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Whimsical Diamond and 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Diamond Fairy Brooch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magical and whimsical fairy brooch set with almost 5 carats of diamonds in 18 karat white and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Fairy Wing Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Gift this romantic and stylish diamond angel wings to your special angel. Styled on sterling silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

18K White Gold 1.63ct Diamond and Sapphire Fairy Brooch
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury brooch will instantly capture your imagination. On this piece, a fairy motif at the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fairy Star Blue and White Diamond 24k Gold Bangle
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Venus Blue Diamond Gold Bangle Crafted from 14k Rose Gold and embellished with a 0.45 Ct G-VS-SI
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Bangles

Materials

Blue Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

.925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Fairy Wing Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Gift this romantic and stylish diamond angel wings to your special angel. Styled on sterling silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef & Arpels Dancing Fairy Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Brooch Pair
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
dancing winged fairies holding magic wands tipped by solitaire round diamonds. One fairy has an oval
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Sybarite Fairies Earrings in Yellow Gold
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
need a little magic. Let’s believe in the wonder of fairies. One yellow gold earring is depicted as an
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sybarite Fairies Earrings in White Gold
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
design and in execution. We all need a little magic. Let’s believe in the wonder of fairies. One white
Category

2010s Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Fairy Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a fairy with a highly rendered female form With spread wings shining with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

26.13 Carat Heart-Shaped Topaz 'Fairy on the Lake' Collection Diamond Necklace
Located in Kowloon, HK
26.13 Carat Heart-Shaped Topaz 'Fairy on the Lake' Collection Diamond Necklace Main stone - 26.13
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold

.925 Sterling Silver Pave-Set Diamond Accent Fairy Wing Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Gift this romantic and stylish diamond angel wings to your special angel. Styled on sterling silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Antique Fairy Angel Pendant Rose Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Mother of Pearl
Located in New York, NY
Rose Cut Diamonds. The workmanship in the carving of the fairy or angel is magnificent. She has a
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Fairy Whisper - Fire Opal Necklace in 18K White Gold with Diamonds, Sapphires
Located in Suwanee, GA
Fairy Whisper - Fire Opal Necklace in 18K White Gold with Diamonds, Sapphires & Turquoise
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Hearts on Fire Fairy Tale Cross Diamond Necklace White Gold 18k Rd .33ctw Adjust
By Hearts On Fire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $2189 Brand: Hearts on Fire Design: Fairy Tale Cross Metal Content: 18k White Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Gold Fairy Flowing Hair Woman Ring V1103
Located in Osprey, FL
-inspired design, this elegant ring flourishes with a beautiful hair-flowing fairy and sprinkled diamonds
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Boho Diamond Screen Printed Wallpaper in Metallic Silver and Fairy Blue on Snow
By Michele Varian
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Michele Varian's Boho diamond wallpaper is a modern design with a scale like pattern creating an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Fairy Lady Nouveau 1910 Enamel Brooch Pin Necklace Silver and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
18K Yellow Gold with brilliant Enamel colors approx size 2.5' inch long (65 mm) few Diamonds and
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling ...

Nina Zhou Fantasy Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendent Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
Step into a world of enchantment with the Nina Zhou's Fairy Tale Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold

Nina Zhou Fantasy Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendent Necklace in White Gold
By Nina Zhou
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
Embark on a journey into enchantment with the Nina Zhou Fairy Tale Aquamarine Diamond Castle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Yellow and White Gold Flower Fairy Ring
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K White Gold with White Diamond and Y/G Fairy flower ring from the25th Anniversary Collection
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

"La Fée Verte" 'The Green Fairy' Yellow Gold Ring with Emerald and Diamonds
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This breathtaking 3.38 carat emerald of the highest quality is surrounded by beautiful diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Alessa Cloduscape Fairy Earrings 18 Karat Rose Gold Give Wings Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
generation! Product Name: Cloudscape Fairy Earrings Stones: Colorless Diamonds 0.08 ctw, Color Stones 0.35
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Alessa Instant Fairy Pendant 18 Karat Rose Gold Give Wings Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
generation! Product Name: Instant Fairy Pendant Stones: Colorless Diamonds 0.04 ctw, Color Stones 0.16ctw
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver

Alessa Blossome Fairy Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat Rose Gold Give Wings Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
generation! Product Name: Blossome Fairy Tennis Bracelet Stones: Colorless Diamonds 1.34 ctw, Color Stones
Category

2010s American Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Fairy Angel Victorian Style Oval Pendant Embellished with Stones in 14k Gold
By Alexandra Koumba
Located in Astoria, NY
you to feel protected and wear your Guardian Angel. This is Fairy's magic wand to clear ways for you
Category

2010s Greek High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Spinel, Rhodolite, Black Spinel, Turquoise, Pearl, Moonstone, Malachite,...

