BVLGARI Serpenti Diamond & Emerald 18K Vintage Bracelet, c 1980.
By Bulgari
Located in Aspen, CO
A BVLGARI highly flexible serpent bracelet from their iconic Serpenti Collection.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Diamond 18K Rose Gold Choker Necklace Full Set
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti necklace crafted in luxurious 18 karat rose gold, embodying the sensual elegance and unmistakable design language that has made the Serpenti collec...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Diamond & Emerald Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted by the renowned Italian house of Bvlgari, these exquisite earrings originate from the iconic Serpenti Seduttori collection and embody the maison’s legendary fusion of symboli...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Watch A limited edition Bvlgari wrist watch, featuring the brand's iconic snake motif surrounded by 174 round brilliant-cut diamonds of 12.89 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Diamond, Sapphire & Emerald Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted by the renowned Italian house of Bvlgari, these exquisite earrings originate from the iconic Serpenti Seduttori collection and embody the maison’s legendary fusion of symboli...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
BVLGARI - Serpenti Viper ring pave with diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Introducing the BVLGARI Serpenti Viper Pavé Ring, a symbol of strength, beauty, and transformation.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold 1.52ct Diamond Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
These Bvlgari Serpenti earrings will add a touch of luxury to any occasion.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Scaglie Rose Gold Diamond Set 102345
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A true statement of luxury, an exquisite Bvlgari Serpenti Scaglie ref: SPP26C9GD1C9LGD1 102345 an iconic design with exceptional craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Set 101788 SPP26G
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rose gold Serpenti by Bvlgari. Features a black dial with each hour marker diamond-set.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K White Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Wrap your wrist with sinuous elegance with this Bvlgari Viper bracelet. The coiled design, geometric pattern, and glamorous diamond embellishment capture the allure of the serpent. E...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti L 18K Rose Gold Diamond Tubogas Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An iconic expression of Bvlgari’s legendary design language, this Serpenti Tubogas ring is crafted in 18K rose gold and accented with diamonds for added brilliance and sensual elegan...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Diamond Mother of Pearl Gold Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A stunning pre-owned Bulgari Serpenti Viper bracelet, crafted in 18ct rose gold set with diamonds and mother of pearl. This bracelet features Bulgari's iconic 'Serpenti' design co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari 18K Rose Gold Serpenti Misteriosi Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The Bvlgari Serpent Misteriosi Secret Watch in 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Rubelite combines luxury, elegance and seduction..
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Single Coil Pave Diamond Ring - Size Large
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a single coil wrap that is pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold 14.03ct Diamond Necklace BV18-051926
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti necklace is incredibly chic. Elegant enough for even your most special occasions, trapezoidal step-cut Diamonds with a total weight of 14.03 carats make it simp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori 18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond & Sapphire Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori bracelet exudes quiet confidence.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
BVLGARI Serpenti Viper L 18kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
There is no damage to the gold settings. All diamonds are securely set in their full pavé mountings throughout the serpent design, displaying exceptional brilliance and the legendary...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$85,600Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K White Gold Diamond Bracelet 2.80 Carats
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic Bvlgari “Serpenti Viper” bracelet, exquisitely crafted in 18 karat white gold and set with approximately 2.80 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
BVLGARI Serpenti Viper Pavé Diamonds 18K White Gold Necklace
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Serpenti Viper necklace from BVLGARI. Product Details The necklace features a signature coiled serpent pendant that symbolizes transformation and strength.
Bvlgari Rose Gold Diamond Serpenti Viper Ring Size 55 353288
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sophisticated 18k rose gold diamond ring by Bvlgari from the Serpenti collection.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold 1.52ct Diamond Earrings BV02-011426
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
An abstract snakes head design makes these Bvlgari Serpenti earrings instantly alluring. Set in 18K White Gold, these iconic earrings shine brightly thanks to inset Diamonds with a t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti SP35S Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel Box & Papers
By Bulgari
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Serpenti Tubogas watch by Bvlgari is an exquisite combination of elegance and modernity, inspired by the graceful curves of a snake.
Stainless Steel
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Onyx Ring #5084
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
In estate condition, this Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Onyx Ring comes with a gift box.
Onyx, Diamond
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring BV04-122225
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti ring is instantly alluring. Set in 18K White Gold, sparkling Diamonds and dazzling Sapphire eyes add elegance to the timeless snake motif.
