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FRED LEIGHTON  Gold Diamond Star Burst Earclips
FRED LEIGHTON  Gold Diamond Star Burst Earclips

FRED LEIGHTON Gold Diamond Star Burst Earclips

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Dynamic 18K gold Fred Leighton custom earclips from a 1938 Paul Flato design, with diamond-tipped 1

Fred Leighton Dark Grey Chalcedony Diamond Gold  Bangle

Fred Leighton Dark Grey Chalcedony Diamond Gold Bangle

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

A grey chalcedony hinged bangle is segmented with five round brilliant diamond set collars totaling

Category

2010s American Modern Bangles

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold

Large Six Petal Coral and Diamond Earclips Fred Leighton
Large Six Petal Coral and Diamond Earclips Fred Leighton

Large Six Petal Coral and Diamond Earclips Fred Leighton

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

A magnificent large pair of coral and diamond earclips mounted in gold and platinum by Fred

Category

American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Leighton Lapis and Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Lapis and Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Carved lapis hexagons are set to the center with round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.36 carat

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Fred Leighton Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Oval Link Bracelet
Fred Leighton Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Oval Link Bracelet

Fred Leighton Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Oval Link Bracelet

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Designed as a series of lapis lazuli oval links joined by 18 round brilliant diamonds weighing

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Gold

Old Mine Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings by Fred Leighton

Old Mine Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings by Fred Leighton

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Antique cluster components are set to drop earrings by Fred Leighton mounted in silver topped 18

Category

2010s American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold

Signed Fred Leighton Rose Cut Diamond Rosette Hoop Earrings
Signed Fred Leighton Rose Cut Diamond Rosette Hoop Earrings

Signed Fred Leighton Rose Cut Diamond Rosette Hoop Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Graduating hoops of round rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.91 carats are mounted in 18

Category

2010s American Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings
Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Stud earrings are set with two old European diamonds totaling 0.99 carats, of approximately IJ/SI

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings
Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Stud earrings are set with two old European diamonds totaling 1.02 carats, of approximately FG/SI

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fred Leighton Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings
Fred Leighton Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Hexagonal studs are inset with rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 carat mounted in 18

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fred Leighton Black Jade and Diamond Bezel Constellation Bangle Bracelet

Fred Leighton Black Jade and Diamond Bezel Constellation Bangle Bracelet

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

The hinged black jade bangle is decorated with in-set round brilliant diamonds, weighing a total of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Jade, White Gold

Fred Leighton Black Jade and Diamond Halo Hexagonal Stud Earrings
Fred Leighton Black Jade and Diamond Halo Hexagonal Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Black Jade and Diamond Halo Hexagonal Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Faceted hexagons of black jade are bordered with round diamonds totaling approximately 0.35 carat

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cushion Amethyst, Citrine and Diamond Collet Stack Ring Signed Fred Leighton
Cushion Amethyst, Citrine and Diamond Collet Stack Ring Signed Fred Leighton

Cushion Amethyst, Citrine and Diamond Collet Stack Ring Signed Fred Leighton

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

cushion citrine weighing approximately 1.97 carats accented with 2 old European cut diamonds totaling

Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Yellow Gold Foxtail Chain Diamond Tassel Earrings Signed Fred Leighton
18 Karat Yellow Gold Foxtail Chain Diamond Tassel Earrings Signed Fred Leighton

18 Karat Yellow Gold Foxtail Chain Diamond Tassel Earrings Signed Fred Leighton

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

diamonds totaling approximately 0.43ct. Signed Fred Leighton. Length: 2-1/4 inches. Width: 3/8 inch. Fred

Category

2010s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fred Leighton 4.61 Carat J/VS1 Old Mine Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Fred Leighton 4.61 Carat J/VS1 Old Mine Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

An old mine cushion diamond weighing 4.61 carats, of J color and VS1 clarity, with certificate from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

FRED LEIGHTON Large Emerald Diamond18KT Gold Earclips
FRED LEIGHTON Large Emerald Diamond18KT Gold Earclips

