Vintage Diamond Necklace
A vintage diamond necklace brings together historic gemstones and period metalwork, offering an elegant addition to any collection.
Vintage Diamond Necklace
A vintage diamond necklace encompasses several distinct historical forms, ranging from delicate Edwardian pendants and Art Deco drop necklaces to multi-strand pearl pieces secured by diamond-set clasps.
The selections on this page span the Victorian era through the mid-twentieth century, featuring central gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, opals, and amethysts alongside old-cut diamonds.
Buyers will encounter both standalone diamond pendants mounted on fine chains and elaborate choker or collar designs featuring platinum and gold settings.
How they were made
Craftsmen utilised precious metals including platinum, 18ct white and yellow gold, 9ct gold, and silver to house the stones, often employing millegrain edges and openwork piercing during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods.
Pearls are frequently strung as single, double, or triple strands, paired with bespoke clasps containing old-cut or rose-cut diamonds and occasionally accented by rubies or sapphires.
Vintage Diamond Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for vintage diamond 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.
Listings incorporate platinum, silver, and multiple grades of gold alongside natural, cultured, and saltwater pearls.
What varies in quality
Quality depends upon the symmetry and proportion of the central stone, the precision of the metal smithing in settings such as platinum bows or floral clusters, and the uniformity and lustre of pearls.
Original condition, secure re-stringing on pearl strands, and the presence of certified gemstones or hallmarks further distinguish pieces at the higher end of the range.
Unoaerre Italy·John Van Der Vet·Roberto Coin
The Vintage Diamond Necklace Glossary
- Old-cut diamond
- A vintage diamond cut characterised by a small table, high crown, and open culet, designed to catch candlelight.
- Lavalier necklace
- A pendant necklace featuring a central suspended drop stone, popular during the Edwardian and Art Nouveau eras.
- Millegrain
- A decorative technique featuring a line of tiny raised metal beads along the edge of a setting.
- Rose-cut diamond
- A gemstone cut with a flat base and a dome-shaped crown covered in triangular facets.
Vintage Diamond Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for a pearl and diamond necklace?
Store pearl necklaces flat to prevent stretching the silk thread, and keep them away from perfumes, cosmetics, and household chemicals.
Wipe the pearls gently with a soft cloth after wearing and have multi-strand or single-strand pieces checked by a specialist periodically for secure re-stringing.
What is an old-cut diamond?
An old-cut diamond refers to stones cut by hand before modern machinery standardised diamond proportions in the twentieth century.
These stones typically display smaller tables and chunkier facets that produce a distinctive, warm glow under ambient light.
How can I date an Edwardian diamond pendant?
Edwardian pieces often utilise platinum combined with yellow gold or silver, featuring intricate needle-like piercing, garlands, bows, and millegrain borders.
Hallmarks on the metalwork or accompanying certification papers can provide further verification of the production era.
Are vintage pearl necklaces usually restrung?
Many vintage pearl necklaces have been restrung over time to ensure the silk thread remains strong and secure between each individual pearl.
Professional knotting protects the pearls from rubbing against one another and preserves the structural integrity of the piece.