Demantoid garnet and diamond lizard brooch, circa 1880.
Located in London, GB
Demantoid garnet and diamond lizard brooch. Set with nine cushion shape natural demantoid garnets in open back grain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.85 carats, furth...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Silver
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Lizard Brooch, Circa 2000, 2.00ctw, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Lizard Brooch/Pin. This super sparkly little critter features 188 brilliant-cut diamonds pave-set on the head, body, legs and partially on the tail.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Lizard Brooch Ruby Eyes 18K Gold Taka Singapore
Located in BILBAO, ES
lizard brooch, diamond lizard brooch, ruby eyes brooch, animal jewelry, diamond brooch, taka singapore jewelry, luxury brooch, 18k gold brooch, pavé diamond brooch, reptile jewelry, ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Sterling Silver Pave Set Diamond Lizard Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
This whimsical ring is a figural lizard, with a pave set body of round faceted diamonds, approximately 0.46 TCW, cognac color rose cut diamond eyes, and a tail that wraps around and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sterling Silver
Antique 15ct Gold & Platinum, Victorian Diamond Lizard Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Features a lovely, little, rose cut diamond- encrusted lizard with a pretty, natural ruby eye.
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Lizard Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian lizard brooch crafted in 14 karat gold featuring round shape demantoid garnets and diamonds with round cabochon eyes.
18K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Lizard Brooch, 2.00tcw, 10.8g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Custom made 18k white gold chameleon brooch with sapphires and diamonds. Test 18k and weighs 10.8 grams. The sapphires are yellow and brownish-orange colored, round brilliant cuts, 2...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Lizard Salamander Chameleon Brooch Pin Victorian
Located in New York, NY
I just love this! The delightful lizard is set throughout with Rose Cut Diamonds of great beauty.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver
0.11 Carat Natural Diamond Lizard Necklace 14 Karat White Gold G SI
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Necklace 0.11CT G-H SI 14K White Gold 4 gram, Pave style 1 1/8 inch in height, 5/8 inch in width 10 stones ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Purple Sapphire, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond Lizard Bangle in 18k White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Purple Sapphire 10.34 carats, Ruby and Blue Sapphire 12.50 carats and Diamond 1.30 carats Bangle set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Diameter: 5.6 cm Length: 7.2 cm Total Weight: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Champagne and White Diamond Lizard Brooch with Ruby Eyes in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, this lizard brooch is adorned in a pave of champagne and white diamonds that shimmer across its gracefully contoured form.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k White GoldLizard Diamond Brooch - Elegant Formal Holiday Gift
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An elegant and finely crafted lizard brooch, expertly rendered in luminous 18K white gold and adorned with a total of 0.59 carats of high-quality diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Gold Lizard Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 14k white gold pin features sparkling old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50ct. graded F color with VS1 clarity. The diamonds are accentuated by round cut r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Emerald Lizard Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
This stunning piece features intricate detailing, expertly set with natural rose cut diamonds that shimmer beautifully, playing with the light and enhancing the lizard's graceful for...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
1950s Lizard Diamond Yellow Gold 18 Karat Brooch Clip
Located in Geneva, CH
The lizard’s eyes are adorned with rose cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance.
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Lizard Brown & White Diamond Ruby 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.08x2.09x2.65cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "71 Brown Diamonds 1.34 CT 5 White Diamonds 0.06 CT 2 Ruby 0.03 CT 18KR 7.16 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Ge...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Citrine Tsavorite Garnet Diamond 18K Gold Contemporary Lizard Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cable link chain suspending a pear shaped drop pendant centering a pear shaped citrine Checkerboard cut and measures 22.0 x 45.5 mm - transparent medium brownish orange...
