Black Onyx Cabochon Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Swirl Necklace Pendant
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite pendant necklace is finely crafted with a teardrop-shaped black onyx.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Pearl, Diamond, Onyx & Rock Crystal Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The interplay of materials—transparent crystal, inky black onyx, and brilliant diamonds—creates depth, tension, and visual rhythm, a hallmark of David Webb’s most collectible jewels.
Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Hexagon Onyx Platinum Vintage Statement Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful Art Deco Diamond and Hexagon Black Onyx Platinum Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Flower, Onyx and White Coral Link Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The interplay of rich black onyx, creamy white coral, vibrant yellow gold, and shimmering diamonds exemplifies VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ timeless ability to balance sophistication with bol...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tribal Style Beaded Necklace with Onyx Black & Agate Blue with Diamond Spacer
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a striking and unique Tribal Style Beaded Necklace with Onyx Black & Agate Blue with Diamond Spacer.
Agate, Diamond, Onyx, Silver
Necklace and pendant with onyx and single cut diamonds up to 1.00ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with center piece set with onyx and single cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide ...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Pave Diamond Round Disc Macrame Necklace with Black Onyx Made in Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our stunning Pave Diamond Round Disc Macrame Necklace, featuring a luxurious combination of shimmering diamonds and bold black onyx, all set in high-quality sterling silv...
Diamond, Onyx, Silver
Black Onyx Ruby Diamond 18k White Gold Art Deco Style Pendant Necklace
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This black onyx, ruby and diamond pendant necklace, crafted in 18k white gold in an Art Deco style.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
JR 18 Karat White Gold Dangling Diamond Briolette Black Onyx Choker Necklace
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 18 karat White Gold Dangling Diamond Briolette Black Onyx Choker Necklace Minimalist, elegant and yet speaking a volume, this gorgeous piece of necklace is an absolute eye-catche...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl and Diamond Onyx Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pearl is embedded –but minimally concealed- in a flower-like gold design set with diamonds and decorated with a black onyx ringlet, lending the jewel a distinctive art déco look.
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Pendant Necklace with Chrysophase, Diamonds and Onyx.
By Loffredo
Located in Rome, IT
Art deco style pendant necklace in Chrysophase, with brilliant cut diamonds and Onyx stone elements for decoration.
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
NEW 18K Gold GIA Trillion Diamond Black Onyx Triangle Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
A simply elegant and very classy diamond and black onyx pendant necklace that you could easily find yourself wearing everyday.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Salvini Diamond And Onyx Bar Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold 0.10Cttw
By Salvini
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a bezel set small round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.10 carat encrusted on black onyx with engraved Salvini logo.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Vintage Style Necklace, 20.89 Carat
Located in Bangkok, TH
Boldly sophisticated, this Onyx and Diamond Vintage Style Necklace exudes timeless elegance and striking contrast.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond And Onyx Butterfly Circular Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold 2.25Ctw 18in
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous and chic, this dazzling diamond and onyx circular pendant necklace is a standout addition to your evening looks.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata Black Onyx 2.45ct. Snake Scale Necklace in 18KWG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Check out the full collection on our storefront! Black Onyx & Diamond Snake Scale Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold Black Onyx: 2.455 carat, fancy cut.
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Rondelle & Black Onyx Bead Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Rondelle & Black Onyx Bead Necklace - Understated luxury meets classic elegance in this sophisticated black onyx bead necklace, featuring three diamond-set 18...
Messika 18kt Pink Gold Onyx and Diamond Lucky Move Necklace, France
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Lucky Move pink gold, diamond and onyx necklace is the perfect companion for women who are in control of their own destinies.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Modern Opal Black Onyx Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Add interest to your jewelry box with this chic platinum pendant that may also be worn as a brooch. A carved smooth piece of black onyx has a 9.94 carat opal set on top of it creatin...
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Platinum
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Black Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace Brooch 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a spectacular Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Black Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace or Brooch in Silver atop 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with onyx and single cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with onyx and single cut diamonds. 0.16ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.1 mm wide th...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold
Black Onyx Emerald Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Bead White Gold Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Shimmering diamonds and vivid green emeralds are adorn all over the onyx.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,152Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Inspired Black Onyx Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Inspired Black Onyx Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18K gold studded with fancy cut onyx and diamond.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Bvlgari Reversible Gold Necklace with Diamond and Onyx Elements
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Elegant and iconic Bulgari Bvlgari Bvlgari necklace crafted in 18k white gold, featuring a series of reversible double-face elements: one side adorned with brilliant-cut diamond pavé...
