Skip to main content

Antique Diamond Setting

to
111
870
466
939
939
385
368
253
197
157
89
83
49
38
30
25
22
15
14
13
9
7
6
5
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
13
12
5
4
3
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.05ct
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.05ct

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.05ct

Located in Narberth, PA

-prong setting. The diamond displays J color and VS2 clarity. The diamond is complemented on both the

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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

Distinctive Jade & Diamond Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold
Distinctive Jade & Diamond Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold

Distinctive Jade & Diamond Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold

$2,660Sale Price|20% Off

W 0.44 in L 0.91 in

Distinctive Jade & Diamond Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold

Located in Bloomington, MN

settings. The rich green jade contrasts beautifully with the warm sparkle of the diamonds, giving the pair

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Yellow 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

Old cut diamond line bracelet, circa 1920.
Old cut diamond line bracelet, circa 1920.

Old cut diamond line bracelet, circa 1920.

Located in London, GB

Old cut diamond line bracelet. Set with thirty-five round old cut diamonds in open back grain

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian French 18k Diamond Bracelet
Victorian French 18k Diamond Bracelet

Victorian French 18k Diamond Bracelet

Located in Narberth, PA

scalloped bezel-setting. The diamond displays H color and SI2 clarity. The diamond is surrounded by a halo

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

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

Edwardian 14k/Platinum Diamond Dragon Ring
Edwardian 14k/Platinum Diamond Dragon Ring

Edwardian 14k/Platinum Diamond Dragon Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

in excellent condition. There is no apparent damage to the mixed metal setting, and the diamond is

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian diamond sapphire two tone navette ring
Edwardian diamond sapphire two tone navette ring

Edwardian diamond sapphire two tone navette ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

a classic two-tone combination of platinum over 18k yellow gold, the setting highlights the diamonds

Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

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

Antique French Diamond Brooch in Platinum
Antique French Diamond Brooch in Platinum

Antique French Diamond Brooch in Platinum

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

diamond. The floral setting is embellished with a further four collet set Old European round cut diamonds

Category

1910s French Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian old cut diamond 18k yellow gold Navette ring
Edwardian old cut diamond 18k yellow gold Navette ring

Edwardian old cut diamond 18k yellow gold Navette ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

European cut diamond at its center. Its softly faceted antique cut radiates gentle brilliance, while the

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

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

Late Deco  Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring
Late Deco  Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring

Late Deco Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

four-prong settings. The remaining diamonds are single cuts, and are held within bead-settings. The

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.18 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
1.18 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

1.18 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

platinum setting; part of our diamond jewelry collections. This fine diamond engagement ring ring has been

Category

Early 1900s Contemporary Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in London, GB

drilled and penetrated by a charming round faceted old cut diamond. A fine milgrain setting encases this

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique 2.10ct Emerald and 7.73ct Diamond Platinum Floral Brooch
Antique 2.10ct Emerald and 7.73ct Diamond Platinum Floral Brooch

Antique 2.10ct Emerald and 7.73ct Diamond Platinum Floral Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Diamonds 135 Dimensions Length of setting 5.25cm/2.07' Width of setting 3.5cm/1.38' Across pin 2.2cm/0.87

Category

Early 1900s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Edwardian Tourmaline Diamond Bar Brooch, Circa 1900
Edwardian Tourmaline Diamond Bar Brooch, Circa 1900

Edwardian Tourmaline Diamond Bar Brooch, Circa 1900

Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire

wear; replacement clasp to reverse The diamonds are mounted in silver settings to enhance their

Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Silver

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .90ct
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .90ct

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .90ct

Located in Narberth, PA

features a central, .90ct old European cut diamond, which is held within a bead-setting. The diamond

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Heart and Shooting Star Diamond Pendant
Victorian Heart and Shooting Star Diamond Pendant

Victorian Heart and Shooting Star Diamond Pendant

Located in London, GB

silver setting for the diamonds. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.50 grams Dimensions: 26mm x 18mm

Category

19th Century Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Art Deco 10.00 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Art Deco 10.00 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring

Art Deco 10.00 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring

Located in London, GB

-layered shoulders consisting of straight baguette and single cut diamonds. This intricate setting

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Narberth, PA

are held within a channel-setting. The diamonds have an approximate total carat weight of 1.75ctw and

