Rare Diamond Necklaces that stunned antiques roadshow experts!

It was my grandmother's. Her family's from Atlanta. This was late 1800s, and she married my grandfather. They moved to New Jersey, and I know that my father inherited it from her, and then he married my mother. It was hers, and then when she passed away in 1988, I inherited it. All we know is it's probably late 1800s, so. And you've owned it since 1988. Right. And you had it appraised. Right. Phelps & Perry was a distinguished New York jeweler and retailer, active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The firm earned a reputation for fine jewelry, watches, and luxury decorative pieces. And today, their name lives on through beautifully preserved boxes, labels, and detailed auction records. Phelps Edwardian era. Pieces like this were adorned with diamonds and natural pearls, alongside elegant Swiss watches and sleek Art Deco desk clocks that reflect their timeless style. It's unprecedented to own a piece of this nature, most especially the one from 1905. This only shows exactly why platinum was the metal of choice, strong enough to hold the fine lace-like detail that defined the era's luxury. Phelps & Perry's remarkable work of art was not by name alone, because all their creations stand out with two remarkable diamonds, a central stone of about five carats and an upper diamond of roughly two, both catching the light beautifully. And if you look closely, you'll notice natural pearls accenting the chain, adding a touch of softness and quiet sophistication. The necklace still rests in its original fitted case, and with its provenance from such a respected jeweler, it truly stands out as a collector's treasure. It's quite impressive because of what's happened to the diamond market just in this past year. And I've consulted with my colleagues. We feel that the value of the piece in its entirety, because of the white color of the large center stone and the quality of it, at retail, this piece should bring $250,000 in the marketplace. It's something I found at the thrift store. It was $6.10. I just bought it immediately and ran out the door and took it to a jeweler, and he said it was gold and diamonds, but he couldn't tell me anything about the green stones. And then I took it to someone else. They told me they were emeralds, and that's about as far as I got. Okay. The emeralds are what I would consider Colombian emeralds. Dating back over 65 million years ago, in the Andes Mountains, the Colombian emerald has maintained its status as one of the world's most coveted gemstones, celebrated for its deep, pure green hue and striking natural clarity. Just like the one we have here today, these Colombian emeralds have become the standard for the emerald world, with legendary mines like Muzo and Chivor still producing stones that set the global standard for quality. This necklace, dating to around 1895, captures the essence of late Victorian luxury, where bold color met intricate, hand-wrought design. Going back in history, it's hard to pinpoint the maker of this necklace, but the most striking thing about this piece is the table-cut diamonds in the romantic Victorian style, their soft, glowing sparkle reminiscent of candlelight. Flip it over, and you'll see the back engraved with Mughal-inspired patterns, an elegant nod to the era's fascination with the exotic. The chain itself, crafted in gold, flows beautifully with finely articulated links that move like fabric. Look closely, and you'll spot an owl import mark, proof it was made for the French market and a sign of its authenticity for the period. Today, Victorian emerald and diamond necklaces like this are prized by collectors not only for their craftsmanship, but also for the timeless beauty of their natural, untreated stones. In a retail setting at an antique store, this piece would probably range from $50,000 to $60,000. Great. That's excellent. I thought that in about, I would say in the late 70s or early 80s, and I got it at Robinson's Apartment Store in their estate sale department. In fact, my husband brought it home and surprised me. It was a gift from your husband? It was a gift. How much did he pay for it? It was a little over $3,000 with tax, and it was a lot of money to us. In the 1915s, during the ascension of proto-art deco designs, Louis Comfort Tiffany happened to be the central figure of the American jewelry and decorative world. As a revolutionary, Tiffany was born during the Art Nouveau era, but his ingenuity peaked with the blend of nature with his designs, such as you can see in this necklace. At the heart of this necklace are two extraordinary opals. The larger lower stone shows a touch of natural crazing, while the smaller one above it remains beautifully intact. Tiffany often shows Australian or Hungarian opals for their mesmerizing play of color, flashing with vivid reds, greens, blues, and oranges. The piece also bears Tiffany's own signature, and its fluid, organic metalwork