Royal Blue Cushion Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Bracelet, GRS Certified
Located in New York, NY
. Weighing over 100 carats of sapphires and more than 6 carats of diamonds, this bracelet blends classic form
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$980
H 0.25 in W 17.63 in D 17.63 in
Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band Golden Record Carat Rec 011/100
Located in Nuernberg, DE
1970s The Beatles 24-karat gold-plated record, unframed. Limited edition of 100, 11/100 with
Wood, Velvet
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Diamond Necklace & Earring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
and Classic Italian style Natural Ruby - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats The Bochic
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Tanzanite & Diamond Necklace Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Classic Italian style Natural Tanzanite - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats The Bochic
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
Mozambique Ruby Cut Stone 0.93cts 100% Natural IGI Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby Cut Stone 0.93cts 100% Natural Ruby IGI Certified Ruby Stone Light weight can be
Ruby
$2,194
W 0.21 in D 0.12 in L 0.31 in
Mozambique Ruby 0.95Cts Cut Stone Unheated 100% Natural Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 0.95Cts Cut Stone Unheated Ruby 100%Natural Ruby Certified Additional information
Ruby
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Tanzanite & Diamond Necklace Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Classic Italian style Natural Tanzanite - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats The Bochic
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
Mozambique 0.80Cts Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100% Natural Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 0.80Cts Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100%Natural Ruby CERTIFIED Item Details: Gold wt
Ruby
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Tanzanite & Diamond Necklace Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Classic Italian style Natural Tanzanite - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats The Bochic
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,730Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Diamond Necklace & Earring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
and Classic Italian style Natural Ruby - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats The Bochic
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,925Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Natural Blue Sapphire & Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
and Classic Italian style Natural Blue Sapphire - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$5,775Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Rose Cut Diamond Necklace Set in 18K Gold Over S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds - Approx 100 Carats The Bochic "Orient״ Multi Gems Necklace is Set in 18K Gold Over Silver is a
18k Gold, Silver
$3,540Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Sapphire & Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
; Silver Elegant and Classic Italian style Natural Blue Sapphire - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Sapphire & Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
; Silver Elegant and Classic Italian style Natural Blue Sapphire - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Solitaire 100% Natural Colombian Emerald Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
This is an absolutely attractive emerald solitaire ring featuring in the center an emerald cut 100
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$2,438
W 0.29 in D 0.18 in L 0.42 in
3.30cts Mozambique Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural Ruby Cut Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
3.30cts Mozambique Ruby Blood Red Unheated Ruby 100%Natural Ruby Cut Stone Additional information
Ruby
$4,124
H 0.22 in W 0.29 in L 0.37 in
3.35cts Mozambique Ruby Unheated Cut Stone 100% Natural Certified AAA+
Located in Chicago, IL
3.35cts Mozambique Ruby Unheated Cut Stone 100%Natural Ruby Certified Ruby Additional information
Ruby
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Diamond Necklace & Earring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Classic Italian style Natural Ruby - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5 Carats The
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,569Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Turquoise & Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set 18K Gol
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Classic Italian style Natural Ruby & Turquoise - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,752Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Natural Ruby, Turquoise & Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set 18K Gol
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Classic Italian style Natural Ruby & Turquoise - Approx 100 Carats Natural Diamonds - 5
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Amethyst, Emerald, Citrin & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
cabochons weighing over 100 carats, showcasing beautiful multi fancy gems. Crafted in 18K gold and 950
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18...
