Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.55ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 0.45ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold 3.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earrings is 3.1 cm long and 2.1 mm wide. Weight: 3.1 gram...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$5,754 / set
Sky Blue 13 Carat 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, the rich v...
Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.34ct 14k gold 5.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold drop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.34ct - F/G – Pique1 Detailed description: The dimensions of the drop earrings are 3.8 cm long by 1.1 cm wide...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Georgian necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with an antique rose-cut diamond pendant, 34 cm long Detailed description The piece is likely from the Georgian period (1720-1840) The necklace is 34 cm l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Giant 5.7 Carat Lagoon Tourmaline Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This exceptionally rare Lagune Tourmaline necklace captures the mesmerizing depths of a hidden lagoon — its vivid blue-green hue shifting with every movement of light. The remarkable...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Opal Diamond 14k Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A true sparkling Welo Opal necklace with a 14K gold clasp. All stones are hand carved for an extra sparkling effect and contain a full spectrum of bright colors. This beauty includ...
Diamond, Opal, Larimar, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with smoky quartz and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with smoky quartz and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.70ct - G/H - VS/SI - 40 cm detailed description: the length of the necklace is 40 cm and 0...
Diamond, Quartz
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
18k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.10ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.4 cm wide and 5.8...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 24.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.9 cm long and 8.7 mm wide. Weight: 24.0 grams Set w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.42ct 18k gold 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.42ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description the dimensions of the stud are 9.6 mm wide weight : 4.6 grams set ...
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
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with a pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds total approximately 0.75 ct - F/G, J/K - VS/SI - 42 cm detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rainbow Moonstone 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from rare blue flash Rainbow Moonstones of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously h...
Diamond, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,047Sale Price|20% Off
White gold bracelet with 10 fancy coloured diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18-karat white gold bracelet with 10 fancy coloured diamonds An everlasting classic in 18 karat white gold. The gentle hues of yellow, orange, pink, and green diamonds, blended with...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, White 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
18k White Gold Bee Brooch with 1.45ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold brooch in the shape of a bee set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.45ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description A brooch in the shape of a bee the brooch is approximat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Pendant with 9.00ct Sapphire & 1.60ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold pendant set with sapphire totaling approximately 9.00ct and brilliant cut diamond 1.60ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description Dimensions of the pendant are 2.7 cm hig...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White 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
18k Bicolor Gold Clip-On Earrings with 0.08ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold earrings set with brilliant cut diamonds. 0.08ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The front of the ear clip is 1.8 cm by 4.6 mm wide weight 6.5 grams occupied...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1900's Dutch Antique Pearl Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A beautiful example of Dutch craftsmanship, this piece is well-preserved and ready to wear or collect. Origin: The Netherlands, 1900s Stones: Natural rose-cut diamond, natural pea...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Rose Cut Diamonds, 0.70ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 0.70ct – G/H SI – 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide the pendant is 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,612 / set
Estate 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 2.00ct 18k gold 4.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ear clips set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.00ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.1 cm high by 1.3 cm wide Weight 4.8...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Gold Brooch with Amethyst, Jade, and Diamond 0.25ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold brooch set with amethyst, jade and brilliant cut diamond 0.25 ct. detailed description: dimensions are 5.0 cm long by 4.0 cm wide weight 20.3 grams occupied with ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Ring withbrilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 18k gold 3.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond 0.25 carat F/G - Pique - ring size U.S. 5.5 - EU. 16.25 (51) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 6.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,417Sale Price|20% Off
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique 2.00 Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A beautiful example of Dutch craftsmanship, this piece is well-preserved and ready to wear or collect. Origin: The Netherlands, 1900s Stones: Rose-cut diamonds centre stone 1.25ct...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handmade statement necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises accompanied by a large 3.5 carat vibrant yellow Citrine set in 14k gold surrounded by spar...
Diamond, Turquoise, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k gold brooch with rose diamond total 0.50ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 4.7 cm long by 2.6 cm wide weight 8.9 grams set with -...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with square cut and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with square-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings measure 1.6 cm in length and 9.0 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.00ct Brilliant-Cut Diamond
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide. Ring ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A beautiful example of Dutch craftsmanship, this piece is well-preserved and ready to wear or collect. Origin: The Netherlands, 1800s Stones: Natural rose-cut diamond Materials: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.89ct 18k gold 10.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds total approx. 0.89ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45cm Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 1.8...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18kt Rose gold earrings with rose-cut champagne diamonds – Reguliersgracht Bridg
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Earrings featuring rose-cut diamonds (3.09ct.) and tiny brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.95ct TW/VS. These 18-karat rose gold hoop earrings, named ‘Reguliersgracht Bridge,’ are par...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow gold ring with diamonds and Flower carved emerald
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Crafted from 18k yellow gold, this big bold bauble features a light green cabochon emerald measuring approximately 24 carats and is hand-carved at the top with an imaginative leaf de...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bonebakker 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings, 2.26ct Modern
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our signature long time favourite diamond hoop earrings from our Bonebakker Collection. These oval hoop earrings are meticulously crafted in 18 ka...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
14 Karat Yellow Gold Link Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in Arnhem, NL
A 14 karat yellow gold link bracelet with diamonds. The bracelet features asymmetrically shaped links, with a partly matte finish. The bracelet is set with 9 brilliant cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Giant Rainbow Moonstone drop 18K Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary necklace is crafted from the finest blue flash Rainbow Moonstones. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carved into e...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.30ct 18k gold 12.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold ring set with champagne, white, and black brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 9.25 - EU 19.25 (60) Detailed description The top of t...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.12ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace and pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.12ct – F/G – VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm w...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Dangle earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold drop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.6 cm long by 1.3 cm wide weigh...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Genuine Zambian Emerald Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
• Exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Pendant with pear shape emerald (appr 2.0 ct) • rose cut natural diamonds • pendant measures 12.6mm x 9.4mm (appr 0.49x0.37 inch) Elevate your jewelry co...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.02ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond (0.52 ct) and side stones consisting of brilliant-cut diamonds (0.50 ct) – ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed desc...
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
Ring with princess cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 14.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with princess cut diamond total 2.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 5.0 mm hig...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
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 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
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
Giant Baroque Flame Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
An extraordinary celebration of nature’s artistry, this rare baroque pearl necklace is a true statement of refined elegance. Each pearl is uniquely shaped, revealing the organic beau...
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with Southsea pearl and rose cut diamonds 14k gold/ silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a South Sea pearl and a rose-cut diamond 0.10 ct – G/H - SI - 45 cm Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl
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
Golden Tennis Bracelet with 6.50 Carat Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
One 18 karat gold tennis bracelet with 56 sparkling white diamonds. with 56 perfectly matching diamonds this bracelet is the ideal size for an exclusive tennis bracelet. The ideal b...
Diamond, 18k 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
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.