Yellow Gold Sapphire Ruby Emerald Cross Pendant - 18k Marquise .80ctw Faith
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .32ctw Cut: Marquise Color: Dark Blue Clarity: I1 - I2 Natural Rubies Treatment: He...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$29,000
H 0.15 in W 1.14 in Dm 1.14 in L 6.88 in
Pristine Vintage Ladies White Gold Piaget Watch Marquise Diamond & Emerald Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A round white bark finish dial with black baton hour markers is surrounded by a bezel of twelve alternating marquise cut diamonds and fine quality Colombian emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Marquise Art Deco Style Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Composition 14K Gold Gross Weight - 7.586 Gram Emerald Weight - .76 carats Diamond weight - .91 carats Ring size - 7 US Shank width - 2.7 mm Setting - Bezel and pave setting Gemstone...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
5.45ct Emerald And Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 1.25ct Natural Marquise Diamond • 4.20ct Natural Emerald • Diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 3.89 Carat Marquise Cut Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified Marquise cut natural emerald and diamond ring in 18k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise .38ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Emeralds Treatment: Oiling Car...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Emerald Cut Emerald and 1.78 Carat Diamond Marquise Ring Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional, fine and impressive marquise shaped emerald cut emerald and diamond ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.17 Carat Marquise Shape Emerald and Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning ring showcasing a rich, intense Marquise-shaped lush green emerald weighing 4.17 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Called a marquise ring because of its shuttle shape, this retro ring is set with claws in the center, with a marquise-cut emerald, i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Lab-Created Emerald & Diamond Ring - 14k Marquise 2.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Synthetic Emerald Carat(s): .85ct Cut: Marquise...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Marquise Cut Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold > Gemstone - Emerald > Gemstone Weight - 1.05 ct > Gemstone pcs - 1 > Gemstone shape - Marquise > Gemstone size - 11 x 5.5 mm ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Platinum 3.64 TCW Emerald and Marquise Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite platinum floral cluster ring centered by a bright emerald-cut emerald weighing approximately 0.90 carats, surrounded by twelve marquise-cut diamonds totaling approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Marquise Cut Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby & Diamond Ring Pendant Combo
Located in Sewickley, PA
This versatile Platinum ring and pendant combination showcases a dazzling floral arrangement of marquee-cut gemstones. At its center, vivid green emeralds weighing approximately 0.40...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Emerald Marquise and White Round Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K 2 Tone Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 4.75 ct. emerald marquise with good quality white diamond rounds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
1.63tcw 14K Marquise Cut Colombian Emerald & Diamond Accent Statement Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
What makes more of a statement than this natural emerald and diamond ring? The center stone features a gorgeous marquise cut Colombian emerald that displays a vivacious medium yellow...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.80tcw Three Stone Colombian Emerald & Diamond Marquise Cut Unisex Ring 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Marquise cut diamond weighing 0.45-carats total accent on either side of the emerald, in a bezel setting.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.50 Carat Marquise Cut Emerald Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Necklace is made up of 8x4 mm Marquise-Cut Prong setting Emerald (1 Pcs) 0.50 Carat and Round-Cut Prong setting White Diamond (34 Pcs) 0.19 Carat.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Cut Emerald Diamond Designer Pendant in 18K Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Designer Emerald pendant in 18K Gold. It has a marquise cut emerald studded with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Victorian Marquise Navette Old Cut Diamond & Emerald
Located in beverly hills, CA
This refined and lovely Victorian ring spotlights a vibrant octagon shaped emerald within a navette shaped field of glittering mine cut diamonds, subtly enhanced at the shoulders wit...
Diamond, Emerald
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Fine Green Emerald & Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Fine Green Emerald & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a stunning 5.25x2....
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.27tcw 18K Three Stone Emerald & Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Set in a secure prong setting, this extraordinary emerald has a bright green color and glow. Marquise-shaped diamonds weighing 0.42pts total accent on either side of the emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200
W 0.12 in L 8 in
Delicate 2.63CTW Marquise Cut Emerald Chain Bracelet Inlaid in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 2.63CTW Marquise Cut Emerald Chain Bracelet Inlaid in 14K Yellow Gold showcases endlessly sparkling natural emerald.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Diamond & Emerald Sapphire Art Deco Style Halo White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This stunning halo ring sparkles in lustrous 18k white gold and features a marquise shaped diamond at the center with French cut emerald, sapphire and round diamond in beautiful halo...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold 1ct Marquise w/ Round Emerald & Diamond Pyrmaid Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (7) Natural Genuine Emeralds - 1 Marquise & 6 Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Natural Inclusions and some surface reaching - Green Color - 0.64ctw (approx.) (12)...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cluster Cocktail Bypass Ring - 18k Marquise 1.30ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Emeralds Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .58ctw Cut: Mar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra 925 Silver Marquise & Round Cut 1.2ct Natural Emerald Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Three marquise-cut emeralds 6.5x3.7 mm and 5x3 mm and six round-cut emeralds 1.5 mm total 1.2 carats, radiating vibrant green hues.
