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Diamond Necklaces

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Gemstone: Diamond
Cathy Waterman Multi Color Sapphire Platinum Necklace Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous necklace by Cathy Waterman crafted out of multi color sapphire beads with platinum elements. The carved sapphire beads of white, yellow, purple and pink color are strung o...
Category

1990s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier 1990s Yellow Gold and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Necklace, 3 M.M. wide Curb link chain with a central section set with 33 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds totaling .30 Carat. 14 inches in length and c...
Category

1990s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Happy Diamonds Flowers Necklace Pendant in 18K White, Yellow & Rose Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This stunning Happy Diamonds flowers pendant is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a unique and stylish accessory. The pendant itself is made of high quality 18k gold and feat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Lavender Jadeite Jade Peach and Diamond Pendant, Certified Untreated
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is an all natural, untreated jadeite jade carved peach pendant set on an 18K white and diamond gold bail. The carved peach symbolizes longevity. It measures 1.39 inches (35.3 mm) x 0.79 inches (20.1 mm) with thickness of 0.29 inches (7.5 mm) weighing 7.4 grams. Included is a Hong Kong Gems Laboratory Jade Identification Report stating the stone is natural color, type A, 翡翠 (fei cui...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Blue Enamel Shield Pendant in 14 Karat Gold with Diamond Star on Gold Rolo chain
Located in New York, NY
An updated take on the classic shield shape. This pendant, in stunning royal blue enamel, is set off by a gold star with a center diamond. It has chunky jump rings, and hangs off o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Cartier Art Deco Jade, Coral, Onyx and Platinum Diamond Sautoir Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 1920s Art Deco masterpiece by Cartier was inspired by the exotic gemstone combinations and design motifs of the Far East. Long sautoirs were all the rage and complimented the so...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Platinum

Jadeite Bead Necklace With Diamond Clasp
Located in San Diego, CA
This single-strand jadeite necklace is composed of seventy three graduated jadeite beads of bright emerald green color and very good translucency, measuring 5.2 to 9.9 mm. The clasp ...
Category

1960s European Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

50 Carat Exquisite Colombian Emerald Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Exquisite Colombian Emerald Necklace: A True Masterpiece of Elegance and Luxury! This stunning necklace features a breathtaking array of Co...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

6.50 carat Pave Diamond Flower Medallion Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
6.50 Carat Pave Diamond Flower Medallion Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Star Pendant Necklace features a Large Star Medallion with a total of 6.50 carats of Champagne-col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 10 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
This amazing heart diamond necklace features a large heart shaped diamond weighs 10 carat. The diamond is bright white, completely clean, and vibrant with bold sparkle! The 18k Whi...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

GIA Certified 10 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the Epitome of Elegance: The GIA Certified 10 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Pendant Platinum Necklace! Are you ready to dazzle and captivate with unparalleled elegance? Loo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Tri-Colour Diamond Trinity De Cartier Necklace N3027000
Located in London, GB
An alluring 18k tri-colour gold diamond necklace by Cartier from the Trinity De Cartier collection. The necklace is composed of three open work circular motifs entwining in yellow, w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

Bulgari Diamond Serpenti Necklace in 18kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
In a tribute to its spirit animal, Bulgari captures the power of seduction in this Serpenti Diamond High Jewelry necklace, camouflaging sensuality and temptation with a hypnotic desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.53 Carat Diamond Pendant with Chain Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful, Bold and yet Dainty.. This Chain Necklace has a U-Shaped Pendant that has 13 Round Cut Diamonds (Clarity: SI, Color: F) that weigh 0.53 Carats. The total carat weight of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mouawad Sapphire Diamond Jewelry Suite
Located in New York, NY
Whether you are an enthusiast of jewelry in the Art Deco style or a seasoned collector, you are likely also a fan of baguette diamonds and the hypnotizing geometric ribbons of light ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

142.06ct Oval & Cushion Cut Emerald & Pear Shape Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
• 18KT White Gold • 142.06 Carats • Number of Oval/Cushion Emeralds: 23 • Carat Weight: 114.31ctw • Number of Pear Shape Diamonds: 24 • Carat Weight: 13.79ctw • Color: E, D, G • Cl...
Category

2010s American Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.78 Carat Sapphire and Asscher Cut Diamond Cross
Located in New York, NY
Asscher Cut Sapphires and White Asscher Cut Diamond set in this beautiful and minimalistic Cross. Set with very little metal to allow light to pass from all angles for maximum brilli...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Colombian Pear-Shaped Emeralds and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace, a stunning piece that captures the essence of elegance and luxury. Crafted in 18-karat white gold, this necklace features a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chaumet Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brand: Chaumet Paris Accent Stone: 11 diamonds Cut: Round Brilliant Weight: 0.10 carat approximately Color: D-E Clarity: VVS Metal: 18k yellow gold Era: Modern Circa: 2000s Hallmar...
Category

