ART NOUVEAU Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold solitaire ring set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct - G/H - P1 - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.3 mm wide b...
Diamond, 14k Gold
VICTORIAN Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct 14k yellow gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with old mine cut diamond 1.00 ct - K - P1 - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 9.5 mm wide weight 5.5 grams ri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bonebakker Chain Link Ring 18 Karat White Gold with Diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This inventive chain link ring shines thanks to a central loop encrusted with 1.27ct glittering pavé diamonds. Luminous 18kt white gold links join on either side, completing this fre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.50ct 14k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor solitaire ring set with old mine cut diamond up to 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description: the front of the ring is 5.0 mm wide and ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with turquoise and single cut diamonds up to 0.05ct 18k gold 13.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with turquoise and single-cut diamonds up to 0.05 ct - F-G - VS/SI - ring size US 12 - EU 21.5 (65) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.9 cm wi...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and square cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and baguette cut diamond 0.30ct F/G VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25(54) the top of the ring is 7.9 mm wide and 4.4 mm high Ring size US ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.05ct 14k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.05 ct - F/G - VS - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.2 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Ring with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14.2 grams 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with pearl and single cut diamond up to 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide by 1.3...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with agate and single cut diamonds up to 0.05ct 14k gold 8.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with pink agate and single cut diamond 0.05 ct F/G -VS/SI - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide by...
Agate, Diamond, 14k Gold
RIng with onyx and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 13.4 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold men's ring set with onyx and a brilliant-cut diamond entourage of up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with an 18k white gold platinum pendant set with old mine and rose-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – G/H – SI – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm l...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ring with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold 14.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a central pearl surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of th...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.50ct 14k white gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold solitaire ring set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct - J - P1 - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 0.5 cm wide. Ri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ring with emerald, sapphire, ruby and brilliant cut diamond 18k gold 12.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with emerald, sapphire, ruby and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.15 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 10 - EU. 20(62) detailed description: the top of the ri...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with ruby verneuille and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with ruby and old mine cut diamond up to 0.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 10.25 - EU 20 (63) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.4 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold and Silver Cluster Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A vintage 14 karat gold and silver ring set with bright rose-cut diamonds in a classic cluster design. The ring features thirteen rose-cut diamonds arranged around a larger central ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Gold and platinum ring with diamonds and a cultured pearl, circa 1920
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique ring made of 14-karat yellow gold (0.585 fineness) and high-grade platinum (0.950). Four symmetrically set diamonds in an old brilliant cut have a total weight of approx. 1...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Platinum
Ring with garnet and rose cut diamonds 18k gold and silver 11.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and silver ring set with garnet and rose-cut diamonds - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval, 1.6 cm wide and 1.4 cm high....
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver
ART NOUVEAU ring with old European and single cut diamonds up to 1.25ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with an old European and single-cut diamond up to 1.25 ct – K/L, F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 7.5 – EU 17.5(55) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.5 cm...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.86ct with two row pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold lock set with single cut diamonds up to . 0.86ct – G/H – SI – on a two-row pearl necklace - 45m long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Necklace with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 3.30ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver center piece set with brilliant and single cut diamonds. 3.30ct – G/H – VS/SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the ne...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.17ct 5.0 grams 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with single cut diamond 0.17 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide by 8.5 mm high wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Choker with turquoise and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with an 18k gold and silver pendant set with turquoise and an old mine-cut diamond, 1.50 ct F/G - SI - 40 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 40 c...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver
18 karat white gold earrings with opal, tourmaline and diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A charming, luxurious appearance in an explosion of pastel shades. The arrangement of white gold, opal, tourmaline and diamonds shows her elegance in a romantic, carefully picked bou...
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with pearl and rose cut diamond 0.20 ct, 18k bicolour gold 8.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with pearl and old cut diamond 0.20 ct J/K -P - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide weight: 8.4 gr...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
A Pair of 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings with Akoya Pearl and Diamond
Located in Arnhem, NL
A pair of vintage 14 karat yellow gold earrings with a cultivated Akoya pearl and a diamond. The diameter of each pearl is ca. 6 mm and the diamond weight in each earring is ca. 0.0...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Cocktail Ring with pearl and diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k white gold 10.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a pearl and black brilliant cut and white single cut diamonds. 1.50ct - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring is 2...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Bague au Firmament Cobalt Enamel & Rose Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Reminiscent of twinkling stars in the night sky, this Victorian-era brooch features rose-diamonds set atop cobalt blue glass. Rings of similar style that featured precious diamonds w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Ring with emerald up to 0.74ct nd brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold entourage ring set with emerald and a brilliant-cut diamond of up to 0.26 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description: The top of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1950s Yellow Gold Cabochon Cut Frog Brooch with Emerald Ruby Garnet and Diamond
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Transitional modern brilliant round / Eight-cut Content (total) 0.22 carat Gemstone Quality Garnet Quality ...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with enamel and single cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring decorated with blue enamel and set with single cut diamonds. 0.45ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
ART NOUVEAU Ring with pearl and old mine cut diamond up to 0.65ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with a pearl and old mine-cut diamond up to 0.65 ct – H/I - SI – ring size US 8 – EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.4 mm wide a...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Ring with citrine and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with citrine and brilliant cut diamond. 0.25ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.4 cm wide by 4.0 ...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
In memory of ART DECO ring with sapphire and diamonds up to 0.78ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire and old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.78ct - N/O, F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description: the top of ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
ART DECO ring with sapphire and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART DECO 18k gold and platinum ring set with sapphire and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.30ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 10.5 – EU. 20.25(64) detailed description: The top of the r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Pink Rainbow Sapphire and Emerald Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This vibrand hand made rainbow gemstone necklace includes polished bright multi-colored gemstones, such as: • Pink Sapphire • Ruby • Peruvian Amazonite • Garnet • Swiss topaz • Ta...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Ye...
