Diamond Diadem
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau More Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s French Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s Spanish Art Nouveau Link Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 18th Century Georgian More Jewelry
Antique 1790s Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
20th Century French Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
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2010s Cuff Bracelets
Agate, Amethyst
Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
Pink Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Bangles
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s French Top Handle Bags
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Wrist Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s French Coats and Outerwear
21st Century and Contemporary European Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, Rose Gold
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Diamond, 14k Gold
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Diamond Diadem For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Diamond Diadem?
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
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.