8.03 Carats, Zambian Emerald Cabochon & Yellow, Rose Cut Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Emerald Stud Earrings set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald Cabochon is 8.03 carats. The Emerald Cabochons are of Zambian origin, a...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Rare Indian Mughal Rock Crystal and Gold Handle with Diamonds Rubies Emeralds
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare Indian "Mughal" rock crystal and gold handle with diamonds rubies and emeralds.
Gold
Ruby Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Cocktail Ring
By Mousson Atelier
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Elephant Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Natural Ethiopian Opal, Emerald & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous pair of Opal and Emerald Earrings set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The Opals are of Ethiopian origin and are natural, without any treatment. The weight of the Opals is 9.0...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
Penny Preville Yellow Gold Emerald Moonstone and Diamond Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
From Designer Penny Preville. This one of our favorite rings! The composition and command of color in the various materials used create a sense of harmony and elegance. The ring is ...
Diamond, Emerald, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peacock Inspired Ruby Emerald Vivid Yellow Diamond Antique Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An elegant mix of 8.76 carats of vivid red ruby, 1.96 carat of vivid green emerald and 0.55 carat of vivid yellow natural color diamond , the ring design has extracted its inspiratio...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K gold natural emerald, ruby, sapphire, diamond t dangling earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Multi Stone style Earrings set in 18K white gold with diamonds, carved Zambian emeralds, natural carved Mozambique rubies and natural carved Burmese Blue Sapphires.
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 13.39 Carat Zambian Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous & wearable pair of Zambian Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Dangler/ Hoop Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold. The weight of the Emerald is 13.39 carats. The Emerald originates from...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 4-Piece Zambian Emerald & Princess Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous Zambian Emerald & Princess Diamonds Cocktail ring set in 18K Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2.90 Carat Vivid Green Natural Emerald and 1.43 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Top quality, vivid green emerald of 2.90 carat size is set along with 1.43 carat of F color Vs clarity old European cut diamond, Ring Size: US 6.25
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18 Karat Gold, Emerald and Tourmaline Chandelier Earrings with Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Beautifully crafted emerald and tourmaline chandelier earrings set in 18K gold with diamonds. The tourmalines weigh 31.64 carats and the emeralds weigh 11.05 carats. The total diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Set in 18 Karat Gold, Carved Zambian Emeralds and Yellow Diamonds Necklace Set
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A one of a kind Zambian Emeralds and Diamonds necklace set in 18K yellow Gold. it comes as a 2 - piece set; the Necklace and matching Earrings. The earrings are hand carved in our ve...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 3.93 Carat Emerald 1.15 Carat White Diamond Mughal Era Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
IGI Certified, 3.93 carat of deep bluish green emerald is set along with 1.15 white brilliant round diamond and old European cut. The ring is made in 18 K gold and has 15.95 grams of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Ruby & Diamonds Tutti-Frutti Style Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very wearable and one of a kind, natural carved Emerald, Blue Sapphire & Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 11.03 carats and of Zambian ori...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,375
36.85 Carat Emerald Dangle Earring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A beautiful pair of 36.85 carat of Zambian Emerald is set with pink carved shell. A great addition to your cocktail jewelry collection. The shell are carved by hand and the emerald i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Set in 18 Karat White Gold Oval Emerald, Ruby and Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An exquisite cocktail ring set in 18K white gold, with Zambian Emeralds, Mozambique Ruby and Marquise Diamonds. The combined weight of the Emeralds and Rubies is 15.66 carats.
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
c.1930's Indian Epic Motif Diamond Gems Platinum Gold Earrings and Pin Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The earrings and the pin are made of platinum and gold and set with single cut diamonds and French cut rubies and emeralds. The earrings are 1 3/4" long and slightly over 3/4" wide ...
Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
29 Carat Ruby and 17 Carat Emerald Chandelier Earring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
29 Carat of Old Mine Kenyan Ruby & 17 carat of Vivid Green emeralds are accented with 2.47 carats of white round brilliant diamond. The details of the diamond are mentioned below: Co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.05 Carat Vivid Green Emerald and 3.52 Carat Rare Pink Sapphire Party Wear Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
3.52 carats of Rare pink sapphire are set as halo around a 2.05 carat of vivid green emerald. The setting of the ring looks like a flower. Also 0.41 carat of F color VS clarity round...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
22k Yellow Gold Necklace Jewelry, Indian Handmade , Vintage Necklace Suite
Located in New York, NY
Pure 22k Yellow Gold Necklace Jewelry, Indian Handmade Jewelry for women, can be wear for any occasion and party, best for wedding party and gifts. Metal is Real Gold Very old Anti...
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
11 Carat Mughal Cut Vivid Green Emerald & 16 Carat Vivid Red Ruby 18k Old Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A minutely hand carved old Mughal era vivid green emerald weighing 11 carat is set along with 16 carat of vivid red ruby in this gorgeous looking antique ring. A total of 1.60 carat ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tanzanite Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Tanzanite 3.27 Carat Diamond 0.97 Carat White Gold 4.10 Gms.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Sold|$15,120
Indian Emerald Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This amazingly gorgeous Victorian Looking Emerald & Diamond Chandelier Earring in Gold & Silver is our one of our favorite piece. Wear it at your special occasions. Closure: Omega w...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Anglo-Indian Style Diamond Ruby Emerald Gold Enamel Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Old world design with colorful old world style. Featuring rose cut rubies and diamonds that are elegantly outlined by magnificent enamel. Crafted in 18k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Indian Mughal Court Jeweled Necklace 21Kt Gold 32.55 Cts Diamonds Emerald Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Bezel set, with 163 rough faceted natural diamonds with a combined weight of 24.45 carats. Embellished, with 162 round pearls of 3 mm. and accented with 162 tiny beads of natural gr...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, White Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$650
Diamond Emerald Oval Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond emerald oval drop earrings on diamond set ear wire. One inch long drop plus one inch for diamond set ear wire. Subtle antique feel.
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver
Diamond Emerald 22 Karat Drop Earrings with Indian Kundan Enamel Work, Mid-1900s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of 22K gold earrings with rosecut diamonds and tumbled Columbian emerald drops. Green enamel work along the sides. Kundan enamel work with flower motif on the reverse side. W...
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Diamonds & Emeralds Bracelet Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Oval Natural Emeralds from Zambia & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Green Emeralds Oval shapes Can wear as an anklet as well Natural Eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Natural Emeralds & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Natural Emeralds from Zambia & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Green Emeralds And Oval Shapes Can wear as an anklet as well Natural Eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire Bombe Hinged Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Antique Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire Bombe Hinged Vermeil Bangle fits up to 7'' inch wrist easy to open and close measures one inch around on the top great fabulous look withou...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Vermeil
Bochic “Capri” Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Bracelet Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Bracelet Set 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Zambian Emerald - 24 Carats Natural Diamonds - 4 Ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Diamonds & Emeralds Bracelet Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Oval Natural Emeralds from Zambia & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Green Emeralds Oval shapes Can wear as an anklet as well Natural Emeralds fr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Zambian Emerald & Diamond Bracelet Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Bracelet Set 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Zambian Emerald - 24 Carats Natural Diamonds...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Emeralds - 6 carat Natural Diamonds - 1 carat This Ring is from the "Orient" travel...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Oval Cut 7 Carat Natural Green Emeralds from Zambia, Round Cut 2....
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Oval Cut 7 Carat Natural Green Emeralds from Zambia, Round Cut 2....
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
18 Karat Gold 7.24 Carat, Zambian Emerald and Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous Emerald & Pink Sapphire cocktail ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,187
Citrine Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Geneva, CH
Citrine Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant . Total height: approx. 4.60 centimeters. Total width: approx. 2.80 centimeters. Total weight: 26.07 grams.
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rare and Magnificent Precious and Semi-Precious Gold Indian NavaRatna Necklace
Located in Nantucket, MA
Diamond for Shukra (Venus), 7. Blue Sapphire for Shani (Saturn), 8.
