Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch Details: The square platinum case measuring
20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch Details: The square platinum case measuring
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Vintage Diamond Platinum Collectible Ladies Dress Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite vintage Cartier ladies' diamond watch, crafted from luxurious platinum, is a true
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
A study in bold design, this elegant pendant watch by Cartier is in a class of its own. Crafted of
Diamond, Platinum
Very Rare & Collectable Cartier Paris Art Deco Platinum Diamond Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Very Rare & Collectable Cartier Paris Art Deco Platinum Diamond Ladies Watch - Manual winding
Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with Rose cut Diamonds and French cut Onyx. Signed
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This unique and wonderful Cartier Paris Pendant-Watch necklace was manufactured ca. 1920 with the
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Unavailable
Cartier Platinum Crash Diamond Watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Extraordinarily Rare Platinum "Crash" Watch with Original Diamonds, by Cartier. Manual Wind
White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
in platinum by Cartier. The rectangular timepiece is framed in glistening baguette diamonds and
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Lady's platinum Cartier wristwatch with diamond and faceted onyx and deployant buckle
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
, it’s this Cartier watch dial. A magnificent, vintage, and one of a kind Art Deco watch dial by Cartier
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Rare Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
, it’s this Cartier watch dial. A magnificent, vintage, and one of a kind Art Deco watch dial by Cartier
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable
Dm 1.19 in L 1.46 in
Cartier Tank Chinoise Large Model Platinum with Diamonds Unworn Full Set
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
In Platinum case Green Cartier strap Reference n° WE300251 Original Cartier Diamond setting Vertical
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Pearl and Onyx Watch, Art Deco, Paris, c. 1920
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond, Pearl, and Onyx Watch by Cartier, Paris, circa 1920 A watch with a square
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
10.07 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring, by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A GIA Certified 10.07ct E VS1 Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring by Cartier. Comes in an original Cartier box
White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Cartier lady's platinum and diamond lapel watch. Manual-wind movement in working condition
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Cartier Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A very fine ladies' platinum and diamond wristwatch, featuring a bracelet composed of single-cut
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Set Platinum Cocktail Watch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
An exceptional and rare diamond set Art Deco platinum cocktail watch by Cartier. Designed a series
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco Cartier diamond and platinum cocktail watch, with an off white rectangular dial, signed
Diamond, Platinum, Enamel
18KY & Platinum Cartier Belle Epoque Watch C 1907
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable 18kt yellow gold and platinum pocket watch by Cartier, dating back to the Belle Époque
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Vintage Art Deco Cocktail Dress Watch Platinum and Diamond Set Very Rare
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 14 mm rare women's vintage cocktail Art Deco dress watch by Cartier, in platinum, featuring a
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant classy Cartier lady's watch made of platinum and studded with round diamonds. Mechanical
French Art Deco Cartier Diamond Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco diamond square-faced watch on a black grosgrain ribbon with a déployante clasp, in 18k
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
white dial with black Arabic numerals and hands, signed Cartier. Single cut diamonds estimated to
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamonds Platinum White Gold Lady Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
cut diamonds. It is the Tank Model. The Tank line was created by Louis Cartier in 1917. The button is
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Clip Watch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
and mark the hours. Crafted of platinum and 18K yellow gold, this watch exudes elegance. The Cartier
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cartier Lady's Diamond Onyx Platinum Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
1920s Cartier Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Wrist Watch, measuring 1 5/8 inch in length and 3/4 inch
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier 2.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Vintage Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Original solid Platinum Cartier ladies diamond Art Deco wristwatch. Case and band set with Diamonds
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Cartier Platinum Bracelet Wristwatch Diamond Ruby
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and delicate Art Deco watch created by Cartier in the 1930's. It is platinum and
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Audemars Piguet for Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A diamond dress backwinder watch with a rectangular face and a double row line bracelet with
Platinum
Cartier Paris EWC 1920s Platinum Diamond Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 20 X 20 MM French Stamped and numbered Platinum Case with
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Ladies 1920s Platinum Diamond and Onyx EWCC Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 20 X 20 MM French Stamped and numbered Platinum Case with
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier 1920's Art Deco Platinum and Diamond 'Tank' Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Cartier Art Deco platinum and 18k gold 'Tank' watch with diamonds. The watch has 117 rose-cut
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Paris Mamie Eisenhower Diamond Pearl Platinum Gold Art Deco Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
. Eisenhower the 34th President of the US, this Cartier Paris diamond pearl platinum watch is a historical show
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Art Deco Lady's Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
case, formed of lustrous platinum, is pave-set with glittering white diamonds. The dial showcases
Diamond, Platinum, Enamel
Cartier Diamond Back Winder Wristwatch, Circa 1950
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier, vintage, diamond-set back winder wristwatch, set with approximately 11.00ct of marquise
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1920s Platinum and Diamond EWC Pocket Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. Platinum 3 Piece case with Diamond set case perimeter
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Paris Retro Diamond Ruby Pink Gold and Platinum Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A French Retro 18 karat pink gold- and platinum-covered watch with diamonds and rubies by Cartier
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ladies Watch - Manual. Platinum case with diamonds .40 cts
Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ladies Watch - Manual. Platinum case with diamonds .40 cts
Cartier Paris Belle Epoque Platinum Gold Enamel Pearl Diamond Pendant Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Cartier pendant pocket watch with diamonds, natural saltwater seed pearls, emerald
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Cartier, Paris Art Deco 1920's Diamond & Onyx Wrist Watch in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A Cartier art deco period wrist watch crafted in platinum. The