20th Century Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

13.7 Carats Opal Diamonds ca. 1.7-1.9 Carats South Sea Harlekin Pearl Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
An absolutely stunning necklace, created by Wagner Preziosen. 31 Harlekin South Sea Pearls, 12.4-14.3 mm in diameter, of the finest lustre are complemented by a magnificent clasp ma...
Category

2010s European Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 0.05 Carats Total Round Diamond Small Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A small pendant necklace showcasing 0.05 carats total brilliant round diamonds, G color and VS in clarity, set in a religious cross design. Suspended in a 16 inch 18K White Gold cha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.17 Carat Diamond and South Sea Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Pendant
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning 2.17 Carat Diamond and South Sea Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Pendant This one of a kind beauty has a magnificent 15mm South Sea Pearl in the center. It is surrounded by 104...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Seidengang Diamond Diamond 18k Gold Flower Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Adorned yourself with a dazzling gold and diamond Seidengang necklace. this piece is crafted in 18k green gold. These gold flower disks,  each set with a round diamond, bezel set,  a...
Category

1990s Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

0.54 Carats Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Bradenton, FL
This beautiful aquamarine and diamond pendant is made in 18K white gold with a fantastic selection of gemstones. The 0.54 Ct. oval shape aquamarine placed as the center stone is the ...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.45 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a classic and simple religious cross pendant necklace set with brilliant round cut diamonds weighing 0.45 carats total, G color and VS in clarity respectively. Suspended ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.44 Carats Total Brilliant Round Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a classic and simple religious cross pendant necklace set with brilliant round cut diamonds weighing 0.44 carats total, H color and VS in clarity respectively. Suspended ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Collier Belle époque en or, jade et diamants
Located in PARIS, FR
Collier ancien en or gris 18 carats (750 millièmes) et platine du début du 20ème siècle, serti d'un cabochon de jade d'env. 21 carats dans un entourage de diamants taille rose et tai...
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond 18K Gold Mesh Choker Statement Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Featuring an exquisite choker statement necklace, featuring natural round diamonds set in a sophisticated geometric kite link design. Crafted in 18K white and yellow gold, this neckl...
Category

1990s Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Long 36 inches 13-10mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Round Gold Clasp Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
A Perfect 36-inch long strand of High lustrous Tahitian South Sea Pearls of 13 to 10 mm, Hardly with any blemishes. A multicolor dance of black, Dark Gray, and peacock Genuine pearls...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold

High Polish Italian Diamond 18K Yellow White Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish High Polish Timeless diamond choker is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow and white gold. This beautifully sculpted Italian diamond choker necklace weighs 104.0 grams. The neck...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Chopard Happy Spirit Diamond Yellow Gold Extra Large Pendant 5 Strand Necklace
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Happy Spirit Extra Large Diamond Pendant 5 Strand Chain Necklace by Chopard. The Chopard 18k Yellow Gold Extra Large Happy Spirit Diamond 5 Strand Necklace showcases...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Diamond Pearl 18K Gold Bulgari Circle Drop Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Adore this delightful Bvlgari Diamond Gold Necklace. This Diamond pearl Diamond Drop necklace is crafted in 18-karat white gold, with square and circular diamond motifs.  The gleami...
Category

1990s Italian Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique 6.70ct Old Mine Cut Diamond & Black Enamel Pendant, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Victorian-era locket with a checkered board-style motif in black enamel and adorned with old mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 6.70 carats. Crafted in 18k yellow ...
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Star of David Rose Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace Unisex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique 14K rose gold Star Of David pendant necklace, is set with a total of 0.47 carat round brilliant diamonds. David Star size is 0.60" inches long (top to bottom) and 0.54” wide....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2522 Comes With Dandelion Authenticity Guarantee Card Only Model Happy Diamonds Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx 8.7 g Length approx 44 cm Condition Excellen...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pear Shaped Blue Topaz and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite necklace features a beautiful Swiss blue topaz set in 18k white gold with sparkling diamonds! The 1.33 carat blue topaz is a lovely elongated pear shape with gorgeous,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Flora Pendant - 18ct yellow gold with mixed diamond accents
Located in London, GB
NEW Flora Pendant - central brilliant white diamond 0.40ct with .80ct mixed coloured diamond accents set in an 18ct yellow gold mount.
Category

