Garrard Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, GB
Since 1735 Garrard has been creating fine pieces of jewellery making them the oldest jewellery house in Britain.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$30,800Sale Price|20% Off
GARRARD & CO. Pearls Necklace 18Kt Gold 7.42 Cts In Diamonds & GIA Burmese Ruby
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,988Sale Price / set|20% Off
GARRARD & CO 1930 Art Deco Platinum Clips Earrings 4.38 Cts VS Diamonds & Rubies
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
R.&S. Garrard & Co., To the King By Special Appointment, Haymarket, London
Located in Braintree, GB
Overall, it remains in good and pleasant condition. About R. & S. Garrard & Co. R. & S. Garrard & Co. was founded in 1735 by George Wickes in Haymarket, London, and later developed ...
Garrard '1735' Platinum White Diamond and Aquamarine Drop Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard pair of platinum drop earrings from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with central oval aquamarines and round white diamonds. 38 round white diamonds weighing: 1...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum White Diamond and Oval Ruby Drop Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard pair of platinum drop earrings from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with central oval rubies and round white diamonds. 26 round white diamonds weighing: 1.12ct...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Oval Emerald Round White Diamond Drop Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum pendant from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with round white diamonds and a central oval emerald. 1 oval emerald weighing: 1.57cts GIA certified, Moz...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GCS Certified Emerald and White Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard pair of platinum drop earrings from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with central oval emeralds and round white diamonds. 2 oval emeralds GCS certified, Zambia...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Certified Blue Sapphire and White Diamond Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum pendant from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with a central round blue sapphire and round white diamonds. 10 round white diamonds weighing: 0.35cts 1 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard 1735 Platinum GRS Oval Sapphire & White Diamond Cluster Drop Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum pendant from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with round white diamonds and a central oval blue sapphire. 12 round white diamonds weighing: 0.52cts 1 o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard 1735 Platinum GIA Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum ring from the '1735' collection, set with a central oval blue sapphire and round white diamonds. 1 oval sapphire weighing: 1.39cts GRS certified, Sri L...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard 1735 GIA Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum double cluster surround ring from the 1735 collection set with a central GIA certified oval blue sapphire weighing 1.37 carats and 58 round white diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable
Vintage Stainless Steel 1950s Garrard Watch
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Carlisle, GB
Although the watch has some inscription on the back Please study the images carefully as form part of the description. Notes: Garrards was founded in 1735 by George Wickes. They...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 3.15 in W 0.79 in L 0.71 in
18 Karat Gold Micromosaic Stick Pin Depicting a Little Dog, Garrard & Co, London
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Roma, IT
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London (the address appears in the writing) Garrard was the first offic...
18k Gold
GARRARD & CO. London 2003 Sculptural Trio Ring 18Kt White Gold And VS Diamonds
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Garrard & Co. Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 30.12 Ctw In Sapphire And Diamonds
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, Wh...
Vintage Garrard 9ct Gents Gold Wristwatch
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Portland, England
Founded in London in 1735, Garrard is located on Albemarle Street, Mayfair.
Gold
Garrard 9kt. gold men's wristwatch, 1957
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Braintree, GB
Origins: The story of Garrard & Co. began in 1735 when master silversmith George Wickes founded his own workshop in London.
Gold
GARRARD & CO. French Ritz Bow Cocktail Ring 18Kt White Gold With VS Diamonds
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold
GARRARD & CO. Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 4.65 Cts Diamonds & GIA Burmese Ruby
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
George Wickes founded Garrard in London in 1735 and the brand is headquartered at Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Convertible Diamond Tiara in Platinum, Cased by Garrard
Located in London, England
The House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world, its origins dating back to 1735.