reflects his lifelong fascination with the beauty of nature. Today, surviving examples of Tiffany's jewelry are rare treasures, proudly displayed in major museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It is beautifully handmade and a very desirable piece of jewelry. The value today is somewhere, average retail, between $70,000 and $90,000. Oh, my God. You're kidding me. It's a treasure. No, I'm not kidding you. Say that again. Between $70,000 and $90,000, average retail. It's a spectacular piece of jewelry by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It was my mother's. My father gave it to her for their 60th wedding anniversary in 2013, and she passed away in 2020, and I got it. Do you remember her wearing it? I do remember her wearing it. Back when you could get dressed up and go out to society things and stuff, but she wore it a lot, and she loved it, and she was very proud of it. During the Art Deco era, jewelry was not a decoration. It was a social language that people intended to use to forget the horror of World War I. This was a time when jewelry like this was designed to catch the light of dance halls, cabarets, and electric lighting. This necklace, crafted in platinum, features a chain lined with lustrous natural pearls that bring both rhythm and refinement to the design. At its center rests a brilliant diamond of nearly two carats flanked by two others of about one and a quarter carats each, beautifully balanced and full of sparkle. Adding a touch of drama are vivid blue accents, calibrated French-cut sapphires that highlight the clean geometry so iconic to Art Deco style. Turn the pendant over and you'll find the maker's mark, Adler, representing a prestigious Geneva family atelier celebrated for its fusion of Eastern and Western artistry. Finely crafted Art Deco necklaces like this one remain deeply sought after by collectors, admired for their precision, beauty, and timeless modernity. Do you have any idea what they paid for this back then? I do. I had my sister, she found a receipt, it was $50,000. You could not walk back in to Adler's and buy this today for $50,000. It's not happening. Okay. I would think a retail price on this today would probably be somewhere around $75,000 to $85,000. Wow. Yeah. That's good. It's good. Yay. Would it be better if I had the rest of the chain? If it was 36 inches long, it could have retailed all in for $100,000. Wow. It is my great aunt's necklace. We think it was made in Paris. She wore it back and forth to Europe on ships, and we know she went on the Lusitania in about 1912. They were from New Orleans. Uncle Henry, who probably bought this, was the first Jewish cotton broker in New Orleans. Spanning from around 1890 to 1915, the Belle Époque era was a time of grace, optimism, and artistic brilliance, a glittering moment in history just before the world changed with the onset of World War I. It marked the height of luxurious craftsmanship, bridging the ornate grandeur of the Victorian age, the natural elegance of Art Nouveau, and the refined delicacy that defined Edwardian design. This necklace captures the essence of Belle Époque beauty, with collet-set diamonds mounted in platinum, creating the illusion of floating light and reflecting the romantic spirit of pre-war high society. Each old-cut diamond, weighing about one and a quarter carats, was carefully hand-cut to shimmer softly under the glow of evening light. Adding to its splendor are old European-cut diamonds, together weighing roughly 25 to 30 carats, radiating a timeless brilliance. Every gem has been thoughtfully arranged to highlight the necklace's flowing tendril motif and its graceful upward sweep along the neckline. Today, Belle Époque diamond necklaces remain among the most coveted and collectible treasures of the early 20th century. I would say in this condition, you'd be looking at anywhere between conservatively $40,000 to $60,000 for insurance replacement value. Okay. Yeah. Okay. And that's conservative. That's conservative, but it's such a beautiful family piece that I'm thrilled with the family value. And the dollar value is not bad, I love it. It was made by Marcus & Company in New York. I know that it has a lot of lovely cabochon emeralds mixed with tiny pearls and a lot of small diamonds in work, such as here, and then some bigger pearls. And how did you come by the piece? Was it a family piece or? Well, it passed down through my husband's family. Founded in 1892 in New York City by William Marcus, Marcus & Co. quickly rose to prominence as one of America's leading luxury jewelry houses, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and forward-thinking approach that bridged the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. The firm stood out for its dedication to exquisite gemstones, inventive settings, and bold artistic vision, often combining enamel, platinum, and richly colored stones in beautifully balanced designs. This necklace captures Marcus & Co.'s