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Oscar Heyman Brothers Pansy Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers pansy ring. Set with eighteen channel set calibre step cut natural unenhanced
Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Art Deco Emerald Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Brothers Art Deco Emerald Bracelet A platinum bracelet set with 31 baguette-cut
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers Pink Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Brothers Pink Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet A sophisticated piece by Oscar Heyman
Category

20th Century American Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers vintage diamond band ring, American, circa 1960.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Vintage Oscar Heyman Brothers diamond band ring. Set with twenty one round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Central American Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Heyman Brothers American Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
craftsmanship of the Heyman Brothers, known for their exceptional American jewelry design. Featuring the
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Ruby and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Horizontally set with five square step cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Ribbon Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold and platinum ribbon brooch by Oscar Heyman Brothers, set with a total of approx
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers pansy earrings, circa 1960.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers pansy earrings. A matching pair, each consisting of eighteen round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1960s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold

1970s Oscar Heyman Brothers Ruby Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Diamond and ruby cluster ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set with a round old cut diamond, E colour
Category

Vintage 1970s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Amethyst, Tourmaline, Topaz, and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
together in a beautiful display of color to form a unique rendition of Oscar Heyman Brother's icon pansy
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Go...

Oscar Heyman Brothers Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Diamond bracelet by Oscar Heyman Brothers. An articulated two row bracelet set with three motifs of
Category

Vintage 1950s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers emerald and diamond ring, American, circa 1960.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers emerald and diamond ring. Channel set with twelve calibre cut natural
Category

Vintage 1960s Central American Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Topaz, Sapphire and Diamond Pansy Clip Earrings, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
1" in height, with maker's mark "OHB" for Oscar Heyman Brothers, serial no. "706256" "PLAT" 18k
Category

Late 20th Century American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold,...

Oscar Heyman Brothers sapphire and diamond ballerina ring, American, circa 1976
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers sapphire and diamond ballerina ring. Set to centre with an oval brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers ruby and diamond ring, American, circa 1940
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers ruby and diamond ring. Set with twenty four square baguette cut diamonds in
Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Tiffany & Co. by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
approximately 1" in height. Stamped by Oscar Heyman Brothers for "Tiffany & Co.", serial no. "74551". *Shreve
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...

Vintage Oscar Heyman Brothers sapphire and diamond ring, American, circa 1960.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Vintage Oscar Heyman Brothers sapphire and diamond ring. Set with eight square baguette cut natural
Category

Vintage 1960s Central American Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Heyman Brothers, serial no. "73956"
Category

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Materials

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

Oscar Heyman Brothers vintage ruby and diamond ring, American, circa 1970.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Vintage ruby and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set with a central horizontal channel set
Category

Vintage 1970s Central American Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye and Diamond Ring, American.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers chrysoberyl cat's eye and diamond ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers Star Sapphire Cocktail Ring, American, circa 1942
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers star sapphire cocktail ring. Centrally set with an oval cabochon natural
Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers Natural Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring American 1960s
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Vintage Oscar Heyman Brothers sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Set with twenty square calibre
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Natural Unenhanced Chrysoberyl Cats Eye and Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Heyman Brothers cat's eye chrysoberyl and diamond ring. Set with thirteen round cabochon
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Canary and Colorless Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
approximately 1" in height, with maker's mark "OHB" for Oscar Heyman Brothers, serial no. "200580" "PLAT" 18k"
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brooches

Materials

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

Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Horizontally set with an oval
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring, American, circa 1925.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set to centre with three square step
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Natural Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers, circa 1960s
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Vintage sapphire and diamond cluster ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set with a cushion shape old
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers Natural Unenhanced Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Ruby and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set slightly raised to centre with a natural
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers Ruby Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold leaf motif brooch by Oscar Heyman Bros. Set with ruby beads. Brooch measures 2
Category

20th Century North American Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Emerald Ruby Sapphire Yellow Gold Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large 18k yellow gold basketweave earrings by Oscar Heyman Bros, featuring emerald, ruby
Category

