IGI Certified 1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Bird and Floral Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Bird and Floral Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical de...
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 2.20 Carat Natural Diamond Swan and Floral Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.20 Carat Natural Diamond Swan and Floral Motif Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a beautifully sculpted swan motif surrounded by 2.20 carats...
Diamond, Gold
$8,640Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 5.17 Carat Ruby & Diamond Pendent in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
IGI Certified: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) certification guarantees the authenticity and quality of the ruby and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.78 Carat Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.78 Carat Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds, vivid sapphires, an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 2.09 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.09 Carat Diamond Yellow Sapphire Earrings 14K Gold These earrings center 1.74 carats of natural Yellow Sapphire, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 2.43 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.43 Carat Sapphire Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings center 2.04 carats of natural sapphire blue, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.98 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.98 Carat Diamond Yellow Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold This necklace centers a 0.87 carat natural Yellow Sapphire, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone w...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 5.20 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.20 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
$3,040Sale Price|24% Off
IGI Certified 2ct Natural Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 18K WhiteGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Specifications & Authentication Primary Stone: Approx. 2.00 Carat Natural Emerald (Emerald-Cut) Accent Stones: Approx. 0.68 Carat Natural Diamonds (G Color, VS Clarity) Stone C...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Sparkling 1 pc Natural Diamond with 0.90 ct D IF, IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
1 pcs Diamond - 0.90 ct - Cushion - D (colourless) - IF (flawless) IGI Natural cushion-modified brilliant diamond in a 0.90 carat D IF with Beautiful cut and shine.
Diamond
Sparkling 1 pc Natural Diamond with 2.0 ct D IF, IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
1 pcs Diamond - 2.00 ct - Round - D (colourless) - IF (flawless) IGI Natural and ideal cut round brilliant cut diamond in a 2.00 carat weight with D IF grading.
Diamond
IGI Certified Diamond Natural 2.35Ctw Emerald Pendant Hallmark 18K Gold Pendant
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- E116 Metal- Yell...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 4.72 Carat Natural Moonstone and Diamond Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.72 Carat Moonstone Diamond Earrings 14K Gold These earrings center 3.82 carats of natural Moonstone, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 4...
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 1.38 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.38 Carat Diamond Yellow Sapphire Earrings 14K Gold These earrings center 1.18 carats of natural Yellow Sapphire, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 5.17 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Earrings in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.17 Carat Diamond Sapphire Earrings 14K Gold These earrings center 4.85 carats of natural sapphire blue, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI 14K 2.71 Ct White Gold Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Necklace
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 14K 2.71 Ct White Gold Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Necklace* IGI-certified natural vivid green pear-cutting emerald weighing 2.71 ct set on the 14K white gold art deco ...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1.17 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring 14 Karat IGI Certified
Located in San Diego, CA
Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Floating Diamond Milgrain Setting Metal: 14K White Gold Size / Measurements: 7, sizable TCW: 1.17 Carats Total Approximate Main Diamond: 0.37 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.47 Carat Tanzanite & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Diamond Accents: Sparkling diamonds add a touch of glamour and elegance. 18K White Gold: A durable and elegant metal setting.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified Natural Diamond Emerald Pendant 18K Gold Drop Pendant Necklace
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: Gross weight- 2.260grams ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 60.14 CT Ruby 8.33 CT Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Westport, CT
Gross weight of 47.59 grams. Accompanied by IGI certificate report #81J0519325. Two missing diamonds have been replaced.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 4.12 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Surrounding the central Ruby are 70 round brilliant diamonds, adding a breathtaking touch of sparkle and elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.12 Carat Natural Diamond Bird and Floral Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.12 Carat Natural Diamond Bird and Floral Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical de...
Diamond, Gold
$16,800Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 11.08ct Pink Sapphire & Diamond Eternity Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Introducing the breathtaking IGI Certified 11.08Ct Pink Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in 18K Gold.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.34 Carat Diamond and Ruby Leaf Motif Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.34 Carat Diamond Natural Ruby Leaf Ring – 18K Gold, 6.5g / 0.21 t oz Nature's elegance takes center stage in this sculpted leaf-motif ring, where two delicately vein...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.95 Carat Natural Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.95 Carat Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring is built around a 0.89 carat natural Pink Tourmaline, complemented by diamond accents for a total gemstone we...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
$3,876Sale Price|24% Off
IGI Certified 5.51ct Natural Oval-Cut Cabochon Tanzanite & Diamond Halo Ring
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
✨ Stone Details: Main Stone: Approx. 5.51ct Natural Oval-Cut Cabochon Tanzanite Side Stones: Approx. 0.53ct Natural Round-Cut Diamonds (G/VS) Total Carat Weight: Approx. 6.04ct ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.04 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.04 Carat Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring combines baguette diamond, diamond, yellow sapphire for a total gemstone weight of 1.04 carats.
