Unavailable|$2,950
Fine Vintage 1.20 Natural Sapphire 1.0 G VVS Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Timeless Blue Sapphire This simply gorgeous Sapphire & Diamond ring dates mid-century, 70's approx Beautifully hand made,heavy mount of solid 18 KT gold, timeless, classy, cluster de...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Fine Vintage Natural 1.16 Ct No Heat Siam Ruby .80 Ct G VVS Diamond Cluster ring
Located in Napoli, IT
AN UNHEATED RUBY AND DIAMOND RING set with a central oval cut ruby of 1.16 carats, within a border of round cut diamonds, tests as white gold, unmarked, size N / 6.75, 4.6 g. Accompa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,950
16 Carat Natural Salmon Coral 3.0 Carat Diamond F VVS Impressive Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This 1960 ca stunner is a classy must of the Italian high end jewellery Coral jewellery has enchanted the world from centuries, the endless appeal of Coral is sought after and collec...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$42,935
3.23 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Palermo, IT
Astonishing 18kt yellow gold round solitaire ring with central natural diamond, brilliant cut, of 3,23 ct, color L, clarity VVS2, clustered by 3,20 ct round brilliants and baguette G...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,234 / item
18 Carat White Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By Luca Carati
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Carat White Gold one Diamond dangle earrings featuring 2 round brilliant cut diamonds G color VVS clarity 0.52 carats and 0.18 carats on the 2 pins; total piece weight 2.60 gr Han...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,234 / item
White Gold 18k Teardrop Diamond Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
The earrings contain: - 36 natural diamonds, brilliant cut, G / H color, VVS clarity, total carat 1.29 Total earrings weight: 4.4 grams Earrings height: 1.7 cm If not immediately av...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,950
Top End 100% Natural Red Salmon Coral 1.10 Carat Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Petals are enhanced by glistening round brilliant cut Diamonds G VVS quality approx 1.10 Ct in total The ring weighs 13. 4 grams Highly sophisticate, timeless ring Excellent conditio...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,588 / item
White Gold 18 Karat Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Rome, IT
The ring contains: - 24 natural diamonds, brilliant cut, G / H color, VVS clarity, total carats 0.75 Ring weight: 3.2 grams Size: 16 mm (inner diameter of the ring) The size can only...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Magnificent Calla Brooch Conch Pearl Diamond Ruby Sapphire Tsavorite Brooch Pend
Located in Napoli, IT
(h. x w.) - perfect condition Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt white and yellow gold Hallmarks: assay and gems CW Gems: 1 natural conch pearl of 2.70 Ct (9.3 x 6.8 mm.) - pave se...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$100,927
Édéenne Butterfly Set of Diamonds and Pearl 18 Karat Gold Necklace and Ring
By Édéenne
Located in Paris, FR
The Four Butterfly finger ring is in 18K white gold. It is set with brilliant-cut diamonds (F/G color VVS clarity) totaling 2.92 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$9,680
White gold Cartier Tank Francaise cufflinks with diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Surfside, FL
Cartier Tank Francaise cufflinks in 18k white gold with 0.54 carats in round brilliant cut F-G color, VVS clarity diamonds. With original Cartier box.
White Gold
Unavailable|$15,900
Baguette Ruby Diamond Dome Chandelier Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby Baguette Thread hanging from Diamond Pavé Dome Metal: 18K Gold Diamond: round brilliant, G-colour, VVS, 2.93cts. Ruby: baguette, pigeon blood, 11.64cts.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$17,180
18k White Gold Pave Diamond Hoop Earrings
Located in Surfside, FL
Stunning 18k white gold pave diamond hoop earrings with 6.90 carats in round brilliant diamonds G-H Color, VVS Clarity. Hangs 1.6 inches, 3mm thick.
White Gold
3.3 Carat Baguette Rare White Colourless Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Hook Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Diamond: F-G, VVS, Round Brilliant and Baguette, 3.3 total carat For the matching ring, please see LU820315218412.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,470
Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Flanked by 10 brilliant cut diamonds G Color, VVS Clarity weighing 0.24.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,715
Diamond and Enamels Flower Brooch, circa 1950
Located in Napoli, IT
Three dimensional multipetals adorned by Turquoise and Aubergine colour enamelling work fully highlighetd by approx 2.95 CT CT of Diamonds set throughout. Diamond sare rated as G IF/...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,600
Rolex Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: Stainless steel Diamonds: 4.50cwt. Round brilliant cut. VVS clarity. G-H color. 100% natural earth mined diamonds. 41mm diamond bezel.
Diamond, White Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Unavailable|$2,129 / item
18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Luca Carati
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet featuring two round brilliant cut diamonds G color, VVS clarity 0,12 carats each (0,24 carats total).
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,129 / item
18 Carat Rose Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Luca Carati
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Carat Rose Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet featuring two round brilliant cut diamonds G color, VVS clarity, 0,12 carats each (0,24 carats total).
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$5,950
Stunning Art Deco 4.0 Carat Diamond Platinum Rare Bow Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Look at me Appeal Striking bold design from the art Deco period, 1925 ca, Platinum made Bows of sparkling Diamonds with ribbon like cascade richly set with Diamonds Classy from the ...
