24 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Enamel Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
24 Karat Diamond Emerald Enamel Ring. This unique Kundan ring features an oval emerald cabochon at
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 24k Gold, Enamel
Antique Mughal Empire Indian Elephant Bangle Bracelet in 22k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
kundan jewelry, this traditional Indian art form involves setting gemstones with pure molten gold foil
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Emerald Kundan Gold Studs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Stud Earrings set with Emeralds in a 22 Karat Gold Kundan bezel... a modern and unique
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 22k Gold
Antique Unisex 24k Gold "Kundan" Cufflinks with Natural Diamonds and Rubies
Located in New York, NY
An antique pair of unisex 24K gold "Kundan" cufflinks set with natural diamonds and rubies. The
Diamond, Ruby, 24k Gold
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Ring Gold & 925
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Vintage Diamond Ring Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Ring This Bold
Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver
Genuine & Natural Plain Emerald Beads Necklace and Indian Kundan Enamel Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A Genuine & Natural Plain Emerald Beads Necklace with an Indian Kundan Enamel Pendant. The emerald
Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 2.25-Inch Kundan-Style Emerald & Rose-Cut Diamond Earrings in Silver
Located in Miami, FL
timeless allure of Mughal-inspired Kundan craftsmanship. These ornate earrings feature a dramatic openwork
Diamond, Emerald, Silver
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Bridal Suite
Located in New York, NY
Antique Gold Matching Earrings. This Jadau Traditional Kundan real Polki Rose Cut Diamond set is crafted
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Bridal Set
Located in New York, NY
jewellery since the Mughal era, is always the favourite and adorable jewel to wear. The word kundan means
Diamond, 18k Gold
East Indian Mughal Enamel Peacock 22K Gold Bangle with Kundan Set Diamond Rubies
Located in Berkeley, CA
gold. Kundan is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewelry involving a gem set with gold foil
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Enamel
$22,000 / set
W 2.3 in L 4.7 in
Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 Kt Gold Chand Bali Enamel + Emerald
Located in New York, NY
the earrings , beautiful red and green enamel. Jadau Traditional Kundan Polki or Rose Cut Diamond 18
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
$55,000 / set
L 26 in
Traditional Kundan 5 Layer Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Bridal Set and Chand Bali
Located in New York, NY
Jadau Traditional Kundan 5 layer Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Y G Bridal Necklace and Chandelier earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Mughal Indian Enamel Gemstones Earrings
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
, paste stones , coral and emerald beads at bottom . These kundan style jewelry is handmade and is wax
Coral, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 10k Gold, Enamel
Unavailable
W 0.79 in L 0.99 in
Manpriya B Marquise Ruby and Rose-Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Manpriya B
Located in London, GB
18k yellow gold using the traditional Kundan method. Handcrafted Kundan jewellery sets precious
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Enamel Pearl Sapphire Bead Horse Necklace
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
The enameled pieces were made in India. They are enameled front and back as is the style of Kundan
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22K Gold natural ruby diamond polki small necklace Mughal Indian necklace
Located in Bangkok,, TH
This finely handcrafted necklace is a refined expression of traditional Indian Kundan jewellery
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
Unavailable
Ouroboros 'Sun, ' Diamond Kundan Ring
Located in London, GB
OUROBOROS 'Sun,' Diamond kundan set using 24kt gold and set onto an 18kt gold ring. This ring
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Kundan Ruby and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 22 k Kundan Necklace is comprised of many Rubies set into the design. In the center there is
Emerald, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 22k Gold
Ouroboros Diamond 24kt Gold Kundan Pendant
Located in London, GB
OUROBOROS polki diamonds kundan set in 24kt gold and onyx set in 18kt gold. There are four chain
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Ouroboros Diamond 24kt Gold Kundan Pendant
Located in London, GB
OUROBOROS polki diamonds kundan set in 24kt gold and white and black agate set in 18kt gold. There
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Ouroboros Diamond 24kt Gold Kundan Pendant
Located in London, GB
OUROBOROS polki diamonds kundan set in 24kt gold and lapis lazuli set in 18kt gold. There are four
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Ouroboros Diamond 24K Gold Kundan Pendant
Located in London, GB
OUROBOROS polki diamonds kundan set in 24kt gold and lapis lazuli set in 18kt gold. There are four
Diamond, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Ouroboros Diamond 24Kt Gold Kundan Pendant
Located in London, GB
OUROBOROS polki diamonds kundan set in 24kt gold, white and black agate set in 18kt gold. There
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Ruby, Gold and Diamond Kundan Dangle Earrings
Located in Heath, MA
A magnificent pair of Kundan chandelier earrings with polished rubies and flat-cut, foil-backed
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ouroboros 18 and 24 Karat Gold, Emerald Kundan Set Sunset Ring
Located in London, GB
The Green Flash by OUROBOROS. Polki emerald Kundan set in 24kt gold into the shape of a sun with
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Ouroboros 18 and 24 Karat Gold, Diamond Kundan Set Sun Ring
Located in London, GB
Sun by OUROBOROS. Polki diamonds Kundan set in 24kt gold into the shape of a sun with the base set
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Unavailable
H 2.45 in W 1.52 in L 18 in
18K gold Navratna pendant Kundan Meena polki pendant for Indian wedding
Located in Bangkok,, TH
, green, and white enamel. This intricate enamel work is a hallmark of Mughal jewellery craftsmanship in
Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Cat’s Eye, Hes...
