IGI Certified 0.94 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.94 Carat Diamond Ring 8K Gold This ring is set with 0.94 total carats of diamonds, arranged to maximize brilliance and light return.
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 2.18 Carat Natural Diamond Hand Motif Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.18 Carat Natural Diamond Hand Motif Statement Ring 8K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identica...
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 14.38 Carat Diamond and Precious Gemstone Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 14.38 Carat Diamond and Precious Gemstone Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating harmony of natural diamonds and precious ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
2.86 Carat IGI Green Trillion Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Vintage Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
IGI certificate #GT10962908. Surrounded by Diamonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
IGI Certified 4.1 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.1 Carat Diamond Emerald Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 2.20 carat natural emerald green, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 4.1...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 1.43 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.43 Carat Diamond Emerald Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 0.89 carat natural emerald, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 1.43 car...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 1.07 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.07 Carat Diamond Sapphire Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 0.34 carat natural sapphire blue, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 1...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 2.6 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.6 Carat Diamond Sapphire Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 1.20 carat natural sapphire blue, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 2....
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 7.28 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 7.28 Carat Diamond Emerald Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 6.23 carat natural emerald green, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 7....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold with Diamonds and 11.50ct Ruby
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Flanking the central gemstone are two brilliant-cut natural diamonds, which serve to frame the ruby with an icy, modern contrast.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 0.80 ct Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring-18K hite Gold
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
Why Do We Certify with IGI? The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is one of the world’s most respected institutions for diamond and gemstone certification.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
IGI certified natural Diamond sterling silver bracelet with Yellow Gold plating
Located in Delhi, DL
This statement wide bangle consists of: Diamond- 11.50cts Diamond type: Pave diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: White with tint of yellow Diamond Certificate- IGI Certi...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
IGI Certified 10.75 Carat Kunzite and Diamond in 18K Rose Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
While we recommend obtaining an IGI certificate for comprehensive details and peace of mind, the visible artistry and inherent allure of this pendant speak volumes about its exceptio...
Diamond, Kunzite, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.4 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.4 Carat Diamond Emerald Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 2.20 carat natural emerald green, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 3.4...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 12.2 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 12.2 Carat Diamond Emerald Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 9.60 carat natural emerald green, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 12...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 5.6 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.6 Carat Diamond Emerald Necklace 8K Gold This necklace centers a 2.80 carat natural emerald green, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 5.6...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 2.60 Carat Diamond and Emerald Leaf Motif Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.60 Carat Diamond Natural Emerald Leaf Ring – 8K Gold, 4.53g / 0.15 t oz The eternal elegance of leaf forms in fine jewelry finds fresh expression in this ring, where...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 2.33 Carat Natural Diamond Ottoman Style Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.33 Carat Natural Diamond Ottoman Style Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring draws inspiration from the grandeur and artistic heritage of the Otto...
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 0.65 Carat Natural Diamond Drop Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.65 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings 14K Gold These drop earrings carry 0.65 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced brill...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.58 Carat Natural Diamond Floral Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.58 Carat Diamond Floral Earrings 14K Gold These floral earrings carry 0.58 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced b...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.23 Carat Natural Diamond Floral Statement Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.23 Carat Diamond Floral Earrings 14K Gold These floral earrings carry 0.23 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced b...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.76 Carat Natural Diamond Floral Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.76 Carat Diamond Floral Earrings 18K Gold These floral earrings carry 0.76 total carats of diamonds distributed across both settings to deliver consistent, balanced b...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified Pear Shape Colombian Emerald and White Diamond Platinum Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite ring effortlessly captures light, blending vivid color with timeless luxury. Comes with IGI Certificate. Pear shape Colombian (Muzo) Emerald - 0.50 cts Round Brillian...
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,187Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.46ct Colour Change Untreated Fancy Cut Sapphire Diamond Pendant
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified Untreated Fancy Pentagon Cut Untreated Colour Change Sapphire & Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Diamond, White...
IGI Certified 0.40 Carat Diamond and Ruby Serpent Motif Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.40 Carat Diamond Natural Ruby Serpent Ring – 8K Gold, 11.96g / 0.38 t oz Ancient, enigmatic, and laden with symbolic power, the serpent has captivated jewelry design...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
14.38 ct IGI Certified Oval Aquamarine Diamond Stud Earrings Platinum Set
Located in Chicago, IL
These elegant floral stud earrings feature bright blue aquamarines surrounded by diamond-encrusted flower petals, creating a stunning and timeless look.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
1 pc Natural Diamond - 0.70 ct - Round - I - SI2- IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
0.70 carat k si3 Ideal cut round brilliant with hrd certificate and laser inscription number. IGI 447093943 Sku B 0227
Diamond
$1,717Sale Price|24% Off
IGI Certified 1.6ct Oval Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 18k Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Primary Stone: Approx. 1.60ct Natural Oval-Cut Aquamarine Accent Stones: 0.33tcw Natural Round-Cut Diamonds (G/VS) Metal: Solid 18K White Gold (Approx. 2.31 grams) Total Stones: 1...
