Victorian 3.00ct Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This Gorgeous Crescent Moon Brooch from the 1880s is a truly unique piece. A total of 3.00 carat graduated old cut diamonds ranging from 0.40 carat to 0.03 carat line the moon design...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.90ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, with intricate carving across the gallery and shank, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of the Victorian era. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Sha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.95ct Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A charming sapphire and diamond halo, is central to this Victorian Brooch.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Single Diamond Stud Earring Mined .25ct Old Mine Original 1880's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1880's Victorian Single Diamond .25ct Old Mine Stud Earring 14K White Gold Features Genuine Natural Mined .25ct Old Mine Cut Diamond This is for a S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Pearl and Diamond Clover Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The brooch is backed in 15 carat gold and sat upon a simple pin brooch, keeping is secure on the wearer. Gemstone: Diamond & Pearl Carat Weight: 1.70 Stone Shape: Rose cut Metal: 15...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Wolf Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this intriguing Victorian brooch showcases a meticulously crafted wolf head at its centre.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.70ct Diamond Five Stone RIng, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This classic Victorian carved shank ring features five old cut diamonds graduating in size.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
An interesting Victorian ring set with two alternating gemstones, one ruby and one sapphire.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.65ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This elegant Victorian ring features five glistening old cut diamonds gentle tapered from the centre out.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Heart Moonstone and Diamond Bangle, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this bangle centres a heart shaped, cabochon cut Moonstone. It has been rub over set and haloed by rose cut diamonds. The diamonds continue down the shoulde...
Diamond, Moonstone, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 9.00ct Ruby and Diamond Bangle, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Expertly crafted in 18 carat yellow gold this hand crafted bracelet is a masterpiece and a true rare find. Gemstone: Ruby & Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 9.00ct...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Coral and Diamond Pin Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful little brooch features a peach coloured coral stone on the top. It measures 6.3mm and sits within a halo of old cut diamonds. The diamonds total 0.50 carat in weight a...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Diamond and Pearl Drop Pendant, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s, this beautiful necklace is made from 15 carat rose gold and silver. The diamonds are a mix of old cuts and rose cut diamonds which total to 2.00 carats. The old ...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.60ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the Victorian era and centres around a stunning, vivid green emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This 1880s cluster ring exudes Victorian charm, featuring a vibrant 0.40 carat sapphire at its centre.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Ruby, Diamond and Pearl Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian brooch features a charming bow motif centred around a 3.5 mm pearl, with rose‑cut diamonds accenting the silver bow design.
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.85 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
The gold is formed around the gems in pleasing diamond shaped patterns. This ring was made by hand in the Victorian era, and dates specifically to the 1880s.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.78 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique diamond solitaire dates to the 1880s, in the Victorian era.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The central stone is beautifully complemented by a cluster of old cut diamonds weighing 0.45 carat total. These diamonds match in quality at G in colour and VS2 in clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.10ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A luscious green emerald is flanked by old cut diamonds in this classic Victorian three stone ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A deep blue central sapphire is surrounded by old cut diamonds in this beautiful Victorian cluster ring.
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Enveloping each Sapphire and creating a stunning contrast between the two stones is a cluster of old cut diamonds. Totalling 0.50 carat per ear these diamonds are G to H in colour an...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This delightful opal and diamond ring dates to the 1880s. The central opal weighs 0.50 carat, with three old cut diamonds set on either side, totalling 0.18 carat. The ring itself ha...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.85ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Signet Ring, 1880s.
Located in London, GB
This Victorian signet ring centres around a characterful old cushion cut diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring .25ct Old European F/VVS 14K 1880's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Vintage Antique 1880's Old European Cut .25ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Solitaire Engagement Ring Featuring a Gorgeous Genuine .25ct Natural F/VVS Old Euro...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster bangle, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The beautiful Victorian bangle features a vibrant 1.00 carat ruby at its centre surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, 2.10 Carats, Circa 1880s
Located in Brunswick, ME
Era: Victorian (circa 1880s) Material: Solid Gold 14 Karat Weight: 8.0 grams Gemstones: 9 Old-Cut Natural Diamonds (approx. 2.1 carat total) Ring Size: 6.75 Craftsmanship: Ful...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 1.30ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautifully Victorian piece dates back to the 1880s and features a central emerald flanked by old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.45ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Enveloping the central stone is a collection of old cut diamonds totalling 0.85 carat. Each diamond ranges from G to H in colour and matches in clarity at VS.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.20ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful Cabochon cut emerald is flanked by old cut diamonds in this beautiful Victorian Ring. Set in 18 carat yellow gold, the emerald sits at 0.20 carat, whilst the flanking dia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880's Victorian Navette 1.50cts Diamond Ring High Carat Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Navette 1.50cts Diamond Ring High Carat Gold This original Victorian navette ring, crafted in rich 18k gold, features approximately 1.5 carats of hand-cut antique s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.10ct Diamond and Pearl Cluster Necklace, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This necklace is a true hand crafted beauty of a by gone era. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.10 Colour: G Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 15ct Rose Gold Age: 1880s
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond and Pearl French Sword Pin, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The sword design is unique itself, and given it dates back to the Victorian Period, c.1880s, it is a wonderful little piece of craftsmanship.