Unavailable
H 4.02 in D 0.16 in L 9.65 in
Early 20th Century Antique Maharashtra India Gold Kundan Hindu Emblem Necklace
Located in s-Hertogenbosch, NL
A gold necklace with a central almond shape drop, kundan set with red glass, flanked by two
22k Gold
Unavailable
H 6.13 in W 10.12 in Dm 54.7 in
18K gold Jadau diamond polki bangle for Indian weddings Kundan polki bangles
Located in Bangkok,, TH
with large, natural diamond polkis—each meticulously mounted in 24K gold using the traditional kundan
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Rose Quartz Diamond and Ruby Kundan Necklace
By Dancing Apsara
Located in London, Stockholm
A spectacular and unique necklace featuring traditional Kundan work from Rajasthan in India
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Rose Quartz Diamond and Ruby Kundan Necklace
By Dancing Apsara
Located in London, Stockholm
A spectacular and unique necklace featuring traditional Kundan work from Rajasthan in India
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold
22K gold Indian navratna kundan Meena polki pendant Mughal Jadau pendant
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 22K gold Navratna pendant set with nine precious gemstones along with natural diamond polki (uncut diamond slices). The pendant has a centre Bangkok ruby, surrounded by rectangle c...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sap...
22K Gold Kundan Meena Enamel Ring with natural Zambian emerald and diamonds
Located in Bangkok,, TH
polis set in traditional Kundan setting. The ring band is enamelled with green colours and highlighted
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Enamel
22K Gold Mughal Peacock enamel kundan meena ring studded with diamond polkis
Located in Bangkok,, TH
with blue, red and green colours. The rings is setted in traditional kundan setting a craft born in
Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel
Antique Looking 22K gold indian kundan meena enamel ring studded with diamonds
Located in Bangkok,, TH
Traditional Mogul style Kundan Meena Navratna gold ring is hand enameled on band with natural ruby
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Enamel
Ouroboros 18 and 24 Karat Gold, Pink Sapphire Kundan Set Sunset Ring
Located in London, GB
Sunset by OUROBOROS. Polki pink sapphires Kundan set in 24kt gold into the shape of a sun with the
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Unavailable
W 2.45 in D 0.15 in L 4.05 in
22K gold Indian Mughal Chandbali in Kundan Meena Diamond Polki and pearls
Located in Bangkok,, TH
diamond polkis. The earrings comes with a certificate from Indian Gem and jewellery council lab for
Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold
14K diamond polki necklace with all nine precious gemstones Navratna necklace
Located in Bangkok,, TH
foiled back with silver which is a common practice in kundan Meena jewellery to showcase the lustre of
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Unavailable
H 0.35 in W 0.89 in L 1 in
22K Indian Jewel in form of Small pendant studded with emerald and diamond polki
Located in Bangkok,, TH
This small pendant is handcrafted in 22K gold and finds it heritage in traditional Kundan Meena
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold
Unavailable
H 0.25 in W 1.71 in L 2.6 in
22K gold, diamond polki and natural ruby Ganesha ji Carving pendant
Located in Bangkok,, TH
pendant borrows its design and technique from Indian form of Kundan Meena jewellery formerly adorned by
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite Maharajas & Mughal
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Indian Kundan 18K Gold Ring with 1ct Ruby and 1.8ct Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
traditional Kundan style. The bold, domed silhouette is adorned with intricate hand-engraved floral motifs and
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s High Quality Indian Multi-Strand Kundan-Style Bib Necklace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
polished, clear stones, mimicking the traditional look of Kundan jewelry. The stones are carefully arranged
Kundan Bridal Gold Enamel Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Original old Kundan or fine gold necklace with turquoise gems and enamel decoration. The turquoise
Gold, Enamel
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Pendant with 18 Karat
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite Maharajas & Mughal
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 0.57 in L 1.19 in
Diamond Emerald 22 Karat Drop Earrings with Indian Kundan Enamel Work, Mid-1900s
Located in Nantucket, MA
work along the sides. Kundan enamel work with flower motif on the reverse side. What is next to your
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold
Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond 18 Kt Gold Chand Bali Chandelier Ear
Located in New York, NY
Earrings in 18 Karat yellow gold. Jadau Traditional Kundan Polki or Rose Cut Diamond 18 K Y G Chandelier
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.4 in W 1.66 in L 1.97 in
18K gold Indian Jadau navratna polki pendant Kundan Meena polki pendant
Located in Bangkok,, TH
accessory, while the traditional kundan setting reflects the timeless artistry of Indian goldsmiths. The
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
A pair of 18K gold kundan Meena polki bangle set with diamond polkis and rubies
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A pair of Mughal polki bangles done in 18K gold and studded with natural diamond polkis. The bangle made from gold has been engraved at the bottom in form of floral veins showcasing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 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
Ruby, Hessonite, Cat’s Eye, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Cultured Pea...