FRED LEIGHTON Large Emerald Diamond18KT Gold Earclips

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Magnificent emerald and diamond earclips by Fred Leighton in 18KT gold and platinum. 1 1/2 inch

Category

American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Cufflinks
Fred Paris Diamond Gold Cufflinks

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Cufflinks

Located in New York, NY

Handsome and simply elegant 18K gold and diamond cufflinks from Fred-Paris. 1/2 in diameter

Category

Vintage 1970s French Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

FRED PARIS Scarab Evening Bag 18KT Diamonds Lapis Pearl
FRED PARIS Scarab Evening Bag 18KT Diamonds Lapis Pearl

FRED PARIS Scarab Evening Bag 18KT Diamonds Lapis Pearl

Located in New York, NY

Extraordinary Fred Paris evening bag made to order by royal commission in the 1980's, 18KT gold

Category

French Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli

Fred Leighton Platinum Pave Diamond Headband

Fred Leighton Platinum Pave Diamond Headband

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

This headband is pave-set with round diamonds weighing approximately 8.98 carats total, mounted in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Fred Leighton Sunray Moonstone and Diamond Ring
Fred Leighton Sunray Moonstone and Diamond Ring

Fred Leighton Sunray Moonstone and Diamond Ring

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Rays of round diamonds totaling approximately 0.18 carats emanate from a round cabochon moonstone

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fred Leighton Moonstone and Diamond Stud Earrings
Fred Leighton Moonstone and Diamond Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Moonstone and Diamond Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

round diamonds totaling approximately 0.25ct in closed back platinum mountings. 12.4mm diameter.

Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum

Fred Leighton  Lapis Lazuli  Diamond Prism Pendant Earrings

Fred Leighton Lapis Lazuli Diamond Prism Pendant Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

diamonds approximately 1.13 carats Measurements: 2-1/2in x 3/4in x 1/4in Signed Fred Leighton Fred

Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond

Fred Leighton Jade Onyx Diamond Pendant Earrings

Fred Leighton Jade Onyx Diamond Pendant Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

A pair of jade drops are suspended from onyx cabochons inset with two round diamonds totaling

Category

2010s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 18k Gold

Fred Leighton Lapis and Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

Fred Leighton Lapis and Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Each designed as an hexagonal lapis lazuli stud set with a central round brilliant diamond

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Gold

Fred Leighton Black Jade Diamond Line Bangle Bracelet

Fred Leighton Black Jade Diamond Line Bangle Bracelet

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

A single row of round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.97 carats mounted in 18 karat

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Jade

Fred Leighton Green Nephrite and Diamond Oval Link Bracelet
Fred Leighton Green Nephrite and Diamond Oval Link Bracelet

Fred Leighton Green Nephrite and Diamond Oval Link Bracelet

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

From the Signed Fred Leighton Collection, Fred Leighton's jewels inspire you to wear jewelry that

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Fred Leighton Rose Cut Diamond Pavé Twisted Disc Earrings
Fred Leighton Rose Cut Diamond Pavé Twisted Disc Earrings

Fred Leighton Rose Cut Diamond Pavé Twisted Disc Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

Rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.40 carats are pavéed on a curved disc mounted in silver

Category

2010s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Fred Leighton Blue Chalcedony and Diamond Cassiopeia Pendant Earrings
Fred Leighton Blue Chalcedony and Diamond Cassiopeia Pendant Earrings

Fred Leighton Blue Chalcedony and Diamond Cassiopeia Pendant Earrings

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

tops to a total of approximately 0.63 carat of round diamonds set in 18 karat white gold, Signed Fred

Category

2010s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rose Cut Diamond Bombe Stud Earrings by Fred Leighton

Rose Cut Diamond Bombe Stud Earrings by Fred Leighton

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

44 Rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.82cts are set in bombe silver top 18 karat yellow

Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

18 Karat Yellow Gold Foxtail Chain Diamond Tassel Earrings Signed Fred Leighton
18 Karat Yellow Gold Foxtail Chain Diamond Tassel Earrings Signed Fred Leighton

