Victorian Pearl and Diamond Daisy Cluster Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
All the diamonds are set within silver to add to their shine, whilst the back of the brooch and pin are made in 15 carat rose gold, a typical choice of the era. Gemstone: Diamond Sto...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This ring is a lovely dress ring and the vertically set diamonds add lots of character! Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.95 Total Colour: H-I Clarity: VS2 Met...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Two-Stone Drop Diamond Necklace, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
It also comes with a fitted box. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.80 Main Total Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 14ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco French Bombe Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
It is made of 18 carat rose gold and is definitely an eye-catching ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.70 total Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Rose Gold,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Renaissance Revival Limoges Type Enamel Brooch - Rubies, Gold & Silver - C. 1892
Located in Chatham, CA
Exceptional and rare Renaissance Revival Limoges type enamel brooch - the colorful portrait miniature of a woman in Renaissance dress and hat against a midnight blue background set w...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
EDR Certified 3.17 Carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring with Set Shoulders
Located in London, GB
Three graduated, stepped shoulders, each set with a diamond baguette totalling a further .90 carats frame the principal stone to complete this period jewel in high Art Deco style. G...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Bracelet, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
The piece also has a fitted box and is crafted from platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 6.30 Total Colour: F-G Clarity: VS Metal: Platinum Age: 1920s
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco 8.20 Carat Diamond Bracelet, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
It dates to the 1920s and would be a simply lovely as evening wear. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 8.20 Total Colour: F-G Clarity: VS-SI Metal: Platinum Age: 1920s
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
The intricate detailing on the shoulders will have been hand carved, which just adds character to the whole piece. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.64 centre...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian Heart Shaped Ring with Diamond, Sapphires and Rubies, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
The ring is handmade from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.33 Total Colour: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1900s Size: P
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Edwardian Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
The rest of the setting work is made in 18 carat rose gold, which is uncommon in Edwardian jewellery, so this piece is rare. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.65...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, circa 1894
Located in London, GB
Lovely scroll detailing adorns the gallery, an example of the excellent craftsmanship of the time. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Colour: G-H Clarity: SI ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco Patterned Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This stunning piece is amazingly art deco is character, and will look gorgeous on any finger! Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.34 centre Colour: H Clarity: V...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 0.30 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
The shoulders, which have been crafted into their unique design, are also made of platinum, and the small hoops in the gallery extend the level of stunning craftsmanship. Gemstone:...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
It is all amde from 18 carat white. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.60 Total Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct White Gold Age: 1920s Size: S
Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian Vertically Set Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
The detailing is exquisite and the filigree work on the gallery really adds to this stunning dress ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.65 centre Colour...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond & Platinum Lapel Watch with Glycine Movement
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Add to that a pear or marquise cut gemstone and you won’t be able to forget that perfect Art Deco piece.
Gem Grade Amethyst Geode Sculpture, Uruguay
Located in London, GB
The Uruguayan Amethyst geode is a promoter of creativity and new ideas, inspiring fresh insights and often divine inspiration.If you've been struggling with writer’s block or are at ...
Amethyst
Art Deco 1.70ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A classic Art Deco piece. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Transitional Cut Carat Weight: 1.70 Colour: G-H Clarity: VS Metal: Platinum Age: 1920s Size: J
Diamond, Platinum
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.