Diamond, Platinum
9.75 Carat Oval Blush Pink Kunzite Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Rose Gold
By BOON
Located in Bangkok, TH
9.75 Carat Oval Blush Pink Kunzite Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Rose Gold Gold: 18K Rose Gold, 10.92 g Kunzite: Oval, 9.75 ct Diamond: Round Brilliant, F-G colour, VVS, 0.51 ct Rin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$6,940
1.7 Carat No Heat Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Goettingen, DE
This ring is supplied with an independent appraisal. 750 white gold 1 natural ruby, 1.7 ct oval faceted (8.41 x 5.42 mm) 12 brilliants total 072 ct (G-HF, VVS) Ring head size 14.9 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$79,350
7.9 Carat Fancy Shaped Rare White Colourless Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A dazzling piece made of fancy shaped colourless diamonds Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Diamond: F-G, VVS, Round Brilliant, Baguette and Marquise, 7.9 total carat We offer complimentary r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,450
Vintage 8.00 Carat Natural Aquamarine 1.20 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
-average) – 2 pear cut diamonds totalling approx .34 Ct (G/VVS) and 48 brilliant cut diamonds totalling approx .96 Ct (G -VVS/SI) Measures: 20 mm. x 12 mm.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$28,025
Cartier Marquise 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, London
SETTING SPECIFICATIONS Gold Purity: 18K Yellow Gold 750 Weight: 9.7 grams Size: M Hallmarks: 750, 5A, CARTIER STONE SPECIFICATIONS Carat Weight: 5.00 Carat Shape: Marquise & Round ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,750
Heart Bow 20.0 Carat Amethyst 2.70 Carat Diamond Vintage Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Complemented by 2.70 Ct of sparkly white brilliant cut Diamonds rated as G VVS/VS/SI. They are amazing when worn!
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$46,200
18ct White Gold 3.90ct Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This exquisite 18-carat white gold necklace features a 3.90-carat heart-shaped Colombian emerald, surrounded by 84 round brilliant cut, F/G colour, VVS/VS clarity diamonds totalling ...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,992 / set
18ct Yellow Gold Moissanite Stud Earrings
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
These large Moissanite Studs are round brilliant cut, colour G/H, clarity VVS & individually claw set.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Special Dangly 4.20 Carat Jelly Opal .45 Carat Diamond 18 KT Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
(average) – 2 brilliant cut diamonds totalling approx .15 Ct (G/VVS) – 60 brilliant cut diamonds totalling approx .30 G/VVS/VS Ct Measures: 17 x 10 mm.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Bold Unique Vintage 6.60 Carat Natural Yellow Sapphires Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt white gold, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 3 pear faceted cut natural yellow sapphires totalling approx 6.60 Ct (10.5 mm. x 6.5 mm. average) – ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$976 / item
Rose Gold 7.3ct Amethyst Diamond Earrings
Located in Roma, RM
The earrings are handmade and contain: - 2 amethysts, faceted teardrop cut, 18x9 mm, total carats 7.30 - 14 diamonds, brilliant cut, color G, clarity VVS, total carats 0.23 Earrings ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$42,347
Faraone 11.83 Carats Diamonds Gold Dangle Earrings
By Faraone
Located in Palermo, IT
Imposing Dangling earrings, made by Faraone (Milan via Montenapoleone) with 11.83 ct of round brilliant diamonds F/G color, VVS clarity, set in 18 kt withe gold.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,700
18ct White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in SYDNEY, AU
They are surrounded by a total of 30 round brilliant cut F/G VVS/VS diamonds, these weighing 0.76ct together.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Unavailable|$76,459
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in gold designed as a flower, set brilliant step, cushion shaped ruby, pinkish-red color, weighing 9.07 ct; surrounded by 28 brilliant cut diamonds, VVS clarity, G/H color w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Unavailable|$6,550
Midcentury Pop Art Large Red Coral Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Distinctive High End Jewellery An unique mid century Pop Art brooch pendant , art expression of the 60's Large sized, distinctive in design, beautifully hand created as unique piece...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,650
Glam Vintage 1.70 Carat Natural Ruby .60 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
An exquisite cocktail from the glamour of the 60's The fancy cluster composed by Natural Rubies of appealing Red Pink most probably BURMA Approx 1.70 Ct of Natural Rubies with .60 Ct...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,500
Vintage Carved Bird Coral Diamond Brooch/Pendant 14 Karat Large Size
Located in Napoli, IT
(h. x w.) gross weight is 26.7 grams Further Details Below Metal: 14 Kt yellow gold Hallmarks: assay and maker Gems: 1 hand carved natural coral medallion of 35 x 27 x 15 mm. - 38 ...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,105 / item
Rose Gold 2.28 Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in Roma, RM
The ring is handmade by Italian artisans, and contains: - 1 oval aquamarine, faceted cut, dimensions 10 x 8 mm total carats 2.28 - 20 brilliant cut diamonds, G color, VVS clarity, 20...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Rose Gold
Charming Vintage .90 Carat Diamond Baroque Salt Sea Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt white gold Hallmarks: assay Gems: 2 salt water cultured pearls of 11 mm. x 9 mm. (average) – 50 brilliant cut diamonds G VVS/VS totalling approx 9...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Spectacular Art Deco 2.05 Ct Colombian Emerald .60 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Ever Green Spectacular Art Deco ring -1925 ca – skilfully hand crafted of solid Platinum tested boasting magnificent design and finest workmanship of the period Centred by a magnifi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,646
Robert Vogelsang Pink Coral Drop and Diamond Platinum Dangling Earrings
Located in Zurich, CH
This pair of platinum earrings is set with a pair of pink coral drop shape and 0.21 carats of brilliant cut diamonds F,G vvs. It is designed and hand made in Zurich, Switzerland by ...
