$10,849Sale Price|30% Off
L 18 in
PANIM 6.79 Carat Diamond Briolette 18 Karat Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
This Panim Diamond Briolette Choker necklace features 6.79 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$31,149Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 17.25 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Color Diamond Briolette Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 17.25 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Color Diamond Briolette Earrings Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Panim earrings, featuring a total of 17.25 carats of n...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$34,650Sale Price|30% Off
JR 15.39 Carat Diamond Briolette Chandelier 18 Karat White Gold Earring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 15.39 carats Diamond Briolette Chandelier Earring Timeless piece of diamonds set in some of the most lustrous chandelier settings is what we promise and is exactly what you get w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$15,120Sale Price|30% Off
JR Invisible 6.46 Carat Diamond Briolette 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR Invisible 6.46 Carats Diamond Briolette 18 karat White Gold Ring We've kept the mood classy and chic with this diamond briolette cocktail ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,099Sale Price / item|30% Off
L 18 in
PANIM 7 Dancing Diamond Briolettes 18K Yellow Gold Mille Etoiles Necklace
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 7 Dancing Diamond Briolettes 18K Yellow Gold Mille Etoiles Necklace The diamond briolettes are known for their unique shape and sparkling brilliance.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$80,430Sale Price|30% Off
JR 35.08 Carat Diamond Briolette Chandelier 18 Karat White Gold Earring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 35.08 carats Diamond Briolette Chandelier Earring Timeless piece of diamonds set in some of the most lustrous chandelier settings is what we promise and is exactly what you get w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$23,449Sale Price|30% Off
L 24 in
PANIM 15.29 Carat Diamond Briolette & Beads 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 15.29 Carat Diamond Briolette & Beads 18 Karat White Gold 24" Necklace This Panim exquisite necklace features a stunning arrangement of diamond briolettes and beads, carefully...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Briolette Cut Green Tourmaline & Diamond Dangling Stud Earrings in 18K
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Briolette Cut Tourmaline & Diamond Dangling Drop Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,830Sale Price|30% Off
JR 1.92 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 1.92 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper. it has 13 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,940Sale Price|30% Off
JR 2.27 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 2.27 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat yellow Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper. it has 13...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Sapphire Briolette Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond ring features a particularly large and attractive pearl of 17.5/18mm diameter.
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,570Sale Price|30% Off
JR 1.31 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 1.31 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper. it has 11 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,799Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 18k White Gold White Briolette and Illusion Diamond Cocktail Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 18k White Gold White Briolette and Illusion Diamond Cocktail Ring This massive diamond statement ring sparkles tremendously!
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
27 Carat Diamond Briolettes Hanging Drop Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
27 Carats Diamond Briolettes Hanging Earrings 18 Karat Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,499Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 7.08 Carat Diamond Briolette 18 Karat White Gold Dangling Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 7.08 Carat Diamond Briolette 18 Karat White Gold Dangling Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
PANIM 2.82 Carats Diamond Briolette 18 Karat White Gold Hoop Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Set in 18ct Rose Gold, each hoop contains 7 ethically sourced diamond briolettes. Additonal photos and videos available on request.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
PANIM 2.84 Carats Diamond Briolette 18 Karat Rose Gold Hoops Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Set in 18ct Rose Gold, each hoop contains 7 ethically sourced diamond briolettes. Additonal photos and videos available on request.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
PANIM 2.84 Carats Diamond Briolette 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Set in 18ct Rose Gold, each hoop contains 7 ethically sourced diamond briolettes. Additonal photos and videos available on request.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,242Sale Price|25% Off
W 0.25 in L 1.15 in
14K White Gold Diamond Circle Drop Earrings with Rare Ruby Briolettes
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Suspended from elegant diamond-accented circle drops, these earrings showcase 0.65 carats of natural round diamonds, graded G color and VS clarity for exceptional brilliance and visu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$31,011
W 2.48 in D 0.12 in L 0.71 in
18Kt. Gold Boucheron Cinna Pampilles Necklace 4.8 Ct & Briolette Cut Diamonds
By Boucheron
Located in Antwerp, BE
White Gold Boucheron / Tiffany Co , Cinna Pampilles Necklace With 4.8 Ct Diamonds. Diamonds: 8 briolette cut diamonds together 2.95 ct.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alex Jona Briolettes Black Diamond Drop 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold necklace featuring a briolettes cut black diamond weighing 0,28 carats. Dimensions: 45 cm / 17.71 in.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
JR 18 Karat White Gold Dangling Diamond Briolette Turquoise Choker Necklace
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR Dangling Diamond Briolette Turquoise Choker Necklace Every necklace has a story to tell!
