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Damiani Fiordi Diamonds and Sapphires White Gold Ring
By Damiani
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
. Damiani has won 18 Diamonds International Awards!!! This Ladies ring is made of 18k White Gold. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Band Rings

Materials

White Gold

Diamond Chair by Harry BERTOIA, KNOLL INTERNATIONAL
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Original Diamond Chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1970s Early
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Diamond Chair by Harry BERTOIA, KNOLL INTERNATIONAL
Diamond Chair by Harry BERTOIA, KNOLL INTERNATIONAL
$1,914
H 30.71 in W 33.47 in D 27.56 in
Diamond Enamel Soroptimist International Association Brooch Woman's Movement
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful antique Brooch and Pin from the Soroptomist International Society with an image
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Sterling Silver Bracelet Matti Hyvärinen Finland
Located in Orimattila, FI
. Matti was the only Finnish designer ever to win the Diamonds International Awards competition with his
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Modernist Link Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Half Hoop Earrings
By Henry Dunay
Located in Darnestown, MD
Diamond International award. These clip on earrings can be converted to posts. The hammered finish is
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Half Hoop Earrings
Henry Dunay Hammered Gold Half Hoop Earrings
$3,800 / set
W 0.63 in L 1.07 in
Sedia Diamond, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International, 1970 circa
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
La sedia Diamond di Harry Bertoia è un’icona intramontabile del design moderno, celebrata per la
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.  
Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
$1,436
H 29.93 in W 33.86 in D 29.53 in
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1250€.  
Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
$1,436
H 29.93 in W 33.86 in D 29.53 in
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.  
Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
$1,436 / item
H 29.93 in W 33.86 in D 29.53 in
Diamond And 18K Gold Rose Form Brooch Pin By Erwin Pearl
Located in Norwood, NJ
overwhelming, and Erwin won first place at the prestigious diamond design Diamond International Award in London
Category

Mid-20th Century American Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage gold ring by Swedish Master Theresia Hvorslev 1971
By Theresia Hvorslev
Located in Stockholm, SE
equivalent to the Oscars, "Diamond international award", three times. Her works are in many Museum
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Signed Henry Dunay Very Large Heavy 18k Gold Hammered Textured Statement Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beer’s Diamond International Award. Metal Purity: 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 46.9 Grams Place of Origin
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

14 Karat 2 Tone Colombian Emerald International Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Colombian Emerald International Material: 14K white & yellow gold Diamond: 20 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Julia-Plana Diamond, Textured 18 Karat Gold, Organic Design Bracelet c. 1970
Located in New York, NY
low-value materials." Winner of four Diamond International Awards, Julia-Plana died tragically at the
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Asprey Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace Set In Platinum
By Asprey International Limited
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Asprey Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace Set In Platinum Double drop necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Yellow Gold Rotary International Vintage Tie Tack - 10k Diamond Club Member
Located in Greensboro, NC
Organization: Rotary International Era: Vintage Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

BORIS LEBEAU 18K Gold Enamel Day and Night Earrings with Diamonds
By Boris Lebeau
Located in Aventura, FL
prolific career, gaining accolades such as the DeBeers Diamond International Award. In addition, for over
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Set of 4 Diamond chairs, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Diamond Chair is an astounding study in space, form and function by one of the master sculptors
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of two Diamond Chairs 421, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
coating of tSet of two early Harry Bertoia Diamond Chairs. Black and white lacquered frame with original
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of two Diamond Chairs 421, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
Set of two Diamond Chairs 421, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
$2,267 / set
H 29.53 in W 33.47 in D 28.75 in
ALAIN ROURE 1970 Escalator Geometric Ring 18K White Gold With 2.60 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
luxury designer creations. The Ring steps won first prize in 1964 in a very Diamond's International Award
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Asprey Diamond Engagement Ring and Matching Band
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning Asprey round brilliant cut diamond ring in platinum with matching wedding band. The rub
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antonini Milano Diamond 'Tropez' Sectioned Band Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Antonini
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
and sophisticated designs. They are also winners of the prestigious “Diamond International Award
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Harry Bertoia “Big Diamond” Chair for Knoll International, USA 1960
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Wilnis, UT
An impressive lounge chair designed by Harry Bertoia, manufactured by Knoll International in the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Rare Bertoia diamond chairs with ottoman for Knoll International, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Harry Bertoia’s Diamond Chair, introduced in 1952, is a masterpiece of mid-century design. Crafted
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

14 Karat Gold Brooch Matti Hyvärinen Finland, The Rich and The Poor Version
Located in Orimattila, FI
was exceptional. Matti was the only Finnish designer ever to win the Diamonds International Awards
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Modernist Brooches

Materials

Spinel, Gold

Asprey Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Dice Motif Cufflinks .34 Carat
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold pair of diamond and lapis cufflinks by Asprey. The cufflinks are in a design of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold

Movado Art Nouveau 1910 International Expo 18k Rose Cut Diamond Pocket Watch 1ct
By Movado
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely exquisite diamond pocket watch from the Art Nouveau (1910) era! Swiss in origin, this
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Asprey of London 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Wide Openwork Bracelet
By Asprey International Limited
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18k white gold, and set with 13.25cts of fine diamonds. This regal bracelet is fit for a queen and it
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Gold 13.70 Cttw Collar Necklace by Award Winning Designer Jose Hess
By Jose Hess
Located in Troy, MI
prestigious awards from the likes of DeBeers Diamonds International, American Gem Trade Association, and Japan
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Barbara Anton Modernist Peridot Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Cincinnati, OH
received 23 international awards for Excellence in Jewelry Design, including the coveted Debeers Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Platinum

AUGUSTIN JULIA PLANA 1960 Swiss Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
multiple German jewellery awards, and four Diamonds International Awards. The De Beers Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

