PT900 Mikimoto .98 CT Sapphire & Pearl Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Guaranteed authentic; sourced through an established diamond and estate jewelry wholesaler.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Materials
Platinum
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PT950 Tiffany & Co Harmony 0.20 CT Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Guaranteed authentic; sourced through an established diamond and estate jewelry wholesaler.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Materials
Platinum
Alex Sepkus 18K Gold & Pink 18K Gold & Pink Tourmaline “Fable Animals” Necklace
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Sepkus studied design at the Vilnius Academy of the Arts before establishing his jewelry career in the United States.
Category
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Flora Band with Round Diamonds
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Sepkus studied industrial design before establishing his jewelry studio in New York City. His master jewelers hand-finished each creation under microscopes, achiev...
Category
2010s Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Numbers Ring – Luxury Designer Gold Statement Ring w
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Sepkus studied industrial design before establishing his jewelry studio in New York City. His master jewelers meticulously hand-finished each creation under micros...
Category
2010s Band Rings
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Woven Band – Luxury Designer Gold Ring
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Sepkus studied industrial design before establishing his renowned jewelry studio in New York City.
Category
2010s Band Rings
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ring Natural Emerald 1.43 Carat and 40 Brillant Diamond
Located in Vannes, FR
Perfect as an elegant engagement ring, anniversary gift, or a timeless addition to any fine jewelry collection. Specifications: - Metal: 18K White Gold (750/1000) - Center Stone: N...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Gold Zelman & Friedman Vintage Textured Elongated Link Bracelet
Located in Venice, CA
Zelman & Friedman is a NYC jewelry manufacturer, established in 1951. They were a primary manufacturer for Tiffany & Co. in their early years, and are known for their high pr...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Modern Link Bracelets
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Flora” Milky Sapphire 38" Necklace
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Sepkus studied industrial design at the Vilnius Academy of the Arts before establishing his jewelry career in New York City. Master jewelers hand-finish each creation under microscop...
Category
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Night Moth” Sapphire & Diamond Necklace
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Founded in 1992 by Lithuanian-born designer Alex Sepkus and Jeffrey Feero, the brand established a tradition of handcrafted jewelry in New York City.
Category
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Sticks & Stones” Australian Opal & Diamond Earrings
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Set in 18K yellow gold, the design highlights Sepkus’s talent for transforming gemstones into sculptural fine jewelry. Born in Lithuania, Alex Sepkus studied industrial design before...
Category
2010s Dangle Earrings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Blue Mix Sapphire & Diamond “Candy” Dome Ring
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Sepkus studied industrial design before establishing his celebrated jewelry studio in New York City.
Category
Early 2000s Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. — Paloma Picasso Olive Branch Cuff medium bracelet.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Addlestone, GB
Her designs have since become celebrated for their confident, contemporary character and have established her as an influential jewellery designer and fashion icon.
Category
2010s American Classical Greek Bangles
Materials
18k Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Shark” Diamond Earrings – Luxury Designer
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Sepkus studied industrial design before establishing his celebrated New York jewelry studio.
Category
2010s Dangle Earrings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Constellation Dome Ring with Round Brilliant-Cut
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Alex studied industrial design before establishing his celebrated jewelry studio in New York City.
Category
2010s Fashion Rings
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Purple & Orange Sapphire and Diamond “Candy” Dome
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Sepkus studied industrial design before establishing his renowned New York jewelry studio. His master jewelers worked under microscopes to achieve extraordinary pr...
Category
2010s Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Gilbert Albert 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bracelet, Circa 1970
By Gilbert Albert
Located in New York, NY
Influenced by modern artists such as Constantin Brancusi and Piet Mondrian, Albert later collaborated with Omega, creating avant-garde timepieces that blurred the boundaries between ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Bangles
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Gold “Flora” Tundra Garnet 38" Necklace
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Founded in 1992 by Lithuanian-born designer Alex Sepkus and Jeffrey Feero, the brand became renowned for original, handcrafted jewelry made in New York City. Sepkus studied design at...
Category
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Garnet, 18k Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Blooming Hill” Blue Gemstone Pendant
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Founded in 1992 by Lithuanian-born designer Alex Sepkus and Jeffrey Feero, the brand became renowned for handcrafted jewelry made in New York City. Sepkus studied industrial design a...
Category
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “The Big Sleep” Sapphire & Diamond Pendant
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Sepkus studied industrial design at the Vilnius Academy of the Arts before establishing his jewelry career in New York. Master jewelers hand-finished his creations under microscopes,...
Category
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Shark” Diamond & Sapphire Pendant Necklace
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Founded in 1992 by Lithuanian-born designer Alex Sepkus and Jeffrey Feero, the brand established a tradition of handcrafted jewelry in New York City.
Category
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus Platinum “Swirling Water” Natural Color Diamond Dome Band
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Sepkus studied design at the Vilnius Academy of the Arts before establishing his jewelry career in the United States.
