Diamond Solitaire Necklaces

Solitaire necklaces date back to the earliest jewelry, with its eldest ancestors being the dangling pendants of ancient cultures. The “solitaire” gets its name from the French word for “solitary,” reinforcing the fact that it refers to a singly set stone. The discovery of diamonds 3000 years ago resulted in their incorporation in various jeweled adornment in the subsequent generations.

Initially, diamonds, lustrous even in their rough-cut state, were believed to hold magical powers, and so earlier wearers used them as a talisman or harbinger of good luck. As faceting techniques advanced, the true radiance of diamonds emerged, leading ancient cultures to believe, as we do today, that there is nothing quite as irresistible as the sparkle of a diamond.

The ultimate in refined elegance, the sophisticated diamond solitaire necklace is equal parts simplicity and statement that will complement any neckline. While the carat weight can vary, the timeless taste of the subtle sparkle inherent in a vintage diamond solitaire is beyond compare.

Quick Facts

• The “solitaire” gets its name from the French word for “solitary,” reinforcing the fact that it refers to a singly set stone
• Jewelry designer Mouawad’s necklace, featuring the Incomparable diamond, was declared the world’s most expensive diamond necklace in 2013. Featuring a 407.48-carat yellow diamond suspended from an 18-karat gold branch-like chain also set with diamonds, the Incomparable was then valued at $55,000,000
• The largest recorded polished white diamond was mined in South Africa in the early 20th century. Known as the Great Star or Africa, this monumental diamond totaled just over 530 carats