Fancy Solid White Gold 5.5ctw French Cut Sapphire & Diamond Open Bangle Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (39) Natural Genuine Sapphires - French Baguette Calibre Cut - Channel Set - Striking Royal Blue - 4.68ctw (approx.) (82) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1960's Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
French Gemstone “Barber Pole” Bracelet - Exquisitely appointed with royal blue sapphires (11.20 carats), rich red rubies (8.50 carats), intense green emeralds (6.16 carats) and brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari French 1970's Diamond 18K Gold Yellow Vintage Triple Spiga Wrap Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a flexible tubogas style wrap bracelet comprised of 'Spiga' motif zigzag segments Featuring rounded terminals with round brilliant cut diamonds in pavéd segments Weighing...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Snake Bracelet
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k, France. This spectacular Victorian snake bracelet features a handmade flexible body and a head set with a deep blue .80-carat sapphire, fine diamonds, and ruby eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermés France Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Filet D'Or Horsebit Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cable link chain centering a stylized horse-bit motif Pavé set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds With an additional diamond bezel set as drop at clasp Weig...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond and 12ct Colombian Emeralds French Platinum Deco Bracelet Rubell Frers
Located in Aventura, FL
3 Certified Colombian emeralds Gem of 12.00 ct and 58.00 ct of gem clean white diamonds 92.1 grams. Details: Colombian Emeralds Quantity: 3 Colombian Emeralds Carat: 12.00 ct Certif...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 5 Carat Ruby and 20ct Diamond Platinum Bracelet with French Hallmarks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Art Deco platinum ruby and diamond bracelet with French Hallmarks. This bracelet contains 8 baguette shaped rubies totaling approximately 5.00 carats, as well as 140 old European...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Circa 1910 Edwardian French 18K Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire, Diamond, and Pearl
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1910 Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 19.7 grams (All Items Total) *French Hallmarks and Serial Numbers on Clasp Color Stone Details: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1925 Platinum 3 Row Diamond & French Natural Blue Sapphires Bracelet
Located in Lexington, KY
This 1925 Art Deco platinum 3 row diamond bracelet with blue French cut sapphires is a true heirloom from the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. This stunning bracelet is mar...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique French Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Bangle Braclete
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique french 14k white gold old cut diamond cuff bracelete with estimate weight of 5 carats H colour vs clearity and total gold weight of 30 grams inner circumfetence 18cm or 7 inc...
French Cut Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Link Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the elegance of the Art Deco era, this bracelet features French-cut emeralds and brilliant diamonds. Its geometric link design brings vintage charm with a modern edge. Cr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Retro Triangular "Tubogas" Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Created in Paris in the 1940s, this Retro French bracelet is composed of 18K gold and diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Bracelet 18K Rose Gold & Silver W/Diamond Link
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite bracelet is a stunning example of design from the 19th century, characterized by its intricate swirling patterns that create a sense of movement and elegance. The brac...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$195,000
Cartier Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Diamond Bracelet, This bracelet has 4 lines of 183 graduated round diamonds to a V-shape clasp all weighing approximately 35ct. and all in 18k white gold, Signed Cartier, Mar...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$52,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Love Pavé Diamond Bracelet 18K Rose Gold VVS1 Diamonds GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier Love Pavé Diamond Bracelet represents one of the most iconic and recognizable designs in modern luxury jewelry. Expertly crafted in 18 karat rose gold, the brace...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Juste Un Clou Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An Iconic Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet crafted in 18K white gold and fully pave- set with 374 Round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.25 carats . A bold interpretatio...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum bracelet with diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Platinum bracelet with diamonds 10 karat diamonds in total diamonds cut: Round Brilliant Cut Pavé Setting Baguette Cut weight: 57.3 grams
Diamond, Platinum
18k white gold Messika skinny bracelet diamonds
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18 karat white gold bracelet, fully handcrafted and set with brilliant cut diamonds, a total weight of 0,80ct. An extremely flexible second skin jewel, based on an invisible system o...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Price Upon Request
French Gemstone “Barber Pole” Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Exquisitely appointed with royal blue sapphires (11.20 carats), rich red rubies (8.50 carats), intense green emeralds (6.16 carats) and brilliant white diamonds (8.40 carats), this s...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Art Deco Platinum French Cut Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Oscar Heyman Metal: Platinum Style: Art Deco Year Of Manufacture: Circa 1920s Item weight: 26.7 g Length: 7.25 inches Gemstone: Sapphire With 7 CT Round Brilliant Cut Diamo...
Van Cleef & Arpels 40ct Diamond Ribbon Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
From the renown French maison Van Cleef & Arpels, this rare & extraordinary bracelet hails from the house’s prestigious High Jewelry Collection and is poetically named the "Ribbon Br...
Diamond, Platinum
French Resin Disk Cuff Bracelet Pink, Amber Yellow, Sage Green, Rust Orange 80's
Located in North Miami, FL
This great, dramatic vintage French resin disk bracelet has 5 disks in gorgeous various colors that look like stone. The colors are pink, mustard amber yellow, sage green, rust orang...
