$109Sale Price|20% Off
2000s Cartier Hong Kong Jewelry Panther Catalogue Lookbook
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Cartier brochure from Hong Kong. cover front and back is matt close up of panther print and Cartier logo in gilt descriptions in Cantonese, 11 pages. Condition; vintage, 20...
18 Karat White Gold Jadeite and Diamond Pendant with Necklace
Located in Macau, MO
Accompanied by report from the Hong Kong Jewellery Trade Laboratory Limited.Certificate No.JM 0831 O’Che 1867 was founded one and a half centuries ago in Macau.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Jadeite and Diamond Brooch and Pendant with Necklace
Located in Macau, MO
It consists of 11 pieces of jadeite of different shapes and sizes, flanked by brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing 1.50 carats. The jewellery piece is versatile and can also be changed t...
Diamond, Jade, White Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Jadeite and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Macau, MO
Accompanied by report from the Hong Kong Jewellery Trade Laboratory Limited. Certificate No.JQ1265 O’Che 1867 was founded one and a half centuries ago in Macau.
Diamond, Jade, White Gold, 18k Gold
Pair of Jadeite and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Macau, MO
Accompanied by report from The Hong Kong Jewellery Trade Laboratory Limited. Certificate No.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
Keshi Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Designed by renowned Hong Kong jewelry designer – Dilys Young – this pair of Art Deco-inspired keshi pearl earrings is regal, intricately-finished and versatile as always.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
Keshi Pearl and Diamonds Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Once an order has been placed, our Quality Check team at our Hong Kong headquarters will perform one last round of rigorous quality check on the jewelry piece before shipment.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jadeite, Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Handcrafted Ring
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Inspired by the beauty of nature, the rare lush-greens of jadeite, and the ruby's captivating fire, the renowned Hong Kong jewelry designer, Dilys Young, designed this exquisite ring...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dilys' Certified 3.57ct Brown Diamond Transformable Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Designed by the renowned Hong Kong jewelry designer, Dilys Young, this ring is made to be adaptable for different occasions with a detachable ring ‘jacket’.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Dilys' Keshi Pearl and Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18K Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Once an order has been placed, our Quality Check team at our Hong Kong headquarters will perform one last round of rigorous quality check on the jewelry piece before shipment.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
18K White Gold Bangle Bracelet with 8.07ct Diamonds, Hong Kong
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This playful bangle features sumptuous Marquise-shape and Round-shape White Diamonds setting among 18K white gold. With a hidden clasp, easy to wear, day or night, this unique bangle...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency Patinated Brass and Copper Jewelry Box Made in Hong Kong
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant patinated brass and copper box, circa 1970s Perfect for jewelry, trinkets or playing cards. Stamped at the bottom Made in Hong Kong by Woco.
Brass, Copper
23K Solid Gold 4.5mm Cuban Link Necklace, Made in Hong Kong
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional 23K solid gold Cuban link chain necklace, crafted in Hong Kong with meticulous attention to detail. Measuring 26 inches in length and 4.5mm in width, this piece showca...
Gold
Black Jadeite & Sterling Silver Cufflinks with Blue Zircon — Handmade Hong Kong
Located in Kowloon, HK
◆International Delivery: Reliable shipping through Spaceship Pro and Speedpost by Hong Kong Post, with expected delivery times: - Hong Kong: 1-2 working days - Asia: 5-10 working day...
Zircon, Black Jade, Blue Zircon, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold Snowflake Yellow Diamond Earrings, 0.73ct, Hong Kong
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Yellow Diamond Earrings 18K White Gold - 2.57 GM Yellow Diamonds - 0.29 CT White Diamonds - 0.44 CT Nurati Jewelry's classic diamond earrings captivate with their ex...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold
HYT 0.25ct Yellow & 0.48ct White Diamond Cocktail Ring, Hong Kong
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This beautiful signature Ring with a harmonius design of yellow and white diamonds is a stunner at evening Cocktail parties. - Yellow Diamond - 0.25 CT - White Diamond - 0.48 CT Mad...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
0.19ct Black Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, Hong Kong
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant ring with brilliant cut Black diamonds styled in an 18K white gold band. Black Diamonds- 0.19 cts 18K White Gold HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry compa...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
0.41ct Black Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, Hong Kong
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A simple yet elegant ring with black diamonds to add a unique style to your everyday look. Black Diamonds- 0.41 cts Made in 18K White gold HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemston...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Jadeite Stud Earrings, Late 20th Century, Hong Kong
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of elegance, this pair of natural jadeite earrings is crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, offering a refined balance of classic luxury and everyday wearability. Th...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brilliant 1.55ct Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring by Ruchi, Hong Kong
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Diamonds: 1.55ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Ruchi New York 18K White Gold Diamond Bangle, 18.43 Cts, Hong Kong
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Fancy Diamond - 18.43 Cts
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruchi New York 34.26ct Kunzite Diamond Ring in 18k Gold, Hong Kong
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
"Palm Beach" This exquisite ring features a stunning 34.26ct kunzite, renowned for its delicate pink hue, complemented by 0.43ct of sparkling diamonds that enhance its elegance. Set...
Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruchi New York 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Bangle, 1.47ct, Hong Kong
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Diamond: 1.47ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruchi New York 18K Rose Gold Diamond Twist Ring, 0.68ct, Hong Kong
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Diamonds: 0.68ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage HONG KONG yellow cluster flower clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed HONG KONG • gold tone with plastic petals and glass beads • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minima...
HONG KONG signed cluster lucite flower clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed HONG KONG • silver tone with lucite flowers • vintage clip on earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of...
HONG KONG signed vintage lucite green blue flowers beaded designer necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed HONG KONG • gold tone with plastic beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
HONG KONG signed vintage gold tone glass green beaded designer necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed HONG KONG • gold tone with glass beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku...
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Important Estate Natural Hong Kong Green Jade 14KT Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is a LOVELY BEAUTIFUL Natural Green Jade Bangle Bracelet mounted with 14KT Gold Bars and Clasp with Beautiful Color!! Measurements: 7 1/2" W
Jade, Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with Natural Diamonds by HYT Jewelry, 2023
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant Platinum ring features spectacular natural Pear-shape and Marquise-shape White diamonds set amongst a bypass diamond motif. Dazzling and playful, this spectacular cockta...
White Diamond, Platinum
Swiss Blum Pair of Coral and Diamond Earclips - SHIPPING FROM HONG KONG
Located in New York, US
PAIR OF CORAL AND DIAMOND EARCLIPS SIGNED BLUM CIRCA 1950, DIAMONDS APPROX 1.30cts
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Orange Diamond 18K Gold Band Ring, 0.32ct by HYT Jewelry
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This subtle ring band features a row of scintillating Orange Diamonds at the center of its design. The impressive hues of the orange diamonds are perfectly accentuated by the 18 Kara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.38ct Oval Yellow Diamond 18K Gold Stud Earrings by HYT Jewelry
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These intricate earrings feature lustrous oval-shaped Yellow diamonds with halos of sparkling yellow and white diamonds. Bold and striking, these earrings will add a touch of sophist...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
$652Sale Price / set|25% Off
Vintage Japanese Golden KOMAI SOUVENIR of HONG KONG Cigarette Case+Lighter Set
Located in New York, NY
A piece of fun and chic history - Vintage Japanese golden KOMAI SOUVENIR of HONG KONG cigarette CASE+LIGHTER set in mint condition. Japanese Komai Style Cigarette Case & Lighter Se...
$49Sale Price / item|30% Off
White Crushed Velvet Jewelry Pochette Box with Gold Tassel
By Nijma M Fine Jewelry
Located in Toronto, CA
Whether at home, on the go, or traveling, make sure your precious jewels are always safe with this white crushed velvet pochette case with gold tassel detailing. Featuring a multi-pu...
$49Sale Price / item|30% Off
Nijma M Fine Jewelry Modern White Velvet Ring Roll Box
By Nijma M Fine Jewelry
Located in Toronto, CA
Whether at home, on the go, or traveling, make sure your precious rings are always safe with this white crushed velvet jewelry box pochette case with gold tassel detailing. The perfe...
Elie Bleu Cigar Humidor for 200 Cigars, Hong Kong, 1997 and S.T. Dupont Lighter
Located in New York, NY
Brand new limited edition humidifier in gold yellow color made by Elie Bleu in 1997 celebrating Hong Kong freedom. A colorful background made of dyed sycamore or natural wood. Varnis...
Conch Pearl Pendant, Pearl Jewelry, Pearl Gift, Pink Jewelry, Conch Pearl
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Specifications: Center Stone: 1.17ct round shaped High Quality Conch Pearl (GIA certificate#3475352825) Accent Stone: 3 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds with approx. 0.09ct Accen...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Butterfly Tiger Eye Stone 18k Rose Gold Diamond Necklace
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Butterfly Tiger Eye Stone 18K Rose Gold Diamond Necklace 8 Diamonds 0.04CT 9 Fancy Diamonds 0.14CT 3 Tiger Eye Stones 5.98CT 18 K Rose Gold 7.57 GM Tiger iron is an altered rock co...
$3,450 / item
18K Rose Gold Diamonds Bee Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Diamonds Bee Brooch 42 Diamonds 0.16 CT 24 Fancy Diamonds 0.25CT 1 Pink Sapphire 0.55 CT 1 Purple Sapphire 0.21 CT 18K Rose Gold 2.56 GM Sapphire’s are celestial st...
Diamond, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Diamond & Green Garnet Narcissus Leaf Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Diamond & Green Garnet Narcissus Leaf Brooch 271 Green Garnets - 13.670 CT 14 Diamonds - 3.11 CT 52 Diamonds - 1.240 CT 18K White Gold - 17.020 GM Introducing th...