18 Karat Yellow Gold Foxtail Chain Diamond Tassel Earrings Signed Fred Leighton

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York, NY

diamonds totaling approximately 0.29ct. Signed Fred Leighton. Length: 2-1/4 inches. Width: 3/8 inch. Fred

Category

2010s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fred Diamond Gold Ring
Fred Diamond Gold Ring

Fred Diamond Gold Ring

By Fred

Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB

Fred, Paris diamond triple band ring by the Parisian jewellery house, Fred. This asymmetric ring

Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

FRED Diamond and Gold Crossed Paws Ring
FRED Diamond and Gold Crossed Paws Ring

FRED Diamond and Gold Crossed Paws Ring

By Fred

Located in New York , NY

18k gold and diamond ring depicting crossed paws by Fred, the Parisian jeweler. Ring is a size 6

Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

FRED Gold & Pavé Diamond Ring

FRED Gold & Pavé Diamond Ring

By Fred

Located in Greenwich, CT

Pavé diamond ring, set with fifteen diamonds weighing approximately 1.04 total carats, mounted in a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

FRED Gold Diamond  & Coral Earrings
FRED Gold Diamond  & Coral Earrings

FRED Gold Diamond & Coral Earrings

By Fred

Located in Verona, IT

18kt yellow gold, diamonds and coral drop earrings, signed Fred, 1970's.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold

FRED Gold & Diamond Bow Necklace

FRED Gold & Diamond Bow Necklace

By Fred

Located in Greenwich, CT

diamond accents, in 18k yellow gold, signed FRED. 16" length.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Star Ring
Fred Paris Diamond Gold Star Ring

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Star Ring

By Fred

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An 18k white gold ring set with approx. 0.44ctw of FG/VVS diamonds. Crafted by Fred, the ring is a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Clover Earrings

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Clover Earrings

By Fred

Located in Southampton, NY

Created by Fred Paris, this pair of four-petal, clover-shaped earrings of 18K gold are set with

Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Paris Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Fred Paris Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings

Fred Paris Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings

By Fred

Located in Paris, IDF

Yellow gold Fred earrings, heart pattern entirely set with 7.59 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds

Category

Late 20th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18k Diamond Necklace by Fred Paris
18k Diamond Necklace by Fred Paris

18k Diamond Necklace by Fred Paris

By Fred

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

18k yellow gold Fred Paris necklace with diamond links and center piece with a total diamond weight

Category

Late 20th Century French More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Clover Pendant by Fred Paris
Diamond Clover Pendant by Fred Paris

Diamond Clover Pendant by Fred Paris

By Fred

Located in Paris, IDF

A white gold Fred "Clover" pendant entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds on its white gold chain

Category

20th Century French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Ring for Love Platinum Diamond
Fred Ring for Love Platinum Diamond

Fred Ring for Love Platinum Diamond

By Fred

Located in PARIS, FR

Wedding ring signed by Fred in platinum 950 thousandths. model "For Love". 20 diamonds of about

Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Bow Necklace

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Bow Necklace

By Fred

Located in Greenwich, CT

diamond accents, in 18k yellow gold, signed Fred Paris. 16" length.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Fred Brooch Panthère Yellow Gold Diamond
Fred Brooch Panthère Yellow Gold Diamond

Fred Brooch Panthère Yellow Gold Diamond

By Fred

Located in PARIS, FR

Panther brooch signed by Fred. in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). 4 diamonds of about

Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Fred Chain Necklace Yellow Gold Diamond
Fred Chain Necklace Yellow Gold Diamond

Fred Chain Necklace Yellow Gold Diamond

By Fred

Located in PARIS, FR

Necklace signed by Fred in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). jaseron mesh. set with a

Category

20th Century French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Fred Paris Gold 2.00ct Diamond Stud Earrings
Fred Paris Gold 2.00ct Diamond Stud Earrings