Sapphire, Diamond
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring, 18kt Rose Gold, Pavé Diamonds, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring in 18kt rose gold with full pavé diamonds coils sensually around the finger, summoning the power and mystique of a venomous snake.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
"Serpenti" Enamel, Diamond and Emerald Bracelet/Ladies Wristwatch, by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Iconic enamel, diamond and emerald bracelet/ladies wrist watch by famous maison Bvlgari. Elegant, flexible bracelet, designed as a coiled serpent, with red enamelled scales, the he...
Diamond, Emerald, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI SERPENTI Snake Head Necklace with Sapphires & Full Pave Diamonds
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Authentic BVLGARI SERPENTI high jewelry necklace. Full pave diamonds with sapphire accents, iconic snake head design.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Serpenti White Gold Full Diamond Emerald-Eyed Snake Bracelet
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Iconic BVLGARI Serpenti Bracelet in 18K white gold, fully set with pavé diamonds and enhanced by vivid emerald eyes.
Emerald, White Gold
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
BVLGARI BULGARI Serpenti Viper Collection 18K Rose Gold Diamond Onyx Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This iconic BVLGARI BULGARI Serpenti Viper collection ring, expertly crafted in 18K rose gold, set with a black onyx accents 38 pavé-set high quality brilliant-cut diamonds weighing...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Diamond Mother Of Pearl Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Diamond Mother Of Pearl Serpenti Viper Snake Bangle Bracelet by Bulgari. Round brilliant cut diamonds and Mother Of Pearl stones Retail Price: $21,600 Details: Size: ...
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Pave Diamond Rubellite Rose Gold Large Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Pave Diamond Rubellite Large Serpenti Pendant Necklace by Bulgari. This necklace come with service paper from the Bulgari store and a Bulgari box. Retail Price: $39,30...
Diamond, Rubelite, Rose Gold
BVLGARI Serpenti Viper 18K White Gold & Pavé Diamond 2 Coil Ring Medium
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Brand: Bvlgari Collection: Serpenti Viper Period: Contemporary Metal: 18K White Gold Stones: Natural Diamonds Ring Size: Medium, US 5.75–6.5 / EU 51–53 Ring Width: A...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K Gold Diamond & White Mother of Pearl Ring #5086
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
The open-ended silhouette suggests movement, transforming the symbolic serpent into a contemporary jewel.In estate condition, this Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and ...
Diamond
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Tourmaline Ring BV41-012826
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring's top dimensions measure 10mm by 15mm.In estate condition, this Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Tourmaline Ring comes with a gift box.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Snake Viper Black Onyx & Diamond Pave 18K Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Bulgari Serpenti Viper ring crafted in luxurious 18K gold and accented with rich black onyx and brilliant natural diamonds. Inspired by the iconic serpent motif that has become one o...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Snake Mother of Pearl & Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Bulgari Serpenti Viper ring crafted in luxurious 18K gold and accented with luminous mother-of-pearl and brilliant natural diamonds. Inspired by the iconic serpent motif that has bec...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 18K White Gold Serpenti White Dial Leather Bracelet Diamond Ladies Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful watch to gift to your loved one or to purchase for yourself: Bvlgari Serpenti Leather Bracelet Wrap Diamond Watch.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti SPP26G Twirl Diamond in Rose Gold on Diamond & Onyx Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Embrace luxury with this Bvlgari watch crafted in 18k rose gold and mixed metals, featuring 4.12 carats of sparkling diamonds. The sleek black watch face is complemented by a unique...
18k Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Serpenti Bypass Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
An iconic vintage Bvlgari Serpenti Bypass ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Sapphire Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold Size 55
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Part of the legendary Serpenti collection, this Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori ring is a masterpiece of glamour and sophistication. Designed to capture the power of attraction, it glorif...
Bvlgari 0.41 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpenti Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: BVLGARI Title: Bvlgari 0.41 Carat Round Brilliant G VS Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpenti Ring Style: Serpenti Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 0.41 Carat Diamond...
Bvlgari Serpenti High Jewelry Diamond and Emerald 18K White Gold Pendant Necklac
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A breathtaking masterpiece from Bvlgari’s most iconic collection, this Serpenti High Jewelry necklace celebrates the spirit animal that has defined the Roman jeweler’s legacy since 1...
BVLGARI Bulgari Serpenti Diamond 18k White Gold Eternity Band Ring Size 6 52
By Bulgari
Located in Simpsonville, SC
A captivating embodiment of timeless elegance and serpentine seduction, the BVLGARI Serpenti Eternity Band Ring in 18k white gold reimagines the iconic serpent motif with exquisite c...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari Rare Serpenti Watch 18k Gold White Enamel Gemstones
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It’s a movement that Vacheron Constantin made just for Bvlgari back in the late '60s and early '70s. The mix of ruby eyes, diamond details, and white enamel touches feels both bold a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring Mother-of-Pearl Diamonds 18K White Gold Size 48
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring. This specific design is a thin band ring that features the collection's signature "scales" set alternatively with different precious materials.
