Antique 1.28 Carat Diamond and Enamel Miniature Portrait Pendant in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique hand painted enamel and 1.28Ct diamond platinum miniature portrait pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This ex...
Diamond, Platinum, Enamel
Victorian Flower Charm Necklace Old Mine Diamond Pearl Enamel 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely gorgeous Victorian - Edwardian Flower Charm Necklace with Flowers adorned with Diamonds, Pearls, and Enamel.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Diamond and Seed Pearl Enamel and Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.05 carat diamond and seed pearl, enamel and 18 karat gold pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Fancy Yellow Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite locket pendant crafted from a blend of gold and silver during the Victorian period. At its heart lies a striking old mine cut diamond possessing a vibrant f...
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel
18 Karat Rose Gold Enamel and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage cross necklace pendant of 18 karat rose gold with blue enamel and diamonds for a total of 3 karats, Italy 1860-1880s
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Sapphire, Rock Crystal, Diamond and Enamel Sautoir
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Striking and highly artistic, this Van Cleef & Arpels sautoir is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases an elegant interplay of sapphire beads, carved rock crystal, pav...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Enamel and Diamond Pendant Locket
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning pendant locket taken from the Victorian era. This antique piece has been crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold and features a bold design with a centralised 6 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Filled Indian Polychrome Enamel Diamond and Floral Motif Cross Pendant
Located in Towson, MD
One gold filled Indian polychrome enamel cross pendant featuring three-dimensional floral motifs and intricate mosaic enamel work throughout. The cross is covered edge to edge in dia...
Diamond, Gold-filled, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket with Green Enamel and Diamonds on Chain with Enamel
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
There is a matching 18k gold necklace with cylinder-shaped green enameled elements.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Era 15 Carat Gold, Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Swag Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
A dramatic English 19th century enamel and diamond starburst swag necklace in fitted velvet box.
Rose Gold Diamond and Enamel Pendant Features Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose gold diamond and white enamel pendant features 1.00 carat of round white diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Diamond Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant / Locket, circa 1865
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The anterior surface of the locket is embellished with a stunning and vibrant hand-painted miniature portrait depicting a Victorian woman with a floral headdress. The enamel portrai...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 0.10ct Diamond, Pearl and Enamel Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in the Victorian era, this wonderful pendant features a collection of pearls surrounding a central old cut diamond. The central diamond is a 0.10 carat diamond with colour of...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel and Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a rare and wonderful pendant dating back to the Victorian era. The pendant is crafted in a Holbeinesque style and features a central rose cut diamond, beautiful blue ena...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Citrine and Diamond Locket Pendant in Enamelled 18K Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
A charming 18K yellow gold locket pendant with an elegant function to hold a miniature photo inside. The front is set with a warm citrine at the center, surrounded by a halo of old-c...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb Manhattan Minimalism Parthenon Black Enamel Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Manhattan Minimalism Parthenon Black Enamel Necklace. Save bog on this beautiful current model neclkace by David Webb, it is made in 18k yellow gold and platinum with roun...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 0.45 Carat Diamond Enamel and 16K Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.45 carat diamond, enamel and 16 karat yellow gold locket pendant; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collections. This stunnin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Distinguished Antique Victorian Enamel and Diamond Locket
Located in Stamford, CT
A large Victorian black enamel and diamond locket locket that is the upmost of elegance while it suits all the fashion we wear today. The oval proportion is perfect as is the enamel....
Diamond, 14k Gold
14k Gold Signature Galaxy Moon and Stars Pendant with Diamond and Enamel
Located in Venice, CA
This slightly convex domed pendant encapsulates a magical place of many moons and many stars. Designed in house as part of our signature collection, we call this our galaxy pendant, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 14ct Gold and Diamond Pink Enamel Flower Heart Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Enamel Pendant / Brooch Circa 1910 *chain sold separately A beautiful pink enamel flower in heart shape pendant/ brooch in 14ct gold. The flower is finished with a singl...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau natural saltwater pearl, 2.42 carat diamond, enamel, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set pendant / brooch; part of ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Aaron Basha 18K White Gold Pink Enamel and Diamond Shoe Pendant Charm
By Aaron Basha
Located in New York, NY
A signature design from Aaron Basha's beloved baby shoe collection, this charm captures the brand's playful, sentimental aesthetic — a favorite among collectors for celebrating new a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Pendant with Emeralds, Black Enamel and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold & Oxidized Silver Emeralds 0.12 carat approx. Diamonds 0.34 carat approx. Cherry blossoms Chain sold separately Limited Edition Crafted of 18 karat y...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Silver P...
