$345,688 / item
IGI Certified 8.00 Carats Diamond 18K Gold Solitaire Ring
By Nikabell fine Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Ring come in 18k gold with a natural pear cut diamond of 8.01 carats, I color, SI2 clarity ..
Diamond, 18k Gold
16.66 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in רמת גן, IL
16.66 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet Illuminate every movement with the brilliance and unmatched prestige of this magnificent 16.66-carat natural diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.53 Carats IGI Certified 14k White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.53 Carats IGI Certified 14k White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring Radiate an aura of timeless glamour and spectacular brilliance with this magnificent 1.53-carat natural diamond cockta...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 5 Carat 18K White Gold Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Derby, NY
Individually Certified Each diamond is accompanied by its own IGI grading report, providing independent verification of its quality and characteristics.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring, 0.16ct Hexagon, IGI Certified
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This beautiful 18k yellow gold diamond solitaire ring showcases fine craftsmanship and precision-set diamond Specifications : Metal : 18k rose gold Center stone : Diamond Diamond we...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
4.12 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in רמת גן, IL
4.12 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings Adorn yourself with the striking movement and brilliance of these magnificent 4.12-carat natural diamond drop earrings...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 5 Ct of Diamond on Solitaire Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Exclusive solitaire ring in 18k with round brilliant cut diamond 5 ct F/SI2, and two baguettes diamonds F/VS.
Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified White Gold Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The IGI certification ensures the authenticity and quality of both the sapphire and diamond, offering you confidence in your investment.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.75 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Halo Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.75 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Halo Ring Capture a vision of pristine, spectacular brilliance with this magnificent 1.75-carat IGI-certified diamond halo ring, mas...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.34 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Halo Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.34 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Halo Ring Adorn your hand with the breathtaking elegance of this magnificent 1.34-carat diamond halo ring, meticulously crafted in l...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 9.00 Carats Diamond 18K Gold Unisex Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Gorgeous come in 18k gold with a Natural Diamond in perfect round brilliant cut of 9,00 carat, G color , SI2 clarity, and all around and side Natural Diamonds, in baguettes and round...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,485Sale Price|25% Off
IGI Certified 0.50ct Natural Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
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
$1,350Sale Price|40% Off
IGI Certified 0.45ct Natural Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
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
IGI Certified 7.12 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Details: Designer: Bhavya Gems & Jewels Edition: Limited Production Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstones: Blue Sapphire, Diamond Techniques: CAD design, lost-wax casting, hand-set, h...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,611Sale Price|45% Off
IGI Certified, 0.76ct Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 18K
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
IGI Certified 2.04 Carat F VS2 Clarity Diamond Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 2.900 grams Set with- Stone type: Diamonds Shape: Cushion Carat: 2.04 ct Colou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.44 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
2.44 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring Featuring the breathtaking geometric splendor and unmatched brilliance of this magnificent 2.44-carat natural diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.25 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
2.25 Carats IGI Certified 18k White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring Capture a vision of joyful luxury with this spectacular 2.25-carat natural diamond cluster ring, masterfully crafted in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.70 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.70 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring Experience the captivating charm and brilliant radiance of this masterfully designed 18k yellow gold pave ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.26 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.26 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring Indulge in the captivating warmth and exceptional radiance of this magnificent 1.26-carat diamond ring, masterfully sculp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$728Sale Price|35% Off
IGI Certified Diamond Natural Emerald Diamond Pendant Hallmark 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond weight- .04ct Diamond color- I J Diamond Clarity- SI Diamond Cut- Excellent cut *Certification Of Jewelery* Lab- IGI (International Gemological Institute) Certificate no- 3...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified Natural Diamond cabochon Emerald Diamond Hallmark 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond weight- .03ct Diamond color- H-I Diamond Clarity- I1 Diamond Cut- Round brilliant cut *Certification Of Jewelery* Lab- IGI (International Gemological Institute) Certificate...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,746Sale Price|40% Off
IGI Certified 0.55ct Natural Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K
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
3.28 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Halo Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
3.28 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Halo Ring Capture a vision of celestial brilliance and classic grandeur with this breathtaking 3.28-carat natural diamond halo ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 7.00 Carat Diamond 18k Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent ring come in 18k gold with a Natural Diamonds, in perfect princess cut, of 7,00 carat, H color VS clarity, very bright, sparkly, and all around diamonds in round brillian...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.55 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow & White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.55 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow & White Gold Natural Diamond Necklace with Flower-Shaped Pendant Adorn yourself with the striking floral elegance and vibrant colors of this mag...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.12 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.12 Carats IGI Certified 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring Exude an aura of modern grandeur and sophisticated charm with this magnificent 1.12-carat diamond pave ring, masterfully ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 7.50 Carat Oval Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning ring come in 18k gold with a Natural Diamond , in perfect oval cut , of 7,50 carat , G color VS1 clarity, very sparkly, and all around diamonds in round brilliant cut.
