Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold 18.36ct Opal & Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 15.1 Grams Stone: 18.36ct Opal, .44ct Greenish Yellow Diamond, 1.54tcw Diamonds Near Colorless/SI, .03ct Emerald Measurements: 40.7 x 46.6 x 9.9 Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Item...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum & Fancy Yellow & White Diamond Figural Poodle Dog Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set with two round mixed cut fancy yellow diamonds comprising the dog's eyes (0.12 CTW; color: fancy yellow, clarity: SI2-I2 white round cut) in a setting with 18 round and 13 trilli...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Zorab Creation Pink Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Show off your sense of style and whimsy with Zorab's playful butterfly cocktail ring meticulously hand-crafted with 2.69 Carat of Pink Sapphire, 1.28 Carats of White Diamonds, 0.32 C...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
GIA .65 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow White Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Breathtaking fancy intense natural yellow GIA certified .65 carat diamond Marquise shape in its all original Platinum 1940’s engagement ring setting.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
EGL Certified 1.11 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Soft light yellow Old European brilliant cut 1.11 carat diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Gold & Platinum 1.60ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Cross Pendant 16" Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (26) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine & Old European Cut - Pave Set - Colorless to Faint Yellow Diamonds - Clean to Included Diamonds - 1.60ctw (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
LaCloche Art Deco Multi Gem Diamond Platinum Pin Brooch
By LaCloche
Located in New York, NY
Of hexagonal outline, the openwork geometric plaque designed as a circular and baguette-cut diamond vase, set with a shield-shaped yellow diamond flanked by two triangular-shaped buf...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Georgian Double-Heart Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Gold Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Beautiful Sapphire and Diamond Double-Heart Sweetheart Ring in Gold, Georgian, early 1800s, composed of a blue sapphire and a rose-cut light yellow diamond, surrounded by a cluste...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
1.71 Carat Georgian Style Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful, 22ct yellow gold, old cushion cut diamond ring. The setting of the ring is in a Georgian style and the band features wonderful foliate detail.
Brown Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Bead Shape Emerald and Fancy Color Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a cluster of oval-shaped beads made of lustrous green emeralds, suspended on a row of tapered baguette diamonds. Attached to a leaf design accented with orange and yellow ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique 4.97ct old cushion cut diamond three stone ring set in 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum 950 fancy light yellow Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A truly beautiful natural diamond engagement ring! This 950 Platinum beauty features bezel set in yellow Gold a ca. 1.10 ct brilliant cut fancy light yellow Diamond set in a halo of...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco White Gold Old Diamond w/ Trillion French Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - Faint Yellow Diamond - VS2 Clarity - 0.38ct (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Se...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco White Gold 1.05ctw Old Cut Diamond Engraved 3 Stone Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - Faint Yellow Diamond - Very Fiery & Brilliant - 5.75mm - 0.75ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1900s Diamond, Cultured Pearl and Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pin brooch displays a feature 18k yellow gold collet set old cut fancy yellow 0.45ct diamond.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rebasco Ring, a Zorab Creation
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Inspired by the rebasco chrysanthemum, the Rebasco ring, a Zorab Creation, will hug your finger as beautifully as flowers embrace the vine. 2.95 carats of fancy sapphires intertwine...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Diamond South Sea Pearl Platinum Large Flower Clip on Earrings, Two Tone
Located in New York, NY
The inner row of petals in yellow metal with yellow flowers while outer row of petals is with white diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fine Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. Early 20th Century With a central oval peridot measuring 9mm by 6mm, surrounded ...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
Zorab Creation 15.90 Cts Blue Sapphire Hera Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
An striking 15.90 carat faceted blue sapphire is surrounded by an open framework of 1.18 carats of white diamonds and 1.11 carats of yellow diamonds set in 18-karat gold and palladiu...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Diamond Yellow Gold Gent's Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.48 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold gent's solitaire ring; part of our diverse contemporary jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Diamond Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
The sapphire has a deep saturation and glows in a royal blue color. The side diamonds are old European cut fancy yellow diamonds and they are all set in a gorgeous Art Deco mounting.
Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1.05 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.05 carat diamond and 0.87 carat natural ruby, 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set vintage cocktail ring; part of our antique and vintage jew...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A rare early 19th C Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II rosewood jewellery casket
Located in Reepham, GB
Lined throughout in fine Mughal velvet in the most vibrant colours of precious gemstones, Ruby red, Emerald green, Yellow diamond & Sapphire blue, the casket contains a conundrum of ...
