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
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
IGI Certified 3.95ct Emerald and Diamond Leaf Ring in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.95 Carat Diamond Natural Emerald Leaf Ring – 8K Gold, 12.09g / 0.39 t oz Nature's most enduring motif — the leaf — inspires this ring of layered botanical beauty, wh...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 19.58 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 19.58 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a vibrant combination of natural diamonds, sapphires, em...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire
Art Deco 0.70ct IGI Certified Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, Women's
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.70 Carat Diamond Ring – 18K Gold, 5.34g / 0.17 t oz Architectural precision meets sparkling brilliance in this refined ring that combines the geometric clarity of ba...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.72ct Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, Art Deco Style
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.72 Carat Diamond Ring – 18K Gold, 6.11g / 0.2 t oz Classic in its simplicity and luminous in its effect, this all-diamond ring presents a single stone of fine qualit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 1.01 Carat Yellow Diamond & 0.26 Carat Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
The ring is crafted in 18k gold, providing a luxurious and timeless setting for the precious gemstones. Diamond Details: Description: Natural diamond Shape and Cut: Round brilliant ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Report Natural 0.92 Carat Alexandrite & Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
The stones are surrounded by an entourage of 28 pieces of brilliant cut diamonds, approx. 0.50 ct in total, of quality G/VS.
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 3.73 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Whether worn as a symbol of love or as a cherished heirloom, this IGI certified 3.73 carat deep pink-red Natural ruby and 1.33 carat natural diamond ring in 18K black and white gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 2.20ct Diamonds 3-Stone Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 2.20ct Diamonds 3-Stone Ring in 18k White Gold A dazzling symbol of timeless elegance, this 3-stone diamond ring is crafted in luminous 18K white gold and certified by...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Brilliant 0.90ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Brilliant 0.90ct Triple Excellent Ideal Cut Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified Discover the ultimate brilliance with this exquisite 0.90ct round diamond, a masterpiece of craftsma...
Diamond
IGI Certified 23.00 Carat Pear Shape Natural Diamonds Gold Bracelet
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite bracelet features a vibrant array of sparkling and luminous diamonds, creating a captivating light. The radiant color of diamonds evokes the beauty , and adds a touch ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
IGI Certified White Gold Ring with Verdelite Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Whether worn as a statement piece for a special occasion or as an everyday accessory to elevate any ensemble, the IGI Certified White Gold Ring with Verdelite Tourmaline and Diamonds...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,217Sale Price|20% Off
Morganite Pendant Necklace, 9.37ct, 0.32ct Diamond, 18kt Gold, IGI Certificate
Located in Viena, Viena
, modern facet cut, 1 brilliant approx 0.32 ct, CA (very light yellowish Q-R) / P1 (clear inclusions), cut and symmetry good / good, with IGI expertise, 750 white gold mount, new pro...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
IGI certified 2.28 Carat Natural Emerald & 0.59 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning IGI certified 18K white gold 2.28 Carat Emerald & 0.59ct diamond ring, a true masterpiece of jewelry design.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,400Sale Price|20% Off
IGI certified 4.05 Carat Colombian Emerald & 0.84 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Prepare to be mesmerized by the extraordinary IGI certified 18K white gold 4.05 Carat Colombian Emerald in pear shape & 0.84ct diamond ring, a true masterpiece of fine jewelry design.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sparkling 1pc Natural Diamond with 0.70ct Cushion D IF IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
This diamond comes with IGI Certificate and laser inscription number.
Diamond
IGI Certified 1.96 Carat Natural Diamond Ancient Egyptian Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.96 Carat Natural Diamond Ancient Egyptian Motif Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases finely sculpted pyramid and Great Sphinx motifs inspired b...
Diamond, Gold Plate
$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 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
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
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
IGI Certified 2.73ct Natural Tanzanite and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.73 Carat Diamond Natural Tanzanite Ring – 14K Gold, 4.34g / 0.14 t oz Rare, trichroic, and extraordinarily beautiful, tanzanite is found in only one location on eart...
Tanzanite, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 4.76 Carat Diamond and Green Tourmaline Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.76 Carat Diamond Natural Green Tourmaline Ring – 14K Gold, 3.92g / 0.13 t oz Vibrant, lush, and undeniably luxurious, this ring showcases a generous natural green to...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, 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
IGI Certified 4.05 Carat Diamond and Red Tourmaline Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.05 Carat Diamond Natural Red Tourmaline Ring – 14K Gold, 3.17g / 0.1 t oz Warm, vivid, and compellingly saturated, red tourmaline is among the rarest and most prized...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, 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
$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 ...
