Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.50ct platinum 7.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.50 ct - G/H - SI/P1 Detailed description: The earrings are approximately 4.5 cm long and 7.9 mm wide. The earrings have a...
Diamond, Platinum
Necklace and cross pendant with baguette shaped diamonds up to 1.73ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with a cross pendant set with baguette-cut diamonds up to 1.73 ct - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide The pendant...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace and hartshaped pendant with brilliant cut diamonds 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds 1.50ct - F/G - VS - 45 cm long detailed description the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.0 mm wide the pendant ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Platinum long earrings set with old-mine cut diamonds ca. 6.00 ct
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A pair of 950/000 platinum hanging earrings, set with 12 old-mine cut diamonds weighting approx. 6.00 ct. bezel set and finished with a beautiful millegrain. Colour H-J, clarity VS2-...
Diamond, Platinum
Giant Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Discover a treasure born from the heart of Australia. This exceptionally rare 19 inch boulder opal necklace features a mesmerizing gemstone sourced from the legendary Winton Opal Fi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI diamond report Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.94ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant cut diamond up to 0.94ct - G, F/G - VVS2, VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 8.3 mm wide...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Butterfly Diamond Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
A true eye-catching delicate sparkling pendant; this playfull butterfly wing is surrounded by sparkling rose cut diamonds that catch the light in dazzling ways, this is a minimalisti...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 1890's Mediterranean Coral & Diamond Torpedo 18K Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
One of a kind 18K gold antique 19th century bow earrings with rose cut diamonds and mediterranean corals. These earrings are a true craftsmanship and contain fine handcarved cameo'...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 14k gold 6.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold hoop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SII Detailed description: The top of the earrings is 1.8 cm high and 4.9 mm wide Weight: 6.8...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with princess cut diamond up to 3.00ct platinum 14.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with a pendant set with a princess cut diamond up to 3.00 ct - O/P VS - 40 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 40 cm long and 1.6 mm wide. The pendant ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s Seed Pearl and 1.11 Carat Diamond and Platinum Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pendant suspends via an integrated ring loop attachment, embellished with pavé set diamonds. The chain secures with a conventional spring loaded bolt ring fastening, hallmarked ...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Ring with princess cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold 7.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with princess-cut diamonds up to 0.70 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.3 mm wide. Weight:...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 13.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clip-on earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The clip-on earrings are 2.0 cm long and 1.6 cm wide Weight: 13...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sparkling Peridot Diamond 18K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary one of a kind bracelet is crafted from rare peridot of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-car...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with princess cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with princess cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 6.5 mm wide and 3.2 mm high ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 20.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold hoop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 2.1 cm long and 1.1 cm wide. Weight: 20....
Diamond, 18k Gold
ROCOCO cross pendant with rose cut diamonds 10k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
VICTORIAN gold and silver cross pendant set with rose-cut diamonds total approx. 0.25 ct – G/H – SI – 14.9 grams Detailed description Pendant dimensions: 7.1 cm high and 4.2 cm wid...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver
Antique 0.82 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of diamond jewelry. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color I Clarity SI1 Cut Old European Con...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold 10.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The clip-on earrings measure 2.0 cm by 1.5 cm wide. Weight: 10.7...
Diamond, 18k Gold
The Diamond Cleaver, Amsterdam Diamond Industry – Etching by C.L. Dake, 1888
Located in Langweer, NL
The Diamond Cleaver, Amsterdam Diamond Industry – Etching by C.L. Dake, 1888 This atmospheric etching, titled De Diamantklover ("The Diamond Cleaver"), was created in 1888 by the Du...
Paper
Genuine Pink Rose Quartz Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink rose quartz pendant set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 7-carat hand-cut pink rose quartz that shimmers with...
Quartz, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold 18.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clamper bracelet set with brilliant cut diamonds up to. 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 17 cm long detailed description the inner size of the bracelet is 5.6 cm wide by 4.7 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Genuine Emerald Diamond & Tourmaline Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
This statement pendant showcases a rare and captivating pink tourmaline, zambian emeralds, diamonds and natural pearls, all celebrated for their remarkable natural colour transition ...
Tourmaline, Natural Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18k white gold five stone row ring diamonds and ruby
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A 750/000 white gold five stone ring, set with an oval-cut natural Ruby weighing c. 0.90 ct.. Next to the ruby are four brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 1.30 ct in total, co...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Genuine Pink Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal 18 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare pink rubellite tourmalines from Brazil. This necklace features a sparkling diamond and handmade gold beads, delicately s...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Art Deco Pink Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite pink Tourmaline pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. At its heart shines an emerald-cut pink tourmaline, cel...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Sky Blue Swiss Topaz Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate every moment with these exquisite 14K Gold Dangle Earrings, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Featuring the serene brilliance of sky blue topaz and the sub...
