Vintage 4.65 Carat Diamond and 0.24 Carat Ruby Platinum Floral Brooch Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 0.24 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Transitional Modern Brilliant Round/Eight Content 4.65 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 1.10 Carat Emerald and 0.28 Carat Diamond Platinum Bar Brooch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Cut Mixed Content 1.10 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Eight Content 0.28 carat Number of Diamonds 30 Dimensions L...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 2.81 Carat Opal and 0.71 Carat Diamond Silver Pendant Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Victorian opal pendant with diamonds. Opal Quality Color White Cut Cabochon Content 2.81 carats Dia...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 4.48 Carat Sapphire 4.35 Carat Diamond Platinum Line Bracelet Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Square Faceted Content 4.48 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Old European/Eight Content 4.35 carats ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Floral 3.11 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique diamond jewelry. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color H Clarity SI2 Cut Round Br...
Diamond, Platinum
1.25 Carat Basaltic Sapphire and 1.48 Carat Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Tiara Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Basaltic Deposit Color Blue Cut Pear Content 1.25 carats Dimensions 8.01mm (length) x 5.14mm (width) x 3.27mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
5.95 Carat Amethyst and 0.95 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The feature gemstone is encircled with twenty pavé set eight-cut diamonds, totalling 0.95 carat. The pierced decorated ring shoulders meld with the setting and blend seamlessly with...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 12.80 Carat Topaz 0.82 Carat Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Topaz Quality: Color: Orange Cut: Oval Faceted Content: 12.80 carats Dimensions: 16.88mm (length) x 13.43mm (width) x 6.62mm (depth) Diamond Quality: Color (average grades): I Clari...
Diamond, Topaz, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.60 Carat Colombian Emerald 0.30 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Origin Colombia Cut Round Content 0.60 carat Dimensions 6.10mm (length) x 5.80mm (width) x 2.70mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average g...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.56 Carat Sapphire and 1.20 Carat Diamond 9k Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Colour Blue Cut Round/Pear Faceted Content 1.56 carats Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Old European Round/Eight Content 1...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 4.80 Carat Sapphire and 1 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Colour Blue Cut Oval Faceted Content 4.80 carats Dimensions 12.63mm (length) x 7.37mm (width) x 7.10mm (depth) Diamond Quality Colour (ave...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Antique 2.11 Carat Diamond and White Gold Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine diamond toi et moi ring in the UK. Diamond Quality Diamond One Colour K Clarity VVS1 Cut Old Europea...
Diamond, White Gold
5.40 Carat Aquamarine 0.21 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Drop Earrings Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Round/Pear Faceted Content 5.40 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI1 Cut Eight Content 0.21 carat Number of Diamonds ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Swedish 3.18 Carat Yellow Sapphire 2.40 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine sapphire and diamond brooch. Sapphire Quality Color Yellow Cut Cushion Content 3.18 carats Dimension...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.60 Carat Emerald, 10.47 Carat Diamond Platinum Bracelet Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning emerald and diamond bracelet. Emerald Quality Cut Baguette Content 0.60 carat Diamond Quality F...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 2.05 Carat Sapphire and 1.49 Carat Diamond, Platinum Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Basaltic Color Blue Cut Oval Faceted Content 2.05 carats Dimensions 8.23mm (length) x 6.62mm (width) x 3.94mm (depth) Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Col...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1930s Antique 4.42 Carat Diamond and Emerald White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This 1930s engagement ring displays a stunning and large feature 4.30 carat Old European round cut diamond eight claw set in subtle relief to the center of the design.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
15.38 Carat High Zircon 1.10 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Earrings Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
High Zircon Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 15.38 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) J Clarity (average grades) SI1 Cut Eight Content 1.10 carats Number of Diamonds 48...
Diamond, Zircon, White Gold
Vintage 4.85 Carat Emerald and 1.80 Carat Diamond White Gold Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine vintage emerald and diamond cocktail ring. Emerald Quality Cut Emerald Content 4.85 carats Dimension...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Silver
Art Deco 0.45 Carat Sapphire 1.75 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning diamond Art Deco ring with sapphires. Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Triangular Content 0.45 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1930s 1.76 Carat Pink Tourmaline 1.70 Carat Peridot and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tourmaline Quality Colour Pink Cut Round Faceted Content 1.76 carats Peridot Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 1.70 carats Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (averag...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Platinum
1.00 Carat Burmese Ruby 0.80 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Dress Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Origin Myanmar (Burma - Mogok) Cut Cushion Content 1.00 carat Dimensions 6.50mm (length) x 6.10mm (width) x 2.80mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1930s Antique 4.26 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these stunning platinum diamond drop earrings. Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G/H/I Clarity (average ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.02 Carat Sapphire 0.25 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Floral Ring Circa 1945
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Oval Faceted Content 1.02 carats Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color H Clarity VVS1 Cut Round Brilliant Content 0.16 carat Dimensions 3.46mm (avera...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
8.88 Carat Amethyst 1.05 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Amethyst Quality Cut Cabochon Content 8.88 carats Dimensions 15.86mm (length) x 12.13mm (width) x 7.50mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold
9.10 Carat Aquamarine and 0.24 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Emerald Content 9.10 carats Dimensions 14.45mm (length) x 12.72mm (width) x 7.79mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) J Clarity (average grades) P...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 5.17 Carat Aquamarine 0.36 Carat Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 5.17 carats Dimensions 17.52mm (length) x 13.31mm (width) x 7.56mm (depth) Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour L Clarity SI2 Cut O...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.54 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique jewelry/estate jewelry. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour I Clarity P1 C...
