned from gold, pearls and other precious stones and metals, chokers continued to be worn into the 20th century, alternately statements of wealth and rebellion. They experienced periods of revival in the 1920s, ’40s, ’70s and ’90s for both men and women.
Vintage chokers make a statement with an unmistakable air of femininity. On 1stDibs, find an alluring collection of vintage chokers today, including gold, sapphire and emerald chokers.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
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.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
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.