Signature 14K Gold Gothic Teardrop Diamond and Enamel Long Station Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This 14 karat gold blue enamel and diamond station chain features old world jewelry details and impeccable craftsmanship. Elongated gothic teardrop shapes are filled with saturated d...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
0.44 Carat Diamond and Blue Enamel 15k Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Circa 1830
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.44 carat diamond and blue enamel, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set cross pendant; part of our collection of antique enamel jewelry. This...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
14ct Gold Diamond and Pink Enamel Flower Heart Pendant / Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Enamel Pendant / Brooch Circa 1910 *chain sold separately A beautiful pink enamel flower in heart shape pendant/ brooch in 14ct gold. The flower is finished with a singl...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Sapphire Diamond and Enamel Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautiful sapphire pendant dating back to the Art Nouveau era. The sapphires are a rare heart cut and possess a highly desirable rich blue tone. The pendant is finishe...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
St. George Enamel Pendant in 18K Gold with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This piece is rare and special. I have only seen 3 of these pendants in my lifetime and I owned two of them. This is my last one. St George Slaying the Dragon is a common theme bu...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
18ct Gold Art Nouveau Enamel and Diamond Violet Flower Pendent and Earring Set
Located in Brighton, GB
Art Nouveau Flower Set 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Introducing an exquisite Art Nouveau jewellery set, masterfully crafted in 18ct yellow and rose gold. This stunning set includes a pai...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Syna Yellow Gold Lapis Enamel Moon and Stars Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Lapis enamel details Diamonds 0.06 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition Crafted in lucent 18 karat yellow gold, this pendant features...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tourmaline Cat’s Eye Cabochon Pendant with Diamonds and Enamel in 18K Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Handcrafted pendant in 18K yellow gold, featuring a pink tourmaline cabochon with a distinct cat’s eye effect. The stone shows a soft, natural glow with a subtle moving light line ac...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
24k Gold Cintemani Pendant for Woman with Red Enamel and Diamonds
Located in İstanbul, TR
Diamonds (0.08) Please note that it is just the pendant, the chain is not included. Crafted with timeless elegance, this 24 karat gold jewelry piece draws inspiration from the ancie...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Enamel
Antique Edwardian Tiffany and Co Platinum Guilloche Enamel Diamond Watch Pendant
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Tiffany and Co Platinum Guilloche Enamel Diamond Watch Pendant. This incredible Edwardian Tiffany and Co watch pendant is crafted in platinum, gold and en...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Art Nouveau Plique-A-Jour Enamel Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant
Located in Denver, CO
A single natural white pearl centers this diamond-accented plique-a-jour enamel flower pendant in translucent shades of green and pink, giving the petals an exceptional radiance. Th...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Enamel and Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous creation taken from the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. This romantic locket has been formed from platinum and showcases a rich navy blue enamel filled bac...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,099 / item
Moi Memories Gold and Diamond Photo Pendant Necklace
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
Gold(14K) : 1.92g Rose-cut Diamonds : 0.67ct Gemstone : Emerald, Shell Pearl Other : Blue Enamel 925 A photo is the most prime source of memories. As a pendant, it stays close to yo...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel, Silver
Art Nouveau 0.35 Carat Diamond, Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau 0.35 carat diamond and enamel, 18 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our antique enamel jewelry collections. This exceptional, fi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
ART NOUVEAU pendant with enamel, pearls and rose cut diamonds 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 18k yellow gold pendant decorated with black enamel set with pearl and rose-cut diamonds totaling 1.50ct – G/H – SI detailed description: the dimensions of the pendant ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel and Diamond Cross
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k yellow gold enamel and diamond cross, containing 129 round full cut diamonds weighing 1.50ct. with multi colored enamel on a 24 inch beaded link chain.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18ct Gold & Silver, Circa 1880 White Enamel and Diamond Flower Brooch / Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Enamel & Diamond Flower Pendant & Brooch Silver & 18ct Gold Circa 1880 A stylised Victorian floral brooch-pendant featuring six white enamel petals, each tipped with polis...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Lariat Chain - 18k White Gold - Purple, Pink and Silver Enamel - 18 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer lariat chain necklace, Dew Drop Collection, 18k white gold, purple, pink and silver vitreous enamel, 18 diamonds on hexagonal central part, total 0.10 ct, G VS This pie...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Set In 18ct Yellow Gold
By Larry Jewelry
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ruby & diamond black enameled pendant is set with an oval natural ruby and 20 round brilliant cut diamonds in 18ct yellow gold setting. The pendant is suspended from an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Heart Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Red and Green Enamel 2 Diamonds 2.02ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer heart shaped two colored pendant necklace 18k yellow gold, red and light green vitreous enamel, 2 diamonds, total 2.02 ct, G VS, measurements app. 11.8 mm x 13.0 mm Abo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
0.28 Carat Diamond and Blue Enamel 15 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 0.28 carat diamond and blue enamel, 15 karat yellow gold cross pendant; part of our collection of antique pendants. This exceptional, fin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
24k Gold Pendant for Women with Blue Enamel and Sugarloaf-cut Ruby and Diamonds
Located in İstanbul, TR
Ruby (0.66 Carats) and Diamonds (0.15 Carat) Crafted with timeless elegance, this 24 karat gold jewelry piece draws inspiration from the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, where emp...
