$1,652Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Septum 14k Solid Gold Ring Piercing Nose Pin in 16 gauge
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Round Handmade: Yes Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Department: Women Base Metal: Yellow Gold Certification: 14K Hallmarked, IGI Diam...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,652Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Septum 14k Solid Gold Ring Piercing Nose Pin in 16 gauge
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Round Handmade: Yes Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Department: Women Base Metal: Yellow Gold Certification: 14K Hallmarked, IGI Diam...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dazzling 0.91ct Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Dazzling 0.91ct Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified Unveil timeless brilliance with this exquisite 0.91 carat round diamond, a masterpiece of nature and precision.
Diamond
14K Solid Gold Korean Star Moon Elegant Chain Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Moon Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Bangle, Beaded, Chain, Charm, Cuff, Identity (ID), Tassel, Tennis, Wrap Base Metal: White Gol...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$930Sale Price|20% Off
14k Solid Gold Dainty Twist Open Inset Stacking Statement Ring Band
Located in Chicago, IL
The original tags may not be attached. Number of Diamonds: 4 Shape: Round Occasion: Anniversary, Birthday, Christening, Christmas, Confirmation/Communion, Engagement, Father's Day, G...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified 3.01 Carats Heart Shaped Diamond
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Complete with IGI report. Whosale price .
Diamond
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$2,199Sale Price|21% Off
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$2,199Sale Price|21% Off
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
6.54ct Triangular Brilliant Diamond IGI Certified J / SI2
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
6.54ct Triangular Brilliant Diamond IGI Certified J / SI2 A rare opportunity to acquire a large, certified triangle diamond that simply doesn’t come along often.
Diamond
IGI Certified 14.60 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 14K White Gold Tennis Bracelet 14.60 Carat Diamonds, 36 Stones, 4-Prong, IGI G-H, SI-1 Certified
Diamond, White Gold
Beautiful 2.24ct Diamonds Ring with IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
The jewelry is made of 18K Yellow with a high quality polish. It comes with IGI certificate and a nice jewelry box. 1 diamonds main stone of 1.5 carat cut: cut cornered square step ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 2.02ct Pair of Cushion-Shaped Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 2.02ct Pair of Cushion-Shaped Diamonds An extraordinary matched pair of two cushion-cut diamonds totaling 2.02 carats, crafted by nature and perfected to the highest s...
Diamond
Dazzling 1.52ct Natural Cushion-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Dazzling 1.52ct Natural Cushion-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified This exquisite 1.52-carat cushion-cut diamond is a stunning choice for any high-end jewelry setting.
Diamond
IGI Certified 4.05ct Pair of Round-Shaped Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 4.05ct Pair of Round-Shaped Diamonds An extraordinary pair of round brilliant diamonds, totaling 4.05 carats, this pair showcases the pinnacle of purity and brilliance.
Diamond
Scorpio Zodiac Astrology Sign Pendant Necklace in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Round Handmade: Yes Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.25 ctw - 0.49 ctw Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Pendant Base Metal: Yell...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
Radiant 0.91ct Round-Shaped Natural Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Radiant 0.91ct Round-Shaped Natural Diamond - IGI Certified Grace your next jewelry creation with this exceptional 0.91-carat round diamond, radiating pure elegance.
Diamond
Brilliant 1.01ct Natural Oval-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Brilliant 1.01ct Natural Oval-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified This exceptional 1.01ct oval-cut diamond is a rare treasure of timeless beauty and versatility.
Diamond
Vintage Platinum Triangles/Kite Diamond Ring — IGI Certified
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Metal: Platinum 6.78 grams Total Diamonds: 18 natural diamonds 2.83 carats total 2 Triangular Step-Cut1.96 ct totalM–N (Very Light Yellow)SI2–I1 14 Round Brilliants 0.70 ct tota...
Diamond
$1,206Sale Price|20% Off
Solid 14K White Gold Bar Hook Earring Handmade Fine Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Teardrop Handmade: Yes Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Beaded, Chandelier, Climber, Cuff, Dangle/Drop, Hoop, Huggie, Jacket, Stud,...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified - 2.13 Carats Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the epitome of luxury and elegance: our IGI Certified 2.13 Carats Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 6.00 Ct Oval Cut Natural Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Absolutely stunning and sparkly diamonds. Complete with IGI Certified. Wholesale Price
Diamond
Filigree Heart Pendant Necklace in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Colored Diamond Intensity: Faint Diamond Weight: 0.2400 Ctw Approx Secondary Stone: Diamond Main Stone Color: White Color: Gold Number of Diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Astrology Libra Zodiac Necklace Open Pendant N98 in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Round Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Pendant Base Metal: Yellow Gold Chain Typ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Capricorn Pendant Zodiac Necklace in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Round Handmade: Yes Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.25 ctw - 0.49 ctw Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Pendant Base Metal: Yell...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Aries Sign Zodiac Pendant Necklace in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Round Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Pendant Base Metal: Yellow Gold Chain Typ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Virgo Sign Zodiac Pendant Necklace H7 in 14k Yellow Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Round Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Pendant Base Metal: Yellow Gold Chain Type: Ball/Bead Certificatio...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 5.00 Carat Pear Cut Natural Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exclusive pair of IGI Certified Natural Diamonds, in perfect pear cut , of 2,50 + 2,50 =5 carats in total, H color VS2/S11, very sparkly.