20th Century American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Sapphire Diamond Gold Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Retro Oscar Heyman Brothers gold, platinum, sapphire and diamond brooch. 18 kt., the polished
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Platinum Marquise, Baguette & Round Brilliant Cut Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Rome, IT
Oscar Heyman Brothers 7.70 carst Marquise, Baguette & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bracelet.
Category

2010s American Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman 2.55 ctw Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18k Signed w/ Serial
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Perry, FL
number. Captivating clean & modern design ring made by the renowned Oscar Heyman Brothers features 1.8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Platinum Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Houston, TX
Oscar Heyman Brothers bracelet composed of platinum featuring round-cut, emerald-cut and baguette
Category

Mid-20th Century American Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Platinum Diamond Bracelet
Oscar Heyman Platinum Diamond Bracelet
Free Shipping
W 0.38 in L 7.25 in
Estate Oscar Heyman 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Houston, TX
Oscar Heyman & Brothers bracelet composed of 18K yellow gold with oval rubies and round diamonds
Category

20th Century More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold

Oscar Heyman Sapphire Diamond Brooch 18K Gold Platinum Certified Flower
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
by Oscar Heyman Brothers in 18K yellow gold and platinum. It is a numbered piece of jewelry with the
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Art Deco Emerald Onyx & Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Type: Platinum Signed: Gattle Accompanied with Oscar Heyman Brothers authentication
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum

1940s Oscar Heyman Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
platinum and 18k gold; length: 2 5/8 in., by Oscar Heyman & Brothers.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Oscar Heyman diamond 18k yellow gold ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold and platinum for timeless sophistication. Brand: Oscar Heyman & Brothers Center stone
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Retro Ruby & Diamond Watch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman retro ruby and diamond watch Concealed flip dial of mechanical movement, rectangular
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Oscar Heyman GIA Certified 4.50 Carat Sapphire Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Stamford, CT
Oscar Heyman Brothers very fine custom french cut swirl chanel set blue sapphire bangle bracelet in
Category

Late 20th Century Bangles

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Red Ruby White Diamond Platinum Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
A platinum, ruby and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers (OHB) set with 29 step cut red rubies
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Oscar He-man Brothers Retro 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond & Ruby Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Birmingham, AL
Designer Oscar Heyman Brothers Retro Ring. The ring is made in 18K Yellow gold and has a platinum
Category

Late 20th Century North American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Five Diamond and Gem-set Oscar Heyman Bangle Bracelets
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
This set of five diamond and gem-set bangle bracelets by Oscar Heyman Brothers, New York, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century American Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

OSCAR HEYMAN Sapphire Anniversary Ring Band 18K Yellow Gold
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
designer OSCAR HEYMAN Brothers is crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold. The ring is set with the high
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
, color G-H, clarity VS. Maker's mark for Oscar Heyman & Brothers. ring Size: 5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, ...

Oscar Heyman Sapphire Baguette Diamond Ring 18K Gold Estate
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Heyman Brothers in 18K yellow gold. The ring is comprised of 9 baguette cut sapphires with a total
Category

Late 20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Sapphire Asscher Diamond Ring Band 18K Gold Platinum by Oscar Heyman
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Oscar Heyman Brothers circa 1970s. Total diamond weight is estimated to be .84 carat and total sapphire
Category

Mid-20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

OSCAR HEYMAN Diamond Ring Eternity 18K Gold Platinum Wedding
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
HEYMAN & BROTHERS piece is crafted in luxurious 18K gold and platinum. Featured are 14 scintillating
Category

Late 20th Century Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Oscar Heyman 2.45 carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
Heyman Brothers Hallmark. This ring carries the legacy of one of the finest jewelers in the world. Ideal
Category

1990s American Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

OSCAR HEYMAN Diamond Ring Band 18K Gold Platinum Heavy Vintage Estate
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS piece is crafted in luxurious 18K gold and platinum. Featured are 16
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

OSCAR HEYMAN Diamond Ring 18K Gold Platinum Estate 1.59ct
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
HEYMAN & BROTHERS piece is crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and platinum set with finest diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

OSCAR HEYMAN Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K Gold Designer Signed
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
OSCAR HEYMAN Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K Gold Designer Signed This fascinating designer OSCAR HEYMAN
Category

