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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 14k gold 2.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.45ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5 – EU 15.75(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is 8.5 mm wide and 7.2 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
ART NOUVEAU Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold brooch set with rose cut diamonds total approx. 0.35 ct G/H - SI/P - 6.1 cm x 1.4 cm detailed description The brooch is 6.9 cm wide and 1.1 cm high weight: 6.4 grams Set...
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
Necklace adn pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.65ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with a pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.65ct - F/G - VS - 36 cm long detailed description the necklace is 36 cm long and 1.0 mm wide the pen...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
Necklace and pendnt with turquoise and diamonds up to 1.70 ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with turquoise and diamonds in various cuts; total diamond weight 1.70 ct - G/H - VS/SI - 50 cm long Detailed description: Necklace length...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Earrings with single cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 7.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold drop earrings set with single cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct - F/G - SI/P Detailed description The dimensions of the stud are 2.8 cm high and 1.2 cm wide Total wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.62ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds. 0.62ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide dimensions of ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.90ct 18k gold 7.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds. 0.90ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU 17 (53) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide ring size U.S...
Diamond, 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
Earrings with tourmaline and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold stud earrings set with tourmaline and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.50ct – F/G – VS/SI – 7.5 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud are 1.3 cm lo...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Modern Earrings with rose cut diamond up to 0.50ct 14k gold 5.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ear clips set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the top of the ear clip is 1.8 cm wide weight 5.2 grams set with - 2 x 0.2...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Heemstede, NL
A little colour, a little sparkle, and plenty of character. This 14K yellow gold ring features an oval blue sapphire, framed by two sparkling diamonds. The gold band curves gently ar...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Modern ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 5.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.65 ct – G – VS – ring size US 8 – EU 18 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.8 mm wide Ring size US ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Solitaire ring with brilliant cut diamond up to 0.50ct 18k gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold solitaire ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond approx. 0.50 ct – F/G – P1 – ring size US 5.25 - EU 16 (50) Detailed description: The top of the ring measures 5.9...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Estate Pink Angel Skin Coral Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This exquisite vintage necklace features a 14-carat yellow gold link chain set with three brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.06 ct. Each diamond is mounted...
Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.49ct 18k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond 0.49 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size 17.25 (54) detailed description The top of the ring is 7.6 mm wide by 6.9 mm high ring size U...
Diamond, 18k 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
18k Bicolour Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.40ct Sapphire, 2.20ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire 1.40 ct and taper, carre and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20 ct -F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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
Necklace and pendant with sapphire and diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with a pendant in the shape of a butterfly set with sapphire and single cut and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed descr...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
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
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...
Diamond, Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Vintage flower shaped brooch with single cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold flower-shaped brooch set with single-cut diamonds (total approx. 0.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI) Detailed description Dimensions: 3.8 cm x 3.3 cm Weight: 11.5 grams Set ...
Diamond, 18k 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
18K Yellow Gold Marquise Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Heemstede, NL
A captivating vintage treasure that radiates subtle sophistication and timeless charm. This beautiful yellow gold ring is set with two marquise-cut sapphires and two sparkling single...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sparkling Hummingbird 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A true eye-catching delicate sparkling pendant; this playfull hummingbird is surrounded by sparkling cut diamonds that catch the light in dazzling ways, this is a minimalistic and ti...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
HRD report Earrings studs with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.91ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to. 0.91ct – D/E – VVS2 – according to HRD report detailed description: The front of the ear stud is 5.4 m...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 4.50ct 14k gold 12.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 4.60 ct Detailed description: The earrings are 4.5 cm long and 1.4 cm wide. Weight: 12.8 grams Set with: - 2 x 4.1 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Arnhem, NL
A modern ring made of 14 karat yellow gold with diamonds. The center of the ring features asymmetrical and partly matted design and it is set with two brilliant cut diamonds. The in...
Diamond, 14k 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
14K Yellow Gold Nine Diamond Cluster Ring - Yellow & White Gold
Located in Heemstede, NL
Delicate, timeless and easy to wear. This vintage 14K yellow gold ring is set with nine natural single cut diamonds, creating a soft sparkle that beautifully catches the light. The w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Dutch 14 Karat Gold and Silver Cluster Diamond Earrings
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique Victorian (ca. 1900) diamond cluster earrings. The earrings are made of 14 karat yellow gold and a central rose cut diamond surrounded by small rose cut diamonds (14 diam...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Hoop earrings with brillaint cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold 12.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold hoop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamond 1.26ct.-F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the hoop is 2.2 cm high and 5.9 mm wide weight : 12.4 grams set with - 56 x...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 14k and 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with an 18k white gold pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description the necklace is 40 cm long and 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold 7.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.60ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 – EU 18(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 8.3 mm hi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.31ct 18k gold 6.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.31ct. - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the top of the ring is 9.1 mm wide wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1910's Marquise Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Navette 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 Stones: Rose-cut diamonds Materials: Silver, 14K gol...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Key of Amsterdam Pendant Rose Gold and Diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The classic key of Amsterdam in the biggest size in 18 karat pink gold with elegant diamonds details. A unique and symbolic piece of jewelry that has such a prominent place in the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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
Necklace and pendant with brilliant and single cut diamond up to 0.80ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.80ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description: necklace is 40 cm long and 1.7 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
DAMIANI Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.55ct 18k gold
By Damiani
Located in The Hague, ZH
DAMIANI 18k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 0.55ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.75 - EU. 18.75(59) detailed description: the top of the ring is 7.0 mm wide b...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.35ct platinum 5.4 grams
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
14k White Gold Modern Ring with 0.30ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with six brilliant cut diamonds 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 7.0 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18kt yellow gold Turquoise Ring with Inlay Set with Diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ring sculpted in top quality Iranese turquoise with floral decoration executed with high carat yellow gold inlay and set with faceted diamonds. Admire the beauty and craftsmanship o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1900's Marquise Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Navette 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 Stones: Rose-cut diamonds Materials: Silver, 14K gol...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Giant Layered Australian Lightning Ridge Opal & Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with an 14K gold and sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand carved for an extr...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
18 karat rose gold earrings with pink Sapphire and Diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Spectacular Bonebakker rose‑gold drop earrings with pink sapphire. Two cabochon‑cut pink sapphire drops, each measuring almost half a carat. In total, the earrings contain 4.37 ct of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.40 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 8.75 - EU 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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 Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Bow Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This antique Victorian drop-shaped bow pendant designed with rose cut diamonds is truly a treasure to behold. The pendant is created with rose cut diamonds set in a teardrop shape su...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 14k Gold Pendant Necklace with Pearl & Diamonds, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with pearl and old mine cut diamond total approximately 0.70 ct G/H - SI - 40 cm long detailed description the pendant is 2.3 cm high and ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
J. Hauser - 18k gold with pearls and marquise-cut diamonds up to 0.85ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
J. Hauser - 18k white gold statement ring set with pearls and marquise-cut diamonds (total 0.85 ct) - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description The top o...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Kunzite 13ct Diamond Halo Statement Ring in White Gold
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings Make an unforgettable impression with this extraordinary 13-carat Kunzite ring, a masterpiece of elegance and refined luxury. T...
Diamond, Kunzite, 14k Gold, White 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.