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Enigma Bvlgari Jewelry

Enigma by Bvlgari Arrow Diamond Brooch
Enigma by Bvlgari Arrow Diamond Brooch

Enigma by Bvlgari Arrow Diamond Brooch

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Signed Enigma by Bvlgari arrow diamond brooch

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Bvlgari Enigma 18K Gold Bypass Diamond Spinning Bracelet
Bvlgari Enigma 18K Gold Bypass Diamond Spinning Bracelet

Bvlgari Enigma 18K Gold Bypass Diamond Spinning Bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

This elegant bypass bracelet by Gianni Bulgari is crafted in 18K rose and white gold and comes from the sought-after Enigma collection. The design features two polished spheres, each...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Bangles

Materials

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

GIANNI BVLGARI Enigma Panther Necklace In 18Kt With Rock Quartz & VS Diamonds
GIANNI BVLGARI Enigma Panther Necklace In 18Kt With Rock Quartz & VS Diamonds

GIANNI BVLGARI Enigma Panther Necklace In 18Kt With Rock Quartz & VS Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

Collateral: This Gianni Bvlgari Enigma necklace is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Category

1990s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Recent Sales

G. Bvlgari Vintage Jet "Enigma" Diamond Lips Cuff Bracelet
G. Bvlgari Vintage Jet "Enigma" Diamond Lips Cuff Bracelet

G. Bvlgari Vintage Jet "Enigma" Diamond Lips Cuff Bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in Narberth, PA

A fabulous Vintage jet and diamond cuff bracelet from the Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Collection! This incredible piece is carved out of jet and accented with gorgeous 18kt rose gold. Ador...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Bulgari Bvlgari Enigma Rose Gold Diamond Leaf Round Top Ring
Bulgari Bvlgari Enigma Rose Gold Diamond Leaf Round Top Ring

Bulgari Bvlgari Enigma Rose Gold Diamond Leaf Round Top Ring

By Bulgari

Located in Miami, FL

Designer: Bvlgari Collection: Enigma Metal: 18 Karat Rose Gold Stones: Round Brilliant Diamonds Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS Total Carat Weight: 0.52 ct Ring Size: 8.5 Ring T...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Bulgari Bvlgari Enigma Pave Diamond 18k White Gold Ring & Necklace Pendant 17"
Bulgari Bvlgari Enigma Pave Diamond 18k White Gold Ring & Necklace Pendant 17"

Bulgari Bvlgari Enigma Pave Diamond 18k White Gold Ring & Necklace Pendant 17"

By Bulgari

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Gorgeous 18k White Gold Pendant and Ring set by Bulgari Part of the Engima Collection 18k White Gold Diamond encrusted Lip Pendant attached Necklace Includes 17" 18k White Gold Ancho...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet
Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet

Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

This elegant bypass bracelet by Gianni Bulgari is crafted in 18K rose and white gold and comes from the sought-after Enigma collection. The design features two polished spheres, each...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Bangles

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet
Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet

Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet

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H 1.07 in Dm 2.29 in

Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in Monte Carlo, MC

Gianni Bulgari model ENIGMA Bracelet (Medium size) in jet and yellow gold, the central motif representing a mouth, the upper lip set with diamonds. (45,33 grs)

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Lips
Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Lips

Gianni Bvlgari Enigma Lips

By Bulgari

Located in Monte Carlo, MC

Gianni Bulgari model ENIGMA Earrings in jet and yellow gold, the central motif representing a mouth, the upper lip set with diamonds. (19,15 grs)

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari Bracelet Panther Heads
Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari Bracelet Panther Heads

Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari Bracelet Panther Heads

By Bulgari

Located in Monte Carlo, MC

Bracelet model ENIGMA (By Gianni Bvlgari) in white gold, jet and two panthers' heads set with diamonds. Signed ENIGMA. Size : M (46,45 grs).