Diamond, Ruby, 24k Gold, Enamel
Aaron Basha Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Turquoise Enamel Hamsa Pendant
By Aaron Basha
Located in New York, NY
Occasional professional inspections ensure the diamond remains securely set. Celebrate the blend of faith, fashion, and fine craftsmanship with Aaron Basha’s 18K Yellow Gold Diamond ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Holbeinesque Amethyst Diamond Enamel Natural Pearl and Gold Pendant, Circa 1865
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1865 Provenance: United Kingdom Dimensions: 7,5 x 3,8 cm Weight: 15,93 gr This yellow gold Holbeinesque pendant is characterized by a central Siberian amethyst of approxim...
Amethyst, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 14ct Gold Edwardian era Enamel and Diamond Pansy Flower Pendent / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pansy Pendant 14ct Gold Circa 1910 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Embrace the charm of the Edwardian era with this exquisite 14ct yellow gold flower pendant/brooch. This...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Cellini Exclusive 18KT White Gold Diamond 0.16CT and Enamel Teddy Bear Charm
By Ambrosi
Located in New York, NY
Just the cutest....Teddy bear charm made exclusively for Cellini by Ambrosi of Italy. This 18 karat white gold teddy bear is set with round brilliant pave diamonds on his paws . He ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Cartier Limited Edition Dice White Gold, Enamel and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Cartier Limited Edition Dice is an extraordinary collector’s piece, exquisitely crafted from 18kt white gold and adorned with 2 carats of brilliant-cut pavé diamonds of D-E color...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Catholic Cross Petite Harmony . Yellow gold , Anis enamel and Diamonds
By Varvara Collection
Located in Genève, CH
This collectible Catholic cross pendant from the Petite Harmony series by Varvara Collection is handcrafted in Geneva, Switzerland. Designed as a spiritual object of beauty, this pie...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Catholic Cross Petite Harmony , Yellow gold, Turquoise enamel and diamonds
By Varvara Collection
Located in Genève, CH
This collectible Catholic cross pendant from the Petite Harmony series by Varvara Collection is handcrafted in Geneva, Switzerland. Designed as a spiritual object of beauty, this pie...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1.07 Carat Diamond and Enamel Teddy Bear Charm
By Ambrosi
Located in New York, NY
Just the cutest....Teddy bear charm made exclusively for Cellini by Ambrosi of Italy. This 18 karat yellow gold teddy bear is fully set with 1.07 carats of round brilliant diamonds, ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Estate 18K White Gold Aaron Basha Enamel and Diamond Boot Pendant -VHK#975A
By Aaron Basha
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K White Gold Aaron Basha Enamel and Diamond Boot Pendant -VHK#975A Item Details: Year: 2000s Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.1 grams Diamond De...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Its a girl pendant in 14KT yellow gold with enamel and diamonds baby shooe
Located in Jupiter, FL
Cute baby shoe pendant with pink enamel and diamonds in 14KT yellow gold. Does not come with a chain. Perfect for newly born and baby showers. WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELERS: Stam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian diamond enamel 18k yellow gold timepiece pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This ornate Victorian pendant blends vibrant enamel with 9 antique rose cut diamonds in rich 18k yellow gold, creating a timeless and expressive statement piece.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Edwardian 1910 Art Nouveau Enameled Wild-Rose Pendant In 14Kt Gold and Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian enameled convertible flower brooch. Beautiful wild-rose flower, created in America during the Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, back in the 1910 This large convertibl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.