$2,580
W 0.29 in D 0.2 in L 0.38 in
3.30cts Mozambique Ruby Blood Red Cut Stone Unheated 100% Natural Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
3.30cts Mozambique Ruby Blood Red Cut Stone Unheated Ruby 100% Natural Certified Additional
Ruby
$1,462
W 0.24 in D 0.2 in L 0.35 in
2.30cts Mozambique Blood Red Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100% Natural Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
2.30 cts Mozambique Ruby Blood Red Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100%Natural Certified Additional
Ruby
$2,506
W 0.2 in D 0.11 in L 0.28 in
Mozambique Natural Purplish Red Ruby 1.03ct Cut Stone 100% IGI Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 1.03ct Cut Stone Red 100% IGI Certified Natural Purplish Red Ruby Light weight can
Ruby
$2,125
W 0.34 in D 0.22 in L 0.44 in
Mozambique 5.10 cts Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural Ruby Cut Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 5.10 cts Blood Red Ruby Unheated 100%Natural Ruby Cut Stone Note: There May Be
Ruby
$2,753
H 0.19 in W 0.52 in D 0.4 in
Mozambique Ruby 7.00 cts Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural Cut Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 7.00 cts Blood Red Unheated Ruby 100% Natural Ruby Cut Stone Note: There May Be
Ruby
$8,249
W 0.32 in D 0.18 in L 0.4 in
Mozambique Ruby 3.45cts Unheated 100% Natural Blood Red IGI Certified AAA+
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 3.45cts UNHEATED 100% Natural Blood Red Ruby Cut Stone Certified on buyer request
Ruby
$2,203
W 0.22 in D 0.12 in L 0.28 in
Mozambique Ruby 1.00Cts Cut Stone Unheated Ruby 100% Natural Certified Ruby
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 1.00Cts Cut Stone Unheated Ruby 100%Natural Certified Ruby Additional information
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$5,579
W 0.19 in D 0.11 in L 0.3 in
Mozambique Ruby 0.83 cts Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural AAA+ Color Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 0.83 cts Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural Ruby AAA+Color Certified Light weight can
Ruby
$2,070
W 0.32 in D 0.17 in L 0.43 in
3.20 cts Mozambique Deep Blood Red Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100% Natural
Located in Chicago, IL
3.20 cts Mozambique Ruby Deep Blood Red Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100%Natural Light weight can be
Ruby
LEGACY 90 Carats Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Tennis Chain
Located in Mumbai, IN
craftsmanship expertise to create a 100-carat necklace with such precision — Legacy Diamonds & Gemstones is
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.14 Untreated Blue Sapphire Emerald Cut 100% eye clean
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
his exquisite ring showcases a stunning GIA certified, untreated natural blue sapphire in an elegant emerald cut. The sapphire displays a vivid, velvety blue hue and is completely ey...
Sapphire, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
LEGACY GIA 90 Carats Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Tennis Chain
Located in Mumbai, IN
craftsmanship expertise to create a 100-carat necklace with such precision — Legacy Diamonds & Gemstones is
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,172
W 0.24 in D 0.14 in L 0.35 in
Mozambique Ruby 1.60 cts Purplish Red 100% Natural IGI Certified Red Ruby Cut
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 1.60 cts Purplish Red 100%Natural IGI Certified Red Ruby Cut Light weight can be
Ruby
$1,120
W 0.78 in D 0.49 in L 0.55 in
27.31 ct Cushion Checkerboard Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Loose Ametrine Weight: 27.31 cts Measurements: 19.64x13.75x12.22 mm Shape: Cushion Checkerboard Cutting Style: Cushion Cutting Style Crown: Checkerboard Cutting St...
Amethyst
$1,360
W 0.77 in D 0.49 in L 0.67 in
31.72 ct Cushion Checkerboard Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Loose Ametrine Weight: 31.72 cts Measurements: 19.54x16.86x12.24 mm Shape: Cushion Checkerboard Cutting Style: Cushion Cutting Style Crown: Checkerboard Cutting St...
Agate
$1,440
W 0.71 in D 0.54 in L 0.69 in
34.60 ct Cushion Checkerboard Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Loose Ametrine Weight: 34.60 cts Measurements: 17.79x17.49x13.71 mm Shape: Cushion Checkerboard Cutting Style: Cushion Cutting Style Crown: Checkerboard Cutting St...
Agate
LEGACY 120 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Tennis Necklace Natural Diamond
Located in Mumbai, IN
moment — and the memory. ⸻ Why This Necklace Stands Apart • Rare availability of 100 carats in uniform
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
100 Diamonds Star Of David 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Embrace elegance and spirituality with this exquisite 100 Diamonds Star Of David 14K Gold Necklace
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,280
W 0.77 in D 0.42 in L 0.69 in
29.65 ct Emerald Cut Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 29.65 cts Measurements: 19.50x17.50x10.50 mm Shape: Emerald Cut Cutting Style Crown: Modified Brilliant Cutting Style Pav...
