Oscar Heyman Day and Night Invisible Set Sapphire Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Day and Night Invisible Set Sapphire Earrings A pair of Oscar Heyman day and night earrings featuring pear-shaped sapphires at the tops, accented with round-cut sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K White gold invisible Oval Yellow Sapphire Bracelet
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
A very nice simply elegant bracelet which compose with the high quality of the yellow sapphire 12.26 ct,Diamond 1.32 ct H VS quality.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Humming Bird Brooch with Invisibly Set Diamonds and Gem Stones
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 18 karat yellow gold , this humming bird brooch is beautifully depicted with gem stones of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and blue sapphires. The combination of the different...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18KT YG Oval and Invisibly Set Rubies 12.85 Ct & Diamond 0.92 Cts Hoop Earrings
By Sabbadini
Located in New York, NY
Tapered diamond baguettes flank the center rubies.The balance of the hoop shaped earrings are set with square invisibly set rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Invisible Set 30.35 Carat Yellow Sapphire and 1.37 Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* These luminous earrings exude warmth and sophistication, crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 30.35 carats of invisibly set yellow sapphires. Their golden glow is beautiful...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat White Gold Heart Petal Sapphire Invisible Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
The invisible is a highly technique .We cut and groove every stone .Therefore; we can guarantee the quality of setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Band -18k Invisible Set Princess 2.40ctw Ring 4 3/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 3/4 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.44ctw Cut: Invisible Set Princess Color: F - G Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Natura...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Invisible Sapphire Flower Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality Sapphire for our invisible setting. It is sweet blue and very sparking.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18KT. Yellow Gold, 14.27 Carat Invisibly Set Ruby & 2.96Ct. Diamond Hoop Earring
Located in New York, NY
These beautifully crafted showstopping earrings are composed of 14.27Ct. Of invisibly set Rubies and 2.96Ct. of round brilliants. The Lower portion of the earring may be removed so t...
Yellow Gold
Invisibly Set Sapphire and Diamond Fish Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Invisibly Set Sapphire and Diamond Fish Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold Designed Depicting a Typical Fish You Will See Snorkeling In Front of Our Salon in Maui Thirty Nine Fancy French Cut...
1.16 Carat Invisible Set Ruby and 0.32 Carat Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Ring Top:10 mm Band Width: 2.7 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18K Size:6 to 9 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 4.4 Grams Stone Type: 1.16 Natural Ruby and 0.32 Ct VS2 G Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby
18 Carat White Gold Invisible Sapphire Flower Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality Sapphire for our invisible setting. It is sweet blue and very sparking.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three-Row Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 4.25 (there are 2 sizing balls currently inside the band) Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 8.945 grams Diamonds: 1.95 ctw Diamond cut: Square Modified Brilliant Diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.31 Ct 18 Karat Gold Invisible Set Heart Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Gold Beautiful Heart Necklace with 14 Natural Round Diamonds with total weight of 1.31 Ct Invisible Set (No Prong, No metal to obstruct the view of diamonds) Diamond necklace.
Diamond, 18k Gold
5 Row Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamond Domed Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This bold diamond ring makes a striking statement with its wide, architectural silhouette and commanding presence on the hand. Rows of princess-cut diamonds are arranged in a seamles...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold 0.08 Carat Diamonds 1.35 Carat Invisible Set Tsavorite Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 16" Pendant:13.5 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14K Stone Type:Diamonds 0.08 CT G VS2 - 1.35 Ct Natural Tsavorite Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 4.6...
Tsavorite
18k White Gold .25ct Diamonds Ct Invisible Set Pink Sapphire Pendant Charm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Pendant Height: 14.5 mm Width:9 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18K Stone Type:0.25 CT G VS2 Diamonds 3.95 CT Natural Pink Sapphire Hallmark:750 Total Weight: 4.1 Grams Cond...
Pink Sapphire
18k Gold Invisible Setting 0.43 Ct Diamonds 0.85 Ct Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Ring Top: 10 mm Band Width: 7.5 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18K Size:6.5 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 21.5 Grams Stone Type: 0.43 Ct Diamonds VS2 G-F 0.85 CT Natural Blu...
Blue Sapphire
18 Carat White Gold Orchid Flower Sapphire Invisible Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality Sapphire for our invisible setting. It is deep blue and very sparking.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat White Gold Orchid Flower Ruby Invisible Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality Ruby for our invisible setting. It is deep red and very sparking.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold 0.20 Carat Diamonds and Invisible 14.13 Carat Ruby Flower Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Height: 20.5 mm Width: 20.5 mm Metal:18K White Gold Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 9.7 Grams Stone Type: 14.13 CT Invisible Natural Ruby and 0.20 CT G VS2 Diamonds Condition: New Esti...
