IGI Certified 0.34 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.34 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.34 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 2.00 Carat Emerald Shape Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Diamond solitaire ring, in a particular design, so elegant and refined style. Elevate your timeless of beauty, and add a touch of class on yourself. Stunning ring come i...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.64 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.64 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K Gold This necklace carries 0.64 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.42 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.42 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.42 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.27 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.27 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.27 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.56 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.56 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K Gold This necklace carries 0.56 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.34 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.34 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.34 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.18 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.18 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.18 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.48 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.48 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.48 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.29 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.58 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.58 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.58 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.14 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.14 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.14 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.42 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.42 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.42 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.16 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.16 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.16 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.44 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.44 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.44 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.29 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.11 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.11 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.11 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.26 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.26 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K Gold This necklace carries 0.26 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.4 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.4 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.4 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.3 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.3 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K Gold This necklace carries 0.3 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.46 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.46 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K Gold This necklace carries 0.46 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.18 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.18 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.18 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.12 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.12 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.12 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.15 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.15 Carat Diamond Necklace 14K Gold This necklace carries 0.15 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Classic 1.62ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Classic 1.62ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified This captivating 1.62-carat round diamond offers an exceptional triple excellent ideal cut ensuring un...
Diamond
$1,903Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Seven-Stone Diamond Ring, IGI Certified, Modern Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT White Gold Gold Weight : 3.22 Gram Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 7 Natural Diamonds Diamond Carat : 1.29 Total Carat W...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Timeless 0.70ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Timeless 0.70ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified This 0.70-carat round diamond is the epitome of perfection, boasting a triple excellent ideal cut tha...
Diamond
IGI Certified 1.31ct 7-Stone Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Step into the spotlight with this exquisitely crafted 18k white gold ring, gracefully presenting a stunning 1.04 carat oval brilliant natural diamond at its center. Certified by IGI...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 9.62 Carat Diamond and Tourmaline Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 9.62 Carat Diamond and Tourmaline Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating beauty of natural tourmaline and brilliant diamon...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 1.44 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.44 Carat Diamond Earrings 18K Gold These earrings carry 1.44 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.64 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.64 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K Gold This necklace carries 0.64 total carats of diamonds distributed across the setting to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.89 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.89 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.89 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 1.02 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.02 Carat Diamond Earrings 18K Gold These earrings carry 1.02 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 1.28 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.28 Carat Diamond Earrings 18K Gold These earrings carry 1.28 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.52 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.52 Carat Diamond Earrings 18K Gold These earrings carry 0.52 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.35 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.35 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.35 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 1.12 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.12 Carat Diamond Earrings 18K Gold These earrings carry 1.12 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.89 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.89 Carat Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings carry 0.89 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.8 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.8 Carat Diamond Earrings 18K Gold These earrings carry 0.8 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brilliance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI 4.48 Ct 18K White Gold Top Emerald&Diamonds Necklace
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 18K 4.48 Ct White Gold Top Emerald&Diamonds Necklace* IGI-certified natural vivid green pear-cutting emerald weighing 4.48 ct set on the 18K white gold art deco design band...
Diamond, Spinel, Padparadscha Sapphire , Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White ...
IGI Certified 9.09 Carat Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 9.09 Carat Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid emerald gemstones...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 4.60 Cts Natural Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond & Emerald Ring.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The setting is made in 18k yellow gold, natural diamonds and natural vivid green emeralds. There are 1.35Cts of different shapes white diamonds and 1.17cts of the best vivid green em...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, White Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold,...
IGI Certified 0.38ct Diamond Ring in 14K Gold, Art Deco Style
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.38 Carat Diamond Ring – 14K Gold, 6.26g / 0.2 t oz Understated confidence and polished elegance define this refined diamond ring, where the quiet brilliance of a sin...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified Italian Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Height : 0.7cm Top Lenght : 1.6cm Top Width : 1.4cm This IGI Certified Italian Cocktail Ring is a refined expression of timeless elegance and Italian craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Timeless 3.02ct Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Timeless 3.02ct Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified Timeless and luminous, these exquisite diamond stud earrings feature a dazzling 3.02 carats of cushion-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,200Sale Price|35% Off
IGI Certified 24.23ct Natural Sapphires 1.01ct Natural Diamonds Gold Bracelet
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This bracelet is certified by IGI laboratory, report number: 38J9382922 For more information, please see the attached certificate.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.30 Carat Diamond and Emerald Floral Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.30 Carat Diamond Natural Emerald Floral Ring – 8K Gold, 4.12g / 0.13 t oz Where the brilliance of diamonds meets the saturated color of natural emeralds, this floral...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Stunning 2.02ct Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 2.02ct Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified These dazzling diamond studs bring refined radiance to any look.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
IGI certified 2.78 Carat Natural Emerald & 0.81 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Introducing the awe-inspiring IGI certified 18K white gold 2.78 Carat Emerald & 0.81ct diamond ring, a truly stunning piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique Oval Emerald Brilliant Diamond Pendant 18K Yellow Gold IGI Certified
Located in Delhi, DL
This piece of beauty comprises of Natural Zambian Emerald studded in 18K Yellow Gold with excellent diamonds to add into the fire. Details are here below: Item No- E133 Metal- Yell...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer natural Emerald Diamond Pendant Solid 18K Yellow Gold IGI Certified
Located in Delhi, DL
This piece of beauty comprises of Natural Zambian Emerald studded in 18K Yellow Gold with excellent diamonds to add into the fire. Details are here below: Item No- E127 Metal- Yell...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 30.00 Carat Zambian Emerald Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Emerald and Diamonds pendant. A piece that exudes timeless elegance and luxurious sophistication. An emerald pendant sparkled with elegance, the gems catching the light ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 5.88 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Pomegranate Motif Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.88 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Pomegranate Motif Statement Ring Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.35Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in the ultimate expression of elegance and luxury with this mesmerizing IGI Certified 1.35 Carat Pear-Shaped Ruby Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,320Sale Price|20% Off
IGI certified 2.37 Carat Colombian Emerald & 3.98 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in KOWLOON, HK
The IGI certified 18K white gold 2.37 Carat Colombian Emerald diamond ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that showcases the beauty of an Emerald shape gemstone.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Radiant 0.80ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Radiant 0.80ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified Discover the unparalleled beauty of this exquisite 0.80-carat round diamond, boasting a triple excelle...
Diamond
IGI Certified 1.81 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in the breathtaking allure of this exquisite platinum ring, a true testament to timeless sophistication. At its heart lies a magnificent 1.81-carat natural sapphire, boasting...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
IGI Certified 4.54ct Diamonds Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow & White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 4.54ct Diamonds Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow & White Gold A showpiece of color and brilliance, these luxurious earrings are crafted in a striking combination of 18K...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI 14K 1.46 Ct Colombia Color Emerald&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 14K 1.46 Ct Colombia Color Emerald&Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring* An IGI-certified natural vivid green, Colombia color emerald weighing 1.46 ct set on the 14K white gold...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.91 Carat Diamond and Rhodolite Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.91 Carat Diamond and Rhodolite Statement Ring 14K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identical pi...
Diamond, Rhodolite, 14k 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.