$13,950
W 0.82 in L 7.25 in
SeidenGang 1990's Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Ancient Panel Link Bracelet
By SeidenGang
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged rectangular panel links centering ancient-style reliefs Depicting various figures including a lion, a bull, horse, and goats Designed with organic edges and textu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Turtle Stater Coin Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Some of the very earliest ancient Greek trade coins ever minted were from the Sardonic gulf island of Aegina, starting circa 550 BC.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,917Sale Price|20% Off
L 25.6 in
Ancient Style Pearl and Multicolor Jade Beaded Necklace with Diamond Spacer
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features a beautiful combination of pearls and multicolor jade beads, carefully chosen to create a stunning contrast. The diamond spacer adds a touch of luxury and spar...
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Silver
$3,222Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Silver Ring with Ancient Coin, 18kt Gold Accents, Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
The coin is identified as an ancient piece, most likely from Roman or Byzantine times, encircled by seven round brilliant cut diamonds.
Silver
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Ephesus Bee Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "drachm" coin from 500-420 BC Ephesus rests in this Steven Battelle designed ancient-inspired handmade setting accented by a sparkling 1.8mm VS1 diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Dubini Empires Ancient Bronze Coins Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
These Dubini coin earrings from the 'Empires' collection feature authentic Roman Imperial coins of Maximian minted circa 286-295 A.D. set in 18K yellow gold with diamonds. Coin Ø 15...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Bronze, Yellow Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Silver Medusa Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
It is set in a artisanally crafted "line-texture" bezel with accompanying 1.8 mm VS1 diamond accent. Please note the size relative to the dime.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Goddess Athena Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic ancient Greek silver "hemidrachm" coin from the region of Thessaly 425-404 BC, depicting the head of the goddess Athena in Corinthian helmet is set in an ancient-inspire...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Silver Horse Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "hemidrachm" coin from the ancient Greek city of Trikka in the region of Thessaly from 480-420 BC features the forepart of a leaping horse.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Goddess Athena Coin Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
As the goddess of wisdom, Athena was known for her intelligence and strategic thinking, and was often associated with owls, who were considered symbols of wisdom in ancient Greece. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ancient Roman Cleopatra Half Coin Pendant in 22ct Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Located in Brisbane, AU
22ct gold ancient roman coin set with diamonds around the outer edge of the coin (FSI diamonds used) Also comes in 18ct yellow gold please contact our customer service team* Roman ...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Ephesus Bee Coin Diamonds 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "drachm" coin from Ephesus 500-420 BC is spectacularly set in this signature Steven Battelle designed ancient-inspired handmade flat wire spirals hammered shield ...
Diamond, 22k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Corinth Pegasus Coin Diamonds 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic ancient Greek silver "stater" coin displaying Pegasus flying left rests in a Steven Battelle designed hammered medallic high karat gold setting ornamented with flat wire...
Diamond, 22k Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Archaic Griffin Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
We discount our chains 20% when ordered with a pendant. An very unusual ancient rarity!
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Egyptian Beads Necklace in 20K Yellow Gold with 5.95 Carat Diamonds
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Ancient Gold Necklace Set in 20 karat Yellow Gold with 5.95-carat Rose-Cut Diamonds and Ancient Egyptian Beads.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Corinth Pegasus Coin Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic, hand struck Corinthian silver "Stater" coin from 375-300 BC is set within a Steven Battelle designed handmade line textured double bezel with graduated "jawan" granulat...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Roman 1st Century BC Three Horseman Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
This is one of my personal favorite images out of the ancient coin pendants that have been coming from the workshop recently, and not one that I've been able find before.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Athena Gold Stater Diamonds 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic and verified ancient Greek Gold Stater from 336-323 BC displaying Athena in a Corinthian helmet is set in a complementary Steven Battelle 22K gold pendant design accente...