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 14k Diamond & Enamel Navette Ring
Victorian 14k Diamond & Enamel Navette Ring

Victorian 14k Diamond & Enamel Navette Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

prong-settings. The diamonds have an approximate total carat weight of .70ctw. The shoulders of the ring

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Narberth, PA

features 1.35ctw of baguette and square cut diamonds resting within a channel setting. The top and bottom

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .75ct
Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .75ct

Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .75ct

Located in Narberth, PA

four-prong setting. The diamond displays J color and VS2 clarity. Each shoulder of the ring features a

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 14k Diamond Trefoil Ring
Victorian 14k Diamond Trefoil Ring

Victorian 14k Diamond Trefoil Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

in 14k yellow gold, this ring features three mine cut diamonds held within six-prong settings, which

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Brooch
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Brooch

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Brooch

Located in London, GB

diamonds in a star shaped setting crafted in 15ct yellow gold. The brooch also features a secure c clasp

Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.25 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Victorian 2.25 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Victorian 2.25 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

cocktail ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a 15k white gold setting. The gold diamond

Category

1880s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .40ct
Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .40ct

Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .40ct

Located in Narberth, PA

-prong setting. The diamond displays H/I color and VS2 clarity. The diamond is surrounded by an elaborate

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant
Vintage Platinum Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant

Vintage Platinum Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant

Located in Darien, CT

platinum setting features an old European cut diamond in the center and an estimated 7 carats of European

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 14k Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks
Victorian 14k Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks

Victorian 14k Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks

Located in Narberth, PA

remaining faces feature old European cut diamonds, which rest within bezel settings and have an approximate

Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Georgian Double Row Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Antique Georgian Double Row Diamond 18ct Gold Ring

Antique Georgian Double Row Diamond 18ct Gold Ring

Located in London, GB

. MARKS & HALLMARKS 18ct MATERIALS 18ct Yellow gold band Silver-topped setting Old-cut diamonds ERA

Category

17th Century English Georgian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .80ct
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .80ct

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .80ct

Located in Narberth, PA

magnificent ring features a .80ct old European cut diamond, which is held within a clawed four-prong setting

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 0.68 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Antique 0.68 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

Antique 0.68 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Old European cut diamond, in relief in a central tapering square setting. The feature diamond is

Category

1920s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Georgian Iberian 21K Gold Pendeloque Diamond Earrings
Georgian Iberian 21K Gold Pendeloque Diamond Earrings

Georgian Iberian 21K Gold Pendeloque Diamond Earrings

Located in Venice, CA

, classically seen as a cluster, bow, and drop configuration. The earrings contain 26 rose cut diamonds in a

Category

1780s Spanish Georgian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct
Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct

Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct

Located in Narberth, PA

ring features a central .95ct old European cut diamond. The stone is held within a four-prong setting

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings Circa 1900-1910
Edwardian Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings Circa 1900-1910

Edwardian Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings Circa 1900-1910

Located in ADELAIDE, SA

, featuring a two tiered diamond clusters set with early European cut diamond in gallery claw settings. Fitted

Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .45ct
Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .45ct

Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .45ct

Located in Narberth, PA

gold, this ring features a .45ct old European cut diamond held in place by a six-prong setting. The

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Bypass Ring
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Bypass Ring

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Bypass Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

features two pear cut diamonds, which are held within three-prong settings. The two diamonds are nestled

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Belle Époque Cufflinks Platinum Diamond Enamel
Antique Belle Époque Cufflinks Platinum Diamond Enamel

Antique Belle Époque Cufflinks Platinum Diamond Enamel

Located in Munich, Bavaria

is set with nine round cut diamonds in millegrain settings. The diamonds run in a straight line in

Category

1910s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Antique 3.42 carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring
Antique 3.42 carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring

Antique 3.42 carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Diamonds 13 Dimensions: Diameter of setting 1.47cm/0.58" Height of setting 6.6mm/0.26" Ring Size UK Size

Category

1920s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 14k Diamond Crescent Pendant/Charm
Victorian 14k Diamond Crescent Pendant/Charm

Victorian 14k Diamond Crescent Pendant/Charm

Located in Narberth, PA

with 1.20ctw of old mind cut diamonds, which are held within shared prong-settings. The diamonds

