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
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
Genuine Brazil Aquamarine drop 18K Diamond Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from rare Brazilian aquamarine of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carve...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Brooch in shape of a frog with green hardened glass and diamonds platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum brooch in the shape of a frog with a green hardened glass stone and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.25 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.3 cm lo...
Diamond, Platinum
Earrings with tree resin and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ear clips set with tree resin and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.9 cm long by 1.0 cm w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.93ct 14k gold 4.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold cluster ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.43 ct, surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18k gold necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct 7.8 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 42 cm long detailed description: the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by 0.8 ...
Diamond, 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
Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 14k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.75ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 4.0 cm long by 3.4 cm wide weight 5.1 grams se...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14k White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace, 4.00ct Sapphire
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with sapphire 4.00 carat and brilliant cut diamond 0.15ct - F/G - VS/SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with Black and White Diamonds, 0.80ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with black and white brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 18 (56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide ring size...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.20ct 14k gold 12.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 19 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 19 cm long, 2.5 mm wide, and 1.9 mm high. The...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Giant Brazil Aquamarine drop 18K Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary necklace is crafted from rare Brazilian aquamarine of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carve...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, 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
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 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
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold 5.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a flower pendant set with a brilliant-cut diamond 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18kt Yellow gold Ring with Morganite and diamonds – Waalseiland Bridge
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18 karat yellow gold ring set with 0.49 ct diamonds and a 3.49 carat cushion cut beautiful quality morganite inspired by a famous Amsterdamse School Style bridge. 18kt Yellow gold R...
Diamond, White Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Pendant Necklace with 0.76ct Diamonds, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with gold pendant set with brilliant and single cut diamond. 0.76 ct - G/H - VS/SI - 50 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 50 cm long and 0.9 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Diamond and Pink Tourmaline 14K Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
A deep pink rubelite tourmaline that catch the light in dazzling ways. Surrounded by sparkling rose cut diamonds. This unique eye catching charm can be combined with your favorite n...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with tourmaline and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold necklace set with green tourmaline and brilliant cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 4...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 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
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds 0.25ct 2.9 grams 18k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct - F/G - VS/Si - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.5 mm wide weight...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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
18k Bicolor Gold Ring with 1.20ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, Size 7.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor ring set with 1.20ct brilliant-cut diamonds - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 7.6 mm wide and 2.3 mm high Ri...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.15ct 14k gold 2.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond 0.15 ct G/H VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5(52) detailed description top of the ring is 4.0 mm wide and 3.4 mm high weight ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 4.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 7.5 mm wide and 5....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.38ct 18k gold 4.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace and pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds up to. 0.38ct - F/G - VS/SI - length 40 cm detailed description: Necklace length is 40 cm long and 0.8 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.22ct 18k gold 8.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clip-on earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.22 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the clip-on earrings is 1.9 cm long and 7.4 mm wide We...
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
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.13ct 14k gold 4.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.13ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 6.6 mm wide ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18k Two-Tone Gold Cocktail Ring with 0.80ct Champagne & White Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold ring set with champagne-colored and white brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 8.7 mm...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.15ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.15ct - G/H, F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with pear shaped and brilliant cut diamonds 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with a central pear-shaped cut diamond up to 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI and an entourage of brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct. 0.75ct - F/G - VS/...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14k Pink Gold Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace, Circa 1880, 0.50ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold necklace with pendant set with rose diamonds up to. 0.50ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide The size of the p...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
18k Solid Gold Natural Ruby Diamond Dragonfly Pendant
Located in Den Haag, NL
If you are looking for a unique and meaningful gift for yourself or someone special, you will love our 18k solid gold dragonfly pendant with chain! This pendant is not just a beauti...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Pendant Necklace with 0.30ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with pendant set with white and champagne-colored brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct - F/G, N/O - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 950 platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
950Pt Platinum necklace and pendant set with old mine cut diamonds up to. 2.50ct – G/H – SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm long by 0.7 mm wid...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
** for all shipments outside the EU: we can take care of the mayority of the import duties as well as express shipment costs** A regal triple layered necklace with extremely rare an...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - F/G, N/O - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54) detailed description: the front of the ring is 8.1 mm wide ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.55ct 18k gold 7.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.55ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 - EU. 15.5 (48) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide Ring ...
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 7.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.60ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 4.8 mm wide and 3.1 mm hi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold 6.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (57) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.4 cm wide Rin...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Maria Garcia Cassetti 18k gold Black Rhodium Band Ring, 0.32ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Maria Garcia Cassetti 18k black rhodium-plated band ring with enamel and brilliant cut diamond up to. 0.32ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.75ct - 5.5 grams - 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.75ct - J/K - VS/SI - ring size US 9 - EU 19 (60) Detailed description top of the ring is 5.5 mm wide ring size US 9 - E...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace with Tahiti pearl and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.12ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with a Tahitian pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.12 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 42 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 42 cm long and 1.5 mm wide. ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamond 0.13 ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with one brilliant cut diamond 0.13ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 6.0 mm wide and 6.0 mm hig...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with peridot and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.58ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with peridot and brilliant-cut diamonds up to approximately 0.58 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm high and 5.0 mm wide. ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k 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
Victorian Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 1.8 mm wide. The pe...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 14k gold 4.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total approx. 0.36 carat F/G VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16 (50) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 6...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.