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
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
18k White Gold Cross Pendant Necklace with 1.73ct Baguette Diamonds
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, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k white gold multi band ring with diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A bold gold ring to shine in style. Twisting bands of 18 karat white gold of this striking tubogas ring surround 3 gold bands of sparkling diamonds, a total of 1.22 ct Impressive,...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 14.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k three-tone gold ear clips set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 2.1 cm long by 9.1 mm wide Weight...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Giant 14K Yellow Gold Lavender Turquoise & Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
One of the rarest turquoises ever mined! A celebration of nature's finest artistry, this extraordinary necklace showcases extremely rare Golden Hills Turquoise or lavender turquoise,...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Giant Blue Larimar Diamonds White Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Larimar, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18k Bicolor Gold Cufflinks with Diamonds, 0.45ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold cufflinks set with old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.45 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The top of the cufflink is oval, 2.1 cm by 9.1 mm wide. Weigh...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
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
Brooch with pealr and different shaped diamonds up to 8.00ct platinum 18.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum brooch set with pearl, marquise, baguette, and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 8.00ct – K/L, F/G – VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 6.0 cm long by...
Diamond, Platinum
Giant 13 Carat Kunzite Diamond Halo Statement Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Make an unforgettable impression with this extraordinary 13-carat Kunzite ring, a masterpiece of elegance and refined luxury. The spectacular Kunzite showcases a captivating deep pin...
Diamond, Kunzite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Necklace with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with brilliant-cut diamond total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm by 0.7 mm wide the dime...
Diamond, 14k 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
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
JUGENDSTILL platinum ring with ruby, brilliant and single cut diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring set with a central ruby totaling 1.05ct surrounded by brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rainbow Moonstone 18K Yellow Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary shimmering Rainbow Moonstone ring set in rich 18-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accom...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.07ct 18k gold 6.0 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold bracelet with round centerpiece set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.07 ct - F/G - VS/SI - length 18.5 cm Detailed description: the length of the bracelet is 18....
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
Ring with princess cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 4.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with princess cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 – EU. 18(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 3.2 mm wide and 2.1 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 1.00 GH SI Oldmine Cut Diamond Horseshoe Pendant
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Antique 1.00 GH SI Oldmine Cut Diamond Horseshoe Pendant An elegant and finely crafted early 20th century diamond horseshoe pendant, dating to circa 1900. Executed in solid 14 karat...
Diamond, 14k Gold
900PT solitaire ring set with briljant cut diamond 0.40 ct - 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
900PT solitaire ring set with one brilliant-cut diamonds 0.40 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description The top of the ring is 9.5 mm, with a height...
Diamond, Platinum
Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 6.48ct 18k gold 41.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold link bracelet set with round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approx. 6.48ct – F/G – VS/SI - 17 cm long Detailed description Length of the bracelet is 17 cm long by 3...
Diamond, 18k 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
Ring with brilliant and marquise cut diamonds up to 0.61ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.48ct - G/H - VS - and sides set with marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.13ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6....
Diamond, Platinum
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
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
$19,339Sale 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
18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.35ct Champagne & White Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with champagne and white brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.35ct - ring size US 5.5 - EU 16.25 (51) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide Ri...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Necklace with Old Mine-Cut Diamond Pendant, 1.35ct, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.35 ct – G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 m...
Diamond, Platinum
Rainbow Sapphire Tourmaline & Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover the captivating beauty of these extraordinary rainbow gemstone stud earrings, expertly crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. Each stone sparkles from every angle. With magni...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with marquise- and baguette shaped diamonds up to 0.86ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a marquise in the center and tapered diamonds on the sides totaling 0.86ct - H/I, F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54) detailed description...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the central diamond in addition to an independent diamond grading report card for the suppo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Lightning Ridge Opal Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with Paraiba Tourmaline and 14K gold sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand ca...
Diamond, Opal, Paraiba, 14k Gold
Giant Boulder Opal & Diamond Pendant Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Discover a (OOAK) One Of A Kind treasure born from the heart of Australia! This exceptionally rare 19 inch handcarved boulder opal necklace features a mesmerizing gemstone sourced f...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$2,250 / 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
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 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
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
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
$3,950 / 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 carnelian and brilliant cut diamonds 14.4 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with carnelian and brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.25ct in total - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The size of the ear studs is 3.2 cm by 1.1...
Carnelian, Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 3.9 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolouw gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds 0.30 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 5.0 - EU 15.75 (49) Detailed description The top of the ring is 7.5 mm wide ring size US 5...
Diamond, 18k 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
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
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
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
Tennis bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 18k gold 19.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 17 cm long detailed description: the bracelet is 17 cm long by 5.7 mm wide and 3.3 m...
Diamond, 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
$6,516Sale 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
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
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
Bridges of Amsterdam studs baguette diamond and blue zircon
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
So wearable, so classy. These Bonebakker Bridges of Amsterdam Celebration studs in white gold are set with baguette-cut diamonds and have a detachable blue zircon drop. So wear it wi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 0.47ct Diamonds, 1950s
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring with old European and single cut diamond 0.47ct - J/K - VS/SI - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide, and...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Earrings with rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold 8.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ear clips set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.30ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.7 cm long by 1.1 cm wide Total weight 8....
Diamond, 14k 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, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with pendant set with a sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.35 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 50 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 50 cm long and 0.9...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with baguette/tapered cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 10k gold 4.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k white gold ring set with diamonds up to 0.80ct - K/L - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) detailed description: Top of the ring 8.5 mm wide and 6.3 mm high weight : 4.1 ...
Diamond, 10k 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
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.