18k Argyle Pink Diamond Pendent Necklace
By Kristin Hanson
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
droplet. Radiant, fairy tale color, pear shape diamond reflecting the shine of polished 18k rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Alessa Dreaminess Fairy Earcuff 18 Karat Rose Gold Give Wings Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
generation! Product Name: Dreaminess Fairy Earcuff Diamonds: 0.09 cts Diamonds, 0.33 cts Color Stone Metal
Category

2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Alessa Sunrise Fairy Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold Give Wings Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
generation! Product Name: Sunrise Fairy Ring Stones: Colorless Diamonds 0.36 ctw Metal: 18K Rose Gold 6.27
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Alessa Ethereal Fairy Earrings 18 Karat Rose Gold Give Wings Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
generation! Product Name: Ethereal Fairy Earrings by Alessa Stones: Colorless Diamonds 0.20 ctw Metal: 18K
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Masriera Plique a Jour Enamel Citrine Amethyst Diamond Fairy Nymph Brooch Penda
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
Marsiera delicate 18k gold brooch, can be worn as a slide pendant, depicting a nymph fairy with
Category

20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Enamel

Antique Art Nouveau Winged Angel Ring Diamond Fairy 18k Yellow Gold Conversion
Located in Torrance, CA
detail, with the angel cradling a diamond. The ring exemplifies the Art Nouveau era when jewelry was
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Gold Fairy Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Adorable! Diamond fairy sitting on a invisible set ruby globe. Fairy's face is a single pear shape
Category

2010s Unknown Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond Dancing-Fairy Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely piece featuring a diamond studded fairy dancing the night away. It is set with 2.85 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Fairy Diamond & Gold Brooches
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Designed as two winged fairies bearing wands, One fairy has a wand accented by one round diamond
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruser Pearl Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Winged Fairy Brooch
By William Ruser
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s 18K yellow Gold Winged fairy Brooch by William Ruser, set with Mississippi fresh water
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Freshwater Pearl, Diamond

Carrera y Carrera Large Onyx Diamond Gold Fairy Pendant Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
A charming little fairy attached onto a neatly crafted 18K yellow gold chain makes this Carrera y
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carrera y Carrera Fairy Earrings Estate Diamond Drops Wings Onyx Jewelry
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of pre-owned Carrera y Carrera winged fairy earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Enamelled Fairies Brooch, 18k Gold Filigree and Diamond, Art Nouveau
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique, French Art Nouveau era enamelled fairy brooch. This is such an unusual piece
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Whiteside & Blank Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fairy Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a winged fairy nymph - her figure is highly rendered in gold. With spread
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Carrara Y Carrara 1990s Diamond Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pomona Fairy Necklace
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a stylized curb link chain with looping edges suspending a highly rendered fairy
Category

1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Caresse d'Éole Fairy Clip. Traditional Mystery Set, Rubies
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
, together with emeralds and sapphires. Whimsical and benevolent, the fairies first entered the universe of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Nina Zhou Fairy Tale Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendent
By Nina Zhou
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
Step into a world of enchantment with the Nina Zhou's Fairy Tale Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold

1980s Whimsical with Motion Diamond 18 Karat Fairy Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Share some fun with this extraordinary 18K Whimsical Fairy Brooch. The moving wings and spinning
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rose Cut Diamond Hardstone Cameo Fairy Brooch French 18 Karat Gold Victorian
Located in New York, NY
hand carved image of the woman, possibly a fairy, is framed by a halo of Rose Cut Diamonds set in 18
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fairy Nymph pendant brooch, 18k gold, plique-à-jour enamel 0.20 cts. diamonds
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
One of a kind Chain with a fairy or nymph pendant, in 18k gold, enamel and small diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fairy Moon Stone VCA 18K YG Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Van Cleef and Arpels 18K yellow gold Fairy Brooch Pin. This VCA,  high Polished gold with Genuine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Nouveau 1910 Enamel Brooch Necklace Silver and 18 Karat Gold Fairy Lady Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
brilliant Enamel colors approx size 2.5' inch long (65 mm) few Diamonds and Blue sapphire Total Weight
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Silver, Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Yellow Go...

Nina Zhou Fantasy Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendent
By Nina Zhou
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
Step into a world of enchantment with the Nina Zhou's Fairy Tale Aquamarine Diamond Castle Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold

Diamonds Rose Gold and White Gold Carriage Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
two horses and a coachman, all studded with diamonds, just like in fairy tales. Diamonds ct 0.60
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Hearts on Fire Fairy Tale Ideal Diamond Gold Cross Pendant
By Hearts On Fire
Located in Columbia, MO
This pendant is from Hearts on Fire, which is known for the world's most perfectly cut diamonds
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver 18 Karat Gold and 24 Karat Fairy Dust Chrysocolla/Malachite Cuff
By Llyn strong
Located in Greenville, SC
cabochon chrysocolla/malachite and 0.535 total carat weight round full cut blue and green diamonds
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Malachite, Other, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Sterl...

Fairy Enamel South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
decorated with enamel and diamonds. The ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and set with 55 old european
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Oxidized Sterling Silver and 24 Karat Fairy Dust Mermaid Cuff with Diamonds
By Llyn strong
Located in Greenville, SC
An oxidized sterling silver cuff with 24k gold mermaid design, 24k gold fairy dust, and 1.02total
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver

Plique-a-Jour Enamel Fairy Pendant/Pin
By Masriera
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Estate 18 karat yellow gold, Plique a Jour, enamel, diamond and pearl pendant with pin option
Category

20th Century Spanish Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Opal Diamond Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
Fairy opal and diamond earrings crafted in 14K gold. Each earring features a foliate design with
Category

Mid-20th Century American More Earrings

Materials

Opal, White Diamond, 14k Gold

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Diamond Fairy For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact diamond fairy you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 10 antique edition and 9 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a diamond fairy from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a diamond fairy has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by llyn strong, Sybarite Jewellery and Van Cleef & Arpels are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for a briolette cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes rose cut and round cut alternatives. Finding a diamond fairy for sale for women should be easy, but there are 3 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Diamond Fairy?

Prices for a diamond fairy can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $282 and can go as high as $68,327, while this accessory, on average, fetches $8,050.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.