Diamond
IGI Certified 28.00 Ct Mixed Shape Diamonds Parure
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A masterpiece for the year's most grand celebrations. This parure captures a profound, deep-seated elegance, radiating a lush energy that feels like a light under the moonlight. It ...
Diamond
Brilliant 1.52ct Natural Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Brilliant 1.52ct Natural Round-Shaped Diamond - IGI Certified This exquisite 1.52ct round brilliant diamond radiates exceptional sparkle and brilliance.
Diamond
Radiant 6.13ct Pear-Shaped Natural Diamond - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Radiant 6.13ct Pear-Shaped Natural Diamond - IGI Certified Experience unparalleled brilliance with this remarkable 6.13-carat pear-shaped diamond, a testament to sophistication and ...
Diamond
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 0.29 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural Diamonds = 0.29 Carats Cut: Baguette, Round Color: E-F Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 0.29 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural Diamonds = 0.29 Carats Cut: Baguette, Round Color: E-F Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified Brown Diamond Pendant With Diamond 2.81 Carats 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Brown Diamond: 2.50 Carats Diamond: 0.31 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 22 x 11 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,999Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 0.29 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural Diamonds = 0.29 Carats Cut: Baguette, Round Color: E-F Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 0.29 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural Diamonds = 0.29 Carats Cut: Baguette, Round Color: E-F Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified 3.15 Carat Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Details: Designer: Bhavya Gems & Jewels Edition: Limited Production Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstones: Emerald, Diamond Techniques: CAD design, lost-wax casting, hand-set, high-po...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.00 Carats of Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite solitaire ring in 18k gold , glamour and chic design, with a pear cut diamond of 4 carats, H/VS2, excellent polish, excellent symmetry, very good cut , and two baguettes...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Infinity Heart Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Teardrop Handmade: Yes Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Locket, Pendant, Statement Base Metal: Yellow Gol...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified Brown Diamond Pendant With Diamond 2.81 Carats 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Brown Diamond: 2.50 Carats Diamond: 0.31 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 22 x 11 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,999Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 0.29 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural Diamonds = 0.29 Carats Cut: Baguette, Round Color: E-F Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified Rosecut 2.68ct Fancy Color Diamond and White Diamond ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A truly eye-catching piece, perfect for making a statement on an elegant evening out. Rosecut Fancy Color Diamond-2.23 ct Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond-0.45 ct Made in 18K Gold ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 3.00ct Pair of Square Emerald Cut Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 3.00ct Pair of Square Emerald Cut Diamonds Discover the pinnacle of diamond perfection with this remarkable pair of square-cut diamonds totaling 3.00ct.
Diamond
IGI Certified Bow Shape Earrings with Natural Pink Diamonds and White Diamonds
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Comes with IGI Certificate HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry company with offices worldwide.
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified Brown Diamond Pendant With Diamond 2.81 Carats 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Brown Diamond: 2.50 Carats Diamond: 0.31 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 22 x 11 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 19.50 Carat Diamond and Multigem Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 19.50 Carat Diamond and Multigem Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a remarkable combination of natural diamonds and multicolored precious gems...
Diamond
Capricorn Zodiac Pendant Necklace in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Pendant Shape: Butterfly Handmade: Yes Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Chain, Charm, Locket, Pendant Base Me...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 2.16 Carat Diamond Floral Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.16 Carat Diamond Floral Ring – 8K Gold, 4.04g / 0.13 t oz Romantic, luminous, and richly detailed, this floral diamond ring brings the beauty of blooming flowers to ...
Diamond, Gold
14K Solid Gold Ear Jacket Earrings Triangle Shape Studs
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Colored Diamond Intensity: Faint Number of Gemstones: 0 Gold Weight: 2.51 Grams Approx Diamond Weight: 0.21 Ctw Approx Secondary Stone: Diamond Main ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Solid Gold D Shape Earring Handmade for Women
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Colored Diamond Intensity: Light Number of Gemstones: 0 Diamond Weight: 0.06 Ctw Approx Gold Weight: 1.34 Grams Approx Secondary Stone: Diamond Main ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$784Sale Price|56% Off
IGI certified 0.38carat Natual diamond Rare Gray Green Yellow
Located in bangkok, TH
D91 IGI certified Natual diamond Fancy Green Gray Yellow Weight:0.38ct/ Color: Green Gray Yellow Clarity:SI1 Certified: IGI Cutting: Very Good Origin: African
Diamond
IGI Certified 0.80 Carat Diamond Floral Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.80 Carat Diamond Floral Ring – 18K Gold, 4.04g / 0.13 t oz Graceful and luminous, this floral-motif ring translates the delicate beauty of blooming flowers into a fi...
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 0.29 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the original IGI Certificate All Gemstones are Natural Diamonds = 0.29 Carats Cut: Baguette, Round Color: E-F Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace 18" - 950 Pear 4.43ct IGI
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): 4.43ct Cut: Pear Color: E Clarity: I1 Stone Note: laser drilled Certified by: IGI Report Number: 733597108 ...
Diamond
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.