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 18k gold 9.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The stud earrings are 2.8 cm long and 1.3 cm wide Weight: 9.0 grams Se...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.18ct 18k gold 8.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ear clips set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.18ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The front of the ear clip is 1.7 cm by 6.6 mm wide weight 8.5 grams se...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Lagoon Tourmaline 3.10ct Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Total weight: Tourmaline 3.10ct (10.5x7.6mm) Diamonds: 0.20ct VS-1 18K white gold This ring is certified and Hallmarked 18K Gold with the official Netherlands Assay Institute.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant Double Brown Rose Cut Diamond 18K Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover the captivating beauty of this extraordinary rose cut brown diamonds surrounded by warm golden hues that symbolize joy, abundance, and timeless elegance. Their brilliance cr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Brown Rose Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Eternity Stackable Band Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover the captivating beauty of these extraordinary rose cut brown diamonds surrounded by warm golden hues that symbolize joy, abundance, and timeless elegance. Their brilliance c...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 14k gold 8.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ear clips with brilliant-cut diamond 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description the top of the ear clips is 1.7 cm high and 1.3 cm wide Total weight : 8.5 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with alexandriet and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp on a leather necklace with a white gold pendant set with alexandrite and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20ct – F?G – VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description th...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with black and white diamonds, 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with black brilliant cut diamosnd and white single cut diamonds up to 0.85ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25(58) Detailed description: The top of ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubber Choker with tricolor gold pieces set with diamond 0.25 ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
Rubber necklace with gold lock and with six 18k tricolour gold pieces set with one brilliant cut diamond 0.25 ct F/G VS – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18k white gold handmade Sapphire and Diamond Princess Diana entourage ring.
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique and handmade 18k white gold cluster / entourage ring set in the centre with an oval cut natural lively blue sapphire weighing 2.57 ct and surrounded by 18 brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with sapphire and brilliant cut diamond 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace and pendant set with a sapphire and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.24 ct - F/G - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 m...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Genuine Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite green Tourmaline pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. At its heart shines an emerald-cut green tourmaline, c...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Royal Blue Lapis Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary royal blue Lapis ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold 6.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ear clips with brilliant-cut diamond 0.60 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description the top of the ear clips is 1.6 cm high and 1.2 cm wide Total weight : 6.4 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 18k gold 13.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ear clips set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 2.5 cm long by 1.4 cm wide Weight 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 14.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 3.1 cm long by 1.2 cm wide weight 14.4 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 18k Gold Brooch with Porcelain Portrait & 1.00ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold brooch with a porcelain portrait surrounded by old mine cut/rose cut diamonds. 1.00ct – G/H – SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 3.8 cm l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Dangle Earrings with Sapphire and Diamond, 1990s
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphire and brilliant cut diamond up to 1.30ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earrings are 3.9 cm long by 1.4 cm wide ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 14k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.35ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The top of the stud is 1.9 cm by 7.9 mm wide Weight 8.2 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18k white gold diamond modern Artdeco style ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
18k white gold designed as a plateau with a beautiful ajour cut side, central set with a intermediate-cut diamond of c. 1.00 ct, flanked by six smaller intermediate-cut diamonds weig...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.86ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold necklace and pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.86 ct – G/H – VS/SI – 3.4 grams – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.9 mm wid...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with chalcedony nd single cut diamonds 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold necklace with pendant set with green chalcedony and single cut diamond up to 0.22ct - F/G - VS/SI - 50 cm long detailed description the necklace is 50 cm long and 0.7...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 14k Gold & Silver Branch Brooch with 2.00ct Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver branch brooch with rose cut diamond up to 2.00 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 6.8 cm long and 3.4 cm wide Weight: 21....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Genuine Opal and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Ethiopian Opal pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. The pendant showcases a natural pear-shaped Ethiopian ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dangle earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.60ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.60ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.1 cm by 5.7 mm wide Weight 1.9 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Rainbow Sapphire & Diamond Yellow Gold Statement Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
Discover the captivating beauty of these extraordinary rainbow gemstone stud earrings, expertly crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. Each earring shines with magnificent Tourmalines...
Tourmaline, Sapphire, Peridot, Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary green tourmaline ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a ...
Tourmaline, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Gold and Silver Three Stone Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A dreamy yellow gold ring set with three round, rose-cut diamonds in a cut-away silver setting with foil backing to enhance the luminosity and sparkle. The centre diamond is app. 1.5...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Necklace with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.35ct 18k gold 22.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 4.35ct - F/G - VS/SI - 44cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 44 cm long by 2.8 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 14k gold 7.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold hoop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.16ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the hoop are a diameter of 1.7 cm and a width of...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The top of the stud earring is 1.0 cm wide Weight 5.1 grams Set w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Giant Peridot drop 18K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary necklace is crafted from rare Peridot of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carved into elegan...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.