Citrine, Brown Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Green Garnet & Ruby Lizard Ring with Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Green Garnet & Ruby Lizard Ring with Diamonds 28 Diamonds - 0.11 CT 42 Green Garnets - 0.63 CT 2 Rubies - 0.07 CT 18K Rose Gold - 6.39 GM The lizard's body is ado...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby
Vintage Diamond and Demantoid Garnet Lizard Brooch of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Materials: 14k gold, Diamond, Demantoid garnet.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Lizard White Diamond Green Garnet & Ruby 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.00x3.30x2.50cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "28 White Diamonds 0.11 CT 42 Green Garnet 0.63 CT 2 Ruby 0.07 CT 18KR 6.39 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gem...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fabergé Lizard-Egg, 18k Gold, Blue Guilloché Enamel, Diamonds, Emeralds, Lapis
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Lizard-Egg Object, 18k Yellow Gold, Opalescent Light Blue Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Emeralds, Diamonds, Lapis Lazuli The Lizard Egg, created in 2002, is a celebration of th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
$1,755Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s Handcrafted Natural Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Lizard Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.38 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
$9,215Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Gold and Silver Lizard Brooch with Old-Cut Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Lisboa, PT
The lifelike design captures the fluid movement of the lizard, its body elegantly set with glistening old-cut diamonds that shimmer with a timeless sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Lizard Brooch in 10 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The brooch is adorned with a dazzling arrangement of rose-cut diamonds, including a striking round rose-cut diamond at its center and additional pear and round rose-cut diamonds acce...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Diamond, Tsavorite and Rose Quartz Lizard Brooch Pin in 18K Rose and White Gold
Located in BILBAO, ES
The lizard is adorned with 148 round tsavorites totaling 1.87 carats, with diamond-set eyes adding expressive detail.
Diamond, Quartz, Tsavorite, Gold
$6,375Sale Price|25% Off
Cabochon Amethyst Emerald Diamond Art Deco Style Lizard Brooch in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating, this Art Deco–inspired lizard brooch is exquisitely crafted with a vivid emerald body, sparkling diamond accents, and a regal amethyst cabochon.
Diamond, Amethyst, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Lizard Chameleon Ruby & Diamond Pave and Green 18K Rose White Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.06x1.50x2.59cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "2 Fancy Diamonds 0.02 CT 20 Green Garnet 0.47 CT 6 Ruby 0.12 CT 1 Tourmaline 0.49 CT 4 Yellow Sapphire 0.08 CT 18KR 8.56...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, White Gold
Lizard Chameleon Ruby & Diamond Pave and Gems 18K Rose White Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.06x1.50x2.59cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "20 Brown Diamonds 0.40 CT 2 White Diamonds 0.02 CT 2 Green Garnet 0.03 CT 4 Orange Sapphire 0.10 CT 1 Pink Sapphire 0.42...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Lizard Chameleon Ruby & Diamond Pave and Green 18K Rose White Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.05x2.43x2.70cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "51 Brown Diamonds 1.02 CT 7 White Diamonds 0.07 CT 8 Green Garnet 0.08 CT 6 Ruby 0.09 CT 18KR 8.35 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold ...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Malachite Lizard Pendant of 14k Gold - Circa 1890s
Located in Lewisburg, PA
At its heart lies a richly patterned green malachite cabochon, its natural striations providing a vivid backdrop for a finely detailed gold lizard. The reptile, an antique treasure f...
Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold
Antique Lizard Stickpin of 18k Gold, Circa 1880-1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking and highly detailed antique stickpin (circa 1880-1900), featuring a sculptural lizard crafted in solid 18k gold, richly embellished with rose cut diamonds, a vivid emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Lizard Conversion Pendant of 14k Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Materials: 14k gold, diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$1,816Sale Price|20% Off
Lizard Shaped Pave Diamond Ring With Ruby Eyes Made In 14k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14k:5.9g,D:2.14ct,Slv:9.77gm RUBY:0.02Cts Size: 23X17X74MM
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$3,990Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Riker Bros. Gold Seed Pearl Diamon Salamander Lizard Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– Numerous Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - White Color (19) Green Stones - Round Cut - Pave Set - Green Color - On Back (2) Red Stones - Round Cabochon Cut - Pa...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Salamander Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Emerald & Diamond Crawling Lizard Salamander Brooch, set in 14K Yellow Gold made Circa 1900 56 diamonds, Diamond Weight: App. 2.25 cts. 59 emeralds weighing app. 1.2 cts.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Hamilton Top Hat White Gold and Diamond Vintage Wrist Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Chicago, IL
Silver satin dial with raised White Gold and Diamond set markers. New Black Lizard grain strap.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Longines 1950s Yellow Gold and Diamond Wrist watch
By Longines
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950 Longines Wrist watch 30 M.M. 14k yellow Gold 2 piece case with exaggerated flaring lug tops, 17 Jewel Mechanical Manual wind movement, Black Dial with Raised Gold markers ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pendant with Opal, Emerald and Diamonds, Chameleon Pendant
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Chameleon pendant with opal, emerald and diamonds. 14Chameleon Charm. Reptile Charm. Lizard pendant.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Victorian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Lizard Brooch
Located in London, GB
This piece is in the shape of a realistic lizard, set throughout with scintillating old-cut diamonds and demantoid garnets with a bright lime green hue.
