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0.73ct Antique Old European Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Gold
0.73ct Antique Old European Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Gold

0.73ct Antique Old European Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

requirements. Weight 4.42 grams Date: Diamond Circa 1910 / Setting Vintage 1960 Video: A video of this fine

Category

1910s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Antique Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

Antique Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 0.59 carat diamond displayed in a vintage 18 karat white gold setting

Category

1910s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Yellow Gold French Cocktail Ring
Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Yellow Gold French Cocktail Ring

Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Yellow Gold French Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

personal requirements. Origin: France, Europe Weight 3.71 grams Date: Diamond Circa 1910/Setting Circa

Category

1910s French Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.45 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Engagement Ring
1.45 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Engagement Ring

1.45 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

requirements. Weight 6.37 grams Origin: Birmingham, England Date: Diamonds Circa 1900/Setting Circa 2015

Category

Early 1900s British Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century
A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century

A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century

Located in Long Island City, NY

motifs in finely chased gold, punctuated by ruby and diamond settings in the traditional kundan technique

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 24k Gold

1.32 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
1.32 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

1.32 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, scrolling setting features an

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century
A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century

A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

motifs in finely chased gold, punctuated by ruby and diamond settings in the traditional kundan technique

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Jade, Gold

Antique Imperial Russian Earrings 1.3ctw Diamonds solid 56/ 14K Gold/ 7.6gr
Antique Imperial Russian Earrings 1.3ctw Diamonds solid 56/ 14K Gold/ 7.6gr

Antique Imperial Russian Earrings 1.3ctw Diamonds solid 56/ 14K Gold/ 7.6gr

Located in SE

Old Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold with natural Diamonds settings and folding hooks hand - made

Category

1890s Russian Russian Empire Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Imperial Russian Ukraine Earrings Diamonds solid 56/ 14K Gold/ 1.3gr
Antique Imperial Russian Ukraine Earrings Diamonds solid 56/ 14K Gold/ 1.3gr

Antique Imperial Russian Ukraine Earrings Diamonds solid 56/ 14K Gold/ 1.3gr

Located in SE

Antique Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold with natural Diamonds settings hand - made in late 19th

Category

1890s Ukrainian Russian Empire Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

AGL Certified 1.19 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
AGL Certified 1.19 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

AGL Certified 1.19 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Diamonds 4 Dimensions Width across setting 2.02cm/0.79' Length of setting 7.08mm/0.27' Height of setting

Category

1910s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique French Dangle Earrings natural 2ctw Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold /3.2 gr
Antique French Dangle Earrings natural 2ctw Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold /3.2 gr

Antique French Dangle Earrings natural 2ctw Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold /3.2 gr

Located in SE

A pair of French dangles in 14K Rose Gold with folding hooks and a bit off round rose cut Diamonds

Category

Late 19th Century French Arts and Crafts Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond Crescent Brooch, with Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Inserts
Victorian Diamond Crescent Brooch, with Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Inserts

Victorian Diamond Crescent Brooch, with Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Inserts

Located in London, GB

a channel of old-cut diamonds, in grain settings, with flat edge on the inside, and a row of old-cut

Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Ruby and Diamonds Gold Brooch, Circa 1915-1925, Diamonds & Rubies
Ruby and Diamonds Gold Brooch, Circa 1915-1925, Diamonds & Rubies

Ruby and Diamonds Gold Brooch, Circa 1915-1925, Diamonds & Rubies

Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire

: 14ct gold with silver-topped setting • Stones: Diamonds and rubies • Length: 6 cm • Weight: 5 grams

Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Old European Diamond Ring. 2ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum K SI1
Antique Old European Diamond Ring. 2ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum K SI1

Antique Old European Diamond Ring. 2ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum K SI1

Located in New York, NY

adds visual depth but also allows light to dance through the setting, accentuating the diamond

Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian diamond pendant, circa 1915.
Edwardian diamond pendant, circa 1915.

Edwardian diamond pendant, circa 1915.

Located in London, GB

Edwardian diamond pendant. Set with seven round old cut diamonds in open back rubover settings with

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Large Diamond Arrow Brooch
Victorian Large Diamond Arrow Brooch

Victorian Large Diamond Arrow Brooch

Located in London, GB

An incredible and rare diamond brooch dating back to the Victorian era. The brooch is crafted in

Category

19th Century Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Diamond cluster ring, circa 1915.
Diamond cluster ring, circa 1915.

Diamond cluster ring, circa 1915.