Category
2010s Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
12.11 Carats of Natural Emeralds and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Tennis Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Gilbert Albert 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, Switzerland Circa 1970
By Gilbert Albert
Located in New York, NY
Influenced by modern artists such as Constantin Brancusi and Piet Mondrian, Albert later collaborated with Omega, creating avant-garde timepieces that blurred the boundaries between ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 5.80 Carat Natural Royal Blue Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
Contact Us for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beau...
Category
20th Century Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
1.07 Carat Natural Royal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
Contact Us for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cluster Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
15.30 Carats of Natural Asscher Cut Sapphires and Diamond Necklace Made in PLAT
Located in Tokyo, JP
Contact Us for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Link Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
7.05 Carat Natural Blue Zircon and Diamond Three Stone Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jew...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Platinum
Alex Sepkus 18K Gold “Flora” Mediterranean Red Coral Necklace
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Sepkus studied industrial design at the Vilnius Academy of the Arts before establishing his jewelry career in New York City. Master jewelers hand-finished his creations under microsc...
Category
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Coral, 18k Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Diamond “Pebbles” Ring – Luxury
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Born in Lithuania, Alex studied industrial design before establishing his jewelry studio in New York City. His master jewelers meticulously hand-finished each piece under microscopes...
Category
2010s Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14.00 Carat Natural Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ye...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.92 Carat Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ye...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Platinum
1.79 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.74 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 yea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
0.19 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cluster Rings
Materials
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
26.47 Carat Natural Tanzanite and Diamond Tennis Necklace Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ye...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Link Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
4.87 Carat Natural Alexandrite Cat's Eye and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been producing beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Alexandrite, Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Platinum
1.43 Carat Natural Royal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
Contact Us for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
2.23 Carats Natural Untreated Rubies and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum/18K
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
2010s Japanese Contemporary Tennis Bracelets
Materials
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
25.13 Carat Natural Burmese Star Rubies and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Tennis Bracelets
Materials
Star Ruby, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
0.79 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
5.71 Carat Natural Pear-Shaped Emerald Tennis Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Tennis Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
8.08 Carats Natural Emeralds and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Tennis Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Tresor Paris Cluster Halo Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
Inspired by timeless Parisian elegance, Tresor Paris is recognised for its sophisticated styling, attention to detail and commitment to quality. Tresor Paris jewellery has been worn ...
Category
2010s British Modern Stud Earrings
Materials
Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Diamond and Emerald Drop Earrings 24.75 Carats in 14K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
The graduated composition creates a continuous flow of light, while the contrast between vivid green gemstones and bright white diamonds establishes strong definition. Their proporti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
5.37 Carat Natural Fire Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
20th Century Japanese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
1.01 Carat Natural Unheated Rubies and Diamond Cluster Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
2010s Japanese Contemporary Cluster Rings
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
AAA White Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, Pink Silk Knotted, Sterling Silver
Located in Oslo, 03
HANDMADE IN NORWAY Created by Sophia Rose Jewellery, an independent, woman-owned jewelry studio established in 1999 in Oslo, Norway.
Category
2010s Norwegian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
2.28 Carat Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Tennis Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Modern Bracelets
Materials
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
0.82 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
0.34 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
3.05 Carat Natural Burmese Rubies and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Tennis Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
6.16 Carats Unheated Rubies and Diamonds Tennis Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Link Necklaces
Materials
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
0.16 Carat Round Emerald and Diamond Band Ring Made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Band Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AAA White Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, Aqua Silk Knotted, Sterling Silver
Located in Oslo, 03
Handcrafted in Oslo, Norway, by Sophia Rose Jewellery, a woman-owned jewelry studio established in 1999.
Category
2010s Norwegian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
1.70 Carat Natural Alexandrite Cat's Eye and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been producing beautiful jewelry for the past 25 years plus.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cluster Rings
Materials
Cat’s Eye, Diamond, Alexandrite, Platinum
Type A Certificated Natural Oval Green Jade and Marquise Diamond Ring 14K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Flanked by brilliant cluster crowns of fiery marquise diamonds, this unique piece is meticulously handcrafted in solid 14k white gold by the master artisans at HN Jewelry (Establishe...
Category
2010s Hong Kong Modern Engagement Rings
Materials
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold
8.35 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamonds Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Established in 1994, Rita Fine Jewelry has been making beautiful jewelry for the past 25 ...
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Heart Key Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This gold Heart Key pendant is one of the iconic Tiffany pieces from the well-established Love and Heart-shaped jewelry line. It is a thoughtful choice for collectors seeking authent...
Category
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold
Type A Natural Icy Jade Ring, Marquise & Round Diamond Cluster Band, 14K White G
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Flanked by brilliant cluster crowns of fiery marquise diamonds, this unique piece is meticulously handcrafted in solid 14k white gold by the master artisans at HN Jewelry (Establishe...
Category
2010s Hong Kong Modern Cluster Rings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
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Established Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary piece of established jewelry for your needs in our varied inventory. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning brown, black, gold and more. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of established jewelry may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. An accessory like this designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent and Alex & Lee — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.
How Much is a Established Jewelry?
On average, a piece of established jewelry on 1stDibs sells for $2,450, while they’re typically $55 on the low end and $818,658 for the highest priced versions of this item.
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.