Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Diamond Illusion Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Illusion Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Edwardian Circa 1910 Pretty, little Edwardian, oval shaped cluster ring. Beautiful, rose cut, natural diamonds in an i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Crimson Architect - Illusion Cut Diamond set with Rubies in Designer Cufflinks
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some cufflinks accent. Crimson Architect commands. These striking cufflinks fuse architectural precision with the vivid passion of ruby red, creating a design that feels sculpted wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Midnight Architect - Illusion Cut Diamonds set with Sapphires in 18K Cufflinks
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some cufflinks accent. Midnight Architect defines the night. These impeccably crafted cufflinks capture the calm, commanding power of midnight — a moment where darkness becomes eleg...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,600 / item
Illusion Baguette Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Baguette Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 0.65 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 3.6 Grams of 18K White Gold No two products are exactly same, therefore weights are ...
Diamond, White Gold
Illusion Setting Diamond Pendant in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Rose Gold Style: Pie-cut Diamond Pendant Total Weight: 3 Grams Chain Length: 16" Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS Diamond Count: 14 T...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Cut Illusion Set Diamond Tennis Necklace
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Emerald cut Illusion set diamond tennis necklace features brilliant cut round diamonds and baguette diamonds that are illusion set to give the look of large emerald cut diamond solit...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gold and Stone Inlay Illusion Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Tiffany & Company 18K Yellow Gold Earrings, measuring 7/16 inch square the 3 sided earrings are designed in an illusion style giving them a dimensional effect. Set with On...
Onyx, 18k Gold
$1,800 / item
Illusion Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold 0.79 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 5.3 Grams of 18K White Gold No two products are exactly same, therefore weights are ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,100 / item
Double Illusion Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Illusion Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 1.04 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 3.2 Grams of 18K White Gold No two products are exactly same, therefore weights are ap...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Illusion Diamond Charm Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Diamond Charm Necklace in 18K White Gold 2.25 Cts of Diamond, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 4.8 Grams of 18K White Gold No two products are exactly same, therefore weights are...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Illusion Charm Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Illusion Charm Necklace in 18K White Gold 0.80 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 4.3 Grams of 18K White Gold Available in other color option: 18K Yellow Gold No two...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
14K Two Tone Gold Round Illusion Diamond Pendant
Located in beverly hills, CA
This pendant is expertly fashioned from 14K yellow and white gold. The mesmerizing illusion of a single large diamond is created by the way smaller diamonds are puzzled together and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$842Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 9ct Gold Diamond Ring With Illusion-Set Design
Located in Portland, England
A minimalist vintage diamond ring in 9ct gold, designed with subtle double-grooved shoulders leading to a square illusion setting in white gold. At its centre sits a round-cut diamon...
Diamond, Gold
Princess Cut Illusion 18K White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With regular care, your jewelry will maintain its brilliance and last beautifully for years.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Triangular Grace - Illusion Star Cut Diamond set in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some necklaces shimmer. Triangular Grace speaks in quiet brilliance. This elegant creation celebrates the beauty of pure geometry — a single Triangle‑Cut Diamond (0.16 cts) poised l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$16,201 / item
3.30 Ct Mixed Shape Illusion Diamonds 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Dramatic, feminine, and exceptionally detailed, these one-of-a-kind chandelier earrings feature a cascading floral composition illuminated by natural diamonds. The upper sections are...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian Illusion Set Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This delicate little solitaire ring features a 0.30 carat old cut diamond within a rub over, illusion setting. The diamonds is G in colour and SI1 in clarity. The setting work has be...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$745Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Oval-Cut Diamond Illusion Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Experience a perfect blend of modern architecture and classic sparkle with this stunning illusion-set diamond ring. At the center, a brilliant oval-cut diamond is nestled within a po...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$745Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Diamond Illusion Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Experience a perfect blend of modern architecture and classic sparkle with this stunning illusion-set diamond ring. At the center, a brilliant oval-cut diamond is nestled within a po...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Illusion Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This exquisite ring is crafted from 18-karat gold and intricately set with a 2.33-carat emerald and 1.63 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the la...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Diamond Illusion White Gold Spiral Stud Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold. Diamond- 1.40ct Total Weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.00 Carats Mixed Shape Diamonds 14K Gold Illusion Bracelet
