Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamond Myst Pendant Necklace w/Box #25058
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
This stunning design reflects Cartier's precision and understated elegance where light, texture, and form work seamlessly together. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 40 Ct Ruby 8.90 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Brooch/Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A piece of Art . A perfect addition to your jewelry collection. This breathtaking piece is crafted with exquisite attention to detail, ensuring that it capture everyone's attention. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.55 Ct Natural Ruby .40 Ct Old Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian period half hoop 18 KT solid gold ring Beautiful example, finely hand carved with rich fine details details the rarest A trio of old cut natural Rubies most probably Burma...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold Diamond Dome Ring, 2 Ct, Italy Circa 1930-40
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat rose gold ring with brilliant diamonds in old cut for a total of 2 carats / Made in Italy 1930-40s Ring size US 10
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Contemporary 18k Gold Choker 40 Ct Rubies & 5.10ct Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite choker, so sophisticated and refined design, a very piece of contemporary art . Choker come in 18k gold with 3 pieces of natural rubies in oval cabochon cut, fine qual...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18k White Gold Diamond 6.14 Ct/40 Pcs
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
BRACELET 18K White Gold Diamond 6.14 Cts/40 Pcs
Diamond, White Gold
40 Ct Natural Jade Leaf Shape Brooch with Diamond in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Jade Leaf Brooch Metal Type: Platinum Total Item Weight: 14.59 Grams Primary Stone: Jade Primary Carat Weight: 40.0 Carat Primary Stone Color: Green Secondary Stone: Natural Diamo...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
ct 2, 40 Diamonds and ct 3, 62 Emeralds Rubies Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Cocktail ring in 14k white and yellow gold mounted with diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires and a gold flower with blue sapphires surround the central pearl. Diamonds 2.40 kt Rubies and...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
40 ct Rhodolite Garnet Necklace and 11.23 ct Garnet Ring Set
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Treat yourself or your loved one with this stunning vintage-inspired garnet jewelry set. Putting on this set feels like you're getting ready for the most extravagant Victorian ball w...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rare Turquoise .40 Ct Old Mine Diamond 18 KT Locket Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Can be worn with a black ribbon if you want to make more special or with a classy gold chain – rare and very collectable piece of the glorious Victorian jewellery Chain Not Included ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$37,725Sale Price|34% Off
Ct 32, 40 of Zambia Emeralds and Diamonds on Necklace in Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning design for this incredible necklace in 18k gold with natural Zambia emeralds of ct 20,22 , fine quality very amazing color , oval, pear and emerald cut , and natural diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Certified Ct 4, 40 of Ceylon Sapphire and Diamonds on Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
So chic and glamour design in 18k gold with Ceylon sapphire ct 3 and natural diamonds đź’Ž ct 1,40 of baguettes and round brilliant cut diamonds F/VS. Handmade by artisan goldsmith. Ex...
Ring with 0.68 Ct of Diamonds, N° 40 Diamonds, the Ring is an Elastic Spiral
Located in Rome, IT
Ring is an elastic spiral model, and is formed by a row of 40 brilliant cut diamonds of total carat weight ct. 0.68.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond & Sapphire Ring – .40 CT Center – Size 7
Located in Media, PA
Offered here is a beautiful Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring crafted in rich 18K white gold (purity ranging approximately 17K–18K). This elegant vintage piece showcases the refined...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$160,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 40 Ct. Heart Shape Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Set with an heart shaped tennis necklace weighing 40 carats, all the bigger stones are GIA certified f/g color vs1/vs2 clarity excellent polish and symmetry none fluorescence
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victor Mayer Locket Ring Light Grey Enamel 18k Rose Gold 40 Diamonds 0.50 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Ring Peacock, 18k RG, vitreous enamel, 40 diamonds total 0.50 ct, G VS brilliant cut Reference: V1672/LG/00/00/103 Description: 18k rose gold Vitreous enamel: light grey Diamonds...