Located in London, GB

setting with an approximate weight of 0.80 carats, encircled by eight cushion shape old mine diamonds in

Category

1910s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.70ct
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.70ct

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.70ct

Located in Narberth, PA

features a central 1.70ct cushion cut diamond, which is held within a four-prong setting. The diamond

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum

2.12 Carat Diamond and Platinum Stud Earrings
2.12 Carat Diamond and Platinum Stud Earrings

2.12 Carat Diamond and Platinum Stud Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Dimensions Length of Setting 8.21mm/0.32" Width of Setting 7.3mm/0.29" Weight 2.46 grams Date: Diamonds

Category

Early 1900s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Narberth, PA

channel-settings. Overall, the diamonds have an approximate total carat weight of 1.70ctw and display G/H

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique French Diamond Flower Choker Necklace Silver Old Cut Rose Diamonds
Antique French Diamond Flower Choker Necklace Silver Old Cut Rose Diamonds

Antique French Diamond Flower Choker Necklace Silver Old Cut Rose Diamonds

Located in Munich, Bavaria

decrease in size. The diamonds are mounted in closed settings and all flowers and pendants have smooth flat

Category

1760s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Amethyst and diamond pendant, circa 1910.
Amethyst and diamond pendant, circa 1910.

Amethyst and diamond pendant, circa 1910.

Located in London, GB

diamonds in open back rubover settings with an approximate combined weight of 1.80 carats, adorned further

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Antique 1.89Ct Diamond and Platinum Pendant Circa 1910
Antique 1.89Ct Diamond and Platinum Pendant Circa 1910

Antique 1.89Ct Diamond and Platinum Pendant Circa 1910

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.89 carat diamond and platinum pendant; part of our

Category

1910s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Floral 3.11 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch
Edwardian Floral 3.11 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch

Edwardian Floral 3.11 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique Edwardian 3.11 carat diamond and platinum floral brooch

Category

1910s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 18k Diamond Navette Ring
Victorian 18k Diamond Navette Ring

Victorian 18k Diamond Navette Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

centerpiece. The 3 diamonds are all old mine cuts, and are each held within a six-prong setting. Together, the

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco style Platinum Ring with Diamonds
Art Deco style Platinum Ring with Diamonds

Art Deco style Platinum Ring with Diamonds

Located in Aventura, FL

condition of this piece is excellent. There is no damage to the platinum setting. All diamonds are securely

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1910 European Cut Diamond & Platinum Ring
1910 European Cut Diamond & Platinum Ring

1910 European Cut Diamond & Platinum Ring

By Non Branded

Located in Lexington, KY

diamond with a platinum setting. The center diamond is a bright 1.10 carat, VVS2 clarity, I color diamond

Category

1910s Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Fur Clip
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Fur Clip

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Fur Clip

Located in Narberth, PA

cut diamonds are held within bead-settings and the baguettes are bezel-set. The stones displays H/J

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Pearl And Diamond Ring. TCW Two Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Leaf Platinum
Antique Pearl And Diamond Ring. TCW Two Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Leaf Platinum

Antique Pearl And Diamond Ring. TCW Two Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Leaf Platinum

Located in New York, NY

diamonds, securely held in prong settings, exhibit an I color and SI1 clarity, with a combined weight of

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

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

Onyx and Diamond Marquise Ring
Onyx and Diamond Marquise Ring

Onyx and Diamond Marquise Ring

Located in London, GB

Onyx and Diamond Marquise ring set in estimated 9ct gold with silver detailing around the diamond

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, Gold

Antique 3.00ct Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring, Circa 1915
Antique 3.00ct Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring, Circa 1915

Antique 3.00ct Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring, Circa 1915

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

decorated setting is ornamented with a feature 1.28ct Old European round cut diamond, claw/prong set to the

Category

1910s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1860.
Victorian diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1860.

Victorian diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1860.

Located in London, GB

old mine diamonds in open back cut-down and grain settings with a combined weight of 2.80 carats, and

Category

1860s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian diamond cluster ring, circa 1880.
Victorian diamond cluster ring, circa 1880.

Victorian diamond cluster ring, circa 1880.

Located in London, GB

diamonds in open back grain settings with an approximate weight 1.25 carats, flanked by four cushion shape

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings

Located in Narberth, PA

, each earring features an old mine cut diamond, held within a clawed four-prong setting. Together, the

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Three-Stone Diamonds Ring
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Three-Stone Diamonds Ring

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Three-Stone Diamonds Ring

Located in Banbury, GB

matched white diamonds in open settings. Around them are well matched white graded diamonds. There is

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

An antique diamond cross pendant, circa 1840
An antique diamond cross pendant, circa 1840

An antique diamond cross pendant, circa 1840

Located in London, GB

open settings, and suspended from a tapered bale, set with five further old mine cut diamonds in collet

Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Cartier Paris diamond bracelet/necklace, French, 1912.
Cartier Paris diamond bracelet/necklace, French, 1912.

Cartier Paris diamond bracelet/necklace, French, 1912.

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

old cut diamonds in open back rubover settings with an approximate combined weight of 4.85 carats

Category

1910s French Belle Époque Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .75ct
Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .75ct

Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .75ct

Located in Narberth, PA

, there is no apparent damage to the gold setting, and the diamond is intact and securely set.

