Quadrillion Invisibly Set Diamond 1.36Ct & Ruby 4.31Ct Ring
By Bez Ambar
Located in New York, NY
Under the trademark Quadrillion, Bez Ambar created the modern square shaped princess cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quadrillion Ambar Wrist Watch 8.71cttw Diamond MSRP $56, 000 Serial Number 1
By Bez Ambar
Located in Dearborn, MI
Quadrillion Ambar Wrist Watch 8.71cttw Diamond MSRP $56,000 Serial Number 1 Features 8.71cttw of Genuine Natural Mined D-E / Flawless-VVS Diamonds MSRP $56,000 The Genius of Be...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bez Ambar 18K 2.41ct GIA Asscher Quadrillion Diamond Vivid Ruby Ring 8.91ctw
By Bez Ambar
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Bez Ambar is celebrated for his patented Quadrillion cut and highly precise diamond work, and this ring beautifully reflects that level of craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ambar Quadrillion Two Row Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Size 7.75
By Bez Ambar
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Ambar Quadrillion Two Row Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
18 Karat Ruby and Diamond Mounting Ring
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Pikesville, MD
Made with superior quality by invisibly set fine jewelry designer, Quadrillion diamond company. This stunning 18 karat yellow gold mounting features 3.67 carats of high quality, well...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Wide Blue Sapphire and Diamond Modern Band
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Pikesville, MD
Made by Quadrillion Diamond Company, experts in invisibly set creations, this 18 karat yellow gold ring features 2.39 carats of well saturation blue sapphires and .75 carats of brigh...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Art Deco Inspired Diamond Ring 5.47 Carat Total Weight
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Pikesville, MD
Beautifully refined 18 karat yellow gold Art Deco inspired geometric diamond ring featuring a 1.01 carat princess cut center surrounded by 4.46 carats of trillion and princess cut di...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quadrillion 18k Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire & Princess Pyramid Sides Ring
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning and uniquely designed diamond ring is designed by Quadrillion and crafted in solid 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quadrillion 18k Yellow Gold 1.84cwt Channel Set Diamond Wedding Band Ring
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (23) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Cut w/ Cut Corners- Channel Set - E/F Color - VVS1-VS2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 1.84 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gol...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Diamond Ring
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Coral Gables, FL
The Mounting Contains 15 Princess Cut Diamonds Totaling Approximately 1.5 Carats of VVS Clarity & F Color.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
DeBeers Award Winner 4.50 ctw Quadrillion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Bez Ambar
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Quadrillion diamond is a square brilliant gemstone.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quadrillion Look Diamond Engagement Ring Mined 2.35ct Princess 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Quadrillion Look Diamond Engagement Ring Mined 2.35ct Princess 14K Yellow Gold Features a Genuine H SI Natural Princess Cut Center Diamond Crown Quad Style Engagement Ring Captiv...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Blue Star Sapphire Diamond Brooch, Diamonds 11.75 Carats
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Eighteen channel set quadrillion cut diamonds, 1.00 carat, VS-1 to S-1 in clarity, G-H in color.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified VS2 4.13 Carat Princess Diamond Ring With 2 Carat Diamond Sides
Located in Tustin, CA
Stunning platinum 3 stone diamond estate engagement, wedding or cocktail ring features a GIA certified, "Quadrillion" princess cut diamond in the center weighing 4.13 carats, with a ...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Bangle
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Tiffany and Company ruby and diamond bangle bracelet is the perfect everyday bangle. 16 Rubies adorn the top weighing 1.74cts and 12 quadrillion diamonds are set in-be...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Line Tennis Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
With 40 quadrillion cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight 2.85ct 40 square cut rubies total weight approximately 3.66ct Details: Length: 7" Weight: 19.7 grams Width: 4mm S...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Black, Starr & Frost GIA Certified Natural Fancy Pink Oval Diamond Ring 2.30ctw
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this Black, Starr & Frost GIA Certified Natural Fancy Pink Oval Diamond Ring 2.30ctw. This beautiful custom Black, Starr & Frost ring features a GIA certified...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum
Bez Ambar 2.00 Carat Quad Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Bez Ambar
Located in Carmel, IN
They are square shaped with baguette & quadrillion cut diamonds, totaling 2.00 carats. It is crafted in 18k yellow gold with high-quality quad cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quadrillion Brand 18 Yellow Gold Ring with 10.82ct Precious Topaz and Diamonds
By Quadrillion Diamond Company
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This 18k yellow gold fashion ring is a late 20th century industry icon, signed Quadrillion brand. Set with one 10.82ct oval Imperial Topaz* flanked by twenty quadrillion cut diamond...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quadrillion 18kt Yellow Gold 1.19ct Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
By Bez Ambar
Located in New York, NY
Under the trademark Quadrillion, Bez Ambar created the modern square shaped princess cut diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold 12.30 Carat Quadrillion Diamond Line Bracelet
By Bez Ambar
Located in New York, NY
Under the trademark Quadrillion, Bez Ambar created the modern square shaped princess cut diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Huge 11.11 Carat Princess Diamond Ring With 2.08 Carat Diamond Side Stones
Located in Tustin, CA
The "Quadrillion" Princess cut diamond is an ideal square shaped diamond with brilliant facets.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Rare Quadrillion-Cut Diamonds Gold Ring
Located in Metairie, LA
Surrounding this deep blue sapphire are approximately 5 carats of beautiful Quadrillion cut diamonds. The very rare and sought after Quadrillion cut diamond is an ideal-cut diamond w...
