18ct White Gold Necklace
An 18ct white gold necklace brings together precious metal and gemstones in pieces ranging from Edwardian pearl strands to mid-century diamond pendants.
18ct White Gold Necklace
An 18ct white gold necklace encompasses both fine chains supporting diamond, sapphire, aquamarine, or opal pendants and pearl strands secured by gem-set clasps. These jewels cross eras from the Edwardian and Art Deco periods through the 1950s and 1960s, appearing alongside contemporary and modern classic designs.
The selection on this page shows a strong presence of pearl necklaces featuring elaborate clasps set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and black pearls. Single stone diamond solitaires, cluster pendants, and crosses also form part of the recorded forms.
Origin and period vary significantly, with French ateliers represented alongside British and general vintage pieces. Buyers encounter lengths spanning from short chokers to long multi-strand pearl arrangements and longuard chains.
How they were made
Goldsmiths constructed these mountings utilising 18ct white gold, platinum, and occasionally yellow gold, often combining metals during the Edwardian era and the Art Deco period. Gemstones including diamonds, aquamarines, tourmalines, opals, and rubies were set using bezel, cluster, and pavé techniques.
Pearl necklaces required the selective stringing or restringing of cultured, saltwater, Akoya, and Tahitian pearls. Clasps served a dual structural and decorative function, frequently incorporating intricate metalwork alongside matched precious stones.
18ct White Gold Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 18ct white gold necklace among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials recorded across these listings include platinum, 18ct white gold, diamonds, sapphires, aquamarines, opals, and various cultured and natural pearls.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the calibre of the central gemstones and the integrity of the precious metal construction. Substantial diamond carat weights, clean aquamarines, and well-matched natural or cultured pearls elevate a piece above standard commercial examples.
The precision of period-specific design work, such as geometric Art Deco mounts or delicate Edwardian piercing, dictates the desirability of the construction. Secure stringing on pearl strands and certified gemstone reports further distinguish the upper tier of surviving examples.
The 18ct White Gold Necklace Glossary
- 18ct White Gold
- An alloy of gold containing seventy-five percent pure gold mixed with white metals such as palladium or silver. This alloy provides a bright, durable mounting for diamonds and coloured gems.
- Cultured Pearl
- Pearls formed through the introduction of an irritant into an oyster or mollusc under controlled conditions. They appear frequently in graduated and multi-strand configurations throughout the mid-century records.
- Cluster Pendant
- A central gemstone surrounded by a border of smaller stones, typically diamonds framing a sapphire, aquamarine, or ruby. This arrangement maximises visual impact and light return.
- Longuard Chain
- A long Victorian or Edwardian chain designed to be worn doubled or looped. They often incorporate slides and substantial lengths suitable for holding watches or pendants.
- Old Cut Diamond
- A diamond cut by hand before modern standards were established, characterised by high crowns, small tables, and open culets. These stones are typical of Edwardian and Art Deco pieces.
18ct White Gold Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these necklaces come from?
The pieces span from the Edwardian era and the 1920s Art Deco period through the 1950s and 1960s. Later examples also appear.
Each period brings distinct design characteristics, from geometric platinum and white gold frames to mid-century pearl arrangements.
Are the pearls natural or cultured?
The listings include both cultured pearls and certified natural saltwater pearls. Many vintage pearl strands are noted as recently restrung.
Reports from authorities such as AnchorCert accompany specific saltwater and Tahitian black pearl necklaces to verify their origin.
How do I care for an 18ct white gold necklace?
White gold jewellery benefits from gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove everyday oils. Avoid harsh chemical dips, particularly if the necklace contains pearls or softer stones like opals.
Pearl strands require periodic restrutting to prevent silk degradation over time, especially when worn frequently.
What gemstones are set in these necklaces?
Diamonds are the most common accompanying gemstone, appearing alongside aquamarines, tourmalines, opals, rubies, sapphires, and turquoise. Pearls also form the primary body of many strands.
Coloured stones range from deep blue sapphires to pale aquamarines and fiery opals set within pendant clusters and clasps.