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Gold 3.02 CTW Fancy Diamond Ring with IGI Report
Located in Ocala, FL
The diamonds are graded SI to I1 in clarity and are accompanied by IGI Jewelry Report #15J9083825.
Diamond, 14k Gold
IGI Certified Round cut Colombian Emerald, Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Comes with IGI Certificate. Round cut Colombian (Muzo) Emerald - 1.17 cts Round Brilliant Cut yellow diamond - 0.1 cts Round Brilliant Cut white Diamonds - 0.38 cts Made in 18k Gol...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certificated 8.00 carats Fine Emerald and Diamond ring.
Located in Firenze, FI
an elegant emerald and diamond ring , set at the center with 8.00 carats Colombian emerald in a surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette-cut diamonds ( circa 4 carats ) ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.13ct Natural Untreated Fancy Purple Pink Diamond Marquise Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified 0.13ct Natural Untreated Fancy Purple Pink Diamond Marquise Cut IGI Certified Untreated Fancy Purplish Pink Diamond.
Diamond
IGI Certified 10.00 Carats VS1 Diamond 18K Gold Solitaire
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exclusive Diamond solitaire ring in adorable contemporary design, so elegant a d refined style . Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of class and sophistication on you...
Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 2.47 CT Oval Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Westport, CT
An original platinum natural sapphire and diamond three-stone engagement ring, IGI certified.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
IGI Certified 2.76 Carat Diamond and Black Diamond Bird Motif Statement Ring 8K
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.76 Carat Diamond and Black Diamond Bird Motif Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases an elegant bird motif adorned with natural diamonds ...
Diamond, Black Diamond
$46,755 / item
IGI 12.50 Carats Pear Shape Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
These stunning 12.50 carat pear shaped drop earrings make a real statement. The beautiful white diamonds are arranged in a pavé shape with a total of 3 rows. The earrings are made f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.49 Carat Diamond and Black Diamond Serpent Motif Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.49 Carat Black Diamond Diamond Serpent Ring – 8K Gold, 12.72g / 0.41 t oz Mysterious and strikingly contemporary, this serpent ring combines the ancient symbol of tr...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold
$36,092Sale Price|35% Off
IGI Certificated 5.06 Carats Fine Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
an elegant emerald and diamond ring , set at the center with 5.06 carats Colombian emerald in a surround of 5.620 marquise cut diamonds and 0.28 brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified Natural Fancy Color Diamond 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This Ring features three rare Fancy Color diamonds, Fancy Greenish Yellow, Brownish Yellow, and Brown diamond.
Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 0.11ct Natural Untreated Fancy Light Pink Diamond Round Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified 0.11ct Natural Untreated Fancy Light Pink Diamond Round Cut IGI Certified Natural Fancy Light Pink Diamond.
