Skip to main content

1959 Platinum

to
135
3,550
834
604
288
153
3,431
626
524
316
298
1
3,620
1
6
3,617
1
1
2,126
1,470
24
644
283
226
226
174
to
19
97
82
64
41
31
770
311
259
122
8
8
6
5
5
3
1
3,607
13
2,667
918
Sort By
Platinum Ruby & Diamond Double Clip Pins
Platinum Ruby & Diamond Double Clip Pins

Platinum Ruby & Diamond Double Clip Pins

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Command attention with this iconic pair of platinum, ruby, and diamond double clip pins, a true

Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Cartier 1950s Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Cartier 1950s Diamond Platinum Bracelet

Cartier 1950s Diamond Platinum Bracelet

By Cartier

Located in Houston, TX

Mid-Century Cartier platinum diamond bracelet with mixed-cut diamonds. There are sixty-four (64

Category

Vintage 1950s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 7.20 carat diamond platinum cluster earrings
Mid Century 7.20 carat diamond platinum cluster earrings

Mid Century 7.20 carat diamond platinum cluster earrings

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

dimensional sparkle with J-K color and VS-SI clarity. Crafted in sleek platinum during the 1950s, the design

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 5.00 carat diamond platinum cocktail earrings
Mid Century 5.00 carat diamond platinum cocktail earrings

Mid Century 5.00 carat diamond platinum cocktail earrings

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

and structure, enhancing the overall visual depth and elegance of the design. Crafted in platinum with

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

A Platinum and Aquamarine Ring
A Platinum and Aquamarine Ring

A Platinum and Aquamarine Ring

By Cartier

Located in Amsterdam, NL

A platinum solitaire ring set with a large step cut aquamarine (app. 8.50 carat) set in a raised

Category

Vintage 1950s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Platinum

Vintage Estate Platinum Wedding Band, circa 1951
Vintage Estate Platinum Wedding Band, circa 1951

Vintage Estate Platinum Wedding Band, circa 1951

Located in Great Neck, NY

This is a classic simple vintage platinum wedding band dated 9/22/51 #R0209 Metal: Platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Band Rings

Materials

Platinum

Platinum Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Platinum Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Platinum Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

A bold and sculptural vintage ring crafted in platinum, centered around a striking composition of

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring
Mid-Century Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring

Mid-Century Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

platinum and white gold. At the center rests a richly saturated oval-cut sapphire weighing approximately

Category

Vintage 1950s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1950s Vintage Diamond Platinum 3.3mm Wedding Band
1950s Vintage Diamond Platinum 3.3mm Wedding Band

1950s Vintage Diamond Platinum 3.3mm Wedding Band

Located in Santa Monica, CA

platinum fishtail setting with a knife-edge shank. It measures 3.3mm at its widest and is size 5. It is one

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Ruby & Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
Vintage Platinum Ruby & Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings

Vintage Platinum Ruby & Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

, beautifully crafted in platinum with fine milgrain detailing for added sparkle and antique elegance

Category

Vintage 1950s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1950s Vintage Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum
1950s Vintage Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum

1950s Vintage Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum

Located in Santa Monica, CA

1.00cttw (VS1-SI2, H) set in a platinum fishtail prong setting with a tapering knife-edge band. It measure

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1950’s Platinum Pearl Diamond Dangle Earrings
1950’s Platinum Pearl Diamond Dangle Earrings

1950’s Platinum Pearl Diamond Dangle Earrings

Located in Miami, FL

1950's Platinum Weight 13.4g Diamond Approx. 2.42ct. Measurements: 1.66in x 0.46in Pearls can

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Mid Century sapphire diamond platinum cluster ring
Mid Century sapphire diamond platinum cluster ring

Mid Century sapphire diamond platinum cluster ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

feel. The platinum setting provides a cool, enduring framework that elevates the stones’ natural

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Platinum

1950's Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond Bracelet Platinum
1950's Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond Bracelet Platinum

1950's Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond Bracelet Platinum

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Pasadena, CA

: Platinum Stones: Approx. 5.5 carats of VS clarity, F-G color round brilliant diamonds Measurements: 7

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Classic Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Classic Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring

Classic Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in San Francisco, CA

Harking back to the 50's, this vintage platinum engagement ring centers a 0.65-ct. round brilliant

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Estate Platinum & 23.59 Cts Diamond Drop Earrings-Detachable
Estate Platinum & 23.59 Cts Diamond Drop Earrings-Detachable

Estate Platinum & 23.59 Cts Diamond Drop Earrings-Detachable

Located in New York, NY

Magnificent Platinum and Diamond drop earrings. These earrings are set with an array of round, pear

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

AGL Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, Platinum
AGL Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, Platinum

AGL Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, Platinum

Located in Chicago, IL

, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Heat Measurements: 1/2 x 1/2 inch Metal: Platinum Stamp: PLAT Backs: posts with