Diamond, Coral, Platinum
Unavailable|$26,231
Baroque South Sea Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Nicosia, CY
A pair of Baroque South Sea Pearls White with Silver Overtones 18 x 34.5 Milimiters respectively with High Luster set in 18 Karat White Gold with Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds G - H C...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,650
Contemporary 1.70 Carat Diamond Large Designed Bow Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Bows are a must in any era jewellery, this is an outstanding moden version of our times Excellent new conditions Hallmarks: assay Gems: 114 brilliant cut diamonds totalling approx ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro 16.70 Carat Madeira Citrine 1.10 Carat Diamond Ruby Unique 18 KT Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
A triumph of geometries of sparkly Diamonds crowned by a vibrant and lively large scale Madeira Citrine set in yellow gold, gets in warm contrast against the glisten of Diamonds set ...
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,950
Stunning 10.00 Carat Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 1960s Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
A stunning Aquamarine and Diamond vintage ring of singular elongated emerald cut complemented by Diamonds on sides on a classy step version; Aquamarine sits on a gorgeous pierced bas...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,800
Charles Krypell Ruby and Diamond Brooch and Earring Set
By Charles Krypell
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautifully made set features approximately 3.15 carats of channel set baguette rubies and approximately 2.35 carats of round brilliant diamonds, G-H in color, VVS-VS in clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,890
Fine Quality Single Strand Japanese Pearl Flower Diamond Clasp Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
In diameter - 1 brilliant cut diamond of approx .15 Ct (G/VVS) – 48 brilliant cut diamonds totalling approx .70Ct Measures: clasp is 21 mm.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Vibrant Purple 13.00 Ct Natural Amethyst .80 Ct Diamond Pendant 18 Kt/Platinum
Located in Napoli, IT
(h. x w.) - to match with any chain of your taste Perfect condition Please note chain not included Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and platinum Hallmarks: assay Gem...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Robert Vogelsang Fancy 0.45 Carat Diamond Marquise Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
The ring is mounted in platinum with additional 0.20 carats brilliant cut diamonds F,G vvs. This one of a kind piece is designed and hand made in Zurich, Switzerland by Robert Vogels...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,660
Charming Pearl and Diamond Long Drop Swing Vintage Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Metal: 18 Kt white gold Hallmarks: assay Gems: 2 salt water cultured pearls of 11 mm. in diameter each (average) - 5 micro pearls of 2.7 mm. in diameter each - 40 brilliant cut diamo...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,034
Contemporary Iris Diamond Ring
By Cardillac
Located in Dublin 2, Dublin 2
The ring seems to effortlessly fold into an origami type setting which holds a sparkling 0.25ct round brilliant cut diamond. (G colour, VVS clarity) Ring Size: O.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$15,320
Diamond Gold Ornament Cluster Earclips
Located in Lakewood, NJ
Each ear clip features a center diamond cluster of 19 very fine round brilliant cut diamonds, F-G Color, VVS-VS1 clarity, 1.90 ctw.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,345
18 Karat Odelia 3.40 Carat Diamond Eternity Bangle Bracelet
By Odelia
Located in Metairie, LA
It has been masterfully jeweled with 74 round brilliant-cut G/VVS diamonds approximating 3.40 carats in total weight.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 0.48ct Platinum Etoile Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring F-G VVS
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A vintage platinum solitaire from Tiffany's Etoile collection featuring a 0.48ct round brilliant diamond graded F-G in color and VVS2-VS1 in clarity — near colorless and virtually fl...
Diamond, Platinum
G Color Vvs Clarity 5 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Napoli, NA
Fabulous brand new bracelet made in solid 18k white gold and set with 5 Carats of top quality sparkling Round brilliant cut diamond, graded G color Vvs clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Dinh Van Brilliant Cut Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
Weight : 1.53 gr Dimensions : 40cm long Stones : 1 Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Carat: 0.15ct Colour: G Clarity: VVS Metal : 18kt white gold Period : Modern Condition : Very goo...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning Diamond Earrings with 1.2 carat Round Brilliant Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18k Rose Gold Main stone: 2 Diamond main stone of 1.2 carat cut: round brilliant color: F-G clarity: VVS-VS cut grade: VG sku: E-1695 Online verification IGI 10J2188423 Sid...
Diamond, Rose 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.