$4,011Sale Price|20% Off
Designer Every Day Diamond Rose Gold Dangle Ball Earrings for Her 18K
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Rose Gold 18K Diamond 20-RND57-0,073-4/6- Weight 5.14 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, which cr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold
Emerald Luxe 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Make a bold statement with these extraordinary Emerald & Natural Diamond Stud Earrings. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, these luxurious earrings feature stunning emerald-cut emeralds acc...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald Elegance 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, these drop earrings are crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and feature vibrant emerald-cut emeralds accented by sparkling natural diamonds. The refined li...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and luxurious, these drop earrings are crafted in premium 18K yellow gold and feature vibrant emerald gemstones accented by sparkling natural diamonds. The sophisticated drop...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,976 / item
Emerald Diamond Halo 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, these stunning drop earrings feature vibrant emerald-cut emeralds surrounded by sparkling natural diamond halos. Crafted in 18K white gold, the refined dro...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Dangle 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, these drop earrings are crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and feature vibrant pear-shaped emeralds accented by sparkling natural diamonds. The graceful d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,965 / item
Emerald Diamond Halo 18K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Timeless and sophisticated, these elegant stud earrings feature vibrant emerald-cut emeralds framed by sparkling natural diamond halos. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the classic halo d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Pave Diamong Ball Dangle Earrings Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:7.7g, Diamond:2.42ct, Size: 10 MM"
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Graziela Gems 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Drop “Mega Swirl” Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a captivating statement with the 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Drop “Mega Swirl” Earrings by Graziela Gems. Crafted in radiant 18K yellow gold, these sculptural designer earrings feat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Tanzanite earring with diamond in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
diamonds 1.06cts tanzanite 10.16cts gold 7.49gms It’s very hard to capture the true color and luster of the stone, I have tried to add pictures which are taken professionally and ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Diamond Ball Chain 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Ball Chain 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is a captivating piece of jewelry that combines the elegance of full cut diamonds with the timeless beauty of a butterfly desi...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Chimento 18k Yellow Gold Polished Brushed Station Ball Bead Cable Chain Necklace
By Chimento
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamond - 0.02ct (approx.) - On Clasp Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 21....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Pavé Diamond White Gold Ball Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Pavé diamond ball pierced earrings dangling on 18K white gold wire and chain.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Petal Cluster 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant, vibrant, and beautifully artistic, these stunning stud earrings feature a floral-inspired arrangement of pear-shaped natural emeralds framed by sparkling natural diamond hal...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald Accent 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Ear Climber Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and contemporary, these stunning ear climber earrings feature vibrant pear-shaped emeralds accented by sparkling natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the graceful cu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Ball Pave diamond pendant necklace 18KT gold 16 inches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Modern diamond ball pendant necklace made with pave setting style with VS diamonds, ball is abour 8mm. Chain is 16 inches, sits well and comfortable on neck! **All items leave our p...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Pave Diamond 3 Ball Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage 3 Pave Diamond Gold Ball Drop Earrings. Pave Hand set with 1.20tcw Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Hoop Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, these hoop drop earrings are crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and feature vibrant emerald-cut rubies accented by sparkling natural diamonds. The refine...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Halo 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Make a statement of elegance and luxury with these breathtaking Emerald & Natural Diamond Halo Drop Earrings. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, these sophisticated earrings feature a casca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Chandelier Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Graceful and luxurious, these chandelier-style drop earrings are crafted in premium 18K white gold and feature vibrant marquise-cut emeralds accented by sparkling natural diamonds. T...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Halo 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold and sophisticated, these stunning stud earrings feature vibrant emerald-cut emeralds framed by sparkling natural diamond halos and accented with dramatic marquise-cut diamond cl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Classic 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and refined, these beautiful drop earrings feature vibrant pear-shaped and oval-cut emeralds accented by sparkling natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K white gold, the graceful o...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aquamarine Halo 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, these stunning halo stud earrings feature vibrant oval-cut aquamarines surrounded by a radiant burst of sparkling natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K yellow g...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Gemstone Tahitian Pearl Pendant Necklace Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Stunning 18K white gold pendant necklace featuring 4 Tahitian pearls white, yellow, and 2 black with a diamond sphere center. Estate piece measures 15.25 inches long, pendant is 3 in...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Cut Natural Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Hoop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Romantic, sophisticated, and endlessly elegant, these drop hoop earrings feature dazzling heart-cut natural diamonds suspended from sleek diamond-accented hoops. Crafted in 18K white...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Star of David 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate timeless symbolism and refined craftsmanship with these elegant Star of David stud earrings. Expertly crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, each earring is adorned with spa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,839 / item
Shell 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by the beauty of the sea, these elegant shell-shaped stud earrings are crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with sparkling natural diamonds. The sculptural fan design feat...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Oval Emerald Halo 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Hoop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Timelessly elegant and effortlessly sophisticated, these drop hoop earrings feature vibrant oval-cut natural emeralds framed by sparkling natural diamond halos. Crafted in 18K yellow...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold, each centering on a luminous pearl with a smooth, rounded profile and soft iridescent overtones. The warm gold setting frames t...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Timeless and sophisticated, these stunning halo stud earrings feature vibrant oval-cut blue sapphires surrounded by sparkling natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K white gold, the classic...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond Granulation Ball Charm