refined aesthetic perfectly with a graceful blend of pearls, diamonds, and emeralds that feels both classic and fresh. The emerald beads are Colombian, celebrated around the world for their vivid green color, luminous depth, and reputation as some of the finest ever mined. Equally impressive are the pearls, completely natural, untouched by cultivation, making them incredibly rare and prized by today's collectors. Dating from the very early 20th century, this Marcus & Co. necklace stands as a shining example of the firm's artistry, and with so few surviving pieces, it remains a true treasure for connoisseurs. In a retail environment, you could easily expect to pay around $120,000 for this necklace. It's one of the best examples I've seen of his work. It's absolutely superb. Oh my gosh. I have my grandmother's Bucciarati necklace that she left to me 20 years ago. She had told me about it for years. It was her favorite possession that she owned. And she was a very stylish lady, and she was very proud of this necklace. And I have the original box here, which I love that I have the original box. I love that too. And it's got the little original pin to attach it to clothing. Gian Maria Bucciarati was one of Italy's most celebrated goldsmiths and jewelers, admired for his ability to honor his family's Renaissance-inspired traditions while bringing them beautifully into the modern age. His work reflects a perfect balance of artistry, heritage, and innovation, capturing the very soul of 20th century Italian jewelry design. This necklace, crafted in 18-carat white and yellow gold, is meticulously engraved and hand-chased to mimic the soft texture of antique lace or finely woven fabric. It's further adorned with four carats of brilliant cut diamonds, adding both sparkle and a striking visual contrast. Despite its intricate detail, the necklace feels surprisingly lightweight and supple, combining comfort with unmistakable opulence. The piece bears Gian Maria Bucciarati's signature and comes with its original documentation, including the design blueprint and purchase receipt, authenticating its provenance. Among collectors, Bucciarati's creations are prized for their exquisite craftsmanship, enduring elegance, and timeless Italian sophistication. Bucciarati right now is known throughout the world, and they are just hugely popular. As an insurance value, I would say you're looking at $30,000. Yes. I just got the chills. Yeah. That much? I would say so, yes. Wow. Thank you so much. My pleasure. I think this is the best day of Stella's dead life. I got it 40 years ago from my ex-husband, who is now deceased. We had been together for a few years, and we got married, and I always jokingly say, it lasted five minutes. But in that five minutes, he was a very generous man and very, very tasteful. We used to find an excuse to walk past this antique store on 57th Street in Manhattan. I remember seeing this, and I commented on how much I liked it, and I thought he would get it for me for my birthday, but instead, I got my portrait done by Andy Warhol. Not only was Carlo Giuliano one of the most influential jewelers of the Victorian era, but he's also celebrated for his extraordinary craftsmanship and revivalist style that blended Renaissance, Etruscan, and medieval influences with the refined elegance of the 19th century. His creations helped shape the artistic jewelry movement in London during the late 1800s, setting a new benchmark for beauty, detail, and historical inspiration. In this necklace, Giuliano's masterful touch shines through in the stunning combination of cabochon rubies and peridots, bringing rich color and depth to the piece. The necklace is crafted in 18-carat gold, bordered with delicate white enamel that adds a beautiful contrast and highlights the intricate design. A pair of matching earrings accompanies the necklace, dated around 1890, featuring the same vibrant cabochon rubies and peridots. The earrings include screw-back closures for non-pierced ears, a thoughtful and practical detail that perfectly reflects Giuliano's attention to wearability. Among Victorian jewelers, Carlo Giuliano's works remain some of the most sought-after, admired for their artistry, grace, and enduring rarity. The date, then, is somewhere around 1890. A fair retail price is between $65,000 and $85,000. Oh my goodness. My mother had found it at a garage sale 10 years ago. Did I say 10 years ago? I meant 40 years ago. 40? Yes. She bought it for about $10. And I had been to a museum and I had seen squash blossom necklaces, and mine was nicer than anything that I had seen, so that's why I'm here. I know possibly it's Navajo, but that's all I know. The squash blossom necklace has its roots in the Spanish crescent-shaped pendant known as the naja, which was once worn on horse bridles as a charm for protection and good fortune. Navajo silversmiths later embraced this crescent motif, transforming it into the centerpiece of a necklace that came to embody