Platinum Diamond Ring with Baguette and Brilliant Cut
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Malcolm Betts, renowned in his native UK has built a reputation as a jeweller making wearable jewellery using exquisite stones and precious metals.
Diamond, Platinum
22 Karat Gold Channel Set Brilliant Cut diamond Ring
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Can be worn alone or stacked with another ring from the malcolm Betts collection. A highly wearable piece for both men and women- its very comfortable shape make it perfect for ever...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Ring with Marquis 1.39cts and Natural Pink Diamond band
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
A rare chance to snap up this beautiful ring, the marquise diamond has been in Malcolm Betts' collection for many years, and is certain to make a beautiful engagement ring, or specia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum
22 Carat Gold Hammered Ring with Platinum Set Emerald Cut Diamond 2.45 Carat GIA
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered ring with platinum set emerald cut diamond 2.45cts GIA CERTIFIED D COLOUR CLARITY VVS2, handmade in Notting Hill London by British jewellery designer Malcolm Bett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum, 22k Gold
22 Karat Gold Ring with Cushion Shaped Colombian Emerald 4.17 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22k gold ring with cushion shaped emerald 4.17cts handmade in Notting Hill London by British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. 7mm wide, heavy hammered 22K gold set with this stunni...
Emerald, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Karat Gold Hammered Ring Set with Step Cut Ruby 4.17 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Malcolm Betts' contemporary setting of this stunning stone gives it a modern edge, a piece that can be worn every day .
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mixed 18 Karat Gold Rectangular Link Brilliant Cut Diamond Bracelet
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Can also be made without the diamonds, if your style is more understated. Malcolm Betts has given this bracelet a sleek and clean matt finish for a more modern sleek look.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow White and Rose Gold Brilliant Cut Diamond Link Necklace
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
The individual beauty and longevity of a Malcolm Betts piece lies in time-honoured techniques.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Go...
Platinum Handmade Brilliant Cut Diamond Link Necklace
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
This piece epitomises Malcolm Betts' classic yet contemporary style, and includes his handmade signature hook featuring a hidden brilliant cut diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
22 Karat Gold and Platinum Link Bracelet Set with Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.84cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold and platinum link bracelet with platinum set brilliant cut diamond 0.84cts handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts Chunky hamme...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
22 Karat Gold Ring with Round Tanzanite 2.04 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold ring with round tanzanite 2.04cts hand made in Notting Hill, London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts. A beautiful example of the blueish purple colour of this special ston...
Tanzanite, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,353 / set
18k Gold emerald and diamond Drop Flower Earrings
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
18ct gold drop flower earrings with round emeralds 1ct and brilliant cut diamonds 0.81cts total handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Karat Gold Hammered Link Bracelet with Platinum Set Old Cut Diamond 0.72cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered handmade link bracelet with platinum set old cut diamond 0.72cts- Handmade in Notting Hill London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts. The individual beauty and lon...
White Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum
22 Carat Gold Hammered Signet Ring with Star Set Old Cut Round Diamond 0.25 Cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered signet ring with star set old cut round diamond 0.25cts hand made in Notting Hill, London by Malcolm Betts. This hammered 22ct gold ring's rounded and domed shape ...
Diamond, Gold
Platinum claw set Natural Coloured diamond Ring 0.88 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Platinum ring with claw set natural coloured diamonds 0.88cts, handmade in Notting Hill, London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. Hammered platinum with delicate claws enca...
Diamond, Platinum
Silver Square Signet Ring with 18 Carat Rose Gold Hand Engraved Detail
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Handmade in Notting Hill, London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts, this silver square signet ring with 18ct rose gold hand engraved detail is a one of a kind piece.
Rose Gold, Silver
18 Carat Rose Gold Hammered channel set diamond bangle
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
4mm 18ct rose gold hammered bangle with channel set brilliant cut diamonds handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. The Channel set brill...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
22 Karat Gold Brilliant Cut diamond Ring 1.30 Carat total weight
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22k gold wobbly ring with brilliant cut diamonds 1.30cts approximate carat weight, hand made in Notting Hill, London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. A full eternity ring ...
Diamond, 22k Gold
18 Karat Gold Hammered Link Bracelet with Brilliant Cut Diamond Charm 0.72 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
18ct gold hammered chunky link bracelet with brilliant cut diamond charm 0.72cts, handmade in london by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. Step off the unassuming Notting Hill...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
22 Carat Gold Ring with Large Oval Cabouchon Ruby 27.50 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold ring with large oval cabouchon ruby 27.50cts handmade in Notting Hill, London, by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. This large blood red cabouchon ruby is set on a w...
