Hearts on Fire Signature Diamond Engagement Ring Round 0.71 Carat 18 Karat Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Hearts on Fire Style: Signature Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 18k White Gold Size: 6.25 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.71 ct Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant Diamond D...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hearts on Fire Serenity Round Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold 0.536TCW
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: HEARTS ON FIRE Style: PURELY BRIDAL 4 PRONG "V" GALLERY SOLITAIRE Serial Number: HBRPS00508W/HOF131276 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18KT Size: 6.5 Total Carat Weight: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hearts on Fire Round 0.667ct Flawless Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: HEARTS ON FIRE Stye: 4-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring Serial Number: AGS 0003059009 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 750 Size: 6.75 Total Carat Weight: 0.667 CTS Diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Light Blue Enamel Angel Wing Heart Ring Diamond Star 14K Gold J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The heart holds three white single-cut diamonds, while the wings are accented with ten additional diamonds.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
0.76 Ct. H VS2 GIA Hearts on Fire Dream Cut Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
By Hearts On Fire
Located in New York, NY
Hearts on Fire diamond engagement ring finely crafted in platinum featuring a signature square dream cut diamond center weighing 0.76 cts.
Diamond, Platinum
Heart on Fire Square Dream Cut 0.648 Carat H SI1 Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: HEARTS ON FIRE Style: DREAM SOLITAIRE Serial Number: DRM8442 Year Purchased: 2007 Metal: PLATINUM PT950 Total Carat Weight: 0.648 CT Diamond Shape: SQUARE BRILLIANT DRE...
Diamond, Platinum
Hearts on Fire White Gold GIA 0.93ctw E VVS Ideal Diamond Classic 3 Stone Ring
By Hearts On Fire
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Ideal - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - E Color - VVS2 Clarity - 0.57ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Compl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 0.8ct Oval Vintage Three Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.00ct Cushion Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.01ct Pear Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Large Heart Shaped Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Large earrings crafted in 18k white gold Diamonds GVS = 14.79 carats Net Weight = 30.70 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 0.54ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Open Heart Pendant
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Platinum 0.54ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Open Heart Pendant Necklace 16" Style: Open Heart Diamond Pavé Pendant Necklace Designer: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.01ct Cushion Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.81ct Round Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.01ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.88ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold and White Diamonds Heart Shaped Cocktail Ring
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Cocktail ring crafted in 18K white gold = 6.30 grams Diamonds G Colour VS Clarity = 1,44 carats Net Weight = 6.60 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.2ct Pear Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.82ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.01ct Radiant Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
Hearts on Fire Split Shank 1.50 Carat Diamond Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
HEARTS ON FIRE Style: Split Shank Diamond Engagement Ring Serial Number: HOF47829 / AGS0007526209 Metal: 14KT White Gold Size: 6.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 1.50 TCW Diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2.22ct Emerald Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.8ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
Hearts on Fire Dream Cut 0.44 Carat Diamond Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: HEARTS ON FIRE Style of Setting: 4-Prong Dream Solitaire Engagement Ring Serial Number: HOF 8315 Metal: White Gold 18KT Size: 4.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.44CTS ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Round Halo Sunflower Heart Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Designed to capture the joy and brightness of sunflowers, this stunning diamond ring features an enchanting flower halo adorned with round diamonds, meticulously bezel set around a s...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.51ct Round Solitaire & Multi-Row Heart Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Marvelously showcasing luxury in its design, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating center stone of a round diamond weighing 1.51.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Opal & Diamond Pendant Circa 1910
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Hand-crafted in yellow gold and silver, a tapered diamond set bale suspends a heart diamond set filled with three bezel set solid light opals with a central diamond.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Heart Ring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
.21 carats of blue sapphire .35 carats of whire diamonds set in 18k white gold The heart is just under 12 mm wide Currently a 6.25, this ring can be sized to any finger size.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Heart Ring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
1.00 of fine blue sapphires set on the band .20 carats of white round diamonds set in the center heart Currently a size 6.5, this ring can easily be resized.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
Hearts on Fire Round 0.36 Carat I SI2 Diamond Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: HEARTS ON FIRE Style of Setting: 4-PRONG WHITE GOLD SOLITAIRE SETTING Serial Number: HOF 43209 Metal: WHITE GOLD Metal Purity: 14KT Size: 6.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,263Sale Price / set|20% Off
3.61 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Hoop Earrings in 14K White Gold Luxury Bridal