1955, Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, Wide, Large, Chrome, Diamond Chair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
big chrome diamond chair is a true icon with its beautiful design. The chair has some traces of wear
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Silver Cufflinks by Theresia Hvorslev Made 1976
By Theresia Hvorslev
Located in Stockholm, SE
that Theresia Hvorslev has won the jewelry world's Oscar, the Diamond International Award, three times
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Cufflinks

Materials

Silver

Asprey Orientalist Gilt Silver Palm Tree & Camel Centerpiece w/ Jade & Diamonds
By Asprey International Limited
Located in New York, NY
Tree and Parcel-Gilt Silver Camels having Diamond Eyes. Gorgeously constructed in the Islamic taste by
Category

20th Century English Other Animal Sculptures

Materials

Jade, Malachite, Rock Crystal, Vermeil, Silver

Large Silver, Vermeil and Diamond Model of a Lion by Asprey
By Asprey International Limited
Located in London, GB
Large silver, vermeil and diamond model of a lion by Asprey English, c. 1980 Lion: Height 12cm
Category

20th Century English Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Vermeil, Silver

Large 18K Gold, Silver Gilt, Diamond and Hardstone Bird Model by Asprey
By Asprey International Limited
Located in London, GB
Large 18K gold, silver gilt, diamond and hardstone bird model by Asprey English, c. 1980 Height
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Gold, Vermeil

Edwardian Birks of Canada Aquamarine, Pearl, Diamond and Gold Bangle, circa 1905
By Birks
Located in London, GB
, crafted by Birks. In 1998 they were awarded the Diamond International Award for their "La Plume de Cyrano
Category

Antique Early 1900s Canadian Edwardian Bangles

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

AUGUSTIN JULIA PLANA 1960 Pendant-Travel Watch In Solid 18kt Gold With Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
career, including multiple German jewelry awards, and four Diamonds International Awards. The De Beers
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

18K Gold Ring by Theresia Hvorslev
By Theresia Hvorslev
Located in Stockholm, SE
creating jewelry as a young teenager and won the jewelry world's "Oscar," the Diamond International Award
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

ERWIN PEARL 1970 Modernist Clips Earrings In 18Kt Gold With 1.66 Ctw Diamonds
By Erwin Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
awards, his most coveted is the diamonds international award which he won for five consecutive years. He
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

HENRY DUNAY New York Cocktail Ring In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold With VS Diamonds
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
the De Beers Diamond International Award, which showered images of his designs around the world
Category

1990s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphire Ring by Asprey Jewelers to the Queen in 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This beautiful sapphire and diamond ring was manufactured by Asprey of London, Jewelers to the
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dramatic Gubelin 1960's Gilbert Albert 18K Yellow Gold Abalone, Pearl Brooch
By Gubelin
Located in New York, NY
most decorated Diamonds International Awards jeweler, winning the title 10 times, 3 for Patek, 2 for
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare LEO DE VROOMEN 18K Yellow AMETHYST, CHRYSOPRASE and ENAMEL SUITE , ca. 1984
By Leo de Vroomen
Located in New York, NY
renowned company is simply known as de Vroomen. To win the Diamonds International Award was the dream of
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Enamel

HENRY DUNAY 1980 New York Faceted Hoops Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
himself initially, Dunay quickly found success and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond International
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

HENRY DUNAY New York Massive Cocktail Ring In Solid Faceted 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
initially, Dunay quickly found success and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond International Award
Category

1990s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

HENRY DUNAY New York Door Knockers Drop Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
) to support himself initially, Dunay quickly found success and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

HENRY DUNAY New York Faceted Hoops Earrings In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond International Award, which showered images of his designs
Category

1990s American Modernist Hoop Earrings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Barbara Anton Vintage Gold and Amethyst Large Cross Pendant Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
jewellery design including the prestigious Diamonds International Award and had her work featured in museums
Category

Late 20th Century American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Henry Dunay New York Knots Clip on Earrings in Faceted 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
winning the De Beers Diamond International Award, which showered images of his designs around the world
Category

1990s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Henry Dunay New York Faceted Hammered Clips on Earrings in Textured 18Kt Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
) to support himself initially, Dunay quickly found success and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

HENRY DUNAY New York Clips-On Earrings In Solid Faceted 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
and fame after winning the De Beers Diamond International Award, which showered images of his designs
Category

1990s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Style Solitaire Ring, Real Diamond Weding Ring, Natural Diamond Jewelry
Located in Hartman, AR
International Certification The center diamond comes with an IGI (International Gemological Institute
Category

Antique 1650s Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

LEGACY 180 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Tennis Necklace Natural Diamond
Located in Mumbai, IN
A creation so rare, it defies replication — this exquisite 180-carat diamond ensemble features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Rutillated Quartz, Onyx, Brown Diamond, Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Rutillated Quartz 3.45 carats, Onyx 23.80 carats, Brown Diamond 0.54 carat, Diamond 0.44 carat
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Onyx, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold

IGI Certified 0.59 Carat Yellow Diamond & 0.27 Carat Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
with the warm diamond color. IGI Certified: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) certification
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

IGI Certified 1.00 Carat Yellow Diamond & 0.15 Carat Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
diamond as its centerpiece. The diamond, with its warm, unique color, is set in a classic four-prong
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust SS White Diamond Accent Dial Jubilee Diamond Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
and our lifetime diamond replacment warranty. Please note: International import duties, taxes, and
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

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Diamond International For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the diamond international you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a diamond international 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. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic diamond international over the years, but those made by Asprey International Limited are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A diamond international of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 100, is particularly popular. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also emerald cut and cushion cut versions for sale. When shopping for a diamond international, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Diamond International?

Prices for a diamond international can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $343,822, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,050.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Questions About Diamond International

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