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Cartier Ladies White Gold Platinum Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
deployante clasp on a leather-backed grosgrain strap, in platinum and 18k gold. Cartier, Paris. Atw diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier 1920s EWC Gold Platinum Gem Set Pendant Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier Ladies pendant watch, 27 M.M. 18K Yellow Gold 3 Piece case with with Platinum
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Platinum Diamond Onyx Art Deco Wristwatch, 1920s
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
in authentic condition. Platinum, Yellow Gold 18k 750 (Black enameled), Diamond (Old mine cut and
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Baguette Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
timepiece. An array of white diamonds adorn the watch, which is crafted of platinum in a dazzling link
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Onyx Pocket Watch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
A study in classic Art Deco design, this pocket watch by Cartier is in a class all its own. The
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum, Gold and Diamond Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier platinum, diamond and 18K yellow gold Art Deco Tortue wristwatch, circa 1925. An extremely
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Cartier Ladies Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, circa 1930
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Platinum and 18K yellow gold Cart ier France diamond baguette, made circa 1930, is a fine and rare
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier's Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch reflects the iconic Art Deco style, characterized by its
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
CARTIER Lady's Platinum Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch circa 1920s
By Cartier
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is an Art Deco diamond and platinum lady's wristwatch by Cartier, France . It appears the case
Cartier Lady's Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Art Deco Watch
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Lady's platinum Art Deco black onyx and diamond watch, the oval dial with a pave-set diamond
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Platinum Diamond Lady's wristwatch by Cartier with tonneau-shaped platinum case, with a gold rear
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER A Fine Rock Crystal Platinum&Gold Diamond Set Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
This is a unique Cartier/European Watch and Clock, Co., Inc., a fine rock crystal, platinum and
Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Tortue Wristwatch Circa 1920s
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cartier Tortue ladies' dress watch, featuring a mechanical manual winding movement; silvered dial
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
A Lady's Platinum Cartier Wide Bracelet Full Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Art-Deco Style Platinum Wide Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch by Cartier. Baguette-Cut Diamond Bezel
White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Platinum, Diamond & Onyx Art Deco Bracelet Watch
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cartier lady's Art Deco bracelet watch, featuring a manual-wind movement, silvered dial with black
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, White Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER An Art Deco Diamond Platinum Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
hands framed by circular-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum and gold, dial signed Cartier, manual
Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Diamond bracelet wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A gold and diamond integrated watch bracelet by Cartier, French, designed as an articulated, domed
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Vintage Platinum & Gold Pendant Watch on Diamond Chain
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Vintage Cartier ladies' pendant watch, with a mechanical manual winding movement (set the time
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Cartier Ladies Cocktail Watch in Platinum with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Surfside, FL
& Clock Co. Art Deco cocktail watch in platinum set with approximately 4.50 carats in bright diamonds. 16
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, circa 1925
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
. Pioneering designer Louis Cartier created a rectangular shaped watch, at a time when most watches were round
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Sapphire Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Calabasas, CA
Exquisite Cartier wristwatch. The watch centers a cabochon sapphire, 4.80 carats, surrounded by
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Enamel Watch Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A superb Belle Epoque, Diamond, Guilloche Enamel, 18kt yellow gold and platinum watch pendant
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Jacques Fath Ivory Silk Organza Top-6
By Jacques Fath
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jacques Fath Ivory Silk Organza Top-6. This stunning Jacques Fath top is in excellent condition, it shows minimal sign of use. It is made of ivory silk organza throughout and has lac...
$1,454Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...
Yves Saint Laurent Coco Brown Form-Fitting Lined Jersey Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent coco brown form-fitting lined jersey scoop-neck dress features a handkerchief hemline on both the dress's hem and also on the bell-sleeve's cuff. Detaile...
$199Sale Price|25% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Exotic Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Birkin 25 bag Rouge Exotic in rare coveted Lizard. A gorgeous strawberry red that is neutral and perfect for year round wear. A glorious po...
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...
Alexander McQueen New S/S 2002 Three Piece Skirt Suit with Intricate Embroidery
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk/linen black skirt suit from Alexander McQueen including an additional matching white skirt. The jacket has peak lapels, a breast pocket, small shoulder padding, side...
$6,920
H 3.1 in W 3.9 in L 0.8 in
Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 90's Limited Edition Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold Hardware Bronze quilted lambskin leather CC Turnlock Leather lined interior 3.9" W ...
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13' S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen. It skims the body has a scoop neckline and 3 rows of ruffles beginning at knee level in the front and 8 sta...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent...
1990s Valentino Black Chiffon and Velvet Dress Shirt Dress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1990s Valentino little black shirt dress from Holt Renfrew Canada. Top is black chiffon with a pussy bow tie, sheer bishop sleeves and delicate ruching at shoulders. Jet blac...
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Print Silk Jacket Pencil Skirt Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005 “The Man W...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...
Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Multi colored Silk Skirt-38 from the runway of the 2000 Spring/Summer collection. This adorable Chanel skirt is in excellent condition, it has minimal sign of use. It is made ...
Chanel Mini Classic Flap Micro Beige Lambskin Leather Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
This Celebrity Favorite has Diamond Quilting and a Gold Plated CC Turnlock Closure and hardware. Approximate measurements are 5.5" x 4" x 1.5" with a drop of about 22" on the gold ...
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories 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.
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.