2010s British Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
6 pear shape emerald weighing approximately 3.8 carats 93 round brilliant cut diamonds approximately 0.70 carat H-I color included 14k yellow gold circa 1980s 17.5 inches long ...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Amulette de 18K White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2524 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2022 RRP £ 5,000 incl. VAT/ € 5 650 incl. VAT Model B3047300 Serial Number AG**** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Diamond Weight approx ...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.82ct Diamond & 8.35ct Natural Blue Sapphire Pendant Necklace, 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
An elegant necklace featuring a graceful dancing ballerina adorned with a stunning array of sapphires and diamonds. The tutu of the ballerina showcases an invisible set of natural bl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold

18k Two Tone Gold 0.15ctw Diamond Buckle Graduated Panther Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (14) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G-I Color - VS2/SI1 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.15 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Whit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Paved Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2261 Comes With Pouch Only RRP £7,500 Inc taxes / $ 7,950 Excl taxes /8,700 € Inc taxes Model VCARA45300 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Weight app...
Category

2010s French Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Clover Pendant by Daniel K.
Located in San Francisco, CA
From the heart of New York City comes this exquisite pendant necklace featuring a platinum clover design from Daniel K that showcases the incredible craftsmanship and fine micro-pave...
Category

Late 20th Century American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

18kt Rose Gold Solitaire Diamond Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic elegance at it's finest! This 18 karat Rose Gold necklace features a single round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.43 carats expertly bezel set and suspended from a link chai...
Category

2010s American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Diamond White Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features the lucky clover pendant crafted in 18k white gold and set with brilliant-cut round diamon...
Category

2010s Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1.57ct White Diamond & 1.87ct Yellow Diamond Necklace, 14k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
A finely crafted panther necklace adorned with an assortment of round brilliant-cut and yellow radiant diamonds, exuding elegance and allure. The eyes of the panther are accentuated ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Rose Gold

Studio Mullins Mary Initial Pendant
Located in Birmingham, AL
gold material: 18k yellow gold letters: a-z offered, only 1 letter. please send a message to inform us which letter you require. stones: 0.10 ctw G SI natural diamonds size: 20 mm...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

IGI Certified 27.00 Carats Heart Shape Natural Diamonds 18K Gold Necklace
Located in Massafra, IT
This exquisite Diamonds necklace is an epitome of luxury and elegance. The sparkly diamonds , meticulously set in a stunning gold setting , create a mesmerizing display of opulence. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Pendant with 17.96 carats Amethyst Diamonds set in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the enchanting allure of Amethyst, exquisitely set in 14K yellow gold. This magnificent gemstone, renowned for its vibrant purple color, is ideal for those who appreciate th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Butterfly Diamond Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the timeless Flying Beauties collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a butterfly pendant with lapis lazuli wings ...
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Enamel & Diamond Dove Bird Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Bird Pendant 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Fabulous, Victorian enamel dove pendant. Beautiful, handcrafted enamel work, capturing the fine detailing of the birds colours ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond French Bulldog Charm Necklace
Located in Westport, CT
For the Frenchie lover, this Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold French Bulldog Charm is full of personality and complete with diamond eyes. The cable chain is...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Charles Krypell Diamond and Ruby Open Heart Necklace Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Charles Krypell ruby and diamond open heart necklace is meticulously crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Adorned with a striking contrast of rubies along the heart pendant's edge a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Diamond Necklaces

Materials

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

0.99ct Round Cut Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace, Diamond Halo, 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A pendant showcasing a 0.99 carat round cut blue topaz in a prong setting, surrounded by a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 0.10 carats. Crafted in 18k white gold. Meta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond White Gold Crescent Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stone: 29 diamonds Cut: Single Weight: 0.60 carats approximately Color: J-K Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 14k white gold Era: Retro Circa: 1950s Hallmarks: Purity marks Size: 16-3/4 inc...
Category

20th Century Retro Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Round Brilliant Diamond with Emerald Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Art-Deco pendant is completely spectacular! The vibrant color stone (you can select Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby) is a specialty cut to surround the excellent round brilliant cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold 1.28ctw Natural Round Diamond Graduated Bar Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This necklace features 1.28 carat total weight in graduated natural round diamonds set in 18 karat yellow gold. It is set on an 18 karat yellow gold chain. Chain measures 18" with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pendant with 17.69 carats Amethyst Diamonds set in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the geological elegance of this Amethyst, expertly set in 14K white gold. Ideal for enthusiasts of natural minerals and fine jewelry craftsmanship, this piece is both striki...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Diamond Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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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