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Diamond Granulation Ball Charm blends subtle elegance with just the right amount of sparkle. The charm's shape is beautifully complemented by its diamond gra...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Grima & Co 18k Gold, Diamond, Coral and Enamel Flower Brooch
By Grima
Located in New York, NY
Grima & Co 18k Gold, Diamond, Coral and Enamel Flower Brooch Details: Length 2.36" x Width 1.37". Weight: 11.5 grams Hallmarked: Grima & Co, 18k and maker's mark. In excellent co...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$2,695 / item
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Burnished Diamond Ball Charm
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Burnished Diamond Ball Charm offers the perfect weight and just the right amount of shine and sparkle with its solid gold construction and diamond-studded su...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Cut Emerald 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold, luxurious, and exceptionally glamorous, these statement stud earrings feature striking emerald-cut natural emeralds framed by sparkling natural diamond halos and accented with ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Radiance Halo 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and timeless, these stunning drop earrings feature vibrant pear-shaped emeralds surrounded by sparkling natural diamond halos. Suspended from a graceful line of brilliant dia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Emerald 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Halo Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Romantic and luxurious, these heart-shaped stud earrings are crafted in elegant 18K yellow gold and feature vibrant heart-cut emeralds surrounded by sparkling natural diamonds. The b...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Double Drop 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Halo Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exuding timeless elegance and luxury, these sophisticated drop earrings feature richly colored oval-cut natural emeralds surrounded by brilliant natural diamond halos. Crafted in 18K...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Emerald Halo 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and timeless, these sophisticated drop earrings feature vibrant pear-shaped natural emeralds framed by shimmering halos of natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K white gold, the de...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Blossom Cluster 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Luxurious, vibrant, and timelessly elegant, these stunning floral-inspired stud earrings feature a captivating arrangement of natural emeralds accented by sparkling natural diamonds....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Cut Emerald 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated, elegant, and timelessly luxurious, these refined drop earrings feature vibrant emerald-cut natural emeralds suspended beneath diamond-accented linear drops. Crafted in...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Emerald Halo 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate, romantic, and beautifully crafted, these elegant stud earrings feature vibrant oval-cut natural emeralds embraced by open-heart diamond halos. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Emerald Halo 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Timeless and effortlessly elegant, these classic stud earrings feature vibrant round natural emeralds surrounded by sparkling halos of natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K white gold, th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aquamarine Floral Cluster 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate, elegant, and inspired by nature’s beauty, these stunning floral cluster stud earrings feature marquise-cut natural aquamarines arranged in a graceful flower design. Crafted...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Hardware Diamond Ball Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
This Tiffany & Co. pendant necklace showcases a dazzling diamond-encrusted ball on a delicate 18k yellow gold chain.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Pink Sapphire Halo 18K Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate, elegant, and timelessly feminine, these beautiful stud earrings feature oval-cut pink sapphires surrounded by a sparkling halo of natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K yellow go...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bezel Set Diamond Pendant on Yellow Gold Ball Chain Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The diamond has holes on wither side for the diamond to slide on the ball chain.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi-Color Diamond Ball Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This designer Multi-color Diamond Ball Necklace in 18K Rose Gold is just spectacular.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$6,300Sale Price|65% Off
950 Plt. Gold Full Ball 14.1x25 mm Diamonds Clasp
By Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean
Located in Hicksville, NY
950 Plt. Gold Full Ball 14.1x25 mm Diamonds Clasp
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Blue Sapphire 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Ear Climber Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern and sophisticated, these striking ear climber earrings feature a graceful arrangement of marquise-cut blue sapphires accented with sparkling natural diamonds. Crafted in 18K w...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise Bloom - Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Beads set with Rosecut Diamonds 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some bracelets brighten the moment. Turquoise Bloom celebrates joy in its purest, most refreshing form. Five luminous Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads (4.13 cts) create a soft, vibra...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Blue Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings, masterfully crafted in luxurious 18K White Gold. Featuring captivating pear-shaped blue sapp...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Roman Malakov 5.40 Carats Total Diamond Classic Soccer Ball Cufflinks
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A pair of striking cufflinks designed to resemble a classic soccer ball. These cufflinks showcase 24 hexagon-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 5.40 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Akoya Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Textured Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A unique cocktail ring featuring 13 extremely fine Japanese Akoya pearls. The pearls measure 6.5mm each and all have extremely fine nacre quality and luster, along with a strong rosy...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi-Color Ball Ring with Yellow, Orange Sapphire and Diamond
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Multi color ball ring made in 18k Gold.We shade color in yellow to orange sapphire to make it shine and powerful.All 11 balls can move.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Conch Pearl Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite pendant necklace showcases a harmonious blend of elegance and craftsmanship. At its heart is a 0.95-carat conch pearl, exuding a soft and delicate hue. Complementing t...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt White Gold 10.96ctw Natural Diamonds Pave Dangle Ball Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: 10.96ctw Natural Diamonds Pave Measurements: 38.1mm x 14.6mm Closure: Lever back Weight: 6.7g (4.3dwt) Item comes complete with a presentati...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Emerald 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Romantic, luxurious, and brilliantly elegant, these exquisite drop earrings feature vivid heart-shaped natural emeralds framed by sparkling natural diamond halos. Crafted in 18K whit...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Emerald Cluster 18K Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Luxurious and eye-catching, these elegant cluster stud earrings feature a beautiful arrangement of pear-shaped emeralds surrounded by sparkling natural diamond halos. Crafted in 18K ...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Necklace on White Gold Diamond Ball Clasp
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beautiful example of lovely luster and evenness of color, this 17" in length South Sea Pearl Necklace is sure to turn heads. 31 fine pearls, well matched in shape and color, have r...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
14.5 MM South Sea Pearl Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold statement ring showcases a magnificent 14.5 mm South Sea pearl of exceptional luster and size, set in 18-karat white gold. The luminous pearl is dramatically framed by appr...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.