Diamond, Enamel, Rose Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring .40 ct E-F VS1-VS2
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully preserved Art Deco solitaire, entirely hand-fabricated in 14k white gold with an octagonal filigree setting and hand-engraved floral and starburst motifs running the fu...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victor Mayer 18k White Gold Cufflinks Vitreous Enamel 26 Diamonds 0, 40 ct G VS
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Cuff links, 18k white gold, vitreous enamel, 26 diamonds brilliant cut total 0,40 ct, G VS Reference: V1063/GU/00/00/101 Material: 18k white gold Diamonds: 26 brilliant...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Customizable Oval Locket Pendant 18k Rose Gold 151 Diamonds 4.18 ct 24 x 40 mm
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer customizable oval locket pendant 18k rose gold, Calima Collection, 151 diamonds, total 4.18 ct, G VS, brilliant cut, measurements app. 24.0 mm x 40.0 mm About the creat...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Exquisite 1.71 ct Natural Yellow Diamond Ring & Diamond Accents
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
Surrounding these vibrant yellow stones are 40 round-cut white diamonds totaling 0.50 ct, graded VS1/VS2 clarity, enhancing the brilliance and elegance of the design.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style 1.40 Ct Natural Ruby 1.10 Ct Diamond Target Studs
Located in Napoli, IT
Catching Beauty Beautiful high quality, much more than average are these lovely hexagonal shaped target design stud earrings Hand crafted as unique pair of solid 18 KT white and yell...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Belle Epoque 2.50 Ct Diamond Emerald Plaque brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Belle Epoque wide brooch is 1910 ca Skillfully hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold warm rose color topped by silver Beautiful past artwork expressed in a large oval plaqu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Style 1.60 Ct Diamond Dazzling Dinner Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Spectacular mid century vintage ring very much Art Deco inspired in style Superbly hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold in fantastic, impressive design articulated with rich Diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 10.00 Ct Natural Amethyst Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Bold design fabulous Art Deco ring, 18 KT white gold 1930 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold – tested Centrally set with a large 10.00 Ct. Natural untreated Amethyst cabochon ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style .60 Ct Cushion Diamond Solitaire Plus Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
G/SI) – 20 early brilliant cut diamonds totalling approx .40 CT (G/H-VVS/VS) UK size: N 1/4 US size: 6.75 Measures: 10 x 9 mm.
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 18K Gold 6.00 Ct Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Heritage This appealing Victorian ring is 1890/1900 ca hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold and silver potions Elegant, timeless, trilogy design to suit modern lifest...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Style 17.80 Ct Natural Aquamarine Diamond Drop Pendant 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
(h. x w.) - chain is 42 cm Fine condition Lovely necklace to enjoy day night Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt white gold, tested Hallmarks: none/worn – assay on the chain Gems: 1...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Round Stud Earrings 18k Yellow Gold Blue Vitreous Enamel 40 Diamonds 0.30 Carat
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer round stud earrings 18k yellow gold, Candy collection, translucent medium blue vitreous enamel, 40 diamonds, total 0.30 ct, brilliant cut, G VS, diameter app. 12.2 mm A...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Round Stud Earrings - 18k White Gold - Blue Enamel Guilloche 48 Diamonds 0.30 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Reference: V1618/PE/00/00/101 Brand: VICTOR MAYER Collection: Candy Material: 18k white gold Vitreous enamel: translucent petrol blue, guilloche Diamonds: 40 diamonds, total 0.30 ct...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, Gold
Oversize 15 mm. Black Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Diamond Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Unless otherwise stated boxes are for presentation only Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt white gold, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 2 Tahitian black pearls of 15 mm in diameter...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Contemporary 14k Yellow Gold Floating Diamond Necklace w/ Diamond Bezel Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
Contemporary 14k Yellow Gold Floating Diamond Necklace w/ Diamond Bezel Pendant 18" long chain .40 ct G color, Si2 clarity diamond 14k yellow gold Contemporary
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
., one rectangular cabochon emerald ap. 6.50 cts., 28 round diamonds ap. .40 ct., ap. 7.2 dwts. Size 7. SKU#R-02832
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Gurhan Silver and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Gurhan
Located in Derby, NY
Gurhan Silver and Diamond Bangle Bracelet This Gurhan silver bracelet is accented with pave diamond round dots Additional information: Jewelry Style : Bangle Metal Type : Silver ...
Diamond, Silver
Pearl Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
AAA quality perfect lustre and skin thick nacre and silky sheen subtle white cream colour Diamonds are .40 CT TCW G VVS/SI between baguette and old Swiss cut – marked for Platinum an...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Certified Natural Jade & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certified Natural Jadeite Jade & Diamond Cocktail Ring 1 cabochon center jade surrounded by 12 marquise cut diamonds approximately 1.88 ct and 6 round cut diamonds approximately .4...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Bangle Bracelet #24263
Located in Washington Depot, CT
A timeless piece with classic appeal. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 - .44 ct. Diamond color: H-I Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Weight: 14.7 g./ 9.4 dwt.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings- These sparkling dangling earrings each feature six round brilliant cut diamonds (.20 ct. twt.) and 10 baguette diamonds (.40 ct. twt.)...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Brown Black & White Diamond 18K Rose Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions:Â 14"/15"/16" Color:Â 18K Rose Gold Materials: "40 Brown Diamonds 0.39 CT 26 Black Diamonds 0.29 CT 1 White Diamonds 0.02 CT 18KR 4.27 GM" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gem...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Ring- This sparkling ring features three round brilliant cut diamonds (center: .40 ct., sides: .10 ct. each) set in classic 14K white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Dangle Pearl Diamond White Gold Exclusive Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Earrings Diamond 40-0,26 ct Pearls d 7,5-8,0 2-0 ct Weigth 10,88 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewelle...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Rosior Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Tsavorite Garnet and Amethyst Brooch
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
In detail: 3 “rose cut” green sapphires weighing 2,51 ct; 2 “rose cut” gray sapphires weighing 1,89 ct; 1 “rose cut” brown sapphire weighing 1,66 ct; 1 “rose cut” pink sapphi...