Black Diamond
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond 'Chevalerie' Necklace Bracelet Combination
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
French made Bracelets each measure approximately 7.5 inches All four bracelets are signed VCA and numbered and French stamped Approximate Weight: 283 grams Metal Type: 18 karat yell...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Himalia Diamond Bracelet in 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Himalia Diamond Bracelet in 18k White Gold. This bracelet has 311 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 9.00ct, all set in 18k white gold. Signed Car...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$195,000
Cartier Paris Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Diamond Bracelet – High Jewelry Collection Cartier Diamond Bracelet made in France and dating to circa 1990, this rare and timeless piece features 81 brilliant-cut diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthère Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptionally rare and important Panthère de Cartier bracelet, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and accented with brilliant-cut diamonds. The panther has long been one of the mos...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Boucheron 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in Chicago, IL
Boucheron 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet An impressive vintage bracelet by Boucheron, finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and richly set with brilliant round diamonds. The bold yet ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Belle Epoque Platinum and 14k Diamond Daisy Bracelet. Art Nouveau
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1980s Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Chain style: Specialty chains Closure: Slide lock Extremely rare women's bracelet. Diamond Daisy Cluster Arrangement Filig...
Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and elegant vintage diamond bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels New York, crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold. The bracelet features the maison’s distinctive interlock...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Square French Cut Burma Natural Rubies Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Addison, TX
Presenting a: 18K White Gold Square French Cut Burma Natural Rubies Diamond Tennis Bracelet 7" Featuring altering groups of three rubies by a diamond The rubies are natural and ap...
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Verdura Fancy Yellow Diamond Bracelet 18K Gold Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant diamond bracelet by Verdura, crafted in luxurious 18 karat gold and set with an impressive array of natural diamonds. The design features a refined and substantial structu...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthère Diamond Pavé 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and beautifully crafted Cartier Panthère bracelet, made in 18K yellow gold and set with over 200 brilliant diamonds. This elegant bracelet showcases Cartier’s iconic Panthère...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Burma Ruby & Diamond Platinum Bracelet, c.1965
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Ruby 30.22 cts. & 27.33 cts. diamonds Color/Clarity: Burma Ruby & G-H VS Certifications: Boucheron Valuation Paper, GIA & SSEF Size: 7 inches Creator: Boucheron Metal: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Diamond & Onyx Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Experience the epitome of luxury and elegance with this exquisite vintage Platinum Onyx and Diamond bracelet. Expertly crafted in a stunning Art Deco style, this decadent piece featu...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Estate Cartier Penelope 3ctw Diamond Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate Cartier Penelope Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. The bracelet features the double interlocking "C" clasp set with approximately 3ctw of brilliant round diamonds, accented...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hermes Kelly Diamond Gold Turn Clasp Bangle Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in Greenwich, CT
Worn alone or stacked with others, this Hermes Kelly diamond 18 karat yellow gold vintage turn clasp bangle bracelet is packed with personality. Signed Hermes. Stamped made in Fran...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Lacloche Ruby and Diamond Ring
By LaCloche
Located in New York, NY
Lacloche Ruby and Diamond Ring This exceptional ring by Lacloche Frères is a brilliant example of Art Deco-inspired design and meticulous craftsmanship. Featuring vibrant square-cut...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
FRED Force 10 bracelet with black diamonds
By Fred Paris
Located in PARIS, FR
FRED Force 10 large bracelet, featuring an 18k white gold link set with black diamonds and a stainless steel cable. Original price: €8,900. Condition: excellent. Bracelet size: 14. B...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 10 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Cartier bracelet, exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a striking array of brilliant-cut diamonds of exceptional quality. This refined bracelet is adorned wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHANEL 18K Gold Cultured Pearl & Diamond Matelassé Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional vintage Chanel creation, this elegant Matelassé bracelet is crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases Chanel's iconic quilted-inspired design. The bracelet is richly ad...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Diamond Panthere Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Panthere Maillon diamond bracelet in 18k yellow gold Cartier "Panthere" link bracelet, pave set with round brilliant-cut diamonds in 18k yellow gold. Circa 1990. Vintage &a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Silver Diamond Kyanites Bangle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bangle bracelet in silver, grayed and matified. Rigid, this silver bracelet is adorned on its top with herringbone patterns set with diamonds including on the borders. 11 oval blue c...
Diamond, Silver
18k White Gold Diamond Bracelet
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
18k White Gold Diamond Bracelet Amazing bracelet, with a unique type of design with a plate of diamonds. 7 diamonds on a plate and on the sides a special band made of beads. Round...