Emerald
$1,600
W 0.64 in D 0.5 in L 0.61 in
49.73 ct Pair Emerald Cut Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Pair Loose Ametrine Weight: 49.73 cts Measurements: 16.01x15.49x12.53 mm and 16.57x15.43x11.10 mm Shape: Emerald Cut Cutting Style: Emerald Step Cut Cutting Style ...
Emerald
$2,240
W 0.72 in D 0.44 in L 0.63 in
54.18 ct Pair Emerald Cut Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Pair Loose Ametrine Weight: 54.18 cts Measurements: 18.15x15.80x11.16 mm and 17.68x16.00x11.37 mm Shape: Emerald Cut Cutting Style: Emerald Step Cut Cutting Style ...
Emerald
$1,600
W 0.64 in D 0.5 in L 0.61 in
49.73 ct Pair Emerald Cut Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: One Pair Loose Ametrine Weight: 49.73 cts Measurements: 16.01x15.49x12.53 mm and 16.57x15.43x11.10 mm Shape: Emerald Cut Cutting Style: Emerald Step Cut Cutting Style ...
Emerald
$1,600
W 0.73 in D 0.52 in L 0.7 in
35.21 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 35.21 cts Measurements: 18.50x17.70x13 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Mixed Cut T...
Alexandrite
$1,120
W 0.72 in D 0.47 in L 0.64 in
26.35 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 26.35 cts Measurements: 18.20x16.20x11.70 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Mixed Cu...
Amazonite
$1,120
W 0.69 in D 0.44 in L 0.68 in
26.55 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 26.55 cts Measurements: 17.40x17.10x11 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cut Tr...
Amazonite
$1,280
W 0.76 in D 0.44 in L 0.75 in
29.92 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 29.92 cts Measurements: 19.20x19x11.10 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Modified Brilliant Cutting Style Pavilion: S...
Agate
$1,360
W 0.71 in D 0.52 in L 0.67 in
31.87 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 31.87 cts Measurements: 18x16.80x13 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Modified Brilliant Cutting Style Pavilion: Step...
Agate
$1,360
W 0.72 in D 0.52 in L 0.63 in
32.35 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 32.35 cts Measurements: 18.10x16x13.20 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cut Tr...
Agate
$1,440
W 0.71 in D 0.48 in L 0.69 in
33.59 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 33.59 cts Measurements: 18x17.50x12.50 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cut Tr...
Alexandrite
$1,600
W 0.76 in D 0.45 in L 0.75 in
35.21 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 35.21 cts Measurements: 19.30x19x11.40 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cut Tr...
Amazonite
$1,600
W 0.76 in D 0.48 in L 0.71 in
36.27 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 36.27 cts Measurements: 19.20x17.80x12 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cut Tr...
Alexandrite
$1,600
W 0.82 in D 0.46 in L 0.77 in
39.25 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 39.25 cts Measurements: 20.60x19.40x11.50 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Step Cut...
Alexandrite
$1,600
W 0.84 in D 0.47 in L 0.82 in
43.02 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Ametrine Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 43.02 cts Measurements: 21.30x20.80x11.80 mm Shape: Square Cutting Style Crown: Step Cut Cutting Style Pavilion: Mixed Cu...
Aquamarine
$640
W 0.67 in D 0.36 in L 0.72 in
23.19 ct Square Ametrine, 100% Natural Very Rare Single Source Gem from Bolivia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Item Description: One Loose Stone Weight: 23.19 cts Measurements: 18.11x16.94x9.06 mm Shape: Square Vernacular Shape: Step Cut Cutting Style Crown: Brilliant Cut Cuttin...
Amethyst, Citrine
Vintage Citrine Bead 18K Gold Two Strand Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
with 16 substantial citrine beads totaling over 100 carats, this necklace delivers investment-grade
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,242Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Turquoise Flower Necklace - 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
100 carats. Each gem glows with rich, saturated color, enhanced by natural White Topaz in sparkling
Ruby, Topaz, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And 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. 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. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). 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).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.