Vintage 1980s 3.00 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with a Cabochon Emerald weighing approximately 3.00 carats surrounded by Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Platinum 17.94ct Cabochon Red Spinel & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in platinum, centered with an impressive 17.94 carat cabochon-cut red spinel displaying rich saturation and a luminous glow.
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Vintage 1980s 3.00 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a Cabochon Emerald weighing approximately 3.00 carats surrounded by pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 8.0...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 9.92Ct Cabochon Cut Garnet and 1.07Ct Diamond Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The anterior portion of the bracelet is embellished with a stunning claw set 9.92Ct round cabochon garnet. The principle stone is encircled with twenty-four Old European cut diamond...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Cabochon Sapphire Clips/Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Each sapphire is encircled by two rows of dazzling diamonds: 58 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 10.26 carats and 24 baguette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.40 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco cabochon cut sapphire diamond platinum dinner ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Art Deco dinner ring showcases a smooth cabochon sapphire, glowing with rich, velvety color and a refined, luminous surface.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Cincinnati, OH
14 karat yellow gypsy style ring Oval cabochon blue sapphire approximately 6mm x 4.5mm x 3.5mm, approximately 1.40 carat, set horizontally 6 round diamonds approximately .36 total di...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Bvlgari Cabochon Emerald and Ruby Earrings with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Emeralds weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, Cabochon Rubies weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, and Round Brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Turquoise Cabochon Earrings with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Dallas, TX
14k yellow gold Approx. 0.96ctw round diamonds Approx. 0.48ctw round emerald 12x10mm oval cabochon, 17x19mm total size Made to order.
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 14k Gold
A striking estate jewel with the kind of presence that feels both important and
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Specifications * Metal: Platinum * Center Stone: Natural Star Sapphire * Sapphire Weight: 3.04 carats * Cut: Oval Cabochon * Diamond Weight: 0.75 carat total weight * Diamond Cuts: ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Cabochon Sapphire and Fancy Yellow Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Sapphire and Fancy Yellow Diamond Halo Cluster Ring Description: This majestic cocktail ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and centers on a high-dome oval cabochon sa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow...
Vintage 1970s 22.79 Carat Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an AGTA certified Cabochon Sapphire weighing 22.79 carats. The ring features Baguette cut and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in San Antonio, TX
18k gold ring centering a cabochon emerald with diamond halo mounting and shank. 750.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Bracelet Beautiful yellow gold bracelet with floral motif.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Art Deco-Style Diamond and Sapphire Cabochon Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco-Style Diamond and Sapphire Cabochon Platinum Ring. The appx. weight of the diamonds is 1.20 carats and the sapphire weighs appx. 0.50 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18K White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The ruby displays a vivid pinkish-red hue with rich internal character, enhanced by its smooth, high-domed cabochon cut. The gemstone is framed by a halo of round diamonds, extendin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14.00 Carat Ruby Cabochon White Gold 18K Diamond Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
14.00 Carat Ruby Cabochon White Gold 18K Diamond Ring. Total weight: 20.05 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage 1960s 5.00 Carat Cabochon Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 5.00 carats and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
IGI Certified Natural Diamond cabochon Emerald Diamond Hallmark 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
This piece of beauty comprises of Natural Zambian cabochon Emerald studded in 18K Yellow Gold with excellent diamonds to add into the fire.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cabochon Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and stylish necklace featuring 7 cabochon emeralds. The 7 emeralds weigh a total of 17.42 carats and have an intense rich green color.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Cabochon Ruby Diamond Earrings in 18K Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
DETAILS Maker: Seaman Schepps Period: 1960s Metal: 18K yellow gold Stones: Cabochon rubies approx. 14 carats total; brilliant-cut diamonds approx. 0.30 carats total Dimensions: 0.825...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$378Sale Price / item|44% Off
Cabochon amethyst ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Weight: 4.79 ct. oval cabochon cut Colour: Purple Clarity: Transparent Surrounding stones - Diamonds 0.02 ct (G/VS), round brilliant cut.