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.5ct Emerald-Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Primary Stone: Approx. 1.47ct Natural Emerald-Cut Aquamarine Accent Stones: 0.23tcw Natural Round-Cut Diamonds (G/VS) Metal: Solid 18K White Gold (Approx. 2.22 grams) Total Stones...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified Fancy Yellow Diamond Dangle Drop Earring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our stunning dangle earrings, the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. These exquisite earrings feature a total of 2.42 carats of brilliant yellow diamonds, which...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 40.00 Carats Diamonds 18K Gold Multiple Riviera Earrings Parure
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A constellation of light, gathered one stone at the time. Each stone is perfectly calibrated so the brillance travels as one unbroken line, quiet power, impeccable poise, unmistakabl...
Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 22.50 Carats Heart Shape Diamonds 18K Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
*❤️ A Necklace of Pure Hearts ❤️* _💎 22.50 Carats Natural Heart Shape graduated Diamonds. F-G color VS clarity, very sparkly! _Tennis Necklace in 18K Gold_ A rare creation — over ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.25 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring presents a 0.25 carat diamond in a refined setting designed to keep attention on the stone.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 0.75 Carat Red Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Special set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, the total diamond weight for the piece is 0.24 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 0.25 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring 18K Gold This ring is set with a 0.25 carat diamond in a clean, unfussy configuration that lets the stone hold its own.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI 0.82 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted with the utmost elegance, this enchanting ring is a true testament to timeless design and luxury. The ring features a magnificent ruby, weighing 0.82 carats, at its center—a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified 8.0 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Classic Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
"Video Available Upon Request" Product Features: Diamond Type: Natural White Diamonds Diamond Count: 48 Round-Cut Diamonds Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: I1-I2 Diamond Weight...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings - 14k Round Brilliant 6.03ctw IGI & HRD
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Stone 1 Natural Diamond Carat: 3.01ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K Clarity: SI2 Size (mm): 9.17 - 9.22 x 5.68 Report Number...
Diamond, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.84 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.84 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid emerald g...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
IGI Certified 7.10 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 7.10 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant beauty of natural sapphires and brilliant diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 18.68 Carat Natural Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 18.68 Carat Natural Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the remarkable beauty of a natural pink tourmaline ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
$4,689Sale Price|24% Off
IGI Certified 4.8ct Oval Cabochon Tanzanite & Diamond Halo Ring - 18k YellowGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Measurements & Details Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (approx. 6.66g) Primary Stone: Natural Oval Cabochon Tanzanite (approx. 4.80 ct) Accent Stones: 54 Natural Round Diamonds (approx....
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 2.34 Carat Diamond and Blue Tourmaline Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.34 Carat Diamond and Blue Tourmaline Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating harmony of natural diamonds and a vivid blue...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 8.0 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Classic Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Product Features: Diamond Type: Natural White Diamonds Diamond Count: 48 Round-Cut Diamonds Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: I1-I2 Diamond Weight: 8.0 cttw Diamond Setting Type:...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.01 Carat Natural Diamond Bee and Floral Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.01 Carat Natural Diamond Bee and Floral Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical des...
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 2.04 Carat Natural Diamond Floral and Horse Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.04 Carat Natural Diamond Floral and Horse Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical d...
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 2.04 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.04 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring 18K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the harmonious beauty of natural diamonds, vivid emeralds,...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 4.80 Carat Natural Diamond and Amethyst Eros Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.80 Carat Natural Diamond and Amethyst Eros Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 6.06 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Cross Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.06 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Cross Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical des...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 0.20 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.2 Carat Diamond Ring 18K Gold This ring carries 0.2 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.32 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.32 Carat Diamond Ring 18K Gold This ring carries 0.32 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.32 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.32 Carat Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring carries 0.32 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.23 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.23 Carat Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring carries 0.23 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring carries 0.29 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Natural Diamond Starfish Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.29 Carat Diamond Starfish Ring 14K Gold This starfish ring carries 0.29 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual im...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.25 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring carries 0.25 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.26 Carat Natural Diamond Classic Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.26 Carat Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring carries 0.26 total carats of diamonds, distributed across the design to maximize light return and visual impact.
Diamond, Gold, 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.