Ruby, Gold
Platinum Sapphire and diamond Ring 3.05 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
2mm hammered platinum ring with cushion shaped sapphire 3.05cts and channel set diamonds 0.10cts total approx handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer M...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Pear Shaped and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bangle
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
4mm hammered platinum bangle with pear shaped diamonds 0.30cts total and round brilliant cut diamonds 1.30cts total handmade in Notting Hill, London by renowned British jewellery des...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Platinum ruby and brilliant cut diamond Ring
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Platinum ring with cushion shaped ruby and channel set brilliant cut diamonds handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. A 3mm platinum ban...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
22ct Gold Signet Ring with Hand Engraved Detail and Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.25ct
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold signet ring with hand engraved detail and brilliant cut diamond 0.25cts hand made in Notting Hill London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. with its hand engraved ...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
5mm Hammered 22ct Gold Ring with Antique Cushion Shaped Tsavorite Garnet 5.69ct
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
5mm hammered 22ct gold ring with antique cushion shaped tsavorite garnet 5.69ct, hand made in London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. Tzavorite garnets of this s...
Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 22k Gold
platinum hammered bangle with antique old cut diamonds 2.80cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
This bangle is a true testament to the skill and artistry of Malcolm Betts. Whether worn alone as a statement piece or stacked with other bangles for a layered look, this stunning c...
Diamond, Platinum
22ct gold hammered bangle set with antique old cut diamonds 2.80cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
This bangle is a true testament to the skill and artistry of Malcolm Betts. Whether worn alone as a statement piece or stacked with other bangles for a layered look, this stunning c...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
22 Karat Gold Ring with Oval Brilliant Cut Natural Ruby 3.04 Carat GIA Certified
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
3.2mm 22 Karat gold ring with oval brilliant cut natural ruby 3.04ct GIA certed . handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. This is very b...
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Karat Gold Mixed Link Channel Set Brilliant Cut Diamond Bracelet
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold mixed link bracelet with channel set diamond link approx 0.20cts total handmade link chain, handmade in London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. With hi...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum and 22 Karat Gold Handmade Brilliant Cut Diamond Link Bracelet
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Platinum and 22 Karat gold mixed handmade link bracelet with channel set brilliant cut diamond link approx 0.20cts total handmade in London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Bet...
White Diamond, Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum, Gold
22 Karat Gold Handmade Link Bracelet with Brilliant Cut Diamond Charms
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hand made link bracelet set with brilliant cut diamond charms Handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. 1.10cts approximate total diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum
22ct gold handmade link bracelet
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
A 22ct gold hammered handmade link chain bracelet adorned with an antique old-cut round diamond set in 22ct gold. The combination of the craftsmanship of a handmade link chain bracel...
Diamond, Gold
twisted link necklace with 18ct gold set heart shaped ruby
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Heartfelt Elegance: The Ruby Twisted Chain Necklace Indulge in the romance of timeless elegance with our exquisite Heart-shaped Ruby Twisted Chain Necklace, a stunning emblem of lov...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Platinum Stud Earrings 1.12 Carat Total 22 Carat Gold Claws
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Platinum stud earrings with rubies 1.12ct total (22ct gold claws)
Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Platinum Brilliant Cut diamond Hammered Ring 1.21 Carat Total
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
A classic statement piece, a permanent feature in the Malcolm Betts collections. A perfect eternity band, push present, or wedding band!
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Hammered Ring with Round Old Cut Diamond 2.18 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
2mm platinum ring with Antique round old cut diamond 2.18cts (H col VS2) handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. The diamond dates from...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Antique Ascher Cuts diamond Stud Earrings 2.38 Carat total weight
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Platinum stud earrings with antique ascher cut diamonds 2.38cts handmade in Notting Hill, London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. Comfortable enough for every d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
22 Karat Gold Open Link Chain with Gold Set Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.46 Ct
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Handmade 22ct gold open link chain with gold set brilliant cut diamond 0.46cts, hand made in London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. This wearable chain is the new additi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
22 Karat Gold Princess Cut Diamond Ring with Square Ruby 1.56 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
9mm 22ct gold ring with square ruby 1.56cts and princess cut diamonds 0.37cts total diamond weight, handmade in London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. A highly wearable p...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
Platinum & 22 Karat Gold Chain with Platinum Set Pear Shaped Diamond 2.80 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
The individual beauty and longevity of a Malcolm Betts piece lies in time-honoured techniques.
Diamond, White Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum
22 Karat Gold Ring with Emerald Cut Emerald 2.50 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
3.2mm 22ct gold ring with emerald cut emerald 2.50cts handmade in Notting Hill, London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. Hammered 22k gold contrasts with the angles of this...