Blue Sapphire, Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, 22k Gold
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Natural Rubies from Africa & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Natural Rubies from Africa & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can wear as an anklet as well Natural Rubies - 14 Carats Natural Diamonds - 8 Carats This...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
22 Karat Gold Nine Precious Gems Cocktail Ring with Blue Enamel Work
Located in Jaipur, IN
22 Karat Gold Nine Precious Gems Cocktail Ring with Blue Enamel Work This immaculate antiquated Mughal period hand-crafted gold embroidered and blue enamel Navratan (nine) gems ring...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, C...
Sold|$1,411
Indian Emerald Diamond Bracelet
Located in Orimattila, FI
Indian Emerald and Diamond Bracelet. History of this jewelry, Purchased sometime in the early 2000s from India Goa by a Pakistani Gemstone Merchant.
Diamond, Emerald, Silver
Sold|$16,000
Striking Indian Emerald and Diamond Earrings
Located in Houston, TX
18k and Silver Chandelier Emerald and Diamond Earrings.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold|$32,659
Antique Emerald Diamond Gold Indian Earrings
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Earrings Mughal or Deccan, India 18th Century Fabricated from gold, the front worked in kundan (traditional pure gold setting) technique, set with table-cut foiled dia...
Diamond, Emerald, 24k Gold
18K antique Emerald diamond polki indian ring
Located in Bangkok,, TH
At the centre the emerald is surrounded by natural full cut diamonds, followed by triangle shape uncut diamond polkis.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Indian Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York City, NY
Beautiful Indian Bangle inlaid with table cut diamonds, rubies and emeralds in satin finished 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
22K Gold Indian Tourmaline Emeralds Diamonds Earrings 1970s
Located in Austin, TX
Year: 1970 Hallmark: - Materials: 22K gold, tourmaline, emeralds, diamonds
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, 22k Gold
ANJANEY JEWELRY Estate Indian 22k Ruby, Emerald, & Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
The ruby displays a luscious red hue, and the stone is complemented on the left and right by 2, slightly smaller pear-cut emeralds. The bezel-set emeralds, which have an approximate ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.05 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Indian Head Men’s Ring
By Hana Or
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gold: 18 Yellow gold Weight: 15.83 grams Diamonds: 0.55 ct. Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Emeralds: 0.20 ct. Rubies: 0.10 ct. Sapphires: 0.20 ct. Ringsize: We can resize the ring at no ...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Emerald, Pearl And Diamond Earrings
Located in NY, NY
22K Yellow Gold single Emerald, Pearl, and Diamond Earrings Indian Style|Emeralds appx. 34.50cts.
Cultured Pearl, Emerald, 22k Gold
Sold|$7,500
Anglo-Indian Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Early Anglo-Indian snake ring with emeralds, rubies, pink sapphires, and natural black (rare to find in antique jewelry, as most black diamonds today are heat treated) and white diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold
Classic Indian wedding jewellery, Navratna gold and diamond polki pendant
Located in Bangkok,, TH
Coming from the age old tradition of Kundan Meena polki fine jewellery, this navratne pendant has been made in 18K gold and has been finely enamelled at the back in red and green flo...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sap...
Indian Kundan Gem-Set Silver Gold Pendant Earrings
Located in Vail, CO
Indian Kundan-style pendant earrings, composed of kundan-set diamond slice tops, suspending emerald and ruby bead drops, in yellow gold and silver.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold
Sold|$6,500
Gold, Colored Stones, Indian Pendant
Located in New York City, NY
Yellow Gold, Ruby, Emerald, Diamonds Pendant, Indian
Earrings with 3.70 carat diamonds of 15 carat face up Invisible set studs
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
We use customized baguatte, Emerald cut & trapezoid cut diamond cut & placed perfectly to give a single diamond look to this high end earrings Extremely light on ears this designer d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K gold Indian Jadau navratna polki pendant Kundan Meena polki pendant
Located in Bangkok,, TH
Presenting a refined piece of Indian elegance: this 18K gold Navratan pendant is a compact yet powerful expression of cultural richness and spiritual harmony. Set with the nine sacre...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
A indian and islamic heritage Mughal multi gem pendant in 18K gold Navratna
Located in Bangkok,, TH
Presenting a refined piece of Indian elegance: this 18K gold Navratan pendant is a compact yet powerful expression of cultural richness and spiritual harmony. Set with the nine sacre...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sap...
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.