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Brooch with Rose-Cut Diamond
Victorian Brooch with Rose-Cut Diamond

Victorian Brooch with Rose-Cut Diamond

Located in Firenze, FI

• Diamonds: ~5 Carats, Rose-Cut • Setting: Twisted Double Bar Design • Style: Vintage / Classic • Type

Category

1890s Italian Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Located in London, GB

. The design is bold, with each diamond securely nestled in its setting whilst the shoulders have been

Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1920s 4.45ct Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch
1920s 4.45ct Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch

1920s 4.45ct Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch

$5,452

H 0.22 in W 0.51 in L 1.71 in

1920s 4.45ct Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Number of Diamonds: 12 Dimensions Length of setting 4.35cm/1.71" Width of setting 1.3cm/0.51" Across pin

Category

1920s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Bombe Ring
Art Deco Diamond Bombe Ring

Art Deco Diamond Bombe Ring

Located in London, GB

diamond which is surrounded by a halo of rose cut diamonds in a bombe style setting crafted in platinum

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.54 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring
Antique 1.54 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring

Antique 1.54 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

. The scroll decorated settings display an impressive 0.73ct and 0.70ct Old European cut diamond, each

Category

1910s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1920 Platinum Engagement Ring with Diamond
Art Deco 1920 Platinum Engagement Ring with Diamond

Art Deco 1920 Platinum Engagement Ring with Diamond

Located in Aventura, FL

excellent. There is no damage to the platinum setting. All diamonds are securely set and display vintage

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Marcus & Co. diamond bracelet, American, circa 1920.
Marcus & Co. diamond bracelet, American, circa 1920.

Marcus & Co. diamond bracelet, American, circa 1920.

By Marcus & Co.

Located in London, GB

shape old mine diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined weight of 14.40 carats. The total

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.45ct
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.45ct

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.45ct

Located in Narberth, PA

, this gorgeous ring features a 1.45ct old European cut diamond, which is held within a prong-setting

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 14k Diamond Floral-Motif Ring
Victorian 14k Diamond Floral-Motif Ring

Victorian 14k Diamond Floral-Motif Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

damage to the gold setting. The diamond is intact and securely set.

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14k Diamond Floral-Motif Ring
Victorian 14k Diamond Floral-Motif Ring

Victorian 14k Diamond Floral-Motif Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

damage to the gold setting. The diamond is intact and securely set.

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Brooch Pin / Transformer Pendant, 2.5 Carats, 1890
Victorian Diamond Brooch Pin / Transformer Pendant, 2.5 Carats, 1890

Victorian Diamond Brooch Pin / Transformer Pendant, 2.5 Carats, 1890

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

center lies a richly set cluster of old-cut diamonds in traditional cut-down settings, radiating outward

Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond

Victorian 18K Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Victorian 18K Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

Victorian 18K Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

Located in Venice, CA

Propped up in a higher prong setting, this Old Mine Cut diamond resembles a cushion cut that is

Category

1890s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian 18k Garnet & Diamond Ring
Edwardian 18k Garnet & Diamond Ring

Edwardian 18k Garnet & Diamond Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

wonderfully contrasts the white gold setting. The shoulders of the ring each feature two single cut diamonds

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian French 18k/Platinum Diamond Earrings
Edwardian French 18k/Platinum Diamond Earrings

Edwardian French 18k/Platinum Diamond Earrings

Located in Narberth, PA

platinum, these earrings each begin with a small diamond, which is held within a six-prong setting. The

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Diamond Antique Ring in 14k White Gold
Diamond Antique Ring in 14k White Gold

Diamond Antique Ring in 14k White Gold

Located in Bloomington, MN

0.20 carat diamond in a beautifully detailed setting with engraved shoulders and delicate openwork. The

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 18k Diamond Halo Ring
Victorian 18k Diamond Halo Ring

Victorian 18k Diamond Halo Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

settings. Together, the diamonds have an approximate total carat weight of .52ctw. The shoulders of the

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fancy intense yellow diamond three stone ring, circa 1920.
Fancy intense yellow diamond three stone ring, circa 1920.

Fancy intense yellow diamond three stone ring, circa 1920.

Located in London, GB

fancy intense yellow diamond, VS2 clarity, with a weight of 1.46 carats in an open back claw setting

Category

1820s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

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Antique Diamond Setting For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the antique diamond setting you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold. If you’re looking for an antique diamond setting 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. Finding an appealing antique diamond setting — no matter the origin — is easy, but Antinori Fine Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and round cut versions for sale. When shopping for an antique diamond setting, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Antique Diamond Setting?

The price for an antique diamond setting starts at $707 and tops out at $43,099 with these rings, on average, selling for $6,200.

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.