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Bvlgari Yellow Gold 18 Karat Enigma Bypass Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Bvlgari Yellow Gold 18 Karat Enigma Bypass Diamond Bangle Bracelet

Bvlgari Yellow Gold 18 Karat Enigma Bypass Diamond Bangle Bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Yellow Gold 18K Enigma Bypass Diamond Bangle Bracelet by BVLGARI Gorgeous diamond bangle bracelet composed of flexible spiral 18K Yellow Gold wire. enhanced by two 25mm diamond paved...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Bangles

Materials

Yellow Gold

Bvlgari 18 Karat Gold Gianni Enigma Quartz Rock Crystal Diamond Jaguar Ring
Bvlgari 18 Karat Gold Gianni Enigma Quartz Rock Crystal Diamond Jaguar Ring

Bvlgari 18 Karat Gold Gianni Enigma Quartz Rock Crystal Diamond Jaguar Ring

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Material: 18K White Gold Ring Size: 7.5 Diameter: 30mm Grams: 36.4gr Diamonds: 0.70cts Hallmarked: Enigma, Serial, 750, Bvlgari.

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Quartz, Rock Crystal, White Gold

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 7.54 Carat Gianni Enigma Bypass Rolling Ball Bracelet
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 7.54 Carat Gianni Enigma Bypass Rolling Ball Bracelet

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 7.54 Carat Gianni Enigma Bypass Rolling Ball Bracelet

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Yellow Gold 18K Enigma Bypass Diamond Bangle Bracelet by BVLGARI Gorgeous diamond bangle bracelet composed of flexible spiral 18K Yellow Gold wire. enhanced by two 25mm diamond pave...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari Rose Gold Diamond Lion Ring
Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari Rose Gold Diamond Lion Ring

Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari Rose Gold Diamond Lion Ring

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Authentic Enigma by Gianni Bvlgari ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold features a stunning regal lion motif. The ring is set with approximately .60 carats of round brilliant cut diamo...

Category

1990s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Bvlgari Enigma Rose Gold Diamond Leaf Motif Round Top Ring
Bvlgari Enigma Rose Gold Diamond Leaf Motif Round Top Ring

Bvlgari Enigma Rose Gold Diamond Leaf Motif Round Top Ring

By Bulgari

Located in Miami, FL

Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Ring Size: 8.5 Designer: Bvlgari Collection: Enigma Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones: Round Brilliant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone

CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco Platinum 2.25ctw Diamond Emerald Sapphire Floral Pin Brooch
Antique Art Deco Platinum 2.25ctw Diamond Emerald Sapphire Floral Pin Brooch

Antique Art Deco Platinum 2.25ctw Diamond Emerald Sapphire Floral Pin Brooch

Located in Montclair, NJ

This stunning antique pin/brooch is crafted in solid platinum during the art deco period. It features the most adorable floral patterns and is completely drenched with fine quality o...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum

Bulgari Monete Ancient Roman Coin Braided Necklace
Bulgari Monete Ancient Roman Coin Braided Necklace

Bulgari Monete Ancient Roman Coin Braided Necklace

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

A classic Bulgari Monete piece featuring an ancient bronze Roman coin inscribed ‘Rome Constantinus I Aug. A.D. 307-337’ suspended from a two-color 18 karat gold braided necklace. Int...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

CARTIER Trinity Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Small Bracelet
CARTIER Trinity Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Small Bracelet

CARTIER Trinity Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Small Bracelet

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

This gorgeous Cartier bracelet from the iconic Trinity collection features 3 interconnected bangles made in 18k white gold and set with brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds. ...

Category

1990s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware
Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware

Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

The Hermès Blue de Prusse Limited Edition Endless Road Birkin 50 Haute à Courroies is a remarkable fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. This exclusive piece from the 2019 Collection...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Bulgari 1980s Ruby Cabochon Gold Chain Ring
Bulgari 1980s Ruby Cabochon Gold Chain Ring

Bulgari 1980s Ruby Cabochon Gold Chain Ring

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

1980s 18k gold chain ring by Bvlgari, with oval ruby cabochon (approx. 2.08ct). Ring size 7.25-7.5, widest point of the ring is 10mm. Marked: Bvlgari. Weight - 7.5 grams.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian More Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold

Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW  68656
Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW  68656

Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW 68656

By Chanel

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

Store item: 68656 In blue lizard and 24k gold plated hardware. This item is in excellent condition with very few signs of normal use. Corners are clean with no rubbing or scuffi...

Category

1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring

Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring

By Emilio!