Diamond, White Gold
$19,250Sale Price|44% Off
Henry Dunay Platinum Diamond Bracelet
By Henry Dunay
Located in Dallas, TX
Henry Dunay Diamond Bracelet in Platinum. The bracelet features 1.80ctw of brilliant round diamonds. Signed Dunay 950PT D2129. 6 5/8 inches long 34 Grams
Diamond, Platinum
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Diamond 2.80 Carat Bracelet – 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and substantial vintage bracelet by Cartier, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set diamonds throughout its iconic geometric link design. Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet – Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: approx. 6.0 cts. of diamonds Color/Clarity: F-G, VVS-VS Size: 6.88" x 0.60" Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 59.0 grams Period: 1...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 2.5 Ct. Diamond Bracelet in 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary and iconic creation from Cartier, this rare bracelet is a stunning example of the maison’s legendary craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Expertly crafted in luxurio...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$72,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 11 Carat Trinity Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional vintage Cartier Paris Trinity bangle is a timeless expression of elegance and craftsmanship. Expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold the bracelet has a substantial...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Boucheron 18K White Gold & 2.60ct Diamond Bracelet Bangle
By Boucheron
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic creation from Boucheron, the celebrated “Serpent Bohème” collection has symbolized timeless elegance and Parisian sophistication since its debut in 1968. Inspired by the se...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Diamond Monogram 18k White Gold Tennis Bracelet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant signed Louis Vuitton tennis bracelet is a refined expression of modern luxury and iconic design. Crafted in 18k white gold, the bracelet features the house’s instantly r...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 4 Diamond 18ct Rose Gold Love Bangle
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier 4 Diamond 18ct Rose Gold Love Bangle Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ889 Brand: Cartier Model: 4 Diamond Love Bangle Type: Bracelet Serial Number: G***** RRP: £11,400 Accompa...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-color Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The unique, timeless and cosmic Trinity design, depicted in three colors of gold (pink for love, yellow for fidelity and white for friendship), now available in a collection devoted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Boucheron 1950s 18k Gold Diamond Bracelet, Handmade Retro Design
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
This delightful Boucheron bracelet dates back to 1950s and is completely handmade. Strands of gold wire have been twisted together to form the links. The points at which the links ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$60,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Tectonique 18K White Gold 5.70ct Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Cartier “Tectonique” bracelet, crafted in luxurious 18 karat white gold and set with approximately 5.70 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. This striking piece reflects ...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Bracelet with ca 13ct Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
An exceptional Art Deco bracelet crafted in 900 platinum, set with an impressive selection of high-quality diamonds totaling approximately 13 carats. The bracelet features a refined ...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef and Arpels Coral and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Coral and Diamond Bracelet A yellow gold bracelet set with round cabochon coral, accented with round cut diamonds. Approximate Length: 7.25 inches Signed: Van ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in Platinum – 28 ct Total
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 11.0 cts., 17 cts. Diamonds Color/Clarity: G-I, VVS-VS Size: 6.88 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum Weight: 70.10 grams Period: 1980s Thi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Today, antique and vintage bracelets are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble.
Bracelets were among the jewels discovered to have been buried with Pharaoh Tutankhamun when his tomb was unearthed in 1922, and wrist and arm bracelets were allegedly worn by Queen Puabi in Sumer, southern Mesopotamia. But preceding the adornments of Ancient Egypt and elsewhere, the people of prehistoric times likely wore the decorative accessory, fashioning it from shells and fish bones. When the Bronze Age allowed for more durable materials and semiprecious stones to be incorporated into jewelry, bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth.
In the thousands of years following the debut of the world’s first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only broadened, with designers at popular jewelry houses growing more venturesome over time. David Webb looked to nature for his Animal Kingdom bracelets, and for her best-selling bracelets and more at Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti would frequently do the same. From bangles to tennis bracelets, the modern age offers plenty of options.
Internationally acclaimed bracelet designs have on occasion become powerful symbols of status, style and, in the case of Cartier's iconic design, love. The Cartier Love bracelet can be found on the wish list of most jewelry lovers and on the wrist of some of the world’s biggest stars. Its arrangement of mock screwheads and distinctive functionality — it was initially locked and unlocked with an accompanying vermeil screwdriver — is an enduring expression of loyalty, unity and romance. (Do you know how to spot a fake Cartier Love bracelet?)
While the Love bracelet has played a role in the skyrocketing popularity of cuff-style bracelets, they are far from the only glamorous option for collectors. Make a statement with an Art Deco design, a style that sees all kinds of iterations fitted with studded cuffs, one-of-a-kind shapes and dazzling insets. A chunky vintage gold bracelet in the Retro style will prove eye-catching and elevate any outfit.
One of the best things about bracelets, however, is that you never have to choose just one. Style icon Jacqueline Kennedy stacked her Croisillon bracelets — designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. — with such frequency that the ornate bangles were eventually dubbed “Jackie bracelets” by reporters. Contemporary silver pieces can easily complement each other, rendering a layering of luxury almost a necessity.
Find a diverse collection of bracelets that you can sort by style, stone cut and more on 1stDibs.
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
Mid-20th-century designer Andrew Grima upended tradition with his avant-garde aesthetic.
As elegant as they are versatile, these jewels have become chic staples.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The decades-old design is one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in the world.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.