Citrine, Sapphire, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,500 / item
9.47 Carat Diamond Onyx Abstract Statement Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is hand set in 9.47 carats of sparkling diamonds and 1.0 carats black onyx. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Coral Onyx Black Jade Multi Strand Torsade Bead Necklace
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1970s Coral Onyx Black Jade Multi Strand Torsade Bead Necklace.
Coral, Onyx, Black Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Accent & Sky Blue Topaz & Black Onyx Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The contemporary yet classic 18" rope chain secures around the neck with a spring ring clasp. Product Features: Diamond Type: Natural White Diamonds Diamond Count: 1 Round-Cut Diam...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Onyx, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Flower Locket Old Mine Cut Diamond Black Onyx Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Antique Victorian to Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond and Pearl Locket Pendant in Black Onyx and Gold with an exquisite diamond and pearl Flower on the Black Onyx...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Elysia Diamond, Onyx and Chalcedony Lariat Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Part of the sophisticated Bvlgari Elysia collection, this 18kt white gold necklace features an intricate series of diamond-set oval links accented by black onyx beads and shimmering ...
Diamond, Chalcedony, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald Black Onyx Coral Pendant Necklace 18k Gold Diamond HRD Certified
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Designer Natural Emerald Onyx Coral Pendant Necklace HRD Certified Handmade Fine Jewelry A unique contemporary design featuring natural emerald, black onyx, and coral gemstones wit...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Black Onyx Red Pink Ruby White Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Pendant necklace featuring a central black cabochon Onyx framed by a border of round pink red rubies.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1980s Chrysoprase, Citrine, Onyx and Diamond Sautoir Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Roma, RM
The gemstone is framed within a polished black onyx surround, while delicate diamond accents enhance the design with subtle brilliance.
Citrine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Black Onyx Dog Paw Pendant with Emerald and Diamonds
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Black Onyx Dog Paw Pendant with Diamonds and Emerald Black Onyx, Diamonds, Zambian Emerald and 14k Gold Hand carved black onyx dog paw with four 2mm round diamonds bezeled in gold ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold
Black Onyx Fish Pensant with Diamond and Emerald Eyes, 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Triple Gem Fish Black Onyx, Diamond, Emerald & 14k Gold Double-sided carved fish with a 2mm gold bezeled diamond eye on one side and a 1.5mm gold bezeled emerald eye on the oth...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine Beads And Pendant Baroque Pearls Quartz Onyx Yellow Gold Necklace
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique and classy Necklace composed of big size Baroque Pearls, Aquamarine spheres of 16 mm, Faceted and Engraved Quartz beads , Black Onyx 16 mm beads, 14 kt Yellow Gold elements, f...
Aquamarine, Onyx, Pearl, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mattioli Puzzle Collection 18 Karat White Gold, Diamonds, Black Onyx S Necklace
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Mattioli Puzzle Collection 18 Karat White Gold, Chanel Small Necklace Available in Green Enamel, Black Enamel, Blue Enamel & Pink Enamel Gold Weight 25,50 gr Chain 90 cm Diamonds...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Perfect Poisson Pendant, Black Onyx with Diamond and Spinel
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Perfect Poisson Pendant Black Onyx, Diamond, Spinel & 14k Gold Carved black onyx fish with 2mm round diamond eye bezeled in gold with a stunning grey/silver spinel atop and gol...
Diamond, Onyx, Spinel, 14k Gold
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 90's Capricorn Black Onyx Diamond Necklace Pendant in 20K Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing the Vintage 90's Capricorn Onyx Diamond Necklace Pendant in 20K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Coral Onyx Necklace Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pendant features a fine, sizable Tahitian Pearl of approximately 19mm x 15.5mm size. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have no...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Onyx Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
At its center lies a polished oval onyx, a gemstone prized for its deep black hue and reflective surface.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Art Deco Style 18K White Gold Onyx, Diamond, and Ruby Drop Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The centerpiece features a vibrant round ruby weighing approximately 0.10 carat, accenting the symmetrical wings of inlaid black onyx and brilliant diamonds. The pendant drop is ador...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman Spiritual Beads Necklace with Black Onyx 8mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Black Onyx Beads: These necklaces showcase the deep black color of onyx, often associated with strength and stability.