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 0.84 Carat Natural Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.84 Carat Diamond Amethyst Ring 14K Gold This ring combines amethyst, diamond for a total gemstone weight of 0.84 carats.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 0.84 Carat Natural Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.84 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring combines diamond, tourmaline for a total gemstone weight of 0.84 carats.
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 2.45 Carat Natural Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.45 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring combines diamond, tourmaline for a total gemstone weight of 2.45 carats.
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 3.4 Carat Natural Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.4 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring combines diamond, tourmaline for a total gemstone weight of 3.4 carats.
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 0.63 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.63 Carat Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K Gold This ring combines diamond, sapphire for a total gemstone weight of 0.63 carats.
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 2.15 Carat Natural Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.15 Carat Amethyst Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring combines amethyst, diamond for a total gemstone weight of 2.15 carats.
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 0.61 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.61 Carat Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K Gold This ring combines diamond, sapphire for a total gemstone weight of 0.61 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.34 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.34 Carat Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K Gold This ring combines diamond, sapphire for a total gemstone weight of 0.34 carats.
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Dazzling 1pc Natural Diamond with 0.55 ct Round D IF IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
1 sparkling natural round brilliant diamond in a 0.55 carat D IF with excellent cut. This diamond comes with IGI Certificate and laser inscription number.
Diamond
Sparking 1 Pc Natural Diamond 2.34 Ct Round E VVS2 IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
This diamond comes with IGI Certificate and laser inscription number.
Diamond
IGI Certified 4.50 Carat Diamond and Blue Topaz Statement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.50 Carat Diamond and Blue Topaz Statement Ring 18K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identical p...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 4.56 Carat Tourmaline & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Elegant, radiant, and mesmerizing, this IGI Certified 4.56 Carat Tourmaline in a intense purplish pink color, surrounded by natural diamonds in a modern style ring, is a true work of...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dazzling 1pc Natural Diamond with 1.04 ct Round E IF IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
1 sparkling natural round brilliant cut diamond in a 1.04 carat E IF with excellent cut. This diamond comes with IGI Certificate and laser inscription number.
Diamond
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Paraiba & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting an exceptional work of art, the IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Parabia and Diamond Ring boasts timeless elegance and captivating beauty.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sparkling 1pc Natural Diamond w/ 0.70 ct Emerald D IF IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
This diamond comes with IGI Certificate, laser inscription number, and security seal.
Diamond
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.22 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Prepare to be enchanted by the extraordinary IGI certified 18K white gold ring featuring a stunning 1.38ct oval-shaped ruby, accompanied by two pear-shaped rubies totaling 0.84ct, an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.15 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.15 Carat Sapphire Diamond Ring 14K Gold This ring combines diamond, sapphire for a total gemstone weight of 1.15 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.73 Carat Tourmaline & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Exquisite and alluring, this IGI Certified 2.73 Carat Tourmaline in an intense green color, surrounded by natural diamonds in a modern style ring, is a true masterpiece.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 1 pc Natural Diamond with 0.55 ct D IF - IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
1 Sparkling natural cut Round Brilliant diamond in a 0.55 carat D IF EX cut. This diamond comes with IGI Certificate and laser inscription number.
Diamond
$4,240Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.08 Carat Paraiba & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting an exceptional work of art, the IGI Certified 2.08 Carat Natural Parabia and Diamond Ring boasts timeless elegance and captivating beauty.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 14k Round & Baguette .75ctw IGI
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1/2 a size for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .75ctw Cut: Round Brilliant & Bague...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.37 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.37 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Statement Ring 14K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identica...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 2.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemstone...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$35,000Sale Price|21% Off
IGI Certified 29.15ct Natural Burma Rubies 9.83ct Natural Diamonds Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Enhancing this ruby splendour are 1,254 brilliant natural white diamonds, each hand-selected for exceptional fire and clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 13.32 Carat Diamond and Blue Topaz Statement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 13.32 Carat Diamond and Blue Topaz Statement Ring 18K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating beauty of natural diamonds and blue topaz gemsto...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.28ct Natural Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond weight- .10ct Diamond color- I J Diamond Clarity- SI Diamond Cut- Round brilliant cut *Certification Of Jewelery* Lab- IGI (International Gemological Institute) Certificate...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 2.11 CT Yellow & Champagne Diamond 18K Two Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Westport, CT
An original 18K three-tone gold twin diamond engagement ring, accompanied by an IGI certificate.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 2.41 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Bird Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.41 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Bird Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical d...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Drop Necklace with Diamonds and Sapphire IGI Certified
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Yellow Gold Drop Necklace with Diamonds and Sapphire, IGI Certified, is a breathtaking piece of jewelry that exudes vintage charm and timeless elegance.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 4.02 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Surrounding the central Ruby are 70 round brilliant diamonds, adding a breathtaking touch of sparkle and elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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.