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, Yellow Gold
Dangle Pearl Diamond White Gold Exclusive Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Earrings Diamond 40-0,26 ct Pearls d 7,5-8,0 2-0 ct Weigth 10,88 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewelle...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75- This sparkling ring features a center princess cut diamond (.40 ct.) surrounded by 28 round brilliant cut diamonds on the hal...
Diamond, White Gold
South Sea Pearl & Black Diamonds with Halo Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
By Soley Gems
Located in Westport, CT
Details: • 18K White Gold: 2.0 g • South Sea Pearl: 34.55 ct • Black Diamonds: 2.81 ct • 40 White Diamonds: 0.20 ct • Natural gemstones, never lab-grown
Diamond, Black Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Filigree Diamond and Sapphire Ring Size 7.5 #24020
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Shank measures 1.5 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. - .50 ct. Diamond color: H-I Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 *Stone weights are approximated and calculated by formula.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K Rose Gold Ruby Bracelet with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Ruby Bracelet with Diamonds 36 Diamonds - 0.60 CT 40 Rubies - 2.74 CT 44 Diamonds - 0.29 CT This exquisite 18K rose gold bracelet is adorned with a captivating displa...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Heart Key Pendant Necklace 18" #25123
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Suspends from a classic cable chain. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 - .44 ct. Diamond color: I Diamond clarity: I1-I2 Size: 18 inches (necklace) 20.3 mm x 8.9 mm (pendant)...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
19 Carat Natural Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Cocktail Earring, 14 Karat Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
19 Carat Natural Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Cocktail Earring , 14K Yellow Gold , Very desirable color and quality. perfect pair made in 14 Karat Yellow gold Gold 17 Grams Diam...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold
$1,068Sale Price|20% Off
Chaos Dangle Diamond Emerald Yellow 14k Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 14K Earrings (Same Model in White Gold with Emerald and Blue Sapphire Available) Diamond 40-0,12 ct Emerald 2-0,15 ct Weight 2,2 grams It is our honor to create fi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$4,541Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Gold 18K Earrings White Diamond 2-0,3 ct Diamond 40-0,2 ct Weight 3,49 grams It is our honour to create fine jewelry, and it’s for that reason that we choose to only work with ...
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings #21375
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Approximate total diamond weight: .40 - .50 ct. Diamond color: H-I Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 *Stone weights are approximated and calculated by formula.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,161Sale Price|20% Off
Chaos Dangle Diamond Emerald White 14k Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings (Same Model in Yellow Gold with Emerald and Blue Sapphire Available) Matching Ring Available Diamond 40-0,12 ct Emerald 2-01,21 ct Weight 2,26 grams ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R2488 Metal: Platinum Weight: 5.5 Grams Size:5 Diamonds: Approximately .40 ct total Color: H Clarity: SI1 Measurements: Top of the ring measures 14.22 mm wide and band m...
Diamond, Platinum
Gorgeous Retro Amethyst Diamond 18 KT Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
This gorgeous Retro period necklace is 1940 circa Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold in a lovely open work design set with round cut Amethyst and Diamond connecting each link Approx. 8...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,346Sale Price|20% Off
Chaos Dangle Diamond Blue SapphireWhite 14k Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings (Same Model in Yellow Gold with Emerald Available) Matching Ring Available Diamond 40-0,12 ct Blue Sapphire 2-1,25 ct Weight 2,19 grams It is our ho...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant #18982
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. - .50 ct. Diamond clarity:Â SI1-I1 Diamond color: I-J Stamped: 14K BIT Size: 2 inches x 1.3 inches Weight:Â 3.1 dwt. / 4.8 gr.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Dangle Pearl Diamond White Gold Exclusive Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Earrings Diamond 40-0,26 ct Pearls d 7,5-8,0 2-0 ct Weigth 10,88 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewelle...
Diamond, Pearl, 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs. Â