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Blue Topaz Briolette and Diamond Multi Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 146.5 Grams Stone: Blue Topaz, .61ctw Diamond Size: 17" Hallmark: 14k, 585 Metal: 14k White Gold Item #: BR-1800-021326-03
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum and Gold Edwardian Amethyst Briolette and Diamond Necklace circa 1910
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A lovely Edwardian Amethyst briolette and diamond necklace in platinum, and yellow Gold, ca. 1910.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$50,820Sale Price|30% Off
JR 28.65 Carat Yellow Diamond Briolette Grapes 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 28.65 carats Yellow Diamond Briolette Grapes Earring Made using a very special technique, this yellow briolette grape earring looks like a piece of contemporary art.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,000
W 0.71 in L 1.5 in
26 Carat Briolette-Cut Pink Sapphires and White Diamond Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful pair of earrings, it features numerous briolette-cut pink sapphires weighing 26 carat surrounded and topped by white diamonds weighing 4.04 carat.
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$5,529Sale Price|44% Off
L 16 in
PANIM 5.30 Carat Fancy Color Diamond Briolette 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
5.30 Carats of Fancy Colour Diamond Briolette set in Necklace having 18k Yellow Gold
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Citrine Briolette Pendant with Diamond Bale – 14k White Gold (Made in Italy)
Located in beverly hills, CA
Citrine Briolette Pendant with X-Shaped Diamond Bale – 14k White Gold (Italy) A radiant centerpiece with a touch of symbolism.
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 7.35 carat Briolette and Diamond Chandelier Earring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These earrings feature a breathtaking 7.35 carat rubellite briolette that hangs elegantly from the ear, accentuated by a halo of 2.41 carats of white round diamonds.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Diamond Bow Brooch in 18K Gold and Platinum with Briolette Drops
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite piece is adorned with: 5 briolette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 9.80 carats, adding movement and brilliance through their graceful drops 3 round diamonds tota...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Rose De France Hexagon Briolette Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
This 14-karat hexagon briolette pendant is made from 1.2 grams of gold, 1 rose de France stone totaling 2.57 karats, and is surrounded by 33 round SI1-SI2, GH color diamonds totaling...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$4,896 / item
D 0.12 in L 47 in
Alex Jona Briolette-Cut Black Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold necklace with black rhodium, with briolette cut black diamonds weighing 61.3 carats.
Black Diamond, White Gold
$12,599Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 7.05 Carat Diamond Briolette Chandelier Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 7.05 Carat Diamond Briolette Chandelier Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold These earrings add elegance to any formal attire.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$3,150Sale Price|30% Off
JR 1.00 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 1.00 Carat Diamond Briolette Dangling Ring 18 Karat white Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper. it has 3 p...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Dark Green Teardrop Briolette Quartz Earrings Diamond 14K Gold Drop Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Each earring features a pear-cut green quartz, suspended from a delicate setting adorned with smaller green gemstones and daimonds. The design is both modern and sophisticated, with...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz Amethyst Briolette Floral Diamond Black White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This elegant pendant necklace, features a striking design with a vibrant blue teardrop topaz, expertly faceted to catch the light. Above, a series of smaller gemstones in purple amet...