Diamond, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum White Diamond and Aquamarine Drop Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard pair of platinum drop earrings from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with central oval aquamarines and round white diamonds. 38 round white diamonds weighing: 1...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum Oval Emerald and White Diamond Cluster Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum ring from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with a central oval emerald and round white diamonds. 1 oval emerald approx 1.35ct 30 round white diamonds w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum White Diamond Blue Sapphire Double Cluster Drop Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard pair of platinum double cluster drop earrings from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with round white diamonds and two central oval blue sapphires. 78 round whit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Oval Ruby & White Diamond Cluster Drop Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum pendant from the 1735 collection set with a central oval ruby weighing 1.57 carats and 12 round white diamonds weighing 0.52 carats 1 central oval ruby w...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Oval Ruby Diamond Cluster Engagement Cocktail Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum ring from the 1735 collection set with a central GIA certified oval ruby weighing 1.63 carats and 34 round white diamonds weighing 0.60 carats.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Certified Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Studs
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A pair of House of Garrard platinum stud earrings from the '1735' collection each set with a central oval sapphire and 24 round white diamonds 2 oval sapphires weighing: 3.18cts GIA...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Oval White Diamond with Pink Diamond Surround Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum and 18 karat rose gold '1735' ring, set with a central oval white diamond and round white and pink diamond surrounds. 1 oval white diamond weighing: 2.02...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
House of Garrard GIA 5.90 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold White Diamond Drop Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Wedding 'Fanfare' 18 Karat White Gold Brooch, Round & Square Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, White Gold
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 karat White Gold Drop Earrings White Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold Aquamarine Beaded Tassel Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
Aquamarine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Fanfare White Gold Chandelier Drop Necklace Diamond Mother of Pearl
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Bridal Fanfare White Gold Chandelier Earrings Diamond Mother of Pearl
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard 1.36 Carat GRS Cushion Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring White Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard 3.04 Carat GRS Cushion Cut Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Garrard Fanfare White Gold Climber Earrings White Diamond and Calibre Cut Rubies
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Platinum GRS 6.01 Carat Vivid Blue Oval Unheated Sapphire Cluster Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold Aquamarine Bead Tassel Drop Earrings
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
Aquamarine, White Diamond, White Gold
Garrard Platinum 3.06 Carat DVS1 GIA Diamond Engagement Ring Pink Pave Surround
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum
Garrard 4.55ct 18 Karat White Gold GIA Ruby and Diamond Radiating Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Authenticity certificate and beautifully presented in a House of Garrard box. Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard 3.08 Carat CDC Cushion Cut Emerald And White Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold Drop Pendant with Round White Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold Wrap Ring with Round White Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold Double Drop Pendant with White Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard '1735' Platinum Sapphire and White Diamond Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Garrard '1735' Platinum GIA Certified Blue Sapphire and White Diamond Pendant
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
A House of Garrard platinum pendant from the 'Garrard 1735' collection, set with a central round blue sapphire and round white diamonds. 10 round white diamonds weighing: 0.35cts 1 ...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Garrard Wings Embrace 18 Karat White Gold Bangle with Round White Diamonds
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garrard Fanfare 18 Karat White Gold Pendant White Diamond & Mother of Pearl
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Garrard Wings 18 Karat White Gold Drop Pendant with Round White Diamond
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, London
Established in 1735, the House of Garrard is the longest serving jeweller in the world.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Garrard 9 Karat Gold Gents Swiss Mechanical Wristwatch Original Box, circa 1980
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
The case which houses a Swiss mechanical movement measures 32mm wide and has classic faceted lugs. Garrards was founded in 1735 by George Wickes. They designed, manufactured and r...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage Bill Blass red silk Mermaid dress! Vibrant liptick red color, with intriicate stitching, which produce an unbelievable sexy fit! Super flattering, and utterly jaw dr...
Chanel Slot Machine Casino Minaudière Clutch 2023
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This Casino Minaudière Evening Clutch Bag by Chanel is a highly sought-after and exclusive piece from the 2023 Cruise collection. - Circa 2023 - From the Chanel 2023 Cruise collectio...
Hermès Birkin 35 Rose Sheherazade GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Pink - Exotic leather - Crocodile Porosus - Gold-tone hardware - Comes with keys, clochette, lock and CITES - Comes with original dust bag - Condition: Good This pre-owned item is ...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Bag Sellier Black Rare Box Leather New
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Black Collectors Dream Bag Very rare to find Box Leather especially in a Birkin 25 Sellier Highly Sought after by Hermes Collectors Gold Hardware Understa...
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in vibrant Framboise. Hermes Framboise is a rich, saturated raspberry pink which is gorgeous for year round wear. The Herme...
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35 Rare Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare, limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow. This exquisite bag is a collectors treasures and very rare to market in new, never...
