Vintage 9 Carat Gold Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold. Fully hallmarked 1979 Birmingham, England.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring '9 1/2 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 18 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 9.50 carat set in a ""U"" Shape prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone C...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring '9 1/2 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 18 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 9.50 carat set in a ""U"" Shape prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone C...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
$20,832Sale Price / item|30% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring '9 1/2 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 18 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 9.50 carat set in a ""U"" Shape prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone C...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Georgian Old Mine Cut Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the cluster holds a trio of diamonds totalling 15pts per side. The head is sat on a simple 9 carat gold band.
Diamond, Gold
9 Carat Oval Kunzite and Diamond Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Statement Oval Dark Kunzite and Diamond Gold Pendant. Featuring a securely Hand set Oval shape Dark Kunzite, weighing approx. 9 Carats.
Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
9 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring GIA Certified FIY
By Mike Nekta New York
Located in New York, NY
ARIANA DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING PLATINUM BY MIKE NEKTA GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond: Carat Weight: 7.1 Carats Color: FIY NATURAL INTENSE YELLOW Style: RADIANT Measurement: 10.8 x 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Blue Topaz and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Striking blue topaz set simply in 9 carat white gold and sat either side is a trio of diamonds.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, White Gold
38 Carat Natural Amethyst & 9 Ct Diamond Cocktail Earring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 38 Carat Natural Amethyst & 9 CT Diamond Cocktail Earring , 14 Karat Yellow Gold Very desirable color and quality. perfect pair made in 14 Karat Yellow gold Weig...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9 Carat Oval Aquamarine and Diamond Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Aquamarine and Diamond Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a Hand set securely nestled 9 Carat Oval Aquamarine Gemstone.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set flush in this 9ct yellow gold band. The glossy and colourful stone is set in a square setting and the rose cut diamonds are set either side. The diam...
Opal, Diamond, Gold
Art Deco Bravingtons Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful solitaire ring is modelled in 9 carat gold and the stone set in platinum. The diamond measures 8pts and is set in an illusion platinum setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A lovely 9 carat gold ring with the stones set in platinum.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
9 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 9 Carat Emerald cut Emeralds & Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold Size 7 inches long This exceptionally affordable Tennis bracelet has 18 stones of Emera...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Arrow Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stylish arrow brooch holds one gorgeous sapphire and 14 diamonds. The sapphire measures approximately 50pts and the diamond total is aproximately 24pts. The brooch is modelled o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds five deep blue sapphires. The sapphires measure 30pts each and the diamonds in between measure 2pts each. Modelled in 9carat gold and hallmarked London 1989....
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
0.70 Carat Black and White Diamond 9 Carat Gold Ring Very Rare by TGCC
Located in GB
Wimbledon - Furniture are delighted to offer for sale for stunning black and white diamond 9 carat gold ring The ring has x10 0.03 black diamonds totalling 0.30 carat, the white dia...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 9k Gold
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold G SI 9 Stones
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold G SI 9 stones 18 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 0.50CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold 2...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold G SI 9 Stones
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K Rose Gold G SI 9 stones 18 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 0.50CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold 2.7 g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold G SI 9 Stones
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold G SI 9 stones 18 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 0.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold 2.7...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
9 Carat Untreated Jadeite Jade Fei Cui and Diamond Platinum Ring HK Certified
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite ring features a sophisticated platinum split band, displaying a striking stone arrangement. At its heart lies a captivating untreated HK Jade & Stone lab certified ova...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Vintage Blue Topaz and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Striking blue topaz set simply and the ring is modelled in 18carat yellow gold. The diamond total of the shoulders is 10pts and they have delicate moulded leaf detail and the galler...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold
Victorian Turquoise and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous Victorian three stone holds a trio of bright blue turquoise stones and in between them sit a pair of sparkling diamond points measuring 5pts each. Modelled in 9carat go...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Art Deco Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Cluster Dangly Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
These sparkly old mine cut diamond cluster earrings hold a total of approximately 1.20ct between them. The earrings are modelled in 9ct gold. Cluster Diameter: 8mm Drop from Ear: ...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The emeralds at the centre of these beautiful and classic cluster earrings measure 40pts each and are bright in colour. The halo of diamond surrounding this stone measure a total of ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Modern Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The square cut emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and measure 15pts each. In between the gorgeous green stones are diamonds which measure 2pts each. The ring is modelled ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opal is pale in colour and has lots of flashes of green and all other colours within it. The rose cut diamonds either side of the opal total 4pts each side. The ring itself is m...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage Aqua and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in 9 carat gold. Ring Size: T or 9 1/2 Face Width: 7mm Height Off Finger: 6.5mm Weight: 2.9g
Aquamarine, Gold
9 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring GIA Certified FY SI1
By Mike Nekta New York
Located in New York, NY
IVY 9 CARAT RADIANT CUT FANCY YELLOW DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING PLATINUM & 18K GOLD BY MIKE NEKTA GIA CERTIFIED Carat Weight: 8 Carats Color : FANCY YELLOW Clarity: SI1 Style: RADIAN...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The ring is modelled in 9 carat white gold. Size: R or 8 1/2 Width: 6mm Weight: 3.2g
Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This pair of exquisite earrings each hold a deep blue sapphire measuring 40pts each and the gorgeous stones are surrounded by a halo of diamond. Each diamond measures 2pts each. When...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Vintage Kunzite and Diamond Pendant on a 9 Carat Gold Chain
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This lovely pendant is modelled in 9 carat gold and holds a large Kunzite stone at the centre and is surrounded by a halo of diamonds totalling 90pts.
