$2,800Sale Price|50% Off
Ruby White Diamond Rose Quartz Briolette Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
They are complimented by white diamonds. Finishing the composition are rose quartz briolette (origin: Brazil) in an elongated diamond pattern.
White Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold
$6,649Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 4.16 Carat 18K White Gold Briolette & Oval Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 4.16 Carat 18K White Gold Briolette & Oval Ring This beautiful ring crafted in 18k white gold ,features 2 layers of diamond briolettes and a 1 ct center stone.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz earrings in 14k gold. Briolette topaz earrings. Flower earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Natural topaz: 2 pieces, weight - 1.00 ct approx, sky blue color. Briolette cut, transparent, 8.5 x 5.7 mm each. Diamonds: 2 pieces, weight - 0.02 total ct, G/VS, brilliant cut.
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold
Fleur De Lis Dangle Earrings with Diamonds and Briolette Topaz in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing a mesmerizing pair of diamond fleur de lis dangle earrings with briolette cut topaz charms.
Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Briolette Cut Blue Topaz and Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These enchanting designer-cut blue topaz earrings dazzle with bold elegance and vibrant charm. Each earring features a brilliantly faceted blue topaz that radiates rich color, secure...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant 130ct Paraiba Apatite Briolette Drop 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary necklace is crafted from rare Apatite of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carved into elegan...
Diamond, Apatite, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Multicolor Diamond and Brown Briolette Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18k White Gold Multicolor Diamond and Brown Briolette Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Michael Kneebone Peridot Diamond Blue topaz Briolette Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
The tiny blue topaz briolettes have been gathered into flexible grape-like clusters which move, twirl and sparkle.
Diamond, Peridot, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Unheated Sri Lankan Sapphire Briolette and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Unheated Sri Lankan Sapphire Briolette and Diamond Chandelier Earrings. (Our code EJ 494) A set of 16 unheated sapphire briolettes of Sri Lankan origin, weighing cts 10.75, decorat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$29,574Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 26.45 Carat Floral Briolette Necklace in White Gold Necklace
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Its Combination of two hole round Rose Cut Diamond & One Hole Dangling Pear Briolette cut diamond linked with 18 karat White gold.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Coral Briolette Drop and Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Stylish and finely detailed Vintage Deep Red Coral Briolette Drop and Diamond Platinum Earrings. Hand set with 6 Red Coral gemstones, weighing approx. 0.39tcw and 16 Old European Cut...
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
$6,474Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Diamond Rosecut and Briolette 18k White Gold Floral Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Diamond Rosecut and Briolette 18k White Gold Floral Earrings Incredible diamond earrings are the acme of luxury.Diamond rosecut petals and a briolette sit in the core of these...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Citrine Briolette Drop Diamond Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Create a touch of magic wearing this lovely citrine drop briolette necklace with diamonds. The 6 diamonds weigh 0.03 carats and are H color and SI2-I1 clarity.
Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Diamond Briolette and Round Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 0.57 ct. white diamond briollette with 0.36 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 14k yellow gold. Ring size 6.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
8.03 Carat Emerald-Cut Boucheron "Laperouse" Briolette GIA Diamond Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
From the exceptional Salon de Boucheron: Centering an 8.03 Carat Emerald Cut "G" Color "VS1" Clarity Diamond, framed by 12 magnificent Briolette-Cut Diamond drops totaling 3.94 Carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
140 Carat Colombian Emerald Briolettes Hanging Drop Earrings 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
140 Carats Emerald Briolettes Hanging Earrings 18 Karat Gold. This exquisite pair of earrings are beautifully crafted with 18 karat yellow gold weighing 16.5 grams This pair of E...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$16,799Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 9.49 Carat Fancy Color Diamond Briolette 18k White Gold Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 9.49 Carat Fancy Color Diamond Briolette 18k White Gold Earrings PANIM Fancy Color Diamond Briolette White Gold Earrings 18K WHITE GOLD Gold Grams : 11.74 gms Diamond Carats :...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,797Sale Price|52% Off
16" Natural White Diamond(5.73ct) Briolette Drop Necklace in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 16" necklace features delicate platinum cable chain accented with faceted white diamond beads, each adding a touch of refined sparkle that catches light from every angle...