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Melon-Shaped Emerald Beads Cts 197 with Black Onyx and Crystal Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The rich green emeralds are beautifully complemented by 100 carats of bold black onyx and 23 carats of shimmering crystal beads, creating a striking contrast of colors and textures.
Crystal, Onyx
Diamond Pendant Necklace Onyx 14K Gold Art Deco
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Pendant Necklace Onyx 14K GoldArt Deco This amazing Art Deco circa 1920s pendant is finely crafted in solid 14K Gold, white for the top and yellow for the back.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Art Deco Jade, Coral, Onyx and Platinum Diamond Sautoir Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
It's in excellent estate condition and has descended through generations of a prominent American family's collection. The necklace composed of coral, black onyx and jade beads, join...
Coral, Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Platinum
Victorian Black Onyx Rose Gold Bead Court Necklace
Located in Lexington, KY
This necklace is THE necklace of all time!! It is an original Victorian piece in excellent condition--the black onyx beads have no chips or scratches, and the yellow gold clasps and ...
Onyx, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Black Onyx Golf Club Birdie Charm 18 Karat White Gold Necklace Pendant
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
18K White Gold Black Onyx Gemstone Handle White Diamond Golf Ball Gemstone 0.30 cts Diamonds 16-18 inches Diamond-Cut Link Cable chain length In-Stock This is part of Galt & Bro. Jew...
Onyx, Diamond, White Gold
Melon-Shaped Emerald Beads Cts 210 with Black Onyx and Crystal Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crystal beads (37 carats) add a touch of light and clarity, perfectly balancing the boldness of the emeralds and onyx. Whether dressed up for a formal event or worn casually, this ...
Emerald, Crystal, Onyx
Antique Black Onyx and Diamond Yellow Gold Cross Pendant, circa 1850
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine onyx and diamond cross pendant necklace. Item Ref.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Diamond Onyx White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Custom made Art Deco style hand crafted diamond onyx pendant necklace. GIA certified brown/cognac diamond with an onyx and diamond halo with 4 round yellow diamonds and one tapered b...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.65 Carat Diamond and Onyx Drop Pendant Necklace, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
It has been expertly rub over set and haloed by deep black onyx gemstones. The onyx totals a weight of 0.30 carat, all the stones have been hand cut to perfectly fit this necklace.
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Necklace with Onyx & Diamonds, 1.00ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with gold and silver pendant set with onyx and old mine cut diamonds 1.00ct - H/I - VS/SI - 42 cm long detailed description: the length of the necklace is ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$335Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold filled Butterfly Necklace with MOP Abalone Onyx and natural zircon
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
Its wings are adorned with the mesmerizing hues of Abalone, Black Onyx, Mother of Pearl, Tahitian grey shell displaying a spectrum of iridescent colors that shift with every angle.
Onyx, Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
18k White Gold Estate Diamond, Onyx and Emerald Bead Tassel Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This fine 18k white gold necklace on a black cord features all natural emerald beads, diamonds and onyx accents made in a shape of a tassel.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Opal & Black Onyx Necklace (looks like Conch Pearl)
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This captivating 39-inch single-line necklace showcases a soft, blush-toned pink opal from Mixco, elegantly paired with bold black onyx and shimmering crystal beads.
Crystal, Onyx, Opal
$100,000Sale Price|20% Off
Carved Fluted Emerald Bead Onyx Rondelles Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful collection of 405.25 carat of emerald carved beads spaced with black onyx and diamond rondelles set with a black diamond clasp in 18kt white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Black Onyx Golf Club Birdie Charm 18 Karat White Gold Necklace Pendant
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Black Onyx Golf Club Birdie Charm 18K White Gold Necklace Pendant Symbol 18K White Gold Black Onyx Gemstone Handle White Diamond Golf Ball Gemstone 0.15 cts Diamonds 16-18 in...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
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.