Pink Diamond
IGI Certified Emerald Stud Earrings Diamond Halo 4.49 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Report #557223218 All Gemstones are Natural Emerald = 3.93 Carats Diamond = 0.56 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold Dimensions: 12.4 x 10.6 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 0.44 Carat Diamond and Black Diamond Serpent Motif Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 0.44 Carat Black Diamond Diamond Serpent Ring – 8K Gold, 12.06g / 0.39 t oz Sleek, symbolic, and effortlessly bold, this serpent ring delivers a masterclass in high-co...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold
$8,050Sale Price|34% Off
IGI Certified 3.00ct Natural Diamonds 18K White Gold Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Timeless 18K White Gold Necklace adorned with 3.00ct Natural White Diamonds in a refined design. Featuring 172 Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds with exceptional E to G colour and VS to S...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.41ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 1.41ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold A sophisticated statement of brilliance, this exquisite ring is crafted in 18K white gold and showcases a stunning 1.01ct ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.62 Carat Diamond and Black Diamond and Ruby Eagle Motif Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.62 Carat Black Diamond Diamond Natural Ruby Eagle Ring – Gold-Plated Gold-Plated, 18.02g / 0.58 t oz Bold, powerful, and unmistakably singular, this eagle-motif ring...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified Emerald Stud Earrings Diamond Halo 4.49 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Report #557223218 All Gemstones are Natural Emerald = 3.93 Carats Diamond = 0.56 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold Dimensions: 12.4 x 10.6 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,233Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Diamond Bolo Tennis Bracelet, 2.22ct, IGI Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a touch of refined brilliance to your collection with this 14K White gold diamond bar bracelet. This piece features a curated row of round brilliant-cut diamonds set in a sleek, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,233Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bolo Tennis Bracelet, 2.19ct, IGI Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 4.46 Gram Bracelet Size : 12 cm Set with : Diamonds Stone : 12 Natural Diamonds Diamond Carat : 2.19 Total Carat Weight: 2.19 Diamond Co...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 2.94 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.94 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the timeless brilliance of natural diamonds totaling 2.94 carats.
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 2.88ct Diamonds Tennis Bracelet in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 2.88ct Diamonds Tennis Bracelet in 18k White Gold Unveil timeless luxury with this exquisite 18K white gold tennis bracelet, adorned with 70 round brilliant diamonds t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.46 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.46 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the timeless brilliance of natural diamonds totaling 3.46 carats.
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 5.65 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.65 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the timeless brilliance of natural diamonds totaling 5.65 carats.
Diamond, Gold
$4,077Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Diamond Bolo Tennis Bracelet, 2.93ct, IGI Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT White Gold Gold Weight : 5.56 Gram Bracelet Size : 13 cm Set with : Diamonds Stone : 16 Natural Diamonds Diamond Carat : 2.93 Total Carat Weight: 2.93 Diamond Col...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,077Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bolo Tennis Bracelet, 2.92ct, IGI Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 5.55 Gram Bracelet Size : 13 cm Set with : Diamonds Stone : 16 Natural Diamonds Diamond Carat : 2.92 Total Carat Weight: 2.92 Diamond Co...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 2.56ct Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 2.56ct Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold A true statement of elegance and power, this 18K white gold ring features a breathtaking 1.71ct princess cut diamond at ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 40.15 Carat Aquamarine Round Diamond White Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
1 Natural Aquamarine, Santa Marie Blue, Mozambique Gemstone: 33.75 Carats 134 White Round Diamonds: 6.45 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 10.60 Grams IGI Certificate # AAP71857 Certi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 6.05 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.05 Carat Natural Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the timeless brilliance of natural diamonds totaling 6.05 carats.
Diamond, Gold
IGI Certified 1.00 Carat Diamond Heart Motif Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.00 Carat Diamond Heart Ring – 14K Gold, 3.03g / 0.1 t oz A timeless symbol of affection rendered in fine jewelry, this heart-motif ring captures romance and sophistic...
Diamond, Gold
IGI certified 1.43 Carat Vivid Green Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Introducing the exquisite IGI certified 18K white gold 1.43-carat marquise-cut emerald diamond ring, a stunning piece of jewelry that brilliantly showcases the captivating beauty of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$22,000Sale Price|25% Off
18K White Gold Necklace with 12.50ct IGI Certified Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace is certified by IGI laboratory, report number: 23J5994823 For more information, please see the attached certificate.
Diamond, Gold, 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.