strength, beauty, and cultural pride. At the heart of this necklace rests a natural turquoise stone, another powerful Navajo symbol, often referred to as the naja, originally used by the Moors and Spaniards to ward off evil. The necklace itself is made from silver that was hand-forged and hammered using traditional tools, its shape inspired by the Spanish pomegranate blossom. Around 1910, when this necklace was created, Navajo artisans often melted down U.S. coins to make their silver, since commercial sheet and wire silver weren't yet widely available. Authentic Navajo squash blossom necklaces made before 1920 are exceptionally rare today and are now recognized as museum-quality examples of early Native American silversmithing. What do you think it's worth based on what you, you did some research? I don't know, $2,000. I don't, I don't really know. This one on an auction market will sell for $4,000 to $6,000. That's great. It's very special. I'm glad it survived the ages. Yeah, me too. I inherited this necklace from my grandmother. She was born in 1900 and she lived until she was 102, so I got it in 2002. My grandmother grew up in Sedalia, Missouri, and then she was a woman ahead of her time. She went to college in Chicago and then worked at Northwestern University. Then she got married and moved to New Rochelle, New York, so she must have gotten the necklace either in New York or Chicago. Georg Jensen was a Danish silversmith, designer, and entrepreneur whose name became synonymous with modern Scandinavian design. Celebrated for his artistry and craftsmanship, Jensen turned silverware and jewelry into elegant works of art, blending natural forms with functional simplicity in both art nouveau and early modernist styles. Dating to around 1960, this necklace carries the classic Georg Jensen signature, first adopted by the firm around 1940. It also bears the mark 750, showing it is crafted from 18 karat gold, hand forged and polished to a smooth reflective finish without unnecessary decoration. The design is modernist and sculptural, favoring clean form and proportion over gemstones, while the subtle curves of each element create a pleasing harmony when worn. Surprisingly, this necklace has a concealed integrated clasp that preserves the continuous line, a signature element of Jensen's approach to wearable design. Today, Georg Jensen necklaces are valued for their timeless elegance, bridging the worlds of fine jewelry and sculptural design, and they remain highly sought after by collectors of modernist aesthetics. And just the gold weight alone is worth about $4,200. Fantastic. And gold is so expensive right now. It's really at an all-time high. I brought a emerald and diamond necklace that has been passed down for five generations. This is my fifth great-grandmother. Funny enough, I used to play with this necklace as a kid. One day I saw this picture with it, and it was crazy because, you know, she was wearing the necklace in it. And it gave me a spark to get into, like, family genealogy and stuff. So this is a thanks to that. This necklace captures the elegance of late 19th century luxury, a time when opulence was always paired with exquisite refinement. It features vibrant emeralds, prized for their rich green hue, alongside old mine-cut diamonds set in carefully handcrafted gold mountings, creating a beautiful balance of bold color and delicate detail. The emeralds are natural Colombian stones, celebrated for their deep, saturated tones and exceptional clarity, weighing around half a carat in total. Surrounding them are hand-faceted old mine-cut diamonds, each cut to catch the light with a soft romantic sparkle, placing the necklace roughly between 1870 and 1880. The gems are mounted in 18-carat gold using a hand-fabricated open-back setting, which is an innovative technique of the era that lets light pass through and maximizes their natural brilliance. Today, necklaces like this are treasured by collectors for their exceptional craftsmanship, rich patina, and timeless elegance. I would say, in a retail market today, it might be worth as much as $10,000. Okay, pretty good. I would date it 1915-1920. Lavaliers, in particular, were very popular at that time. This lavalier necklace embodies the very essence of early 20th century elegance, a delicate pendant drop design that highlights femininity, grace, and a sense of airy lightness. The piece is adorned with a mix of old European cut and baguette diamonds, carefully graduated in size to create perfect symmetry and a smooth visual flow. It's set in platinum, prized for its strength, brilliant white luster, and resistance to tarnish. Although it comes in its original Tiffany box, the necklace bears no hallmark, leaving the maker's identity a mystery. Necklaces like this continue to be highly sought after by collectors of bridal and high society jewelry. Timeless heirlooms that elegantly bridge Edwardian refinement and art deco glamour. I think its current value would