A Marquee Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Link Bracelets
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Sri Lankan Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
A Marquee Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an A Marquee Diamond?
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Red diamonds are considered the most rare diamond color on this planet with less than 30 true red diamonds in known existence. Interestingly, red diamonds get their color from carbon, and are a rare occurrence in the atomic structure. Other diamonds get their color from impurities that exist in the gem. You’ll find a variety of diamond jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, chocolate diamonds are the same as champagne diamonds. Often marketed as two different types of diamonds, both champagne and chocolate diamonds refer to the yellowish-brown hue of the stone: champagne for a lighter hue, chocolate for a deeper hue. Find a variety of champagne diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, a black diamond is a real diamond. Black diamonds have the same chemical composition as traditional colorless diamonds. Although black diamonds are rarer than colorless diamonds, they are less coveted and therefore cheaper.
- Is black diamond a real diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a black diamond is indeed a real diamond. There are three types of black diamonds; natural, Carbonado and treated black diamonds. Treated black diamonds are altered with high pressure and high heat to achieve the black color. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are pink diamonds real diamonds?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether pink diamonds are real depends on the gemstone in question. Real pink diamonds do occur in nature, but they are very rare. As a result, most pink diamonds are man-made by tinting lab-created diamonds. On 1stDibs, find a range of pink diamond gemstone jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Yes, a natural diamond is a real diamond. The stones are made from carbon that’s been compressed beneath the earth’s surface for billions of years. The result is a diamond, the hardest known substance on earth.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Yes, a blue diamond is a real diamond. Contrary to popular belief, diamonds come in an array of colors aside from clear. Blue diamonds are neither color-treated nor enhanced to deliver the icy shade, which can range from a seafoam green to a royal blue.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Russian diamonds are real diamonds but they also might be created diamonds. Calling a diamond a Russian diamond only refers to the place of origin, not whether it’s real or not. While Russia does mine diamonds, they also produce lab-grown diamonds, sometimes called synthetic or created diamonds. No matter how they’re produced, they are still real diamonds. Shop a collection of authentic Russian diamonds from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not yellow diamonds are real depends on the piece. Yellow diamonds occur in nature when nitrogen mixes with the gem. Because the gemstones are rare, most yellow diamond jewelry features man-made gemstones. Find a selection of expertly vetted yellow diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a green diamond is real depends on the gemstone in question. Green diamonds do occur naturally, however they are very rare. As a result, most green diamond gemstones are man-made. Shop a range of expertly vetted green diamond gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Yes, an uncut diamond is a real diamond. However, it may not look much like the diamonds that you're accustomed to seeing set in jewelry. Uncut means that a diamond is in its raw form. Most jewelry features diamonds that have facets cut into their surfaces, and jewelry makers polish the stones to enhance their appearance. Shop a variety of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, a Crown of Light diamond is a real diamond. In addition to being the name of a luxury jewelry maker, Crown of Light is a proprietary diamond cut that features 90 facets. Crown of Light carefully selects conflict-free, genuine, natural diamonds for its diamond jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a range of Crown of Light diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024Yes, Blue Nile diamonds are real diamonds. The luxury jewelry maker uses natural diamonds ethically sourced from mines for many of its pieces. In addition, Blue Nile offers an assortment of lab-created diamond rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Lab-created diamonds are still real, but they are human-made rather than mined. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Blue Nile diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An emerald cut diamond is amongst the most unique gems in the world. Only 3% of the worlds diamonds are emerald cut. They have linear facets and a large table which gives off a hall-of-mirrors effect of light and dark planes. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the worlds top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a diamond slice?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Diamond slices are thin slivers or larger diamonds.
- Are diamonds heavy?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024Yes, diamonds are relatively heavy. Due to their density, diamonds often weigh more than other gemstones of identical size. However, the weight of diamond jewelry will depend on not only the size of the gemstones but also on the thickness of the materials used for the settings. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of diamond jewelry.
- Does Golconda have diamonds?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Golconda has diamonds. The region in India was the source for many famous diamonds, such as the blue Hope, the white Koh-i-Noor, the pink Daria-i-Noor and the Dresden green. On 1stDibs, you can find a range of diamond jewelry.
- What is a Novo diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Novo diamond is a diamond that’s part of the Novo line by Tiffany & Co. Since the line’s introduction, they have created many different designs under the Novo umbrella. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Tiffany Novo rings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a baguette diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A baguette diamond is a rectangular, step-cut diamond with either straight or tapered edges. Baguette diamonds are small and typically square, although they can also be rectangular. Baguette diamonds are popular gemstones in engagement rings.
- What is a round diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A round diamond, often known as a round brilliant cut, is widely recognized as a symbol of devotion. The round brilliant cut is the most classic of all stone cuts. Circular with 58 facets, the stone is cut to maximize its brilliance. Anything that is not a round cut is called a fancy cut. Round brilliant stones have been popular since the early 1900s. Shop a collection of vintage and modern diamond jewelry from some of the world’s top jewellers on 1stDibs.