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
21.17 Carats Total Briolette Cut Sapphire and Round Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable pair of chandelier earrings showcasing a briolette cut sapphires, set in 6 rows of diamond encrusted bars made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Black Onyx Briolette Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
14k white gold rare faceted black Onyx diamond dangle earrings circa 1940's with large Briolette dangles. 2 faceted black Briolette Onyx, 30 x 10.8mm 14 round diamonds, approx. ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
JR 18 Karat White Gold Dangling Diamond Briolette Black Onyx Choker Necklace
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 18 karat White Gold Dangling Diamond Briolette Black Onyx Choker Necklace Minimalist, elegant and yet speaking a volume, this gorgeous piece of necklace is an absolute eye-catche...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
$56,490Sale Price|30% Off
JR 39.18 Carat Black and White Diamond Briolette Tassel 18 Karat Gold Earring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 39.18 carats Black and White Diamond Briolette Tassel Earring This black and white tassel earring showcase a distinctive color blocking technique.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vera Belleza's Heart shapped diamond in 18k gold with dangling briolette drops
By Vera Belleza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The centerpiece features a dazzling heart-shaped diamond, surrounded by a pavé diamond-encrusted V-shaped band.
Diamond, 18k Gold
25.00 Carat Black Diamond Briolette Bead Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
25.00 Carat Black Diamond Briolette Bead Necklace in 18K White Gold.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$964Sale Price / item|44% Off
W 1.3 in L 0.45 in
Bee on Honeycomb Studs Earrings with Citrines Briolettes
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bee on honeycomb earrings studs with natural citrines briolettes. November birthstone earrings studs. Contemporary design earrings. Gold: white and yellow (bee) 14k gold Earrings...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Impressive Sapphire Diamond Gold Briolette Drop Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fine white diamonds, weighing 2.40 carats, are set over the twisting and turning gold work.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Black Onyx Briolette Black Diamonds Red Garnets Tear Drop 14K Rose Gold Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
These elegant drop earrings feature a striking combination of black teardrop-shaped onyxes and rectangular faceted garnets set in a 14K Rose Gold frame.
Black Diamond, Garnet, Onyx, Gold
Sapphire Briolette Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
These multicolor sapphire briolette drop earrings feature 8 briolette sapphires of different colors for a total of approximately 10 carats in a playful and flexible design.
White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,270
W 1 in L 2.25 in
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Circle Earrings with 2.50 Carats Gemstone Briolettes
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of brilliance and a splash of color to your jewelry collection with these exquisite 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Circle Earrings with Multi-Gemstone Briolettes.
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Citrine, Amethyst, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$7,656 / set
W 0.5 in L 1.5 in
Multi-Colored Briolette Gemstone Dangle Earrings with Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
At the top, a delicate star shape, encrusted with sparkling diamonds, captures the light brilliantly. From the star, a cascade of vibrant briolette-cut gemstones dangles gracefully, ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Briolette Sapphire Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a splendid pearl of 17mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Whit...
Golden Pearl 18mm Diamond Sapphire Briolette Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond cocktail ring features a splendid pearl of the rare size of 18mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Whit...
Certified Unheated Burmese Briolette Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Certified Unheated Burmese Briolette Ruby and Diamond Necklace A vintage necklace adorned with a natural Burmese briolette ruby and round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Briolette Multicolor Sapphire Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing our 18K Two Tone Diamond and Briolette Multicolor Sapphire Necklace.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Multi Sapphire Briolette Drop Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
These exquisite multi sapphire briolette drop earrings are a true celebration of natural beauty and refined craftsmanship.
Diamond, Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Sapphire Diamond Platinum Briolette Dangling Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The intricately crafted sapphire diamond earrings feature medium-light, cornflower blue sapphires, weighing approximately 12cts, surrounded by old European-cut marquise and round sha...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Pastel Unheated Sapphire Briolette Drop Earrings 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
These exquisite pastel sapphire briolette drop earrings are a true celebration of natural beauty and refined craftsmanship.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 24.5ct Diamond Briolette Necklace MF19-012726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Their warm champagne tint blends seamlessly with the yellow gold, giving the necklace a cohesive glow.In estate condition, this 18K Yellow Gold 24.5 ct Diamond Briolette Necklace com...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Diamond and Emerald Double Snake Brooch with Yellow Diamond Briolettes
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Each snake features vibrant marquise-shaped emerald eyes (totaling approximately 0.12 carats) and terminates in a striking briolette-cut yellow diamond drop (totaling approximately 1...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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.