Brass
18K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This delicate antique bracelet is crafted in 18K yellow gold with intricate openwork filigree and accented by natural rose-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carats for soft, a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,996Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite 14k Yellow Gold Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Fancy Victorian Era Brooch is a stunning blend of historical charm and timeless elegance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 2.3 Grams Stone: 0.11ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Measurements: 21 x 22.6 x 5.35mm Metal XRF Tested: Ranges 17-18k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1721-101325-07
Diamond, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Directoire Settee, Upholstered, Gray-Blue & Green
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
The tightly upholstered seatback and bench seat is done in a modern geometric jacquard of gray and yellow diamond pattern, outlined in a nailhead trim.
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Edwardian diamond 18k yellow gold platinum necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Edwardian diamond necklace is a romantic antique design from the 1910’s, featuring an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.15 carat.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch with Single-Cut Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 18K diamond brooch presents timeless sophistication with a refined balance of size and sparkle. Measuring approximately 35mm by 30mm, the piece is designed with a gracef...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
15K Yellow Gold Etruscan Revival Diamond Brooch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
15k yellow gold antique Etruscan revival diamond brooch.
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
.70 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 1.8 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .70 carat Color: I Clarity: VS1 ...
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Exquisite and unmistakably elegant, this 14K yellow gold diamond necklace showcases the romantic beauty of rose-cut diamonds in a refined heirloom-inspired design.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian coral diamond 18k yellow gold necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The centerpiece, itself ringed in a halo of smaller coral beads, is traced with a delicate gold vine set with eighteen rose-cut diamonds that add a whisper of cool sparkle against th...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian diamond 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Step back into the early 1900s with this exquisite Edwardian ring, its oval face pierced and carved into a delicate lattice of platinum set atop rich 18k yellow gold. A bright old Eu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.58 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The central diamond is encircled by a yellow gold undulating frame, flanked on either side with a yellow gold ball motif.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearl and diamonds earrings ART DECO 23.26gr 1.90ct
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Natural Tahitian Pearl earrings in 18KT gold, made in France. Top are fancy yellow diamonds and bottom are white diamonds single cut VS-SI clarity, F-G colors.
Diamond, Pearl
18kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds & Pearl
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Pearl & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 7 1/2 (sizable) Ring Width: 0.45 inches (11.4 mm) Total weight: 7.9 grams / 5.1 dwt Stamped: T...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.93 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive diamond antique bracelet has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 23.59 Carat Garnet Diamond Yellow Gold Bangle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 23.59 Carat garnet and 0.32 Carat diamond, 20 karat yellow gold bangle; part of our bangle and bracelet collection.
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
.97 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.95 Metal Type: 14 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Antique Cushion Carat Weight: .97carat Color: J Clarity: SI2 Finger to Top of Sto...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.40 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .40 carat Color: H Clarity: VS2 Finger to To...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.23 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Carat Weight: 1.23 carat Color: K Clarity: SI2 Finger to...
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
.33 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .33 carat Color: J Clarity: VS ...
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
.50 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 5.0 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old Mine Cushion Carat Weight: .50 carat Color: J Clarity: SI1 Finger ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.12 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 5.45 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 1.4 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.12 carat Color:...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Amethyst Yellow Gold Ostrich Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.02 carat amethyst, 0.13 carat diamond and 15k yellow gold 'ostrich' bar brooch.
Amethyst, Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Antique Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.23 carat sapphire and 0.43 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set bracelet; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry colle...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive multi diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wide Diamond Ring 14kt Yellow Gold Hearts Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Diamond ring made in 14KT yellow gold with hearts design and wide top.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian rose cut diamond 14k yellow gold bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Understated and quietly elegant, this Victorian bracelet, circa 1880, is a lovely example of the era's more restrained approach to diamond jewelry. Three rose cut diamonds, totaling ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s, Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.58 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold solitaire ring with a platinum setting; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold (Rosey Undertone) Weight: 2.4 grams Side Stone Details: Shape: Rose Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: .10 carat, total ...
White Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Hardstone and Diamond Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique hardstone and 0.68ct diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cameo brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellino White Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Brooch
By Cellino
Located in Stamford, CT
From Italian designer Cellino comes this beautiful 1940's, 18 yellow gold diamond bow brooch. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite brooch features a radiant bo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18kt yellow Gold & Platinum Earrings with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This elegant pair of antique earrings is crafted in 18kt yellow gold with a platinum-topped front, a classic period technique that enhances the brightness of diamond settings.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1910s Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.24 carat diamond and seed pearl, 14k yellow gold and platinum set pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18kt yellow Gold Pendant Cross with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This beautiful Victorian era cross pendant is expertly crafted in 18kt yellow gold and features a sparkling center old mine natural diamond of approximately 0.40 carats (VS2 clarity,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1900s Antique 0.45 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a 0.18 carat diamond set at the center.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.35 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.