Diamond, 22k Gold
$3,940
Dm 0.87 in L 1.3 in
Ancient Roman Republic 1st Century BC Griffin Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An interesting, authentic, silver denarius coin from the period of the Roman Republic in 79 BCE, featuring a griffin leaping, is set in a Steven Battelle ancient inspired handmade ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek Ephesus Style 24k Fused Gold Silver Diamond Bee Coin Signet Ring
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Ancient Greek Ephesus Style 24k Fused Gold Silver Diamond Bee Coin Signet Ring, by Kurtulan Jewellery Imbued with classical mythology and ancient artistry, this striking statement co...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Ephesus Bee Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Ephesus was one of the primary cities of the region throughout ancient times, continuing through the Romans. The ruins there are often visited today.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Roman 1st Century BC Goddess Cybele Lions Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Cybele, also known as Magna Mater or the Great Mother, was an ancient Anatolian goddess whose worship spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold and Silver Ancient Coin w/ 0.60ctw Diamond Framed Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (55) Natural Genuine Diamonds- Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - 0.60ctw (approx.) Material: Solid Silver Coin w/ 14k Yellow Gold Frame Wei...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ancient Cycles Round S & P Diamond Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Ancient Cycles Round S & P Diamond Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 6 mm.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Apollo Tetradrachm Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
The Greek god Apollo is here depicted on an authentic silver "tetradrachm" issued between 370-60 BC by the Satrap Mausolos in Caria (now in southern Turkey), just before the conquest...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Themed Pyramid Ring 24K Micron Plated and Oxidised Silver with Diamonds
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
It takes its inspiration from ancient times. 60 g Silver 24 K Gold 0.2 ct Champagne Diamonds Gold and silver versions are also available as you may see in the images.
Diamond, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver
Ancient Greek 3rd Century BC Youth On Horse Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
We discount our chains 20% when ordered with a pendant. Just a BEAUTIFUL ancient image!
Diamond, 18k Gold
$10,700
H 1.03 in W 0.99 in
Ancient Greek Coin & Round Cut Diamond Bezel Set in 22K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Ancient Greek coins featuring Alexander the Great are bezel set in 22K yellow gold with round cut diamond accents.
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Cyzikos Lion Coin Diamond 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "drachm" coin minted in the ancient Greek colony of Cyzikos (now in Western Turkey south of Istanbul) from 387-340 BC depicts the head of a lion above a tuna fish.
Diamond, 22k Gold
Ancient Roman 4th Century AD Constantius II Coin Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "siquila" coin from the realm of Emperor Constantius II (struck 347-355 AD) depicts him in profile: pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed. This rare silver coin ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Aqua Roman Glass Cuff with Iridescent Patina and 1.55 Carat Diamonds
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Antiquity Bracelet Set In 20 Karat Yellow Gold With Antique Roman Glass. The Roman Glass Is Made With Iridescent Patina and 1.55 Carat Diamonds. The Glass Cuff Is 7 Inches Long And S...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Dubini Ancient Alexander the Great Silver Coin Diamond Signet Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
The Empires Collection playfully delights in ancient stories and myths whilst tapping into the rich history of Italian craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$9,375
Dm 1.23 in L 1.62 in
Ancient Greek 3rd Century BC Seleucid Elephants Coin 22K Gold Diamonds Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A rare and authentic silver "tetradrachm" coin from Seleukos I Nikator 312-281 BC depicts Athena driving a "quadriga" (a chariot) pulled by 4 horned elephants. Seleucus was a Macedo...
Diamond, 22k Gold
Ancient Greek 3rd Century BC Alexander the Great Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A high-grade, authentic, ancient silver tetradrachm coin from Thrace (a historical region which now encompasses parts of Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey) minted in 297-281 BC, with a dep...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Corinth Pegasus Stater Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic Corinthian silver stater coin from 375-300 BC is showcased in a Steven Battelle designed double line texture bezel with a 1.8 mm diamond accent on the bail. The opposit...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,985
H 1.52 in W 2.37 in
Denise Roberge 22K Gold Bezel Diamond Matte Ancient Coin Dangle Bar Pin Brooch
By Denise Roberge
Located in Montclair, NJ
It features a bold domed bar at its top part adorned with a cable chain and three detailed ancient coins gently dangling below, with approximately 0.50 carats of top quality diamonds...
Diamond, 22k Gold
Ancient Greek 5th Century BC Silver Siglos Owl Coin Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
The bail has a smaller 1.8 mm diamond. This high-grade ancient coin has a particullalry sharp and distinct owl image.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 3rd Century BC Alexander the Great Coin Diamonds 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "drachm" coin struck between 297-281 BC in the ancient region of Thrace (now comprising parts of far western Turkey, southern Bulgaria, and northeastern Greece) d...