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sugarloaf Cabochon Cut Green Emerald & Round Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Sugarloaf Cabochon Cut Green Emerald & Round Diamond 5.3 ct 18k Yellow Gold Statement Ring The ring weighs 13.2 grams, size 6 (can fit size 4.5-6 fingers due to the sizing flex inn...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$378Sale Price / item|41% Off
Amethyst cabochon ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst cabochon in 925 silver ring. Metal: 925 silver Weight: 2.7 gr depends from size Amethyst: oval cabochon shape, purple color, transparent clarity, 1 piece aprox 2.5 ct Diamo...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
Sugarloaf Cabochon Sapphire, Diamond and Platinum Cluster Earrings, 2.83 Carats
Located in London, GB
A pair of modern sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, set with a pair of sugarloaf cabochon-cut sapphires, with a total weight of 2.83 carats, each with a surrounding cluster of tw...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Cut Citrine and Diamond Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Citrine: 2 oval cabochon cut= 9.84cttw Diamonds: 8 single cut= 0.04cttw Color: G-H Clarity: VS1-VS2 Diamonds: 16 baguette cut= 0.08cttw Col...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Cabochon and Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A bright green Emerald Cabochon weighing 1.47 carat accented by a variety of White Diamonds of fine quality weighing 0.67 carat, this ring is a great option for an engagement ring!
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Gypsy Ring Description: A vintage platinum gypsy ring set with a deep blue cabochon sapphire at the center, flanked by two old min...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Contemporary Sapphire Natural Turquoise Diamond 18K White Gold Brooch Bezel Set
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
The centerpiece features a massive, premium-quality natural oval Turquoise cabochon, framed by a delicate halo of round-cut blue sapphires and a shimmering border of brilliant-cut di...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$28,800Sale Price|20% Off
Unisex 14.61ct Cabochon Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
This ring consists of one 14.61ct cabochon-cut sapphire and two round-cut diamonds. Diamond approx. 1ct in total.
Diamond, Sapphire
3.34 Carat Ruby Cabochon and White Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
3.34 Carat Ruby Cabochon And White Diamond Gold Earrings: A beautiful pair of earrings, it features two intense red ruby cabochons weighing 3.34 carat, as well as an array of white ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
22.12 Carat Tanzanite Cabochon and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* A stunning 22.12 carat natural Tanzanite Cabochon pendant, adorned with diamonds - all set in 18K solid white gold.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.78 Carat Gem Cabochon Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb emerald weighing an impressive 7.78 carats takes center stage. What makes this emerald special is its amazing color. It has a rich intense vivid green color which only the f...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.14 Carat Emerald Cabochon Flower Pendant with Diamonds Platinum
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Gemstone Details: Approx. 1.14ctw of Emerald cabochon gemstones Pendant Measurements: 12.7mm x 7.7mm x 24mm Total Weight: 4.2g (2.7dwt) Ad...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14K Two Tone Gold Cabochon Amber Diamond Floral Ring Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Beautiful 14K 2-Tone Gold Amber and Diamond Ring. Featuring a stunning oval natural cabochon amber, measuring 18 mm by 13 mm, this ring is further enhanced by 8 single-cut round diam...
Amber, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Emerald Cabochon Flower Ring 14K Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Eight Old mine cut Diamonds are estimated to be VS2 to SI2 clarity and H color totaling .25 carat.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Sapphire Ring A cabochon sapphire ring accented by 14 round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Syna Limited Edition Coral Yellow Gold Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Large natural salmon colored coral cabochons Diamonds 0.85 carat approx, Limited edition These exclusive Candy Blue Topaz & Diamond Earrings are hand...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and sculptural pair of 18K yellow gold earrings featuring swirling, asymmetrical designs set with deep blue cabochon sapphires weighing approximately 3.60 carats total.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.58 Carat Sugarloaf Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
This truly show stopping sugarloaf cabochon emerald is flanked by half-moon diamonds and surrounded by a micro-pave diamond bezel, with diamonds on the shank of the ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt White Gold Pink Tourmaline Cabochon Cut Diamond Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt White Gold Pink Tourmaline Cabochon Cut Diamond Ring, Features Gia Certified 36.08ct Pear Shape Pink (Purplish Red) Tourmaline And 6.50ct Of Micropave Round Diamonds Going Three...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold, White Diamonds and Rubellite Cocktail Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Vania celebrates the beauty and strength of her African homeland with intricate designs, infused with the intensity of the finest gemstones and exquisite diamonds. Shield ring craft...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A unique ring featuring a 7.23 carat tourmaline with a luscious and deep blue-green color. The cabochon gem is accented by 0.60 carats of channel set baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Estate Platinum Ring with 10.20ct Coral Cabochon and 0.47ct Diamonds
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Ring, 4 Princess Cut Diamond 0.47 ct H-I SI1-SI2,1 Coral Cabochon 10.20 ct Platinum 9.25g Jewelry Type : Ring Metal Type : Platinum Metal Weight : 9.25 grams Ring Size : 6...