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.30 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Antique 2.30 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum

Antique 2.30 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

platinum frame displays a feature four claw set 2.05Ct Old European round cut diamond. The setting is

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 15.49ct Diamond and Platinum Bracelet - Antique Circa 1925
Art Deco 15.49ct Diamond and Platinum Bracelet - Antique Circa 1925

Art Deco 15.49ct Diamond and Platinum Bracelet - Antique Circa 1925

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 15.49 carat diamond and platinum Art Deco bracelet; part of

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 1.54 Carat Diamond Floral Cluster Earrings
Victorian 1.54 Carat Diamond Floral Cluster Earrings

Victorian 1.54 Carat Diamond Floral Cluster Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Diamond Content 1.54 carats Number of Diamonds 18 Dimensions Width of setting 1.15cm/0.45' Height of

Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Edwardian Ruby & Marquise Diamond Ring
Edwardian Ruby & Marquise Diamond Ring

Edwardian Ruby & Marquise Diamond Ring

Located in Wilmslow, GB

gallery. The ring features a old cut marquise diamond in milgrain setting. This is surrounded with

Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Natural pearl and diamond necklace, French, circa 1915.
Natural pearl and diamond necklace, French, circa 1915.

Natural pearl and diamond necklace, French, circa 1915.

Located in London, GB

old mine diamonds in open back rubover settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.20 carats, and

Category

1910s French Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Rose Cut Diamond and Silver-Upon-Gold Girandole Earrings
Rose Cut Diamond and Silver-Upon-Gold Girandole Earrings

Rose Cut Diamond and Silver-Upon-Gold Girandole Earrings

Located in London, GB

in individual cut down settings and groups of five diamonds, with drop shaped, leaf topped diamond

Category

1820s English Georgian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Emerald Bracelet 1920s French
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Emerald Bracelet 1920s French

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Emerald Bracelet 1920s French

Located in Monaco, MC

diamonds are set using the closed-setting technique characteristic of Art Deco jewelry, where each stone is

Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

FRENCH 1925 Art-Deco Geometric Platinum Bracelet 18.34 Cwt Diamonds & Sapphires
FRENCH 1925 Art-Deco Geometric Platinum Bracelet 18.34 Cwt Diamonds & Sapphires

FRENCH 1925 Art-Deco Geometric Platinum Bracelet 18.34 Cwt Diamonds & Sapphires

Located in Miami, FL

diamonds provide brilliance and contrast. The gemstone settings are executed with fine millegrain detailing

Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace

Located in London, GB

set with a single row of rose cut diamonds in a fine milgrain setting. This love heart surrounds a

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

1.17 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
1.17 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold

1.17 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

carat Total Diamond Content 1.17 carats Number of Diamonds 7 Dimensions Height of setting 6.22mm/0.24

Category

1920s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Sapphire, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1880
Victorian Sapphire, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1880

Victorian Sapphire, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1880

Located in London, GB

, graduating in size, alternating with eight pairs of old-cut diamonds, in claw and grain settings, the ends of

Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Victorian Revival Diamond Ring 14k Gold
Victorian Revival Diamond Ring 14k Gold

Victorian Revival Diamond Ring 14k Gold

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

. The setting frames the diamonds and emphasizes their individual shapes. The combination of mixed

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, circa 1920.
Sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, circa 1920.

Sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, circa 1920.

Located in London, GB

shape old mine diamond in open back claw setting, six in total with a combined weight of 1.50 carats

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique 3.35 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch Circa 1925
Antique 3.35 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch Circa 1925

Antique 3.35 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch Circa 1925

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.35 carat diamond and platinum brooch - boxed; an addition

Category

1920s Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 1.42 Carat Diamond and Platinum Floral Drop Earrings
Antique 1.42 Carat Diamond and Platinum Floral Drop Earrings

Antique 1.42 Carat Diamond and Platinum Floral Drop Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

round cut diamond. The cluster settings are each embellished with a further eight pavé set Dutch cut

Category

1920s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 0.51ct Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, Circa 1920, Unisex
Antique 0.51ct Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, Circa 1920, Unisex

Antique 0.51ct Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, Circa 1920, Unisex

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique 0.51 carat diamond and platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of

Category

1920s Unknown Antique Diamond Setting

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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

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.