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Illusion Diamonds bracelet in a contemporary design, crafted with particular attention on all details . Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of light and soph...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14k White Gold Illusion Diamond Graduated Tennis Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: round brilliant Diamonds= 8.30cttw Color: G-H Clarity:VS-SI1 Dimensions: necklace measures 16.5-inches in length Weight: 36.93 g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Illusion Earrings with Halo and Leverback
Located in Great Neck, NY
These beautiful emerald illusion diamond earrings are sure to be treasured forever. Each earring contains diamonds that are perfectly matched and assembled to create the look of an e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Illusion Whisper - Emerald PieCut Diamond set in 18K Gold Chain
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some bracelets sparkle. Illusion Whisper breathes. This ethereal creation glows with a softness that feels almost secret — a quiet shimmer meant for the woman who loves subtle beaut...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$20,999Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Diamond Briolette & Illusion 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Diamond Briolette & Illusion 18K White Gold Stud Earrings These elegant diamond briolette stud earrings are part of Panim's innovative collection, with an emerald illusion diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Platinum Diamond Hoop Illusion Earrings, 8 Carats, Modern Design
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These platinum diamond hoop illusion earrings feature 8 carats of prong-set round brilliant diamonds, offering maximum sparkle and sophistication. Designed with a sleek hoop silhouet...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Illusion diamond cross pendant necklace 18KT gold invisible setting
Located in Jupiter, FL
WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELERS: Stampar Jewelers, located in the heart of Jupiter, Florida, is a custom jewelry store and studio dedicated to providing 100% satisfaction to each cl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Cut Diamond White Gold Tennis Bracelet Illusion Set
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
An INCREDIBLE piece!! 10.54 of F color VS baguette and round diamonds set as single illusion emerald cut diamonds! Full of sparkle and brilliance this bracelet is a fabulous piec...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Illusion Setting Diamond Drop Earrings, 1.52ct
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These earrings are a testament to fine jewelry craftsmanship, designed not only for aesthetic pleasure but also for comfortable wear. 18K White Gold Illusion Setting Diamonds 0.84ct...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Invisible and Illusion Set Emerald Cut Diamond Earring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and big look on the ear! Emerald Cut Diamond Center with trapezoids surrounding to appear as one large diamond, surrounded with Round Diamonds and further surrounded with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,984Sale Price|20% Off
Illusion Setting Diamond Earrings, 0.61ct in 18K Rose & White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing a truly exquisite piece of jewelry that will leave you in awe - the Illusion Setting Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat Rose and White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
12.46 Carat Emerald Cut Cluster Diamond Illusion Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning necklace features 49 emerald cut diamond clusters, each comprising of 5 baguette cut and 4 round diamonds. Each cluster is surrounded by a halo of round white diamonds....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.00 Carat Emerald Cut Cluster Diamond Illusion Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning necklace features 13 emerald cut diamond clusters. The clusters are separated by a infinity designs made of round white diamonds. This necklace is 18" long and is secur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.48 Carat Heart Illusion Diamond Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our enchanting 6.48 Carat Heart Illusion Diamond Bracelet, a masterpiece meticulously fashioned in 18K white gold. This bracelet showcases a dazzling array of diamonds sk...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Illusion Emerald-Cut Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in Denver, CO
Handcrafted in 18K white gold, this elegant link bracelet features fifteen illusion emerald-cut diamonds (one hundred thirty-five stones in all), highlighting the special technique t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
2.20ct Diamond Stud Earrings Illusion Set 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Beautiful illusion set diamond stud earrings with trilliant diamonds. 8 trilliant diamonds, 1.81 carats. Approximately E/F color and VS1 clarity. 44 round diamonds, 0.39 carats. Appr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,100Sale Price|20% Off
2.61ct Diamond Stud Earrings Illusion Set 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Beautiful illusion set diamond stud earrings with trilliant diamonds. 8 trilliant diamonds, 2.22 carats. Approximately E/F color and VS1 clarity. 44 round diamonds, 0.39 carats. Appr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Two Way Diamond Illusion and Jacket Studs
Located in Great Neck, NY
With these exquisite two-way illusion and jacket studs, style and glamour are in the spotlight. These studs are set in 18-carat gold, made out of 3.3 grams of gold. The color of the ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Sapphire Square Illusion Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This antique ring is a timeless piece of jewellery that would make a sophisticated addition to any collection.
Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Syna Yellow Gold Black Onyx Illusion Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black onyx 65 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, this limited editio...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.5CT Diamond Tennis Bracelet 'Illusion Set' 14K White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This Exquisite Crown Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet is a fan favorite. The illusion setting on this bracelet makes the diamonds appear bigger than they are, which gives the diamonds a...
Diamond, White Gold
Emerald Illusion White, Yellow, and Rose Gold Stacking Rings
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning set of 3 rings, 1 of each 18 karat white gold, 18 karat rose gold, and 18 karat yellow gold perfectly stack together to create a gorgeous stacking ring. Each ring can a...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Baguettes Illusion Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Baguettes Illusion Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 0.37 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 4.0 Grams of 18K White/Yellow Gold Available in other color option: Yellow go...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
0.45 Carat Illusion Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with shiny finish. It has 5 pieces of perfectly matched 2.8 mm Round Brilliant Diamonds(Total Weight 0.45 Ct) Illusion set on the...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Illusion Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K White Gold, Small
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K White Gold - Small 0.68 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 3.0 Grams of 18K White Gold Available in other size options: Medium, large ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Illusion Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K White Gold, Large
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K White Gold - Large 0.68 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 3.0 Grams of 18K White Gold Available in other size options: Small, medium ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Illusion Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K White Gold, Medium
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K White Gold - Medium 0.68 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 3.0 Grams of 18K White Gold Available in other size options: Small, large ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Illusion Oval Drop Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illusion Oval Drop Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold 2.14 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 7.8 Grams of 18K White & Yellow Gold Available in other color option: Yellow gol...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum 5 Stone Illusion Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 5 Stone Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Makers Mark H G & S Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian diamond ring. Five illusion set diamonds in a beautiful boat shape ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Illusion Set Princess Cut Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Illusion Set Princess Cut Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Illusion Set Diamond Ring feature nine Princess Cut Diamonds set in Invisible Setting and Bezel set in 18k Yellow Gold. Ri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.65 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Illusion Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive pair of vintage 2.65 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold illusion earrings; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
HM 1901 18K Victorian Plaited "Keeper" or "Illusion" Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
A "Keeper" ring is a snug fitting ring worn to prevent the loss of a more valuable ring by keeping the larger ring from sliding off. Such rings were also known as magic or illusion...
18k Gold
Rose Gold Diamond Cluster Illusion Set Ring 0.54 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sparkly 18k rose gold diamond ring. The ring comprises of 4 marquise cut diamonds set in a circle with a princess cut diamond set in the middle, creating an illusion of a round dia...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$15,000Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 7.42ct Diamond Illusion Set Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Sensational illusion set natural diamond bracelet with the look of peart diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Panim Signature Round Illusion Diamond 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Panim Signature Round Illusion Diamond 18K White Gold Stud Earrings Carefully handcrafted, delicately cut and effortlessly elegant, this 18K white gold statement stud earring are a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
10.00 Carats Natural Diamonds 18k Gold Illusion Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exclusive illusion necklace, so glamour and original style. Adorn your neck and adds a touch of class and charm on your look. Stunning necklace come in 18k gold with illusion Nat...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond Illusion Stud Earrings in White Gold, 1.16 Carat Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These diamond earrings give the illusion of larger single diamond studs! In fact, each earring is comprised of a single princess cut diamond framed by 4 marquise cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
RUCHI Black & White Diamond White Gold Illusion Tennis Bracelet
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamonds: 9.41ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones. Height - is approximately 1cm/0.40inches. Length - is approximately 18cm/0.99inches.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Mixed-Shape Diamond Illusion White Gold Bypass Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond: 1.52ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones. Size 7 U.S.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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.