probably be $8,500 in a retail setting. Had it been Tiffany, it could have been $15,000. This belonged to my grandmother. It was given to her husband by his mother. It had been left in trust from Nellie Bonaparte, and now it belongs to my mother. While not as widely known as firms like Tiffany or Gorham, Howard & Co. played an important role in bringing refined jewelry to America's growing middle and upper classes during the Gilded Age and early 20th century. This Howard & Co. necklace is crafted from platinum-topped gold, showcasing the hallmarks of early Edwardian design. Platinum was prized for its strength and flexibility, allowing jewelers to create intricate open work, delicate filigree and mill-grain detailing while securely setting each gemstone. The necklace is set with European-cut diamonds, including a central stone of roughly 2.5 carats, surrounded by additional diamonds totaling around 20 carats. Another remarkable feature is its transformable design. The reverse includes a shepherd's hook, giving the wearer versatile styling options. Very few necklaces of this type were made by Howard & Co., making this an especially rare and desirable piece for collectors today. I think, in the box, a retail value for this necklace is certainly between $35,000 and $45,000. Oh, oh, okay. I had no idea. Wow. This exquisite necklace dates from around 1910 to 1920 and comes from China, showcasing a graceful blend of traditional craftsmanship and early 20th century luxury. Its main material is jadeite, the most prized type of jade, carefully carved to depict a bird perched among oranges and peaches, symbols of prosperity, good fortune and marital harmony in Chinese culture. Adding both color and visual interest, the necklace is accented with a pink tourmaline stone, which enhances its vibrancy and overall artistic appeal. In recent years, the market for Chinese decorative arts has grown significantly, and this necklace, thanks to its superb craftsmanship, meaningful symbolism and fine materials, is highly coveted by collectors around the world. So, conservative prices, but at the auction, it should do $10,000 to $15,000. Oh, my word. Yes. So, you should be careful. Yes. Far as I know, it was given to my great-grandmother by my great-grandfather in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, when she died in 1968, it passed to my grandfather, and he obviously gave it to my grandmother, and when she died in 2001, it was given to me. Well, it's a lovely gift to have received. Yes, it is. Named for King Edward VII of England, whose reign began in 1901, the Edwardian era celebrated grace, luxury and refinement, a belle époque period marked by optimism, artistic innovation and exquisite craftsmanship just before World War I. At first glance, this necklace appears to feature marquise-shaped stones, but they are actually round stones set in individually handcrafted marquise mountings, producing a refined, elegant neckline. At the base hangs a pear-shaped emerald weighing just over two carats. Notably, the pendant is detachable, giving the wearer the option to wear the necklace as-is or swap in another pendant for versatility. Though unmarked and of unknown maker, this piece perfectly exemplifies the high-quality artistry of Edwardian jewelry and remains highly sought after by collectors today. In terms of what we would call fair market value or auction value, one could expect to get anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000 for the piece at auction. In terms of insurance, the item should probably have an insurance value of somewhere around $35,000 to $45,000. Okay. Wow. It was given to me 50 years ago. It was purchased in Paris for about $800 equivalent in francs at the time, and I was told that it was from Tsarist Russia. It's not Russia. It's not Russia. It's not Russia, all right? Okay. Uccellati was one of Italy's most celebrated goldsmiths and jewelers, admired for both preserving and reimagining his family's Renaissance-inspired techniques. His work reflects a perfect balance of artistry, tradition, and innovation that came to define 20th-century Italian jewelry design. This necklace, attributed to Uccellati, is crafted from platinum with accents of yellow gold. Details that reveal a subtle French influence in its design, it is further set with old European cut diamonds totaling around one carat, adding a gentle refined brilliance. A particularly striking feature is the use of natural pearls, prized for their rarity and value, and highly sought after in today's auction market. As interest in early 20th-century jewelry continues to grow, pieces attributed to Uccellati have become especially coveted for their elegance, craftsmanship, and enduring artistry. You had an evaluation on this done at one time? Yes. I was offered $2,000 for it. Okay. Too little. If I put this into auction today, I would comfortably put it in for $8,000 to $12,000. That is a nice piece of news. Sound better? Yes, it certainly does.