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
26.43 ctw Mid-Century Cabochon Burmese Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Tysons, VA
Type: Cocktail Ring Era / Style: Mid-Century Metal: Platinum Metal Purity: Plat-900 Setting Style: Prong Band Style: Plain Finish: High Polish Gemstone: Natural Blue Sapphire Origin:...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Tabbah Cabochon-Ruby and Diamond Platinum and Gold Ring
By Tabbah
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Elegant 18 kt Gold and Platinum Ring. cabochon ruby : 1.77 carat Diamonds: 1.88 carat FG VS
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Georgian Gold Cabochon Garnet and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Georgian gold cabochon garnet and rose cut diamond cluster ring, a 4.50 ct domed garnet ringed by ten rose cut diamonds in closed collets.
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold
14K White Gold Estate Diamond & Green Amethyst Cabochon Dangle Earrings
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Estate 14K white gold earrings featuring 2 natural cabochon green amethysts (41.3 ct total) accented with brilliant round diamonds (0.4 ct total).
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Estate Platinum Cabochon Star Ruby Baguette & Round Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Specifications: * Metal: Platinum * Center Stone: 1.89 carat natural cabochon-cut star ruby * Accent Diamonds: Approximately 1.40 carats total weight * Diamond Quality: G–H colo...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
1950s 18k gold cuff with diamonds and cabochon sapphire
Located in London, GB
This 1950s 18k gold cuff is adorned with approximately 1.2 carats round cut diamonds and 1 carat cabochon sapphire. It is a hefty piece that is most comfortable to wear.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Floral Diamond Cabochon Scatter Pin Brooch 14.50ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
This fabulous brooch has been done in 18K yellow gold and set with approximately 8.50cttw in H-I color and Vs1-2 clarity round diamonds as well as approximately 6cttw in natural cabo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Flippable Double-Faced Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamond Pavé
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Gold 18K White Gold 15.128g Sapphire Cabochon 1.85ct Diamond 2.65ct Size US4.5
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K Pink Rose Gold Cabochon Amethyst Diamond Designer Ring Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K pink gold ring featuring a large natural cabochon amethyst (18.03 carats) surrounded by diamonds totaling 0.65 carats.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Yellow Gold 11ct Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bold vintage ring features a richly saturated, GIA-certified natural ruby, set in a heavy 18k yellow gold mounting. The ruby displays vivid red tones and is accented by bright w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Cabochon Garnet Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1900 Fabulous Oval Shaped Cabochon Garnet & Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,225Sale Price / item|24% Off
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold ruby and diamond ring containing 1 cabochon cut ruby weighing .98pts. and 36 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .30pts. set in a 4mm wide ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Platinum GIA 3.66ctw Cabochon Colombian Emerald & Diamond Bubble Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Bright Green Color - Colombian - Clarity Enhanced F2 -2.91ct (exact) ** See Certification Details B...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cabochon Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a very pretty Victorian sapphire and diamond cluster ring. The ring features a central cabochon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of rose cut diamonds and crafted in 14ct yell...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Gold Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage 18K gold ring featuring a round sapphire cabochon set within a bezel of diamonds, supported by fifteen millimeter wide shoulders tapering down to a five and a half millimeter...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 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.