18k White Gold Black & White Diamond Pavé Swirl Wave Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Striking and modern, this 18K white gold statement ring is a true masterpiece. The design features 1.55 carats of round-cut black diamonds, their deep black color creating a bold con...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
14k Gold Pave Diamond Black Spinel Dangle Earring 925 Silver Handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Gold Pave Diamond Black Spinel Dangle Earring 925 Silver Handmade Earring Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, unu...
Diamond, Spinel, Black Spinel, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Silver
Effy Black and White Pavé Diamond Enhancer Pendant in 18 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Bold contrast defines this EFFY pendant, where a frame of fancy black diamonds encircles a glittering field of pavé-set white diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Versatile Black and White Pave Diamond Tapered Pendant Earrings, 2.92 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
These beautiful, versatile earrings contain a small hoop top, set with a row of round faceted, black diamonds. Suspended from the hoop is a pear shaped pendant, pave set in the cente...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pnina Tornai Pavé Black Diamond Vertical Bar Necklace in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This sleek, minimalist pendant features an elongated bar densely pavé-set with diamonds, creating a striking vertical line of continuous sparkle.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Effy Black, Brown & White Pavé Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 5.25 This Effy diamond flower ring is a stunning piece set in 14 karat yellow gold, featuring three enchanting flowers of varying sizes. Each flower is adorned with a uni...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black White Diamond Pave & Antelope Deer 18K Rose Gold Statement Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A fusion of elegance and artistry. This striking statement ring showcases a sleek 0.05 carat black diamond, exuding a deep, mysterious allure. The central gem is beautifully offset ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Gold Black and Yellow Pave Diamond Leopard Print Ring, 1.09 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
This fabulous mod ring is contemporary round disc top ring, pave set with round faceted black diamond "spots", 0.57 TCW set into a field of yellow faceted diamonds, 0.52 TCW, which m...
Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Black Threaded Bracelet Natural Pave Diamond Handmade Bracelet With Silver Clasp
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Threaded Bracelet Natural Pave Diamond Handmade Bracelet With Silver Clasp.
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Pave Diamond Handwoven Bracelt Beautiful Black Threaded Bracelet For Her
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Pave Diamond Handwoven Bracelt Beautiful Black Threaded Bracelet For Her.
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Modern 18k YG 2ct Diamond Pavé Black Double String Bracelet
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
This is an end-of-line clearance item. Only one remains. A new take on a classic one size bracelet by representing THEVAULT15's handmade free turning 18-karat gold Signature Infinit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lydia Courteille 18K Rose Gold Pink Tourmaline Lip Ring with Pavé Black Diamonds
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Crafted in warm 18K rose gold, this playful sculptural ring features 5.53 carats total weight of vivid pink tourmalines shaped into expressive lips, accented by 1.26 carats total wei...
Black Diamond, Tourmaline, Rose Gold
Black Opal & Sapphire Diamond Pave Vintage Inspired Antique Style Bee Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The Black Opal, Sapphire, and Diamond Vintage Inspired Antique Style Bee Brooch features a mesmerizing black opal as the body, showcasing its mysterious, iridescent hues. The wings, ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
White & Black Brilliant Diamond Pave 18 Karat White Gold Statement Drop Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Contemporary 18K White Gold Diamond and Black Diamond Drop Earrings. This exquisite pair of earrings is crafted in 18k white gold. The earrings feature brilliant-cut white di...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Kt Gold Pavé Black & White Diamonds Engagement /Fashion Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLDEN RING WITH BLACK & WHITE DIAMONDS, TOTAL 3.15 CT THE INSIDE IS HEARTSHAPES COPLETELY CUT OUT IN 18 KT GOLD NEXT TO EACH OTHER. MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold SIZE: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
26751 BVLGARI Bulgari Parentesi Steel Pave Diamond Pendant Black Cord Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Parentesi collection from Bvlgari Stainless Steel with black cord necklace weighs 25g 30 round pave diamonds, total weight 0.90ct Diamond G color VS1 clarity Pendant measures 60mm ...
Diamond, Steel
18k White Gold Pave Black Diamond and Emerald Pear Cocktail Ring
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
18 Karat Gold 18K 13.50 g 4 ct Black Diamond 1.5 ct Drop Cut Emerald
Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural pave diamond black sapphire oxidized fish fry dancing silver earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful, elegant beach vibes natural diamonds real black sapphire fish dancing earrings consists of Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 silver Metal color- Oxidized sil...
Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver
18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Pavé Earrings, Large 12.7mm Domed Disc
Located in Plantation, FL
Each earring features a dramatic two-tone pavé composition, with densely set round brilliant white diamonds forming the large domed discs and articulated bezel-set diamond links, com...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Micro Pave Black Diamond .50 Carat Eternity Wedding Band in Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Pave set brilliant round diamonds are natural black.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Black White Diamonds Pave Set 14K White Gold Statement Cocktail Unique Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant and Modern. Adorned with Intricate Black and White Diamonds. Crafted with Precision and Care. 14K White Gold 1.50 CTW Natural Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unique Black Onyx Ovals with Pave Diamonds Paradizia Bracelet B1129
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Its allure lies in the cleanly structured, yet ornate design of dramatic Black Onyx ovals, contrasted with striking pave diamond motif appliqués.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Natural Black White Diamond Pave Triple Line Bracelet in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
Monochrome Magnificence — A Black & White Diamond Three-Row Pave Chain Bracelet in 14K Solid Yellow Gold Item Code :- BRMJOS-431 Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Weight ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Black, Starr & Frost Pavé Diamond Multi Star Open Circle Pendant Necklace 18K
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning large medallion pendant with a unique star design will become an instant signature piece. It features a circular pendant approximately 1 7/8" in diameter with a slightl...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Oval Shaped Tanzanite & Pavé Diamond Black Rhodium Hoop Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Black Rhodium Gold Diamond- 2.39 Cts Tanzanite- 16.42 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold
Black & White Zebra Diamonds Pave Set Moon Night Sky White Gold Pendant Neckace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A captivating pendant necklace featuring a circular design with a speckled pattern of pave-set black & white diamonds. The piece is crafted with precision, showcasing a harmonious bl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
26686 David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Pave Set Black Diamond 31mm Cross Pendant
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant does not come with chain 18k yellow gold pendant weighs 8.4g All pave round black diamonds, total weight is 1.48ct Black Color Diamonds Cross pendant measures 31mm x 19mm wid...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rounded Square Black and White Pave Diamonds Pendant Necklace in 18kt Rose Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Rounded Square Black and White Pave Diamonds Pendant Necklace in 18kt Rose Gold.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
RUCHI Trillion Tanzanite & Pavé Diamond Black Rhodium Gold Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Black Rhodium Gold Tanzanite: 3.59ct total weight. Diamonds: 0.41ct total weight. Height - is approximately 2.4cm/0.95inches.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Black Onyx Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold, refined statement with these 14K yellow gold leverback earrings, designed with striking large black onyx circle drops and additional turquoise door knockers suspended fr...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,609Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Shaped Earrings with Pave Black Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt Gold:1.56g; Diamond:2.53ct Siler:10.39g
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Stacked Black and White Pavé Diamond Squared Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Perfect for any special occasion or a night out, this black and white pavé diamond ring is more than just a piece of jewelry—it's a statement of contemporary elegance and style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Panthere Panther Pave Diamond Black Onyx White Gold Emerald Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Panthere Panther Pave Diamond, Black Onyx, Emerald Earrings by Cartier.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold
$1,837Sale Price|20% Off
Black Onyx & Pave Diamond Tunnel Earring Made In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14kt:1.79g, Diamond:1.98ct, Silver:2.11g, Black Onyx 8:14mm
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Black Pave Diamond Ball Tunnel Earring Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:14.64g, Diamond:12.51ct, Size: 8-16 MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Enamel Swirl and Diamond Pave Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These elegant cushion-shaped earrings feature a striking pave-set diamond surface intricately patterned with swirling black enamel accents.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, White Gold
RUCHI Oval-Cut Emerald with Pavé Diamond Black Rhodium Fan Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Tinted Black Rhodium Emerald: 9.95ct total weight. Diamonds: 1.64ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones. Height - is approximately 3.5cm/1.38inches. Width - is approxima...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Pave Diamond Beaded Necklace 925 Silver Black Spinel Modern
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond Beaded Necklace 925 Silver Black Spinel Modern Birthday Necklace Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, unu...
Sterling Silver, Silver
4.50 Carat Black Diamond Micro Pave Eternity Band in 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Eternity Band set in 14K Rose Gold. Pave set brilliant round diamonds are natural black.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
$355Sale Price|31% Off
Natural pave diamonds oxidized 925 silver round black onyx reversible earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
Pave diamonds on one half and black onyx on other half.