Diamond, Platinum
31.50 Carat Aquamarine and 1.02 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Square Faceted Content 31.50 carats Dimensions 18.02mm (length) x 17.35mm (width) x 13.64mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
3.75 Carat Pink Tourmaline and 0.96 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tourmaline Quality Colour Pink Cut Oval Faceted Content 3.75 carats Dimensions 9.83mm (length) x 7.98mm (width) x 6.60mm (depth) Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.66 Carat Ruby and 0.40 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 0.66 carat Dimensions 5.33mm (length) x 4.28mm (width) x 2.72mm (depth) Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) VS2 ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.68 Carat Diamond and Platinum Pendant Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning elegant circular floral diamond pendant. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color H Clarity SI2...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 7.12 Carat High Zircon 10.85 Carat Diamonds Platinum Brooch Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
High Zircon Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 7.12 carats Dimensions 10.56mm (average diameter) x 6.64mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1...
Diamond, Zircon, Platinum
Roman Malakov 0.58 Carat Star Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A simple solitaire pendant necklace, featuring a 0.58 carat eight-sided star diamond with D color and SI1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.81 Carat Sapphire 0.48 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring Circa 1895
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Cushion Content 0.81 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Eight Content 0.48 carat Number of Diamonds 16 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Palladium, Silver
Antique 6.50 Carat Diamond and Platinum Bracelet Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning example of antique diamond jewelry. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) F/G Clarity (average ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 7.50 Carat Onyx 3.20 Carat Diamond, Platinum Brooch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Onyx Quality Cut Cabochon Content 7.50 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Eight Content 3.20 carats Number of Diamonds 100 Dimensions...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Art Nouveau 0.95 Carat Amethyst 0.10 Carat Diamond Pearl 12k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Amethyst Quality Cut Oval/Pear Faceted Content 0.95 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Eight Content 0.10 carat Number of Diamonds 5 Di...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
9.41 Carat White Opal 2.52 Carat Diamond Bracelet in 18k White Gold Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Opal Quality Color White Cut Cabochon Content 9.41 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Eight Content 2.52 carats Number of Diamonds 119...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Antique 0.68 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine platinum engagement ring. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour I Clarity P1 Cut Old European Conte...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.50 Carat Emerald and 2.64 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Color Green Cut Oval mixed faceted Content 1.50 carats Dimensions 9mm x 7.5mm x 3.6mm Diamond Quality Diamond One Color G Clarity P1 Cut Old European Round Content 0...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.65 Carat Emerald and 1.42 Carat Diamond and Platinum Drop Earrings Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Cut Square Faceted Content 0.65 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European/Eight Content 1.42 carats Number of Dia...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.24 Carat Emerald 1.66 Carat Diamond and Platinum Earrings Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Cut Carved Content 1.24 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European/Eight Content 1.66 carats Number of Diamonds 3...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1920s 3.20 Carat Sapphire and 1.70 Carat Diamond White Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round Faceted Content 3.20 carats Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color H Clarity P1 Cut Old European Content 0.15 carat Dimensions 3.36mm x 3.32...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, White Gold
Antique 3.31 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is an excellent gauge of platinum and is in excellent condition, with a clear hallmark to the interior of the shank. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color M Clarity VS1 Cut...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2.02 Carat Sapphire and 0.28 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Brooch (1968)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive sapphire floral brooch with diamonds. Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round Faceted Content 2....
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
2.00 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 1.16 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Color Blue Cut Cabochon (Sugarloaf) Content 2.00 carats Dimensions 7.50mm (length) x 5.50mm (width) x 4.20mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.32 Carat Emerald, 6.13 Carat Diamond and Platinum Bracelet Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning antique diamond and emerald bracelet for women. Emerald Quality Cut Square Faceted Content 0.32 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
French Art Deco 1.72 Carat Emerald 3.51 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Origin Colombian Cut Octagonal Content 1.72 carats Dimensions 6.82mm (length) x 9.50mm (width) x 3.53mm (depth) Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color I Clarity V...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.01 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine multi diamond cocktail ring in platinum. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color I Clarity SI2 Cut Tra...
Diamond, Platinum
0.75 Carat Ruby and 0.83 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Twist Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Origin Thailand/Cambodia Cut Cushion Content 0.75 carat Dimensions 5.16mm (average diameter) x 2.47mm (depth) Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color G Clarity VVS2 C...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 3.20 Carat White Opal 0.25 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Opal Quality Color White Cut Cabochon Content 3.20 carats Dimensions 14.78mm (length) x 9.97mm (width) x 4.30mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average gra...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Antique 1.53 Carat Sapphire and 1 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Colour Blue Cut Oval Faceted Content 1.53 carats Dimensions 8.08mm x 5.95mm x 3.43mm Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour H Clarity VVS1 Cut Round Brilliant C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 7.20 Carat Sapphire 2.91 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Cabochon Content 7.20 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Eight Content 2.91 carats Number of Diamonds ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1.65 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of this 1930s diamond engagement ring. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color N Clarity VVS1 ...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique 3.78 Carat Diamond and Platinum Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique diamond jewelry/estate jewelry. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color G Clari...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Dec 5.63 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 1.16 Carat Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Color Blue Cut Cushion Content 5.63 carats Dimensions 12.37mm (length) x 7.30mm (width) x 6.07mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 34.22 Carat Aquamarine and 1.28 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Emerald Content 34.22 carats Dimensions 22.96mm (length) x 18.24mm (width) x 11.68mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades)...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 0.58 Carat Diamond and Platinum Pendant Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine 1920s diamond pendant in platinum. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color G Clarity VVS2 Cut Round br...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
2.35 Carat Opal and 0.60 Carat Diamond, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Opal Quality Cut Cabochon Content 2.35 carats Dimensions 13.97mm (length) x 9.05mm (width) x 3.18mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.