Ruby
18 Karat Gold 0.09 Carat Diamonds and Invisible 12.67 Carat Ruby Flower Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Height: 21.6 mm Width:15.4 mm Metal:18K White Gold Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 10.5 Grams Stone Type: 12.67 CT Invisible Natural Ruby and 0.09 CT G VS2 Diamonds Condition: New Esti...
Ruby
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Greek Key Invisible Setting Sapphire Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Additional bezel-set diamonds along the sides contribute further brilliance while emphasizing the ring's architectural character.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Contrary Ring in Rose Gold and Diamonds Invisible Setting
Located in Cattolica, IT
A special contrarian ring is made of 18 kt rose gold. The central part is open and is made with two motifs, round and teardrop. The round end is composed of round brilliant-cut diamo...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
.70 Ct Diamonds 12.67 Ct Invisible Blue Sapphire 14k White Gold Flower Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wearable Length: 16" Pendant Measurement: 29 mm Metal: 14K White Gold Stone Type: Diamonds 0.70 CT G VS2 and 12.67 Ct Natural Blue Sapphire Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 12.67 Grams ...
Blue Sapphire
18 Karat Gold 0.92 Carat Diamonds and Invisible 11.58 Carat Ruby Tulip Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Top: 30 mm Band Width: 4.5 mm Metal: 18K White Gold Size: 6 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 9.7 Grams Stone Type: 0.92 Ct Diamonds VS2 G-F & 11.58 CT Natural Ruby Condition: New Stock N...
Ruby
18 Karat Gold 0.45 Carat Diamonds and Invisible 5.05 Carat Ruby Square Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Top: 14.5 mm Band Width: 3 mm Metal: 18K White Gold Size: 6 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 7 Grams Stone Type: 0.45 Ct Diamonds VS2 G-F & 5.05 CT Natural Ruby Condition: New Stock Numb...
Ruby
18 Karat Gold 0.29 Carat Diamonds and Invisible 6.85 Carat Ruby Flower Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Top: 15 mm Band Width: 3 mm Metal: 18K White Gold Size: 6.5 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 6.8 Grams Stone Type: 0.29 Ct Diamonds VS2 G-F & 6.85 CT Natural Ruby Condition: New Stock Nu...
Ruby
$13,220Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby Invisible Setting Ring 18 Karat Gold Ruby Cocktail Bowtie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Special Natural Ruby from Burma Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Round Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Approx 13.0 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Invisible Set Vivid Ruby Marquise Shaped Drop Dangle Earrings 9.42ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Specifications: * Metal: 18 karat white gold * Rubies: 8.06 carats total weight, vivid red * Ruby Setting: Flawless invisible setting * Diamonds: 1.36 carats total weight * Dia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage French Made Brooch Invisible Ruby Setting Flower Pin 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French made Exquisite Rose flower Brooch Pin Circa 1970's 18k White Gold Approx 30 grams Natural Diamonds Round and Baguettes G-VS Natural Square Ruby approx 6-7 carat AAA Un...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1.51 Carat 18 Karat Gold Invisible Set Circle of Life Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Gold Beautiful Circle of Life Pendant with 15 2.75 mm Round Diamonds on the circle and 1 3.5 mm Round Diamond on the bottom with total weight of 1.51 Ct Invisible Set Diamond nec...
Diamond, 18k Gold
20.24 Carat Thailand Blue Sapphire Invisible Set Bracelet in 18K Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite invisible set bracelet is a true masterpiece of fine jewelry craftsmanship, showcasing the unparalleled beauty of Thai blue sapphires and dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Stud Earrings, 18K White Gold and 0.53 Ct Diamonds, Invisible Setting, Italy
Located in Cattolica, IT
A classic pair of lobe earrings with an elegant and refined design. Made of 18 kt white gold and set with round brilliant-cut Diamonds weighing 0.53 carats. The stones have G color a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.20 CT Invisible Set Emerald & 0.55 CT Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold Ring Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Ring Top:7.3 mm Band Width: 4.3 mm Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18K Size:6 to 9 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 9.2 Grams Stone Type: 2.20 Ct Natural Blue Sapphire and 0.55 Ct...