Located in New York, NY

From the museum vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, One of the rarest and only diamonds of its size and color. Please inquire for details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Blue Diamond

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 34 Inches Curb Link Long Necklace
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 34 Inches Curb Link Long Necklace

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 34 Inches Curb Link Long Necklace

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional design by Bvlgari, this eye-catching 34-inch necklace combines sleek blackened silver with radiant 18K yellow gold in bold curb links, creating a dramatic interplay of...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Cartier 18k Onyx Diamond Ring
Cartier 18k Onyx Diamond Ring

Cartier 18k Onyx Diamond Ring

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier 1970s 18k fun looking Onyx Diamond Ring, 16.4 g, apron size 6, marked Cartier 18k

Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Hermès Havane Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 50cm Retourne
Hermès Havane Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 50cm Retourne

Hermès Havane Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 50cm Retourne

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Havane Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 50cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1486 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 50cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [P] Age: 2012 Accomp...

Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Chanel Limited Edition La Pausa Bag
Chanel Limited Edition La Pausa Bag

Chanel Limited Edition La Pausa Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel limited Edition La Pausa bag from the collection of 2019. This beautiful bag is supposed to be a lifebuoy in black in white. On the front it's written La Pausa and Chanel. Als...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags

Bulgari Monete 18K Gold and Ancient Silver Coin Ring, Circa 1990, Italy
Bulgari Monete 18K Gold and Ancient Silver Coin Ring, Circa 1990, Italy

Bulgari Monete 18K Gold and Ancient Silver Coin Ring, Circa 1990, Italy

By Bulgari

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

BVLGARI Monete silver coin 18 karat gold ring Gross weight 19.9 gram, Measurement top: 18.7x19.9mm Engraved: REPVBBLICA 211 A.C 750 hallmark, Made in Italy mark and Signed Bvlgari ...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

CARTIER Paris 1928 Art Deco Bracelet In Platinum With 19.86 Cts In Diamonds
CARTIER Paris 1928 Art Deco Bracelet In Platinum With 19.86 Cts In Diamonds

CARTIER Paris 1928 Art Deco Bracelet In Platinum With 19.86 Cts In Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

An art deco bracelet designed by Cartier Paris. This is an absolutely fabulous bracelet, created in Paris France during the high art deco period by the jewelry house of Cartier, bac...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Link Bracelets

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Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Bvlgari Bulgari Ruby Diamond Jewelry Set 18k Gold Estate Jewelry
Vintage Bvlgari Bulgari Ruby Diamond Jewelry Set 18k Gold Estate Jewelry

Vintage Bvlgari Bulgari Ruby Diamond Jewelry Set 18k Gold Estate Jewelry

By Bulgari

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A stunning Bulgari ruby and diamond jewelry set crafted of 18k gold. The set includes a matching necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings, created with Bulgari’s signature geometric ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Nautilus Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Ref. No. 4700/153
Patek Philippe Nautilus Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Ref. No. 4700/153

Patek Philippe Nautilus Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Ref. No. 4700/153

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

This gorgeous and luxurious 1994 Patek Philippe timepiece features a champagne dial with a date window at 3 o’clock, encrusted with factory rubies (0.13 carat) and diamonds, all set ...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Enigma Bvlgari Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of enigma bvlgari jewelry you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 13 vintage or 53 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of enigma bvlgari jewelry may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. Most of our enigma bvlgari jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 19 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Enigma Bvlgari Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of enigma bvlgari jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,150 and can go as high as $25,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,450.

Bulgari for sale on 1stDibs

Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris arrived in Rome in 1881 and set up his own shop there in 1884, calling it Bulgari, an Italianization of his last name (in the brand's logo, it's styled BVLGARI, using the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture). In 1905, he opened the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories.

Although the iconic jewelry house found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, Bulgari’s signature style — bold, often using yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones — began to emerge when Sotirios’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.

The brand truly hit its stride in the dolce vita era of the 1950s and ’60s, when the founder’s grandsons Paolo, Gianni and Nicola Bulgari decisively departed from demure traditional styles to develop the house’s exuberant multi-gem looks, attracting celebrity collectors like Elizabeth Taylor.

In the 1940s, Bulgari debuted perhaps its most famous design, the Serpenti bracelet watch. The piece’s snakelike coils were made possible by the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands. Both the sleek, modern tubogas construction and the sinuous snake motif continue to be synonymous with the Bulgari brand

On 1stDibs, the collection of vintage Bulgari jewelry includes rings, pendant necklaces, watches and other accessories.

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.