Leopard Design Earrings 18kt Gold with Diamonds and Enamel
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Leopard Design Earrings in 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Enamel are a beautiful and luxurious piece of jewelry. These earrings are crafted from 18kt yellow and white gold, whi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold Brutalist Organic Cocktail Ring with Pearls and Diamond
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring with cultivated pearls and a diamond. The ring features a textured organic golden frame with trapped irregular shaped pearls and a diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Necklace and Art Nouvea pendant with diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace and pendant set with old European and single cut diamonds. 0.60ct – F/G – Pique, VS/SI – 45 cm long detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long by 0.8 m...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Pink Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond 14k pink gold Pendant Necklace, Circa 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k pink gold necklace with an 14k pink gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamond. 0.20ct - F/G - SI - 45 cm long necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide size o...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Brooch with ruby, sapphire, emerald and single cut diamonds gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Gold and silver brooch with sapphire, ruby, emerald and single cut diamonds. 1.00 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 8.1 cm long and 3.6 cm wide. Weight: 10.0...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with sapphire and single cut diamonds 14k and 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with 14k gold pendant set with sapphire and single cut diamond up to 0.75ct F/G-VS/SI- 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.8...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 14k and 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with an 18k white gold pendant set with an old mine-cut and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.45 ct F/G - SI - 38 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Gay Freres -18k gold with ruby, brilliant cut diamonds up to 7.00ct and hematite
By Gay Freres
Located in The Hague, ZH
Gay Freres - 18k yellow gold clasp with gold center piece set with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds. 7.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - on a hematite bead necklace - 45 cm long detailed descri...
Diamond, Hematite, Ruby, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver necklace with a cross pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 2.00 ct - F/G - SI/P - 40 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 40 cm long and 0.9 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
1890's Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Pearl Gold Necklace 18K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Art Nouveau Diamond, Ruby and Pearl Target Necklace Circa 1890–1910 This exceptional necklace is an authentic Art Nouveau period jewel, distinguished by its refined openwork constr...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and Onyx 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold black onyx and rose cut diamond ring. The band of the ring is created in 14 karat gold with gold crossed figures on four sides of the frame border. The...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl necklace and claps with emerald and rose cut diamond 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with 835 silver clasp set with emerald and rose cut diamonds on a three strand pearl necklace - 50 cm long (shortest strand) detailed description The necklace is 50...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Ring with pearl and diamonds up to 1.90ct 18k white gold 5.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a pearl and an old mine-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct - J - Pique 1 - and marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.40 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Pendant with Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This modern pendant is a stunning piece of jewelry, expertly crafted from a combination of 18 karat yellow and white gold. The design seamlessly blends these two precious metals, cre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of 14 Karat Gold Flower Stud Earrings With Cultured Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Arnhem, NL
A pair of 14 karat bi-color white and yellow gold stud earrings. The earrings are designed in a form of flower set with cultured pearl in the center and surrounded by five brilliant ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold
Brooch with pearl, ruby and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold/ silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver brooch/pendant with pearls, ruby, and old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 0.80 ct – N/O, G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch/pen...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
ART NOUVEAU ring with old European and single cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold ring set with an old European and single-cut diamond up to 0.35ct – F/G - VS/SI – ring size US 7.5 - EU 18(56) Detailed description The top of the ring has a diameter of 9...
Diamond, 14k Gold
F/SI 1.20 Carat Solitaire Natural Diamond Ring, 14K White & Yellow Gold
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A brand new solitaire diamond ring, we created this ring by setting a vintage diamond into a new 14K solitaire mounting. The diamond is graded as F color, with a clarity grade of SI ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with coral and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.60ct 8.2 grams 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with coral and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.60ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16(50) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shaped, 2...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
ring with pearls and single cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with pearl and single cut diamond up to 0.03ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 7...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with sapphire up to 0.50ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with 0.50 ct sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.26ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) detailed description: The top of the ring is ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k 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.