18 Karat Gold Butterfly Pendant Invisibly Set with 5.53 Carat Pink Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 18 karat yellow gold butterfly pendant. The butterfly is invisibly set with square cut pink sapphires and outlined with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini 18 Karat Gold, 7.55 Carat Invisibly Set Pink Sapphire Apple Brooch
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
The stem is set with square diamonds and the leaf with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.31 Ct Heart Shaped Pigeon Blood Red Rubellite Invisible Set Ring with Halo
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful color 8.31 Ct Heart shaped Pigeon Blood Red Rubellite set in the center of an 18K invisible/pave set diamond ring with a halo to create great contrast.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold
$1,628Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Brilliant Ring with invisible Cutting 0.70 ct 0.20 ct looks like one big
Located in Viena, Viena
invisible Setting a great possibility gemstones without setting to see, so you get a composite surface, which acts like a large gemstone, 44 raspberry-colored ruby carrees total ca. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval 4.45 Carat Blue Sapphire 24 Princess Cut Invisible Set
Located in San Diego, CA
18kt Yellow Gold Oval 4.45ct Blue Sapphire Ring with 24 Princess Cut Invisible Set Diamonds. The blue sapphire is 11.4mm x 8.6 mm in diameter and has a nice medium blue cornflower co...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.73Ct Fine Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
The emerald is accompanied by 20 natural white Princess Cut Diamonds that are invisibly set and that weigh 2.28Ct.
Emerald, Platinum
Large Diamond solitaire pendant. Platinum Pt900 Natural Diamond 2CT Necklace
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
An amazing addition to your collection. Solitaire Tension invisible set Diamond Pendant with Box Chain Necklace PT900 Platinum setting and PT900 Platinum chain necklace Diamond is...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
18k White Gold Weight 5.99g Diamond set in Invisible setting Approx. 0.84ct Cross Pendant Measurements 38.21mm x 26.09mm
Diamond
Diamond Ring with Precious Setting Diamonds in 18k Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
A elegant diamond ring with precious setting diamonds. This is invisible setting of smaller diamonds to make one big diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
11.76 Carat Diamond Cross Pendant with 588 Diamonds in 14K White Gold.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
11.76 Carat Diamond Cross Pendant with 588 Princess Cut Invisible Setting Diamonds Total Weight 85.9 Grams in 14K White Gold.
Diamond, White Gold
1.00 Carat Diamond Rectangular White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond rectangular engagement ring. 1.00ct round invisible set diamonds with baguette accent diamonds on the side and round diamonds along both sides of the shank in a 14k white gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Platinum 2.75ct Diamond Ring MF06-011626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This dazzling ring is incredibly chic. Diamonds with a total weight of 2.75 carats including invisible-set Diamonds at the sides, Diamond baguettes at the top, and thoughtfully plac...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in London, GB
Each earring features 9 princess cut diamond that are invisibly set creating a stunning sparkle.
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant, 2.00 ct G VS Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This striking 18K white gold cross pendant presents a clean, contemporary silhouette set with eleven brilliant-cut round diamonds totaling approximately 2.00 carats G VS. The diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,600 / item
1.00Carat Diamond Necklace Chain Choker
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond necklace choker with 10 Brilliant Round diamonds in Platinum invisible setting on 14 Karat Rose gold chain.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Mens Large Diamond Bracelet, 30.36 Carats, 1452 diamonds, 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Each link is invisible set with 110 square princess cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.30 carats and 76 round diamonds totaling approximately 0.96 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Aquamarine, Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Adding dramatic contrast are 20 invisible-set amethysts weighing approximately 0.95 carats total, accented throughout with approximately 110 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling app...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Graff GIA Certified Emerald Cut 4.03 Carat Diamond Fancy Cut Diamond Set Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
#12411593) Mounting has 68 fine quality diamonds set in invisible style with total weight of 4.38carats Total diamond weight is 8.41 carats Platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
$2,552Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
The center is set with princess cut diamonds in an invisible-style arrangement, framed by rows of round diamonds along the top, bottom, and sides for added brilliance and contrast.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,985 / item
10K Two-Tone Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
'Video Available Upon Request.' Product Features: Diamond Type: Natural White Diamonds Diamond Count: 96 Princess-Cut Diamonds Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: SI2-I1 Diamond We...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.25ct Diamond Ring MF25-062426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A refined band ring in 18K yellow gold, set with a continuous row of princess-cut diamonds in an invisible setting totaling approximately 2.25 carats, arranged in a distinctive scall...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold 2.19 Carat Diamond Multi-Shape Diamond Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 2.19 Carat Diamond Multi-Shape Invisible-Set Diamond Drop Earrings You are a beauty.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 5.0 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 14k white gold tennis bracelet is created with 5 ct of beautiful, natural diamonds. Rectangular links, each set with 12 princess-cut diamonds in an invisible setting, c...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1.10ctw Flower-motif Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14k Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this necklace features seven round brilliant cut diamonds set in a flower shape invisible settin on a 14k white gold chain.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Composite Ring
Located in New York, NY
A gold and diamond engagement composite ring. This triangular ring is made with 96 round and 16 princess cut diamonds in a prong and invisible setting, respectively.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k 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.