Diamond, Sapphire
Bez Ambar Quadrillion Cut White Gold 11.88 Carat Diamond Bracelet
By Bez Ambar
Located in Columbia, MO
Bez Ambar is a Los Angeles-based jewelry designer known for its classic designs. This stunning tennis bracelet features 11.88 carats of sparkling diamonds. DETAILS: 11.88CTW princes...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Hanging Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat white gold earrings featuring princess cut and quadrillion cut diamonds. Total estimated diamond weight of 12.66 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bez Ambar Quadrillion Princess Cut Diamond Platinum Tennis Bracelet
By Bez Ambar
Located in Columbia, MO
It features Bez Ambar's signature Quadrillion princess cut diamonds that have a combined total weight of 3.92 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Band Ring, 1.25ct, Circa 1970s
Located in Venice, CA
This striking 1970’s or 1980’s diamond ring has beautiful craftsmanship with a row of diamonds along the top and bottom of the band. The diamonds are channel set, held in place by a ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond Ring 0.30 ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' 18k yellow gold and diamond ring. Stamped 18k and weighs 4.6 grams. The diamonds are round brilliant cuts, i to j color, Si clarity, .30 total carats. The top of the ring mea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,595
H 0.91 in W 0.25 in Dm 0.91 in
Universal Geneve Ladies yellow Gold Diamond Baguette Bezel Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Universal Geneve ladies 18k yellow gold dress watch with a baguette diamond bezel. The watch has a sleek gold dial with four round diamonds as markers for the twelve, three, six, and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Bueche-Girod Swiss Ladies Diamond Pavé Dial Winding Tank Watch
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Vintage Bueche-Girod ladies' wristwatch featuring a rectangular tank-style yellow gold case with a pavé diamond dial and diamond-set side accents. The watch is fitted with a black li...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ladies Vintage Omega Quartz 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Wrist Watch, Textured
By Omega
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant and distinctive, this vintage Omega ladies' quartz wristwatch is crafted in solid 14 karat yellow gold and showcases Omega's timeless commitment to luxury and precision. The ...
Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen 10702.01.90.11 Women's Watch in 18kt Yellow Gold
By Carl F. Bucherer
Located in New York, NY
Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen 10702.01.90.11 Women's Watch in 18kt Yellow Gold SKU: 140323 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Carl F. Bucherer Model: Alacria Queen Country of Origin: Switzerl...