Fred Paris Gold 2.00ct Diamond Stud Earrings

By Fred

Located in Lambertville, NJ

METAL 18K WHITE GOLD GEMSTONES/DIAMONDS ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS - 2.00ctw (1.00ct EACH

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Quartz Wristwatch
Fred Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Quartz Wristwatch

Fred Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Quartz Wristwatch

By Fred

Located in McLean, VA

Ladies stainless steel Fred watch set with 52 round brilliant diamonds around white dial weighing

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Fred Paris Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings
Fred Paris Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings

Fred Paris Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings

By Fred

Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL

FRED Paris Diamond Earrings with Pearls, in 18K White Gold. Total Diamond Weight 8.20ct, Pearl

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Fred Ring Chance Infinie White Gold Diamond
Fred Ring Chance Infinie White Gold Diamond

Fred Ring Chance Infinie White Gold Diamond

By Fred

Located in PARIS, FR

White gold ring signed by fred. in white gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). infinite chance model

Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Fred Paris Salmon Coral & Diamond Earclips

Fred Paris Salmon Coral & Diamond Earclips

By Fred

Located in New York, NY

and textured yellow gold fronds, some set with diamonds, exhibiting the sharp edges and aggressive

Category

Vintage 1960s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Gold Diamond Lion Brooch by FRED Paris
Gold Diamond Lion Brooch by FRED Paris

Gold Diamond Lion Brooch by FRED Paris

By Fred

Located in Southampton, NY

The charming lion is realistically textured with a fully diamond set mane and has glowing emerald

Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred of Paris Platinum Diamond Alliances Eternity Ring
Fred of Paris Platinum Diamond Alliances Eternity Ring

Fred of Paris Platinum Diamond Alliances Eternity Ring

By Fred

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

NEW!!! Fred Of Paris Platinum Diamond Alliances Ring MSRP $5500 Ring size 50 or 5.5 This

Category

2010s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Zodiac Aquarius Large Pendant
Fred Paris Diamond Gold Zodiac Aquarius Large Pendant

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Zodiac Aquarius Large Pendant

By Fred

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An 18k yellow gold pendant set with approximately 0.22ctw of G/VS diamonds. Crafted by Fred Paris

Category

Late 20th Century French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

FRED of Paris Moon Phase Gold & Diamond Bracelet

FRED of Paris Moon Phase Gold & Diamond Bracelet

By Fred

Located in Southampton, NY

By Fred of Paris, this feminine bracelet is crafted of 18K yellow gold circular links depicting the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Four Leaf Clover Diamond Pendant
Fred Four Leaf Clover Diamond Pendant

Fred Four Leaf Clover Diamond Pendant

By Fred

Located in Toronto, ON

A beautiful pendant link necklace in Yellow Gold accompanied by diamonds in the shape of a four

Category

French Link Necklaces

Fred Paris Multicolor Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Fred Paris Multicolor Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings

Fred Paris Multicolor Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings

By Fred

Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Fred Paris 18K Yellow Gold Hanging Earrings with Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink and Orange Sapphires

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

FRED LEIGHTON  Diamond Cuff Bracelet

FRED LEIGHTON Diamond Cuff Bracelet

By Fred Leighton

Located in New York City, NY

gold. Approx. 12.50cts of diamonds, signed Fred Leighton.

Category

American Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Ring
Fred Paris Diamond Gold Ring

Fred Paris Diamond Gold Ring

By Fred Paris

Located in Lambertville, NJ

18k yellow gold ring, crafted by Fred Paris, decorated with approx. 0.70ctw in G/VS diamonds. Ring

Category

20th Century French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Fred Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate fred diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 276 vintage editions and 301 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a fred diamond from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing fred diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but Fred Paris, Fred Leighton and Fred each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also pear cut cut and rose cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a fred diamond, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Fred Diamond?

The price for a fred diamond starts at $515 and tops out at $985,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,253.

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.