$124,659
H 5.52 in W 7.88 in D 3.55 in
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG146 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [B] Ag...
Vintage Teal Blue Silk Sequin + Beaded Art Deco/ Flapper Dress
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1920s-inspired 1980s teal blue silk dress with hand done sequin and beadwork. Full blouson sleeves that zip at the cuff. Side slits. Fully lined in silk. The marked size is a...
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Blanc Himalaya Matte Crocodile Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Diamond Blanc Himalaya Birkin 35 representing the ultimate expression of rarity and refined craftsmanship. It unites artistry and nature through meticulo...
Off-white satin beaded evening dress Neiman Marcus Circa 1950's
By Neiman Marcus
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white satin beaded evening dress. Tulle and acetate petticoat. Boned bustier. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. size 38 (FR) M
$1,691
Size: UK 10 US 6
Vintage 1940s Red Crepe Silk Floral Beaded Evening Gown 1940s Dress US 6 UK 10
Located in Nashville, TN
This truly enchanting 1940's crepe silk gown, rendered in the most vibrant shade of vermilion red and embellished with gold lamé soutache embroidery surrounding floral beadwork in sh...
$18,900
H 19.5 in W 13 in D 7.5 in
New Hermès Valise R.M.S Cargo Carry-On Suitcase – Beige/Fauve Canvas Leather PHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Valise R.M.S Cargo Carry-On Suitcase in Beige and Fauve is a sophisticated travel essential that blends luxury with practicality. Crafted from durable beige canvas and acc...
Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cashmere blend mini dress with a dramatic stand up collar from Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with a stand up lapel collar which frames the face beautifull...
$79,200
H 8 in W 14 in D 5.1 in
Hermès Birkin 25 Noir Black Lizard Lisse Exotic with Palladium Hardware K
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Birkin 25 in Noir Black Exotic Lizard is a rare expression of timeless luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted from exquisite exotic lizard skin, this iconic handbag...
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Size: X small
Bianchi New York/Boston White Lace High Neck Empire Wedding Gown 1960s X Small
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bianchi New York/Boston, white Chantilly lace, high neck, Empire wedding gown from the 1960s fits a size extra small. A simple and elegant gown in an all over lace design. High neck ...
The first official Crown Jeweler for the British royal family, Garrard & Co. Limited has crafted iconic and historically celebrated rings, watches, necklaces and other jewelry for centuries.
Master silversmith George Wickes founded Garrard in 1735 and quickly gained a regal platform with patronage from Frederick, Prince of Wales. The company underwent a range of name changes and shifts in leadership over the years, with Robert Garrard becoming a partner in 1792. He assumed sole control of the firm a decade later and eventually passed the company down to his sons — James, Sebastian and Robert Garrard II — where it would remain in the Garrard family until 1946 with the death of Robert’s great-grandson.
Garrard Co. Ltd registered its current name in 1909 and, despite a temporary merger and relocation with Asprey, the firm still operates out of its original location on Albermarle St. in London. It was acquired by American private equity firm Yucaipa Companies in 2006.
Garrard created silver, tableware and decorative objects for the royal family as well as the Crown Jewels for a range of coronations beginning with King Edward VII’s in 1902. The esteemed luxury house created Queen Victoria's Small Diamond Crown, which featured colorless stones and was suitable to be worn while she mourned the passing of her last husband, Prince Albert. Later, for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Garrard provided a pair of gold armlets. The company’s 1893 Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara adorns Queen Elizabeth II on British banknotes.
Among Garrard’s best known works is undoubtedly Princess Diana’s engagement ring — a 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. Unlike most royal engagement rings, the one Princess Diana chose wasn’t a one-of-a-kind piece commissioned from the Crown Jeweler, but rather a catalog offering for anyone who could swing the $60,000 price tag. As a result, this was a matter of controversy within the royal family. It is now Kate Middleton’s ring.
Garrard is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Today, its all-female design team — led by creative director Sara Prentice — continues to merge ageless techniques with modern technology to uphold the firm’s legacy in the creation of precious handcrafted engagement rings, brooches and other adornments.
While Garrard and the royal family parted ways in 2007, the house still produces pieces that captivate new generations of jewelry wearers all over the world, just as it has for hundreds of years.
Find antique Garrard & Co. Ltd 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.