Yellow Gold
Omega Ladies Diamond Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Ladies late 1960's Omega diamond dress wristwatch. Crafted in 18k yellow gold accented with a 24 round cut diamonds along the bezel which are set in 18k white gold. Solid Omega mesh ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lady's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's watch in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. The case is rectangular, the bottom beige slightly pricked. The hands enamelled black. Marked Universal Geneve Swiss. On the back,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Concord Swiss Full Diamond 18K Gold Ladies Watch
By Concord Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and luxurious Concord ladies' Les Palais wristwatch features a 21mm solid 18k yellow gold case and bracelet set with glittering original Concord factory diamonds. The watch f...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,000
W 1.13 in D 0.19 in L 6.13 in
Large Scale Ladies Vintage Bueche Girod Yellow Gold and Diamond Wrist Watch
By Bueche Girod
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This striking and large scale ladies vintage Bueche Girod wrist watch is crafted from 18k yellow gold and is pavee set with an approximate total weight of 2.25ct. of G/H Color and VS...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 1.50 Carat Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This second- hand ring is decorated with a treated oval ruby set with 4 claws, on a surround of brilliant- cut diamonds. On either side of the head, the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BOUCHERON Reflet Gold Diamond Watch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond watch, Boucheron. The Reflet watch with quartz movement, rectangular fluted case with a row of approximately 17 round brilliant cut diamonds on e...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Wide Band Diamond Ring 3.17 Carats
Located in 台東区, JP
An impressive diamond statement ring crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with approximately 3.17 carats of diamonds. Designed as a substantial wide band, the ring features multiple c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Omega 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Manual Wind Bracelet Watch
By Omega
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Omega 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Manual Wind Bracelet Watch An elegant example of mid-century Swiss craftsmanship, this vintage Omega ladies wristwatch is crafted in sol...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Contemporary 2.7 ct Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Bridal Ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality. Designed with baguette cut ruby and diam...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.15ct Deep Red Ruby and Diamond Engagement Band Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
2.15 Carat Red Ruby and Diamond Engagement Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The round sha...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Juste Un Clou Size 17 Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
We are pleased to offer a pre-owned **Cartier Juste un Clou Pave Diamond Nail Bracelet** in size 17, a true masterpiece of bold design and luxury. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and set ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 18ct Rose & White Gold Tested Circa 1940’s Introducing a stunning 1940s 18ct gold cocktail ring that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 7.0 Carat Heart Shape Pink Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Heart Shape Diamond weighing 7.0 Carat with GIA certificate stating the Diamond is of Fancy Pink color and VS2 Clarity. Surrounded by reverse set White Diamonds weighing 5.02 Carats....
Pink Diamond, Platinum
Colombian Emerald 14.00 carats and Diamond Ring, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rectangular emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1...
Emerald, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Multi-Cut Diamond Ring, Retro Design, USA, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This refined 18 Karat Yellow Gold multi-cut diamond ring presents a striking composition of brilliance and structure. A princess-cut diamond is channel set across the top, creating a...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
W 1 in
Mid-20th Century Longines Driving Watch in 14K Gold and Platinum with Gemstones
By Longines
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very rare Retro Period Longines ladies driving watch, created during the 1940's, incorporates elements of Art-Deco with a wonderful platinum flower vase set with natural Rubies,...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 3ctw. Emerald 0.6ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Nice German cluster Emeralds and Diamonds Ring. Plain band and shoulders. Openwork crown in White Gold 16mm x 12.6mm x 6.9mm deep. All stones with open backs. Claw set natural oval c...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
Bulgari 1990's Iolite Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Three Stone Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut iolite weighing approximately 0.97 carats - transparent medium violetish blue in color Set east to west and flanked by emerald cut aquamarines - weighing app...
Aquamarine, Iolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Victorian Style Approximate 7.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage Victorian style rose cut diamond high jewelry ring. Center round rose cut diamond, approximately 7.50ct. Approximately I/J color and SI clarity. Bezel set, silver. Accommoda...
Diamond, Silver
5.03 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Cushion Three Stone Platinum Engagement Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A G.I.A certified 5.03 carat royal blue sapphire cushion cut platinum three stone ring, handcrafted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills as a refined collector jewel and meaningful alter...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Magnificent Old European Cut Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Lucerne, CH
Well played fusion of an antique diamond with a modern design. Binder Zurich is a well know name for collectors all over the world. The 7.21 ct old European cut diamond of approxim...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique French Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Convertible Snake Bracelet Necklace 1860
Located in Chicago, IL
France, circa 1860. Length is approximately 17 in. (43 cm) Weight – 121 grams. This exceptional quality Victorian era articulated snake bracelet / necklace is formed of sections, eac...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
$102,956
H 0.28 in Dm 0.61 in
Vintage Platinum Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Diamond Tennis Bracelet Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Antwerp, BE
StunningHigh Yewellery Platinum Tennis bracelet / watch Audemars Piguet. Calibre: 2426 Diamonds: The bracelet has together 16,2 carat diamonds. D color Internally Flawless Materi...
Diamond, Platinum
Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band GIA Certified 18.51 Carat
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
An EXCEPTIONAL piece, only found in the worlds highest jewelry houses. Important emerald cut diamond eternity band featuring 12 Emerald Cut diamonds each with its own GIA certific...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Watch - Haute Joaillerie
By Cartier
Located in Vallejo, CA
Cartier wrist watch - A Lady's fine white gold, Ruby, and diamonds-set bracelet watch Circa 1995.
Diamond, Ruby
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.