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Amwaj Jewellery 18K White Gold Marquise and Emerald Cut Diamond Necklace
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
A captivating 18K white gold necklace by Amwaj Jewellery totalling 15.785 carats featuring magnificent bounds of imaginative marquise and emerald cut diamond 18K White Gold Weight:...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
3.09tcw 14K Bluish Green Emerald Cut Emerald & Marquise Diamond Bezel 3Stone Rin
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Bezel Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 7.5 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald Cut Weight: 2.74-Carats Clarity: Semi-Transparent Color: Deep Blu...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
3.16 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and 1.20 Carat Marquise Diamond 18k Earrings
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A gorgeous set of Emerald and Diamond earrings! The Emeralds are set in four prongs, with a single row of diagonally set marquise Diamonds surrounding.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.15tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Marquise Cut & Tapered Baguette and Round Diamond
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a stunning emerald marquise and diamond ring. The center gemstone is an emerald marquise handset in a six-prong setting that allows for a full view of the emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.41Ct Marquise Cut Zambian Emerald 0.15Ct Diamond Wedding Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This elegant wedding ring showcases a stunning 0.41Ct marquise cut Zambian emerald, gracefully surrounded by a sparkling 0.15Ct diamond halo in luxurious 14K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Green Emerald & Diamond Halo Set Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Expertly hand fabricated in yellow gold in classic Art Deco style, a lively green marquise shaped emerald, weighing approx. 0.5 carat, is dramatically accentuated within a navette fr...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,544Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Marquise Cut Diamond And Caliber Cut Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.47 carat. The diamond is has H color and s1. Totally is emerald 0.90 carat. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Marquise Natural Emerald & Diamond Halo Earrings in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
These 14k solid gold stud earrings feature marquise-cut natural diamonds encircled by vibrant green natural emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Two Tone Pear and Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Cut Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18K Two Tone Pear and Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Cut Emerald Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise .74ctw Six-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Emeralds Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .54ctw...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,508 / item
L 16 in
Natural Marquise Diamond Pear Zambian Emerald Circle Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
This elegant pendant necklace showcases a striking open-circle design crafted in luxurious 18K white gold. The pendant is adorned with vivid natural Zambian emeralds and brilliant na...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Exquisite Marquise Shape Emerald & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance, this exquisite ring features a vivid 1.05 carat marquise-cut emerald, framed by a halo of sparkling diamonds totaling 0.53 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Aquamarine with Sapphire Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A graceful marquise shaped aquamarine at the center, radiating soft blue elegance.
Diamond, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Two Tone Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18K Two Tone Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Drop Earrings Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Marquise and Round Emerald Cross Pendant in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A series of marquise and round emeralds are prong set to give this pendant its elegant appeal.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Zambia Emerald, Baguette and Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 4.5 (Free Resizing Available) Center Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone GIA Report #: 5234037990 Species: Natural Beryl Variety: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Wide Platinum Eternity Band Featuring Round, Marquise, & Square Emerald Diamonds
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum Wide Diamond Eternity Band Featuring 8 Marquise, 32 Round Brilliant, and 54 Square Emerald Cut Diamonds of VS Clarity and G Color Totaling Approximately 7.00 Carats.
Diamond, Platinum
$4,016Sale Price / item|20% Off
Three Dome Stacking Ring 14K Solid Gold with Ruby, Emerald, Marquise Diamond
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Embrace modern elegance with this sleek yellow gold ring featuring a marquise cut natural ruby, emerald and diamond set in a smooth, sculptural bezel design.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique marquise shape emerald and diamond ring, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Antique marquise shape emerald and diamond ring. Vertically set with five octagonal emerald-cut natural Muzo emeralds with no colour enhancement in open back grain settings with an a...
Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold
Vintage Platinum 2.40ctw Vivid Green Emerald Marquise Diamond Spray Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Emerald Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Green Color - 5.5x5.7mm - 1ct (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 12 Marquise & 4 Round Brillian...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian emerald and diamond marquise cluster ring, circa 1905.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond marquise cluster ring. Set to centre with one rectangular step cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back rubover setting with an appr...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
$15,263 / item
W 0.17 in L 7.5 in
Estate 9.2 Carat Natural Marquise Shape Emerald Tennis Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald bracelet in 14K Gold. It has a perfect marquise cut gemstone to make you stand out on any occasion or an event.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with emerald and marquise shaped diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold 4.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a central emerald up to 0.70ct and marquise cut diamonds up to 0.32ct on either side - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 1.76cts Emerald & Marquise Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made floral-shaped ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and feat...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Antique Emerald and 1.38Ct Diamond Yellow Gold Marquise Shaped Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated marquise shaped setting displays a central pavé set emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,392Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.85 in L 0.54 in
1.5 Carat Zambian Emerald & Diamond Marquise Pendant Made in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning blend of elegance and brilliance, this pendant showcases a captivating 1.50 carat marquise-cut emerald at its center. Framed by double halos of sparkling diamonds totaling...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Suzy Levian 14 Karat White Gold Marquise-Cut Colombian Emerald Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
An array of 102 side white diamonds (.70ct) with hand-carved French filigree work across the band, perfectly accents the marquise-cut center stone emerald (.59ct). The brilliance of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Cut Emerald & Diamond Three Stone Cluster Ring 1 carat 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This cluster ring features 1 carat of marquise-cut emeralds set in 14K yellow gold. The emerald measuring 3 x 5.5 mm, accented by 0.04 carats of round diamonds measuring 1.6 mm.
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
18k Two Tone Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing this beautiful 18k Two Tone Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring. This ring weighs 9.2 grams and is a size 6.25 (can be resized).
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Zambian Emerald and Marquise Diamond Open Ring 0.95 Carat Emerald 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Crafted in 18K solid white gold, this elegant open ring pairs a 0.95-carat natural Zambian emerald with 0.77 carats of natural marquise-cut diamonds in a refined contemporary design.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.20 Carat Marquise Round & Emerald Cut Diamond Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these earrings are a true masterpiece of craftsmanship, designed to be cherished for a lifetime. Whether worn for a special occasion or a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k 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.