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.15 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Four old cut diamonds surround an old cut ruby in this Victorian ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.90 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian period is this navette ring featuring a lively red ruby in its centre with old cut diamonds surrounding.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.25 Carat Ruby and Diamond Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Five rubies are surrounded by rose cut diamonds in this Victorian brooch. The rubies are old cut, and are a slightly purplish red.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Enveloping the central stone the collection of old cut diamonds total 0.80 carat. Each sparkling diamond matches in colour at G and ranges in clarity from VS to SI.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Emerald and Diamond Navette Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The emerald is in the classic emerald cut and surrounded by a collection of old cut diamonds. The diamonds total a sizable 2.60 carat, ranging in colour from H to I and clarity from...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s in the height of the Victorian era, this beautiful three stone ring features a deep blue central sapphire flanked by diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful green emerald is flanked by old cut diamonds in this classic Victorian trilogy ring. The 0.30 carat central emerald is a carre cut stone.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Emerald and Diamond Boat Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian boat ring features a marquise cut emerald at its centre.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful cabochon cut ruby features at the centre of this Victorian ring. The ruby weighs 1.40 carat and is surrounded by a halo of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.80ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A deep red ruby takes centre stage in this Victorian cluster ring. The old cut ruby is 0.80 carat and surrounded by a ring of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.60ct Diamond and Pearl Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this beautiful Victorian cluster ring features a central diamond surrounded by pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.20ct Diamond and Sapphire Chain Bracelet, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The beautiful piece weighs 18.5 grams. Gemstone: Diamond Carat Weight: 0.20 Stone Shape: Old Cut Colour: H Clarity: VS2 Metal: 15ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian Old Pear Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Pear Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Main Colour: G Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Silver Age: 1880s Size: J
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.05ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A stunning natural and unheated blue sapphire sits proud to the centre of this Victorian trilogy ring, flanked by old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This ring would have been created entirely by hand in the 1880s. Gemstone: Emerald Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: M 1/2
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The split shoulders feature a hand carved pattern, adding charm to this Victorian ring. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 1.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Sapphire & diamond Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 1.30 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Silver Age: 1880s
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.50ct Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning brooch has been hand crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut, Rose Cut Carat Weight: 5.17 Colour: I – J Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 18ct Yell...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this stunning trilogy ring features a central ruby flanked by old cut diamonds. The Vivid red ruby is an old cut stone weighing 1.00 carat and Burmese in or...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.10ct Diamond, Pearl and Enamel Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in the Victorian era, this wonderful pendant features a collection of pearls surrounding a central old cut diamond.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Diamond Pearl Cocktail Ring .40ct 14K Victorian Vintage Original 1880's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from the 1880's-1900's Pearl .40ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Engagement/Cocktail Ring Featuring a Beautiful 5mm Pearl Center With Two 1/5ct F/G-SI...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Expertly hand crafted in rich 18 carat yellow gold, this ring is a wonderful example of Victorian craftsmanship. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 1.90 M...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This charming Victorian ring, affectionately termed a reverse three stone, showcases a glittering old cut diamond at its centre, flanked by a pair of vivid sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.80ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is crafted by hand 18 carat yellow gold, with intricate carvings adorning the gallery and shank. Gemstone: Emerald & Diamond Stone Shape: Antique cushion cut & Old European...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 5.00ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Hand crafted during the Victorian period, this stunning brooch is a true one off.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.20ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Hand carved with exquisite detail, the split shoulders lead down into the band, all crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Emerald & Diamond Stone Shape: Antique cushion cut Car...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
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.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.