Diamond, 22k Gold
$3,190
Dm 0.79 in L 1.11 in
Ancient Roman First Century BC Horse and Rider Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An exquisitely detailed depiction of a galloping horse with rider adorns this authentic silver "denarius" coin issued in the Roman Republic in 67 BC. It is set within an ancient-ins...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Silver Grapes and Fly Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "stater" coin struck 380-350 BC from the ancient Greek region of Cilcia (now just west of of the city of Mersin in Southern Turkey) is set in an artisan crafted a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,985
W 1.06 in D 0.25 in L 1.38 in
Ancient Roman 193-211 AD Denarius Coin Pendant in 18Kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A pendant with an ancient Roman coin. Beautiful classic pendant crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and fitted with a bale to display in a chain.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,875
W 2.01 in L 2.44 in
Ancient Roman Coin Pendant in 18Kt Gold with 3.97 Ctw in Diamonds and Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
Ancient Roman coin pendant designed by Jean Paris.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Ancient Heart Shape Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 14k Yellow Gold for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ancient Heart Shape Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 14k Yellow Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.78 carats and diamond of 0.08 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ancient Style 18k Gold Ring with Natural Diamonds, Large Gold Band Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Ring. Oltremare Gioielli Ancient style 18k gold ring with natural diamonds, large gold band made in Italy.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Style 14k Gold Ring with Natural Diamonds, Large Gold Band Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Ring. Oltremare Gioielli Ancient style 14k gold ring with natural diamonds, large gold band made in Italy.
Diamond, 14k Gold
40.48 Carat Lapis Ancient Bactrian Seal Pendant
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Antiquity Bactrian Bronze Seal Pendant Set in 20 Karat Yellow Gold. It Comes With 1.45cts Diamonds, 7.15cts Ruby, 0.25cts Sapphire, and 40.48cts Lapis. The Compartmentalized Seals Ar...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Bronze
8.31 Carat Emerald Ancient Bronze Ibex Figure Pendant
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Antiquity Bronze Ibex Pendant Set in 20 Karat Yellow Gold With 0.85cts Diamonds, 8.31cts Emerald, and 2.90cts Sapphire. The Pendant Has A Beautiful Large Emerald Slice And Is Approxi...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, Bronze
Multi-Gemstone, Vintage Pendant and Ancient Coin Bohemian Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
One-of-a-kind, Bohemian necklace features multiple gemstones, vintage jewelry pieces and ancient coins set in 14k yellow gold. Amazing 23 pieces include: blue Topaz, Australian Opal,...
Diamond, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Opal, Quartz, Topaz, Turquoise, Cit...
$8,239Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.984 in L 2.362 in
Antique Trembling Flower Brooch Antique Platinum White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
These ancient diamonds bring an aura of history and mystery to the brooch, giving this piece a unique and emotionally charged character.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Ancient Cocktail Ring with 22.55 Carat Antique Roman Glass
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Antiquity 20 Karat Yellow Gold Ring With 22.55 Carat Antique Roman Glass and 1.10 Carat Rose-Cut Diamond Surrounds. This Ring Is Part Of Our Antiquity Collection, Which Represents A ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Ancient Cycles Moonstone Engagement Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Ancient Cycles Moonstone Engagement Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 6 mm.
Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold
Ancient Pegasus Coin in 22 kt Gold Pendant (pendant only)
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic CORINTH Silver Stater Coin (circa 386-307 BC), set in a custom 22k gold and sterling silver bezel with a 22k gold bail (which has a diamond accent). The obverse, or fron...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Multi-Gemstone, Vintage Pendant and Ancient Coin 14 Karat Gold Bohemian Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
One-of-a-kind Vicki Orr Designs 14k yellow gold Bohemian necklace with a variety of gemstones, vintage, antique and ancient jewelry components. Necklace has 15 unique pieces, featur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoi...
Dubini Athena Ancient Silver Coin Medallion 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
The Empires Collection playfully delights in ancient stories and myths whilst tapping into the rich history of Italian craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$17,500 / set
D 0.36 in Dm 0.86 in
ANCIENT GREEK 359 BC Classic Coins Earrings In 18Kt Gold & 2.42 Cwt In VS
Located in Miami, FL
Clips-on earrings with ancient gold coins from Phillip II of Macedon. This is a beautiful pair of clips-on earrings mounted with two ancient Greek gold coins from the Macedonian kin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Coomi 20 Karat Gold Ancient Artifacts Charm Necklace with Multi-Gemstones
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
ABOUT THE MATERIALS Coomi Antiquity necklace set in 20K yellow gold with 13.92cts blue topaz, 11.28cts amethyst, 10.45cts citrine, 7.04cts cognac quartz, 2.89cts peridot, 2.57cts dia...
White Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Quartz, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, ...
18k Ancient Roman Style Gold Coin Ring with a reproduction of a Roman Solidus
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Ancient Roman Style Gold Coin Ring in 18k or 14k white and yellow gold, made in Italy.
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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.