White Diamond, Platinum
$22,399Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Diamond Rosecut & Fancy Color Briolette 18K White Gold Tassel Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Diamond Rosecut & Fancy Color Briolette 18K White Gold Tassel Earrings Offering modern women the perfect cure to diamond envy with a unique provocative take on fine jewellery ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vivid Red Ruby Beads and Diamond Briolette White Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The white diamond briolettes possess great colour and clarity, as well as have maximum lustre and brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold White Chalcedony & Diamond Pendant - 14k Pear Briolette Reversible
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural White Chalcedony Cut: Checkerboard Pear Briolette Size: 35.1mm x 14.9mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .04ctw Cut: Round Brilli...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M 18kt Gold Briolette Amethyst, White Sapphire & Diamond Pendant
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt White, Yellow, & Rose Gold Briolette Amethyst, White Sapphire & Diamond Pendant.
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yell...
Roman Malakov 37.86 Carat Briolette Sapphire & Round Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful pair of chandelier earrings, showcasing 14 briolette sapphires weighing 37.86 carats total. Accented by a row of round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.34 carats total, ...
Diamond, Sapphire
24.00 Carat Green Briolette Quartz Diamond Gold Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
1940s Aqua and diamond dangle drop earrings. 14k white gold. Two briolette cut light green Quartz bottoms with natural inclusions with diamond accents.
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,499Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 2.05 Carat Diamond Rosecut & Briolette 18k White Gold Mono Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 2.05 Carat Diamond Rosecut & Briolette 18k White Gold Mono Earrings Simple Earrings which can be worn everyday to work as well as for casual events.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.97 Carats Total Diamond with Natural Briolette Sapphires Chandelier Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A delightful pair of chandelier earrings showcasing natural briolette orange sapphires graduating in color, suspended in a tree design accented with round diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Briolette Green Emerald White Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 16"/17"/18" Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "9 White Diamonds 0.42 CT 1 White Diamonds 0.12 CT 1 Emerald 4.66 CT 18KW 2.53 GM (WNTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gems...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Michael Kneebone Peridot Diamond London Blue Topaz Briolette Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
They are linked by lively European cut white diamonds. Dangling beneath are smoothly polished London blue topaz briolette also known as a "club" shapes.
Diamond, Peridot, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.02 Carat Triangular Cut Yellow Diamond & Briolette Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
Accented by six briolette cut diamonds weighing 2.37 carats total, elegantly hanging from the sides.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Citrine Briolette Pearl Gold Festoon Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Exquisite Hand Made 18K White Gold Festoon Necklace featuring Diamonds, Genuine Natural facet-cut Citrine Briolettes, and Pearls.
Citrine, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini Jewelers 18KT WG 37ct. Briolette Sapphire and 4.74ct. Diamond Bangle
Located in New York, NY
This piece is composed of 4.74 carats of rose-cut and brilliant cut diamonds which surround three sections of 37 carats of blue sapphire briolettes.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Briolette Amethyst and Ruby Cross Drop Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Fastenings: friction backs Weight: 14.83 grams
Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10.25 Carat No Heat Star Sapphire and White Diamond Briolette Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A unique ring, it features a 10.25 carat unheated lavender star sapphire and a pair of white diamond briolettes weighing 1.81 carat, with multiple white round brilliant diamonds sur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond and Briolette Aquamarine 'Crochet Lace' Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An incredibly rare and highly coveted high-jewelry masterpiece from the legendary house of Tiffany & Co., hailing from the exclusive Crochet Lace / Sunburst Lace Collection. Mast...
Alex Jona Briolette White Diamond Drop 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold Necklace suspending a briolette cut white diamond weighing 0,91 carats in total, G color, VS2 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Briolette White Diamond Drop 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold Necklace suspending a briolette cut white diamond weighing 0,91 carats in total, G color, VS2 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Briolette Rock Crystal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings w Emerald Diamond Accents
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Stunning briolette rock crystal teardrops catch light and shimmer as they dangle from fancy trumpeted eighteen karat 18K yellow gold findings.
Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Briolette-Cut White Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold necklace alternating 12 white diamonds briolette cut weighing 1.16 carats, G color, VS2 clarity and 13 black d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
"Gresha" 14k Yellow Gold Flower & Diamond Earrings w Citrine Briolette Cut Drops
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Gresha" 14k yellow gold flower and 4 diamonds weighing .28pts. and 2 citrine briolette cut drops weighing 15.25cts. as right and left earrings. this design is ours and can be create...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Briolette Orange Coral Rose Cut Diamond Vintage Style Drop Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The vivid orange color of natural coral, combined with the length and charming design of these earrings all come together to result in a pair of magnificent earrings that will be for...
Coral, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Briolette-Cut White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted, 18 karat white gold necklace featuring 44 briolette cut white diamonds weighing 3.49 carats in total, G color, VS2 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Diamond Briolette and Rose Cut Floral Cluster Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 4.22 ct. good quality, white and bright white diamond briolettes and rose cut diamond. Handmade in 18k white gold.
White Diamond, White Gold
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 link chain necklace featuring 30 black diamonds briolette cut weighing a total of 3.83 carats with black rhodi...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Lapaix Natural Briolette Mined 1ct Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Two Tone 1 Carat
Located in Dearborn, MI
Lapaix Natural Briolette Mined 1ct Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Two Tone 1 Carat Featuring a Genuine Natural Briolette Mined 1ct Diamond 14K White & Yellow Gold 100% Natural...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold 0.20 Carat Diamonds 8.45 Carat Briolette Sapphires Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 18" Pendant:28 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14K Stone Type:Diamonds 0.20 CT G VS2 - 8.45 Ct Natural Sapphires Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 6.8 G...
Diamond, Sapphire
G. Verdi for Cellini 18kt White Gold Briolette Sapphire and Diamond Braid Ring
Located in New York, NY
Verdi, made in Italy exclusively for Cellini Jewelers. 18-karat white gold braid ring composed of 3.12 carats of rose-cut diamonds and 8.50 carats of sapphire briolettes. Ring size 6...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata 2-In-1 Citrine Briolette Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Citrine: 4.00 carat, oval briolette. Citrine: 10.84 carat, drops. Rhodolite: 5.34 carat, drops.
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Briolette Cut Multi-Colored Gemstone Collar Necklace in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning collar necklace is designed with a playful yet sophisticated ball and chain motif, showcasing an alternating pattern of tassels adorned with vibrant gemstones. Featurin...
Citrine, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz,...
18 Ct Natural Ruby Briolette & 8 Ct Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold, Estate
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Estate Necklace showcases a collection of 13 Natural Ruby Briolettes, totaling approximately 18 carats. The stunning rubies are elegantly enhanced by approximately 8 c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mabe Pearl & Briolette Rhodolite Drop 14K Gold Earrings Levered Hinge Backs
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Olivia B. 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Dangle Earrings with Rhodolite Briolettes. These earrings are accented with two round diamonds totaling 0.06 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vera Belleza's 18k gold chain bracelet with briolettes and dangling hearts
By Vera Belleza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It features sparkling diamond briolettes that dangle gracefully alongside petite heart charms, creating a playful yet sophisticated look.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,849Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 2 Carat Rosecut & Fancy Color Briolette 18k White Gold Drop Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 2 Carat Rosecut & Fancy Color Briolette 18k White Gold Drop Earrings Diamond Carats : 1.96 cts Gold Grams : 0.629 gms Customization can be done upon request.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
5 carat Sugarloaf Cabochon Emerald and Yellow Diamond Ring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
The ring is set with 10.85 carats of yellow Briolette and Round Brilliant cut diamonds all set in 18k yellow gold.
Yellow Diamond, Emerald
Briolette-Cut Amethyst and Peridot Cts 48 Grape Drop Earrings set in 18k Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sip the sweetness of summer - these enchanting earrings cascade with vibrant 48 cts of Zambian amethyst and peridot briolettes, reminiscent of a luscious grape bunch.
Diamond, Peridot, Amethyst, 18k Gold
$5,280Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings Platinum
Located in Dallas, TX
Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings in Platinum. The earrings feature briolette cut aquamarines and round cut diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
de Boulle Collection Opulence Drop Earrings
By de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry
Located in Dallas, TX
Australian White Opals and Diamonds in 18K white gold • Opal (47.29 ctw.) • Diamonds (.70 ctw.) • 18K White Gold
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond White Gold 18K Necklace
Located in Geneva, CH
Necklace white gold 18K briolette cut and round diamond 1.30 carat, estimated G/H color and Si1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.