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver, Silver
$14,812Sale Price|20% Off
Black & White Pave Diamond Cuff Made in 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14kt:2.79gms, Diamond:53.45cts, Silver:107.12gms, Size: 65X57X36MM"
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Enamel and Pave Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: 188 round cut= 1.41cttw Color: G-H Clarity: VS2-SI1 Dimensions: the earrings measure 39.50mm x 15.35mm Fastenings: friction back...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sea Fish Diamond Pave Black Pearl & Ruby 18K Rose Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 5.10x1.30x0.60cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "9 White Diamonds 0.05 CT 122 Fancy Diamonds 1.03 CT 1 Black Pearl 7.45 CT (10MM) 1 Ruby 0.09 CT 18KR 10.29 GM (WOTT)" 1...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
RUCHI Pavé Black and White Diamond White Gold Zebra-Pattern Dangle Earring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond: 0.61 Carats
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Dome Earrings with Black Enamel in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Italian Dome Pave Diamond Earrings with Black Enamel in 18k Yellow Gold Beautifully made Italian Pave Diamond Dome Earrings feature 4.30 carats of fine quality Round Diamonds Pave s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$28,800Sale Price|20% Off
Prismé Necklace in 18K Gold with Black Onyx and Pavé Diamonds
By Sundar Jewelry
Located in Kuwait, KW
Its design is built around a bold geometric centerpiece crafted with precision, featuring a hand shaped black onyx inlay framed by pavé set diamonds. The clean lines and refined symm...
Coral, Diamond, Malachite, Onyx
18ct White Gold Pave Set Black Diamond Skull With Ruby Eyes Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
18ct white gold, pave set black diamond skull ring is definitely jaw dropping, literally.
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,455Sale Price|20% Off
Black & White Pave Diamond Band Ring Made In 14k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14k:16.982g,D:2.890ct,,, Size: US-7.75
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,752Sale Price|20% Off
Carved Center Stone Jade Cocktail Ring with Black Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:2.87g, Diamond:1.39ct, Silver:6.66g Jade:4.3ct Size: 28X17X29MM"
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Silver
Black and White Pavé Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These striking diamond earrings showcase a refined contrast of light and dark, creating a look that is both bold and timeless. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, the design features alt...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,710Sale Price|20% Off
Black Pave Diamond Ball Earrings Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:2.01g,D:9.97ct,Slv:11.82g, 10:16mm
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,052Sale Price|20% Off
Black Pave Diamond Spiral Earrings Made In 14K Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:8.950g,D:3.73ct,
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1 Carat Micro-Pave Black Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond open bangle bracelet in 18K white gold. 1 Carat micro-pave set Natural Black Brilliant Round Diamonds.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Roman Malakov 9.60 Carats Total Black and White Round Diamond Pave Hoop Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A unique and well crafted pair of hoop earrings showcasing alternating pave set black and white round diamonds set in the inside and outside.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Multi-Druzy Geode & Pavé Diamond Oxidized Silver Black Macrame Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Experience the harmony of raw nature and artisan luxury. This handcrafted bracelet features a unique mosaic of natural druzy geode slices, each showcasing its own crystalline heart a...
Geode, Diamond, Druzy, Yellow Gold, Silver
Black Opal Doublet & Diamond Pave Shoulder 14K White Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Black opal doublet and diamond ring featuring a 15.2 x 9.2mm oval opal doublet with vibrant blue, red, and green color play, accented by 0.20 carats of diamonds in 14K white gold twi...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
6Ct Natural PURPLE Sapphire , Black Onyx & Pave Diamond Ring & Earring Set 18KG
Located in jaipur, IN
There are brilliant cut Pave set Baguette diamonds around the pink sapphire Diamond approximately 2 ct Beautiful setting with Black Onyx and Baguettes diamonds on the band.
Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
26604 David Yurman 9mm Chatelaine Silver Pave Set Black Onyx Diamond Earrings
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
Note: The earring backings are different, one is from Lagos and other from David Yurman Dy Sterling silver earrings weighs 3.8g Both black onyx stones total weight 5.00ct All pave ro...
Diamond, Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
$12,551Sale Price|20% Off
Black and White Pave Diamond Minimal Ball Earrings Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This black and white Diamond Earring in Gold and Silver is a stunner which you will fall in love with. This earring is easy to wear like any push and post earring small ball comes in...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Black Diamond Micro Pave Ball Tunnel Earring Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:1.17gms, Diamond:12.62cts, Silver:8.32gms, Size: 8-18 MM"
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
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.