White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18k White Gold Full Pavé Diamond Two-Coil Wrap Ring SizeM
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A mesmerizing fusion of audacity and elegance, this Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring is a modern reinterpretation of the Maison’s legendary icon.
White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Diamond & Malachite Band Ring 18K Rose Gold Size 49 US 5
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
With the beautiful and captivating design from Bvlgari, this ring coils sensually around the finger combining the beauty of the precious scales with the sinuosity of the snake. Craft...
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Ring 18K Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The ring: Designed in polished eighteen karat rose gold as two facing snake heads accented with "4" pear cut rubellite tourmaline eyes and set with "106" diamonds weighing 0.57 carat...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Malachite And Diamonds Rose Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2052 Brand Bvlgari Model Serpenti Date Circa 2021 Retail Price £5,600 Incl Taxes/€6,500 Incl Taxes / $5,900.00 Excl Taxes _____________________________________________...
Malachite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$300,000
Bvlgari Serpenti Diamond Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
This stunning Bvlgari Serpenti Diamond coils around the neck for a seductive look and feel.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,000
Bvlgari Serpenti Watch with Diamond markers
By Bulgari
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stunning stainless steel, Bvlgari serpentine, watch with diamond hour markers. These timeless iconic watches are perfect for every day, where we’re dressing up in the evening the wat...
Diamond
Unavailable|$6,000
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Rose Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k rose gold Serpenti Viper band ring by Bvlgari, set with approx. 0.50ctw in G/VS diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$125,000
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamonds Jewellery Watch
Located in New York, NY
Serpenti Jewellery Watch with case and double spiral bracelet in 18 kt rose gold and brilliant cut diamonds, black sapphire crystal dial and diamond indexes. Sophisticated and strik...
Unavailable|$135,000
Bvlgari Serpenti Jewelry White Gold Diamonds Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
26 mm 18-ct white gold case with 6 diamonds 0.45 carats, 8.25 mm thick, sapphire crystal, mother of pearl dial set with 33 diamonds 0.06 carats, quartz movement, 18-ct white gold bra...
Unavailable|$13,195
BVLGARI Estate 18K Emerald & Diamond "Serpenti Seduttori" Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Narberth, PA
A jaw-dropping ring by designer, Bvlgari! Crafted in 18k white gold, this piece is known as the "Serpenti Seduttori" ring.
Unavailable|$29,000
Bvlgari Rose Gold Serpenti 18 Carat Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Item Type: Ring Weight: 18g Materials: Rose gold, diamonds. Hallmarked: Yes Band Width : 3mm - 13mm Diamonds: 2 x pear: 0.25 carats 267 x Round: 3.47 carats. Total Diamond car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$36,000
Bvlgari Tubogas 102450 Rose Gold Serpenti Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Gender: Women Case material: Rose Gold Dial color: White Strap material: Rose Gold Movement: Quartz Battery Reference number: 102450 Water resistance: 30 m (98 ft) Crystal: Sapphire ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris arrived in Rome in 1881 and set up his own shop there in 1884, calling it Bulgari, an Italianization of his last name (in the brand's logo, it's styled BVLGARI, using the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture). In 1905, he opened the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories.
Although the iconic jewelry house found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, Bulgari’s signature style — bold, often using yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones — began to emerge when Sotirios’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.
The brand truly hit its stride in the dolce vita era of the 1950s and ’60s, when the founder’s grandsons Paolo, Gianni and Nicola Bulgari decisively departed from demure traditional styles to develop the house’s exuberant multi-gem looks, attracting celebrity collectors like Elizabeth Taylor.
In the 1940s, Bulgari debuted perhaps its most famous design, the Serpenti bracelet watch. The piece’s snakelike coils were made possible by the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands. Both the sleek, modern tubogas construction and the sinuous snake motif continue to be synonymous with the Bulgari brand.
On 1stDibs, the collection of vintage Bulgari jewelry includes rings, pendant necklaces, watches and other accessories.
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.
Jewelry historian Vanessa Cron combed 1stDibs and selected some dazzling pieces with timeless appeal.
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Get to know the history behind the world's most iconic jewelry houses and the fabulous styles they designed.