Category

Vintage 1950s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1950s Vintage Dual Platinum Clips with Attachment
1950s Vintage Dual Platinum Clips with Attachment

1950s Vintage Dual Platinum Clips with Attachment

Located in Hicksville, NY

Metal Type: Platinum (Pin is 14K White Gold) [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 27.3 grams *Clips

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Platinum

Mid Century emerald diamond platinum drop earrings
Mid Century emerald diamond platinum drop earrings

Mid Century emerald diamond platinum drop earrings

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

harmonious cascade of brilliance that enhances the vivid emerald centers. Crafted in platinum, the setting

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Buccellati Platinum 2 Carat Diamond Ring
Buccellati Platinum 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Buccellati Platinum 2 Carat Diamond Ring

By Buccellati

Located in Chicago, IL

Buccellati Platinum 1.30 Carat Diamond Ring A sophisticated Buccellati creation in platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.

Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.

Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)

Amazing ring in platinum structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by diamonds and two

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum & 18K Gold Diamond Floral Spray Brooch
Platinum & 18K Gold Diamond Floral Spray Brooch

Platinum & 18K Gold Diamond Floral Spray Brooch

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

A beautifully executed vintage brooch crafted in platinum with 18K yellow gold accents, designed as

Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Platinum Halo Solitaire Ring
Vintage Diamond and Platinum Halo Solitaire Ring

Vintage Diamond and Platinum Halo Solitaire Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

surrounding totals 19pts. This ring is modelled in platinum. Ring Size: J 1/2 or 5 Cluster Diameter: 9mm

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2 Carat Green Tourmaline and Tapered Baguette Diamond Platinum Ring
2 Carat Green Tourmaline and Tapered Baguette Diamond Platinum Ring

2 Carat Green Tourmaline and Tapered Baguette Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Lexington, KY

This is a gorgeous platinum ring that features an emerald cut green tourmaline center stone with

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Mid-Century Platinum Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring

Mid-Century Platinum Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

A spectacular Mid-Century platinum ruby and diamond ring showcasing bold color, dimensional design

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Diamonds, Platinum and White Gold Earrings.
Diamonds, Platinum and White Gold Earrings.

Diamonds, Platinum and White Gold Earrings.

Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)

Elegant clip-on earrings in platinum and 9 kt white gold structure studded with diamonds. These

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage 10.50 Carats Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Vintage 10.50 Carats Diamond Platinum Bracelet

Vintage 10.50 Carats Diamond Platinum Bracelet

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Vintage flexible 10.50 carats diamond and platinum bracelet circa 1950. ABOUT THIS ITEM: #B

Category

Vintage 1950s Modernist Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Platinum 23.00 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Platinum 23.00 Carat Diamond Bracelet

Platinum 23.00 Carat Diamond Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Deco Diamond bracelet with marquise, baguette and round diamonds. Three large marquise stone, total weight of diamonds 23.00 carats Circa 1950's Like new

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1950s 5-Diamond Platinum Pronged Wedding Ring
Vintage 1950s 5-Diamond Platinum Pronged Wedding Ring

Vintage 1950s 5-Diamond Platinum Pronged Wedding Ring

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Vintage 1950s 5-stone diamond wedding ring. The round natural diamonds set side by side in platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, Light Blue
Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, Light Blue

Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, Light Blue

Located in Wallkill, NY

Early lovely platinum star sapphire cabochon Diamond ring, Carats, about 13 carats - Cut, Cabochon

Category

Vintage 1950s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Unique Diamond Gold Platinum Brooch
Unique Diamond Gold Platinum Brooch

Unique Diamond Gold Platinum Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Stylistically strong Diamond & platinum & 18kt YellowGold Brooch. Combination of 3 braided

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Cabochon Mid Century Ring
Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Cabochon Mid Century Ring

Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Cabochon Mid Century Ring

Located in South Pasadena, CA

would like this resized, please send us a message before purchasing. Metal: Platinum Stones: Approx

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 2.55Ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring
Vintage 2.55Ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring

Vintage 2.55Ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1950's 2.55 carat diamond and platinum full eternity ring

Category

Vintage 1950s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Harry Winston 47.48ct Diamond Necklace in Platinum, Circa 1952
Harry Winston 47.48ct Diamond Necklace in Platinum, Circa 1952

Harry Winston 47.48ct Diamond Necklace in Platinum, Circa 1952

By Harry Winston

Located in New York, NY

Creator: Harry Winston Metal: Platinum Weight: 61.10 grams Period: 1952 A rare mid-century diamond

Category

Vintage 1950s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.08ctw Transitional Round Engagement Ring Platinum Size 7
Vintage 1.08ctw Transitional Round Engagement Ring Platinum Size 7

Vintage 1.08ctw Transitional Round Engagement Ring Platinum Size 7

Located in McLeansville, NC

, Single Color - G - H Clarity - SI2 - I1 Metal: 850 Platinum Weight: 4.2 Grams Stamps: Plat Face Height

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Pearl and Diamond Cluster Clip-on Earrings
Platinum Pearl and Diamond Cluster Clip-on Earrings

Platinum Pearl and Diamond Cluster Clip-on Earrings

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Elegant and timeless, these vintage earrings are crafted in luxurious platinum and feature two

Category

Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Vintage Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring

Vintage Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This simple solitaire ring has a central brilliant cut diamond measuring 45pts and is a G colour VVS I. The shoulders have diamonds running through on to the band. The diamonds on th...

Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Midcentury Exquisite 14 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin
Midcentury Exquisite 14 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin

Midcentury Exquisite 14 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch Pin

Located in New York, NY

Exquisite Midcentury platinum brooch, set with approx. 14 carats in pear, baguette and round cut

Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Bracelet
Tiffany Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Bracelet

Tiffany Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Bracelet

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Palm Beach, FL

full-cut diamonds set in platinum that is bordered by outer rows set with round faceted rubies

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

1950s, French Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring
1950s, French Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring

1950s, French Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage French 0.75 carat diamond and platinum full eternity ring; part of

Category

Vintage 1950s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 6.53 carat pear shape diamond platinum engagement ring
GIA 6.53 carat pear shape diamond platinum engagement ring

GIA 6.53 carat pear shape diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

the design. Crafted in platinum during the 1950s, the ring reflects the timeless sophistication and

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Marquise Baguette Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring.
Platinum Marquise Baguette Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring.

Platinum Marquise Baguette Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring.

Located in Chicago, IL

A striking and sculptural diamond cluster ring crafted in luxurious 850 platinum, designed with

Category

Vintage 1950s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Boucheron Vintage 8.24 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring
Boucheron Vintage 8.24 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring

Boucheron Vintage 8.24 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring

By Boucheron

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1950s 8.24 carat diamond (total) and platinum ring made by

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 5.00 carat diamond platinum earrings
Mid Century 5.00 carat diamond platinum earrings

Mid Century 5.00 carat diamond platinum earrings

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

platinum, the design reflects the refined elegance of the 1950s, while the 18k yellow gold backs provide

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 7.10 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings Circa 1950
Vintage 7.10 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings Circa 1950

Vintage 7.10 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings Circa 1950

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive pair of 7.10 carat diamond and platinum day and night earrings

Category

Vintage 1950s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Fringe Necklace Circa 1950s
Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Fringe Necklace Circa 1950s

Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Fringe Necklace Circa 1950s

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Vintage Aquamarine Diamond Platinum fringe necklace, circa 1950s. The Vintage Aquamarine Diamond

Category

Vintage 1950s Modernist Link Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century Channel Set Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Mid Century Channel Set Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Mid Century Channel Set Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Venice, CA

platinum. The diamonds are bright and lively, VSII-SLII in clarity and G-H in color. The perforated

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Set Circa 1950s
Vintage Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Set Circa 1950s

Vintage Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Set Circa 1950s

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Vintage Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Set Circa 1950s. This Vintage Diamond and Platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1950's Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Platinum
1950's Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Platinum

1950's Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Platinum

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Exceptional 1950's vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond bracelet crafted out of platinum. The

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940
Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

A vintage jade and diamond engagement ring in platinum, circa 1950. This ring features a central

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Platinum

Mid Century 2.15 carat diamond pearl platinum necklace
Mid Century 2.15 carat diamond pearl platinum necklace

Mid Century 2.15 carat diamond pearl platinum necklace

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

the timeless softness of pearls with the brilliance of diamonds in a bold platinum design. Featuring

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

3.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
3.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

3.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.03 carat diamond solitaire ring in platinum; part of our

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

French 1950s Platinum Diamonds Retro Wedding Ring
French 1950s Platinum Diamonds Retro Wedding Ring

French 1950s Platinum Diamonds Retro Wedding Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. A magnificent diamond wedding ring, it is set all around

Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

composition without competing for attention. Crafted in platinum, the setting provides a cool, enduring

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1950s Diamond and Pearl Platinum Engagement Ring
Vintage 1950s Diamond and Pearl Platinum Engagement Ring

Vintage 1950s Diamond and Pearl Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 0.83 carat diamond and cultured pearl, platinum three stone cocktail

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1959 Platinum", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1959 Platinum For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of 1959 platinum you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of 1959 platinum from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing choice in our collection of 1959 platinum — no matter the origin — is easy, but Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes baguette cut and emerald cut alternatives. When shopping for an object in our assortment of 1959 platinum, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 1959 Platinum?

The price for a piece of 1959 platinum starts at $312 and tops out at $750,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $9,728.

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.