Diamond, Garnet, White Gold
$20,810 / item
18K White Gold Ruby Bow Brooch with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Bow Ruby Brooch with Diamonds 1 Ruby - 3.33 CT 444 Rubies - 26.230 CT 55 Diamonds - 1.390 CT 18K White Gold - 25.54 GM Althoff Jewelry presents a butterfly-shaped br...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Green Garnet Turtle Brooch with Shell Layer
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Green Garnet Turtle Brooch with Shell Layer 38 Green Garnets - 0.33 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 7 Shell Layer - 0.43 CT 2 Yellow Sapphires - 0.02 CT 18K Gold - 3.36 GM Turtle r...
Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire
18K Gold Flower Collection Fuschia Gemstone Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Flower Collection Fuschia Gemstone Ring 66 Diamonds - 0.65CT 28 Green Garnets - 0.60CT 295 Rubies - 6.95CT 18K Rose Gold - 20.81GM Unique handicrafts and precious Fuschi...
18K White Gold Diamond Hollow Square Necklace
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Total Weight: 9.00 g Net Gold Weight: 1.864 g Diamonds: 40 Stones, 0.180 CT This elegant necklace features a hollow square pendant crafted in 18K white gold, adorned with sparkling ...
18k Gold
18K White and Red Gold Round Clover Ruby Stud Earrings
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Total Weight: 3.78 g Net Gold Weight: 3.604 g Main Stones: 2 Rubies, 0.200 CT Secondary Stones: 84 Diamonds, 0.680 CT These elegant round clover stud earrings are crafted in 18K whit...
18k Gold
18K White and Pink Gold Diamond Cushion-Cut Floral Stud Earrings
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White and Pink Gold Diamond Cushion-Cut Floral Stud Earrings Total Weight: 2.34 g Net Gold Weight: 2.26 g Main Stones: 2 Diamonds, 0.162 CT Secondary Stones: 100 Diamonds, 0.238...
18k Gold
18K White Gold Emerald Flower Brooch with Diamonds & Fancy Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Emerald Flower Brooch with Diamonds & Fancy Diamonds 9 Emeralds - 2.50 CT 377 Diamonds + Fancy Diamonds - 9.03 CT 18K White Gold - 14.51 GM Adorned with a captiv...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Tourmaline 18k Rose Gold Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
7 BD 0.08CT 42 GG 0.74CT 2 TM 1.35 CT 10 YS 0.13CT 18KR 4.70GM Embrace yourself with a memorable piece. Please visit our shop and check our other masterpieces.
18K White Gold and Black Diamond Bear Necklace
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Total Weight: 25.00 g Net Gold Weight: 4.932 g Main Stones: 10 Black Diamonds, 0.050 CT Secondary Stones: 193 Diamonds, 1.540 CT This adorable necklace features a charming bear desi...
18k Gold
18K White Gold and Ruby Teardrop Dress Earrings
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Total Weight: 1.63 g Net Gold Weight: 1.512 g Main Stones: 2 Rubies, 0.370 CT Secondary Stones: 56 Diamonds, 0.220 CT These elegant drop earrings feature a teardrop design inspired ...
18k Gold
18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Cushion-Cut Petal Stud Earrings
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Cushion-Cut Petal Stud Earrings Total Weight: 2.57 g Net Gold Weight: 2.425 g Main Stones: 2 Diamonds, 0.284 CT Secondary Stones: 72 Diamonds, 0.44...
18k Gold
18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Cushion-Cut Sunflower Necklace
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Total Weight: 2.57 g Net Gold Weight: 2.425 g Main Stones: 2 Diamonds, 0.284 CT Secondary Stones: 72 Diamonds, 0.442 CT This stunning necklace features a cushion-cut design inspired ...
18k Gold
18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Christmas Necklace
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Christmas Necklace Total Weight: 2.18 g Net Gold Weight: 2.102 g 1 Diamond - 0.092 CT Diamonds - 0.298 CT This exquisite necklace combines wh...
18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Fancy Diamond & Green Garnet Fish Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Fancy Diamond & Ruby Fish 18K Rose Gold Brooch 16 Fancy Diamonds 1.50 CT 111 Green Garnet 1.81 CT 2 Rubies 0.16 CT 18K Rose Gold 11.96 GM The pomegranate stone of Garnet gleams...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Fancy Diamond & Ruby Fish Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Fancy Diamond & Ruby Fish 18K Rose Gold Brooch 15 Fancy Diamonds 1.53 CT 2 Green Garnet 0.14 CT 6 Pink Sapphires 0.11 CT 105 Rubies 1.56 CT 18K Rose Gold 11.72 GM The Ruby gems...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Certified Green Diamond Argyle Pink Diamond Platinum Pendant-Brooch Two Way
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This enchanting two-way pendant/brooch features a spectacular Fancy Vivid Yellow Green Diamond with an elegant arrangement of Argyle Pink Diamonds and White diamonds. Each diamond is...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.