Vintage Pair of 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany Bands with Cabochon Rubies and Sapphires
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This tailored pair of vintage Tiffany & Company matching 18K yellow gold bands, set with fine quality natural rubies and blue sapphires, are an unusual offering from the maker. The ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Classic Small Baby Blue RARE 24k GHW Lambskin
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this Chanel Classic Flap Small: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Classic Flap Small - Color: Baby Blue - Year: 1991-1994 - Condition: Good Vintage C...
Steven Battelle 2.7 Carats Cabochon Emerald 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A limpid 7 x 10 mm oval Zambian emerald cabochon is highlighted by surrounding double line texture 18K gold bezels atop a comfortable wide hammered cigar band with similar line textu...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 18.4 Carats Green Tourmaline 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful, clear, light-ish green 13 x 17 mm oval tourmaline is held in an ultimately simple organic hammered setting and shank in this classic look. This is a luminous, and juicy...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$1,505Sale Price|20% Off
Emeralds 9 Karat White Gold Cufflinks Handcrafted in Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful cufflinks crafted in 9 karat white gold black rhodium plating featuring 14 natural round cut green emeralds and two natural onyx bars. Oval front dimension is : 15x12 mm /...
Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold
22 Karat Gold Handcrafted Cabochon Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
22 Karat Gold Handcrafted Cabochon Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond Cocktail Ring This sensational Mughal era Polki flat cut diamond, ruby and emerald stone square shape ring is irreplace...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
Masriera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Angel of the Morning Plique a Jour Enamel Ring
By Masriera
Located in Troy, MI
Masriera is a company world-renowned for their amazing enamel work & Art Nouveau reproductions. This 18kt yellow gold Angel Of The Morning ring with “plique-à-jour” and “basse taill...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Brushed Gold Wide Band 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Miami, FL
Pomellato 15mm wide band ring set in 18K yellow gold. Curved, bold, and simplistically elegant. The quintessential style of this legendary Milano-based brand. Pre-owned in good condi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960 Armenian Ring 14K Gold natural 6ct Emerald 0.85ct Diamonds ØUS10/ 5.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 583 Gold, Silver, Emerald and Diamonds Halo Ring. Metal is solid 14k/ 583 Yellow Gold with clusters in white Gold featuring bezel set natural untreated Emerald cabochon cut...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Byzantine Style Emerald Green Cabochon Tourmaline, Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large, ornate Byzantine style cushion shaped emerald green tourmaline, diamond and 18K yellow gold statement ring. High quality, impressive ring very similar to the Elizabeth Gage T...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 2.00 Carat Vivid Pink Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From The Museum Vault At Emilio Jewelry Located on New York's Fifth Avenue, A true collection piece. Sits in the center a magnificent elongated oval. Gia certified as a natural vivid...
Pink Diamond, Platinum
Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Bag Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Limited edition Vintage Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Sellier bag featured in Black Heritage Box leather accentuated with Gold hardware. Divine and so charming, this bag...
Hermes Birkin 30 Bamboo Green Shiny Porosus Crocodile Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 30 Bamboo Green Shiny Porosus Crocodile Bag GHW. C stamp. A stunner from Hermès. An extremely rare find. A statement piece, collector worthy - Investment Bag. Conditio...
Rare Vintage Bulgari pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Addlestone, GB
Vintage beautiful BULGARI Vintage Pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s 18ct yellow gold, set with an oval cut pink tourmaline of approximately 2.15 carats, signed Bulgari and numbered, ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Spectra Fine Jewelry C.Dunaigre Certified Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This Contemporary Sapphire Diamond Riviere Bracelet, made by Spectra Fine Jewelry in the 21st century, circa 2018, is crafted in platinum and features 7 cushion-cut Ceylon sapphires,...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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.