Late 20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Necklace 18K Gold Platinum Certified GIA
By Oscar Heyman
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
by Oscar Heyman Brothers in 18K yellow gold and platinum. It looks like it could belong to Queen
Category

Late 20th Century Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

OSCAR HEYMAN Deco Geometric Bracelet In Platinum With 30.64 Ctw In VS Diamonds
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
York city by the jewelry company of Oscar Heyman & Brother, back in the 1964. The beautiful and rare
Category

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Platinum Pave Diamond Star Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Venice, CA
HB (Heyman Brothers) maker’s mark and the serial # 105367. The earrings are 7/8” across. Combined
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman & Bros. Sapphire Diamond 18k Gold Platinum Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
sparkle, enhancing the overall allure of the brooch. The craftsmanship of Oscar Heyman & Brothers is
Category

Late 20th Century Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Gia Certified Classic Ring Plat 18Kt Gold 3.19 Cts Diamonds Emerald
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
classic three-stones setting ring, created in New York city by the Oscar Heyman Brothers. This gorgeous
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Oscar Heyman New York Classic Eternity Ring in Platinum with 41 Round Diamonds
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
Eternity ring designed by Oscar Heyman & Brothers. Beautiful vintage eternity ring, made in New
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

OSCAR HEYMAN Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 2.64 Ctw In Diamonds And Rubies
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by the Oscar Heyman Brothers. Beautiful cocktail ring, created in New York
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

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Heyman Brothers For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of heyman brothers for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Find a collection of 73 vintage versions or 3 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of heyman brothers includes designs that are universally popular, but Modern and Art Deco styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Browse our collection of 41 Diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for brilliant cut heyman brothers and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes baguette cut and cabochon alternatives. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of heyman brothers, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Heyman Brothers?

On average, heyman brothers at 1stDibs sell for $17,779, while they’re typically $3,500 on the low end and $675,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Oscar Heyman for sale on 1stDibs

Known as “the jewelers’ jeweler,” Oscar Heyman (1888–1970) designed pieces for Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Black, Starr & Frost. The family-run Oscar Heyman & Brothers jewelry company was founded by Heyman with his brothers Nathan and Harry in 1912. Jewelers from Latvia, they had trained at their great-uncle’s workshop, which had clients including Russian imperial jeweler Fabergé, before immigrating to the United States in the early 1900s.

After arriving in New York, Oscar worked with Pierre Cartier and Nathan was a tool maker at Western Electric before they came together to open their jewelry business. Highly skilled craftsmen, the Heyman brothers quickly developed a roster of high-profile clients — primarily big-name jewelers — drawn to their work with dazzling stones and meticulous design. In 1917, Black, Starr & Frost commissioned the brothers to design an American flag brooch, which would become a recurring motif in the Oscar Heyman & Brothers portfolio. They also designed the Pansy brooch in the 1930s, another long-popular accessory that was produced exclusively for Tiffany & Co. toward the end of the 20th century. After Heyman designed for four of the five jewelers on view at the 1939 World’s Fair House of Jewels (Cartier, Udall & Ballou, Marcus & Co. and Black, Starr & Frost), the company was given the moniker “the jewelers’ jeweler.”

Heyman & Brothers later designed gem-encrusted medallions that traveled to the moon on Apollo 16, the necklace setting for the 69-carat diamond Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor in 1969 and even a pair of ruby-encrusted Stuart Weitzman stilettos in 2003. Over the years, the company has entranced such clients as Evelyn Lauder, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Billy Porter and Tina Fey with its pieces.

In 2012, the century-old jeweler underwent a rebranding to simplify its name to Oscar Heyman and today is still run by the Heyman family, which manages the whole process from alloying their own metal to cutting and polishing their gemstones to assembling the final product in-house. In 2017, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston published a monograph authored by Yvonne J. Markowitz and Elizabeth Hamilton that details for a broader audience the history of Oscar Heyman, an unsung company that’s long been behind some of the biggest names in jewelry.

Shop authentic Oscar Heyman rings, brooches and bracelets 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.