Diamond, Kunzite, Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This pair of exquisite earrings each hold a deep blue sapphire measuring 50pts each and the gorgeous stones are surrounded by a halo of diamond. Each diamond measures 2pts each. When...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
1.01 Carat Natural Diamond 9 Stone Band Ring G SI 14K White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.01 Carat Natural Diamond 9 Stone Band Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.01CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style,...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.25 Carat Natural Diamond 9 Stone Band Ring G SI 14K White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.25 Carat Natural Diamond 9 Stone Band Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.25CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style,...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.50 Carat 9-Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.50CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold prong style 1.9 grams 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
0.50 Carat 9-Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.50CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold prong style 1.9 gram...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold 9 Stones
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 9 stones 3mm width 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.00CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold burnish s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.00CT G-H SI 14K White Gold prong style 2.3 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold 9 Stones
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 9 stones 3mm width 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.00CT G-H SI 14K White Gold burnish sty...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.00CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold prong style 2.3 gram...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold 9 Stones
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 9 stones 3mm width 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.00CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold burnish style...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1.00 Carat 9-Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.00CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold prong style 2.3 grams 3 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
0.50 Carat 9-Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat 9 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold prong style 1.9 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Diamond Three-Stone 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Three diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple setting modelled in 9ct gold and stones set in platinum. The central round diamond measures 4pts and the rose cut diamonds either sid...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Black Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This signet ring is modelled in 9ct white gold which is perfectly complimented with black diamonds. The total carat weight is approximately 90pts. Made in Birmingham, England. Ring...
Black Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 8-9 Carats
Located in jaipur, IN
GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Ruby ✦ Gemstone Type : Natural ✦ Gemstone Size : 5x4 MM ✦ Gemstone Shape : Oval ✦ Number of Gemstones : 17 ✦ Gemstone Weight : 8-9 carats ✦ Gemstone G...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold 1/3 Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This band holds 30points worth of shimmering diamonds. The stones are set within the smooth 9ct gold band. Ring Size: Q or 8 Band Width: 3.5mm Weight: 2.54g
Diamond, Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamonds in this ring total approximately 50pts and are princess cut which give such a wonderful shimmer. The stones are set within the 9carat white gold band. Ring Size: L or ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this three stone ring reflect wonderful colours and either side of the central stone sits a pair of diamonds. They are set in simple claw settings and all modelled in 9c...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Vintage Peridot and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This chunky peridot ring is modelled in 9ct gold. Surrounding the green stone there are Diamond points. The peridot measures approx 75pts and the diamonds total approx 15pts. Ring S...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold
Art Deco Style Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 9carat gold band holds four rubies with a sparkling diamond at the centre. The rubies total 25pts and the diamond measures 5pts. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1993. Ring...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The three emerald stones in this triple cluster are a gorgeous bright green colour which is complimented by the bright diamonds which surround it. The diamonds total 20pts, the emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Vintage 18K Two Tone Gold Bangle Bracelet with 4 Carat Diamonds and 9 Carat Ruby
Located in New York, NY
The bangle showcases six captivating 9-carat oval-shaped rubies, beautifully complemented by 132 round brilliant diamonds, totaling 4 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band holds approx 25points worth of shimmering diamonds. The stones are set within the smooth 9ct white gold band. Ring Size: R or 8 1/2 Band Width: 3mm Weigh...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band holds 25points worth of shimmering diamonds. The stones are set within the smooth 9ct white gold band. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 3.5mm Weight: 2.4g
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band holds 25points worth of shimmering diamonds. The stones are set within the smooth 9ct white gold band. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 2.5mm Weight: 1.8g
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Width: 3mm Weight: 2g
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Go...
14k White Gold Floral Diamond Clip-On Earrings TDW = 9 carat Beautiful!
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
TDW = Approximately 9 carats Color: G or better Clarity: VS or better Clip-on backs Length = 24 mm Width = About 16 mm at Widest Amazing pieces!
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Thi mega cluster holds a diamond at the centre and a halo of diamonds around the outside. Around the central diamond there is a halo of sapphires. The sapphires are a deep blue colou...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.