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
The lizard is set throughout with glinting diamonds, with a line down its back of lime-green demantoid garnets.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,300
18K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond 'Lizard' Pendant Necklace
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond 'Lizard' Pendant Necklace Emerald - 0.038 CT Diamonds - 0.199 CT 18K Gold - 7.25 GM
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$15,000
Edwardian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Lizard Pin
Located in Atlanta, GA
The body is set with diamonds and a bright green line of emeralds set in 18 karat yellow gold.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
1.5 Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Lizard Broach 18 Karat Yellow Gold And Pendant
Located in Barnsley, GB
This is a very unique Lizard Pink Sapphire Diamond Broach and can be a pendant too 1.5 Carat set in 18 Karat and so could be a bearded dragon etc and the diamonds are at the top...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$6,750
Diamond and Gold Lizard Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
18 Karat Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Lizard Brooch, Italy • Stamped 18k Italy 750 with Italian assay marks • 200 round diamonds approximately 6.00 carats • Measuring 2 1/4 by 1 1/8 inc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,000
Rose Cut Diamond Handmade Lizard Brooch
Located in Solvang, CA
Antique rose cut diamond handmade lizard brooch. This stunning antique lizard brooch features 131 rose cut diamonds and two ruby eyes at .10 carat total weight.
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$2,100 / item
Lizard Necklace with Garnet Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14K- Lizard Necklace with Garnet Diamonds 9 Garnet Diamonds Handcrafted
Garnet, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$7,500
Demantoid Diamond Gold Lizard Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat yellow gold vintage style lizard pin set with full cut diamonds running down the back. 1.10 total, ruby eyes, and the body is set with 3.23 carats of demantoid garnets.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$68,000
Demantoid Garnet & Diamond Antique Lizard Pin Pendant 18k
Located in Naples, FL
Very rare gem color Demantoid encrusted antique lizard and diamond chameleon pin/pendant circa 1860's - 1890's.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,800
18 Karat Gold and Diamond E. Wolfe & Co. Lizard Brooch
Located in Pikesville, MD
Diamonds are approximately E color, VS1 clarity. Lizard eyes are made of two small vivid red rubies.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$7,305 / item
Gold, Diamonds & Steel Watch, Red Lizard Strap, Rive Droite Collection
By Poiray
Located in PARIS, FR
Rive Droite watch in yellow gold and steel with white mother-of-pearl dial and 12 diamond indexes. Case: 31mm Case Thickness: 8mm Movement: quartz Water resistance: 3 ATM Hands: bras...
Diamond, Gold, Steel
Stambolian 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Black Onyx Tsavorite Lizard Hoop Earrings
By Stambolian
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stambolian 18K White Gold Diamond Black Onyx Tsavorite Lizard Hoop Earrings These stunning earrings feature two lizards that sit on top of Onyx hoops all done in diamonds. 0.78 ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Green Demantoid Garnets Diamonds 14 Karat Gold Hedges Lizard Brooch
By A. J. Hedges & Co.
Located in Munich, DE
This lizard brooch was crafted circa 1890 by the American company A.
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Lizard Pendant with White Diamonds and Fancy Colour Sapphires
Located in ประเวศ, TH
Off-white diamonds totaling 0.54 carats delicately outline its graceful contours, while 0.47 carats of blue sapphires and 0.27 carats of red sapphires infuse the design with rich, vi...
White Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$21,951
Intini Jewels Lizard Salamander Peridot Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Like in a natural throne the animals are composed by 0.7 carat diamonds and surrounded by 18 karat yellow gold. This epic statement ring is an outstanding display of color and Italia...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$9,600
18 Karat Yellow Gold Demantoid Garnet Diamond Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat yellow gold diamond and demantoid garnet lizard brooch.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,289 / item
1.5 Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Lizzard Pendant 18 Karat Gold with Chain
Located in Barnsley, GB
This is a very unique Lizard Pink Sapphire Diamond Pendant 1.5 Carat set in 18 Karat and can be a broach too. .
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$9,600
18 Karat Yellow Gold Demantoid Garnet Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat yellow gold diamond and demantoid garnet lizard brooch.
Diamond, Garnet, 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.