Emerald, 22k Gold
Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Ring 1.10 Carats
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
6mm platinum ring with princess cut diamonds 1.10cts approx total diamond weight , hand made in Notting Hill, London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts. Would make a beautiful wedding...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Antique Cushion Old Cut Diamond 1.73cts and Channel Set Diamond ring
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts, using this hand cut unique old cut diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
18 Carat Gold Handmade Chain with Mixed Cut Diamond Charms 1.70 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
18ct gold handmade chain with mixed cut diamond charms total diamond weight is 1.70cts, handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. 18K en...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Tahitian Southsea Grey Pearls with Handmade Platinum diamond set Ball
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Tahitian Southsea grey pearls with handmade platinum hammered ball set with flush set brilliant cut diamonds, made in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malco...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
22 Karat Gold Ring with Platinum Set Antique Old Cut Diamond 3.01 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22 karat gold ring with platinum set Antique old cut diamond 3.01cts hand made in London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts, using ancient techniques. The diamond ...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum, Gold
22 Karat Gold and Platinum Link Necklace with Marquise Diamond
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold and platinum link necklace with platinum and 22ct gold set marquise diamond 1.50cts D VVS1 GIA CERTIFIED. handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery desi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum
Platinum Ring with Rare Intense Orange Antique Old Cut Diamond
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
This pieces was handmade in London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. This intense vivid coloured antique diamond is extremely rare and its beauty speaks for itsel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
22 Carat Gold Hammered Graduated Chain Set with 1.55 Carat Old Cut Diamond
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered graduated chain set with 1.55ct old cut diamond handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts. This necklace can also be ma...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
Silver and 22 Karat Gold Multi Shape Link Bracelet
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
silver and 22k gold multi shape link bracelet hand made in Notting Hill, London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts. 22k gold is forged onto the round silver links to create contrast...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Silver
Malcolm Betts Set of Three Diamond Rings
By Malcolm Betts
Located in New York, NY
Set of three heavy handmade stacking rings: a wide band sprinkled with seven princess-cut diamonds within white gold bezels; a five-stone band gypsy-set with white, yellow, champagne...
Diamond, 22k Gold
22K Gold Hand-Tooled Coil Band Ring, Unisex, Late 20th Century
Located in Nantucket, MA
22K gold, hand - tooled coil band. The ring has 4 coils with a hand-tooled design in the gold. Ring size is 8.5.
22k Gold
7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 7.55 carat peach tourmaline emerald cut platinum diamond ring, handcrafted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills as a romantic collector jewel and meaningful alternative engagement ring...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Commanding in presence and refined in detail, The Imperial Light solitaire signet ring is a masterclass in contemporary opulence. At its heart gleams a breathtaking 3-carat natural r...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold 1920s French Hallmarked Dome Shaped 0.85ct Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Band 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s This 18ct yellow gold band with a single French diamond is a classic and timeless piece of jewellery. The slightl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Platinum 1.71ctw GIA Emerald Cut Diamond & Sapphire 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a incredible, brand new, custom made diamond and sapphire three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum. It features a gorgeous, GIA certified, 0.91 carat emeral...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
3.65 Carat Elongated Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This unique ring, boasts an approximate 3.65 carat elongated cushion cut diamond mounted in collet style claw prongs, in a beautiful flush setting. Perfect for the heirloom seeker! ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 7.0 Carat Heart Shape Pink Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Heart Shape Diamond weighing 7.0 Carat with GIA certificate stating the Diamond is of Fancy Pink color and VS2 Clarity. Surrounded by reverse set White Diamonds weighing 5.02 Carats....
Pink Diamond, Platinum
Handmade Art Deco Platinum Ring 4.11 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond – I/VS2 GIA
Located in New York, NY
This elegant handmade Art Deco ring features a stunning 4.11-carat Old Mine cut diamond, ( Dating pre-1900’s) graded I color and VS2 clarity (GIA certified). The platinum setting, cr...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE A breathtaking vintage gown. I would estimate this to be from around the late 90's. It has a pale blue lining which is overlayed with a sheer turquoise layer that ...
1925s Art Deco 2 Carat Emeralds 2.20 Carat Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. Sublime art deco ring, its entire platinum setting is closed set on its top with a Colombian emerald- cut emerald and an antique- cut diamond. This duo of gems is s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA certified 17.91 carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum Old Cushion Diamond Ring features a Center Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond with beautiful vintage carving ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1964 Serial number: 11xxxxx Reference: C03610 Many have seen Rolex signature design the 3,6,9 known to be the explorer dial as it is frequentl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,004Sale Price / item|20% Off
Genuine Diamond Stardust Unisex Band Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Diamond Stardust Unisex Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.057 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. April birthstone diamond brings...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Diamond Cluster and Pear-Shaped Dangle Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with GIA certified dangling Pear-Shaped Diamonds. One weighing 6.14 carats, E color, VS2 clarity. The other weighing 6.02 carats, E color, VS1 clarity. The...
Diamond, Platinum
Hermes Limited Edition Bolide Barenia Picnic Osier (Wicker) Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare to find Limited Edition Hermes Picnic Bolide. Light weight wicker and with the warmth of Barenia leather. The ultimate chic bag for any summer day - dress h...
GIA-Certified 4.00ct Asscher-Cut Diamond Unisex Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Bold yet refined, architectural yet timeless—this GIA-certified 4.00ct Asscher-cut diamond signet ring redefines the essence of modern luxury with vintage soul. Sculpted in solid 18K...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other 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.