Brilliant 1.75ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Brilliant 1.75ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified This dazzling ring is a celebration of brilliance and precision.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$11,600Sale Price|33% Off
IGI Certified 57.07ct Natural Purple Amethyst 1.23ct Diamonds Brooch / Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This magnificent piece showcases a regal 57.07-carat IGI certified natural purple amethyst, elegantly surrounded by 1.23 carats of brilliant diamonds that sparkle with captivating fi...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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 4.58 Carat Diamond and Rhodolite Garnet Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.58 Carat Diamond Natural Rhodolite Garnet Ring – 14K Gold, 6.61g / 0.21 t oz A masterclass in layered gemstone design, this ring pairs the velvety depth of rhodolite...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, Gold, 14k Gold
Captivating 3.28ct Diamonds Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Captivating 3.28ct Diamonds Drop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified Unveil pure glamour with these radiant 18K yellow gold earrings, featuring two captivating cushion-cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI 18K 6.22 Ct Zambia Intense Green Emerald&Diamonds Stud Earrings
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 18K 6.22 Ct Zambia Intense Green Emerald&Diamonds Stud Earrings* Zambia natural intense green emerald weighing 6.22 ct set on the 18K white gold band with natural F-G, VS d...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$29,160Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 15.25ct Natural Rubies 9.00ct Diamonds 18K Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace is certified by IGI laboratory, report number: 25J0163323 For more information, please see the attached certificate.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
IGI 18K 10.48 Ct Zambia Intense Green Emerald&Diamonds Hoop Earrings
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 18K 10.48 Ct Zambia Intense Green Emerald&Diamonds Hoop Earrings* Zambia natural intense green emerald weighing 10.48 ct set on the 18K white gold band with natural F-G, VS...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 2.03ct Diamonds 3-Stone Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Measurements: L: 8.55mm W: 11.53mm Main stone details Stone: Natural diamond Shape: Emerald cut Estimated weight: 1.52 Carat Color: Near colorless (G - H) Clarity: SI Finish: Very g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious harmony of natural rubies, vivid emeralds,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k 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
$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
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
$2,650Sale Price|36% Off
IGI Certified 1.02ct Natural Fancy Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring is certified by IGI laboratory, report number: 41J5944922 For more information, please see the attached certificate.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 3.71 Carat Diamond, Sapphire and Tourmaline Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.71 Carat Diamond Natural Tourmaline Natural Sapphire Ring – 14K Gold, 4.14g / 0.13 t oz A triumvirate of distinctive natural gemstones makes this ring an exceptional...
Tourmaline, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 13.20ct Ruby, Salt Water Pearl, and Diamonds Drop Earrings
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 13.20ct Ruby, Salt Water Pearl, and Diamonds Drop Earrings in 18k White Gold Exuding timeless sophistication, these exquisite drop earrings feature two oval rubies to...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified Yellow Gold Diamonds, Sapphires and Emeralds Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This IGI Certified Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring is a dazzling and luxurious piece of jewelry that combines the timeless beauty of diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,619Sale Price|30% Off
IGI Certified 1.4 Carat Yellow Diamond Rings in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite ring is a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, crafted from 18-karat white gold. Its lustrous finish provides a perfect backdrop for the dazzling array of diamo...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring is a dazzling statement piece that exudes sophistication and luxury.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified Irina Ferry 7.29 CT Violet Spinel Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Westport, CT
The spinel is beautifully cut and displays excellent symmetry and lively brilliance across the crown. Accompanied by IGI certificate report #59J6673225. A remarkable natural violet ...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
$10,400Sale Price|20% Off
IGI certified 3.92 Carat Colombian Emerald & 1.68 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in KOWLOON, HK
These diamonds beautifully complement the vibrant emerald, creating a harmonious and luxurious design.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace 18" - 18k Asscher 1.04ct IGI
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): 1.04ct Cut: Asscher Color: I Clarity: I1 Certified by: IGI Report Number: 664404058 Total Carats: 1.04ct...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and Smoky Quartz Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This IGI Certified White Gold Cocktail Ring is a luxurious statement piece that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.70 Carat Natural Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Set in 18 K gold, a natural fancy light yellow diamond is set in this classical solitaire ring. The yellow diamond weighs 1.70 carat and the pink diamond diamond weighs 0.68 carat. I...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Fancy Brown Diamond 2.39ct Ring in Golden Titanium IGI certificate
By Maximilian Hemmerle
Located in München, DE
Matural champagne diamond ring in golden titanium with a 2.39 carat brilliant cut stone, featuring sculptural stepped contours inspired by archival designs of René Sim Lacaze. This ...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Titanium
IGI Certified 9.00 Carat Zambian Emerald Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Indulge in Unparalleled Luxury. Step into a world of pure elegance with our stunning 9,00 carat Emerald ring, set in the unmatched brilliance of gold.Surrounded by a halo of sparkli...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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.