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Celebrate modern romance with these heart shape diamond hoop earrings crafted in luxurious 14K white gold.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
GIA 1.2 Carat Pear Vintage three-Stone Heart & Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Platinum
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Certified 16 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
Suspended beneath are two luminous heart-shaped diamonds, with a combined weight of approximately 1.50 carats, graded G color and VS clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Square Ceylon Sapphire Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 3.564 grams Set with- Stone type: Sapphire Shape: Square Carat: 0.52 Colour: - ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hearts on Fire Round 0.37 ct G SI1 Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k white Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: HEARTS OF FIRE Style: Solitaire Engagement Ring Serial Number: 0002357803 Metal: White Gold 14KT Size: 3.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.37 CTS Diamond Shape: Round B...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mini Diamond Heart Stud Earrings 0.20 Carats 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Small heart stud earrings featuring 78 round brilliants weighing 0.20 carats, in 14 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Hearts on Fire 7 Stone Diamond Semi Eternity Band Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Hearts On Fire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 6.5 This authentic Hearts on Fire diamond band ring is a true testament to the eternal beauty of love.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Heart 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Heart 14K White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring is a sleek and contemporary piece that redefines luxury.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Deco Style Heart-Shaped Ruby & Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These Art Deco Style Heart-Shaped Ruby & Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1CT Marquise GH-I1 Natural Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Only the most exceptional quality diamonds are thoughtfully chosen to create an Brilliant Hearts diamond ring, ensuring that each facet radiates unparalleled luminosity.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Diamond Heart Confetti Pendant Necklace 0.90 Carats 14KT Yellow Gold 5.3 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This romantic confetti heart pendant is beautifully crafted in 14K yellow gold and set with 29 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.90 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Heart-Cut Solitaire Blue Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Ring 0.33ct
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
It is ideal for women who love colored jewelry, heart-shaped diamond rings, and pieces that feel both modern and meaningful.
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Multi Diamond Heart Bezel Link Necklace 0.94 Carats 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold link necklace featuring mini diamond hearts with a diamond bezel in between with 241 diamonds weighing 0.94 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
HEARTS ON FIRE Flower 18 Carats White Gold Necklace
By Hearts On Fire
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite Hearts on Fire Ideal Round Brilliant Cut Diamond pendant There are 10 Natural Round Brilliant Side Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Rose Gold Diamond Heart Chain Bracelet for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Pave Heart Diamond Bracelet: A beautiful Pave Heart Disc bracelet with 0.16 Natural Diamonds with an adjustable diameter of 6"- 6.5" Inches with the options of either yellow, white o...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Heart Chain Bracelet for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Pave Heart Diamond Bracelet: A beautiful Pave Heart Disc bracelet with 0.16 Natural Diamonds with an adjustable diameter of 6"- 6.5" Inches with the options of either yellow, white o...
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Chain Bracelet for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Pave Heart Diamond Bracelet: A beautiful Pave Heart Disc bracelet with 0.16 Natural Diamonds with an adjustable diameter of 6"- 6.5" Inches with the options of either yellow, white o...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold, White Diamonds and Rubies Large Heart Shaped Earrings
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Large earrings crafted in 18k rose gold Diamonds G Colour VS Clarity = 2.18 carats Rubies = 15.00 carats Net Weight = 27.00 grams
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA 1.21ct Cushion Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.01ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.01ct Emerald Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.53ct Cushion Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.82 Carat G VS1 Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Beautiful Engagement RIng The Center stone is Heart Shaped GIA 0.82Ct G VS1 The stone is set in 18K White Gold Setting The setting has 1.02Ct Diamonds G VS/SI The ring is a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Diamond Angel Heart Pendant Necklace 0.15 Carats 14 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The heart is set with a single round brilliant diamond, adding a touch of light and symbolism to the piece.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.52ct Radiant Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$4,298Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.8ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$24,634Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 2.01ct Emerald Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.51ct Radiant Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, White Gold
$5,165Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.8ct Oval Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, White Gold
$25,420Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 2.02ct Emerald Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the captivating center stone, smaller round brilliant cut diamonds prong set along the band intermingle with intricately engraved hearts and vines, adding a touch of roma...
Diamond, White Gold
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.