GIA 2.20ct Emerald Marquise & Round Milgrain Bezel Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking emerald diamond at its center, weighing 2.20 , with a striking I and SI1.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Emerald 2.05 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The marquise shaped setting is ornamented with three feature graduated emerald cut emeralds, bezel set vertically to the center.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in luxury with these 18k Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Earrings. Each earring features a stunning 7.73 carat pear cut emerald surrounded by sparkling 4.61 carat marquise cut d...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,299 / set
W 0.12 in L 0.32 in
1/2 Carat Natural Emerald Marquise Cut 8MM Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural Green Emerald Stud Earring, Set in 14K Yellow Gold. Push back stud earrings with a prong set of vivid green marquise-cut natural emeralds.
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Cascade 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14K yellow and white gold, it features a stunning combination of fancy diamonds, pink sapphires, marquise-cut emeralds, and full-cut diamonds. Weighing 3.56 grams, the nec...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bespoke 3.50 Carat Green Emerald 1.50 Carat Marquise 18 Kt Gold Diamond Earrings
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Pictures are of the last pair made details below: 3.50 Carat Emerald Earrings expertly contrasted with the pure radiance of 1.50 Carat Marquise White Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,032Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels Marquise-Cut Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features a marquise-cut emerald weighing 0.65 carats, set in 14K solid yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Emerald & Marquise Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Ajami Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An elegant and sophisticated pair of platinum clip-on earrings showcasing a rare and harmonious combination of natural pear-shaped emeralds and marquise-cut diamonds. Designed for co...
Platinum
0.61 Carat Marquise and 0.12 Carat Square Emerald Diamond Accents 14KW Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is made up of 8x4 mm Marquise-Cut Emerald (1 pcs) 0.51 carat, 2.0 mm Square-cut Emerald (2 pcs) 0.11 carat and Round-cut White Diamond (28 Pcs) 0.25 Carat.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gin & Grace 18K White Gold Marquise Cut Emerald & Natural Diamond Ring For Women
Located in New York, NY
The 18k White Gold jewelry boasts 4X8 Marquise-Cut Prong Setting Natural Emerald (1 pcs) 0.50 Carat and 2MM Round-Cut Prong Setting Natural Emerald (2 pcs) 0.06 Carat and Round-Cut P...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Royal 1.03 Ct Emerald and Diamond Marquise Cocktail Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and diamond marquise shape cocktail ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Certified 3.14ct Colombian Emerald and Marquise Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in London, GB
A sparkly vintage certified Colombian emerald and marquise cut diamond three stone ring set in platinum.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$42,127
W 0.54 in L 1.42 in
18kt White Gold Earrings with Marquise Diamonds & Minor Colombian Oval Emeralds
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White Gold Earrings With Marquise Diamonds and Colombian Emeralds Stunning Hand Crafted Colombian Emeralds & Diamonds Earrings from Extremely high Quality !
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Marquise-Shaped Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
These earrings feature a striking design with two connected marquise-shaped sections. The upper section attaches to a post-and-screw-back closure and features diamonds, while the low...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zambian Emerald Cluster Earrings with Marquise Cut Diamonds 18K White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
At the center of each earring is a richly saturated emerald-cut Zambian emerald totaling 8.31 carats, framed by an intricate arrangement of natural marquise and pear-shaped diamonds ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
6-Stone Ring with 3 Marquise Diamonds & 3Pear Shape Emeralds in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
With 3 natural marquise cut Diamonds, 1.0ct total weight and 3 pear shape Emeralds, 1.0ct total weight.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Suzy Levian 14 Karat Gold Marquise Cut Colombian Green Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
An array of 102 pave white diamonds (.67ct) 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
Platinum GIA F1 1.80ct Zambian Emerald and Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Platinum GIA F1 1.80ct Zambian Emerald and Diamond Ring, showcasing a vivid green 1.80 carat GIA-certified emerald of Zambian origin, graded F1 for minor clarity enhancement.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$4,700 / item
W 0.32 in L 0.87 in
3.5 ct Marquise Cut Emerald and Diamond Stud Earrings in 18K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Earrings create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Marquise cut Emerald and Diamond Push back...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Eternity Band Ring with 2.00ct Burmese Rubies
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
This one-of-a-kind eternity band Art Deco style is a celebration of rare color and exceptional design. At its heart are nine perfectly matched marquise-cut Burmese rubies, vibrant re...
Ruby, Platinum
$7,574Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.29 in L 2.29 in
Marquise Shaped Emerald & Diamond Bangle Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:9.606g,D:2.27ct, EMERALD:2.5ct
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Inclined Marquise Cut Emerald and Blue Sapphire Band Ring in 14k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Inclined Marquise Cut Emerald and Blue Sapphire Band Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural blue sapphire and emerald of 0.94 carats.
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Oval Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Oval Emerald Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
New Plat. & 18k Gold GIA Marquise Green Emerald w/ Trillion Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes with original GIA certification for the emerald. Excellent condition! Stock Number: EG-160212853-22100117-EY --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 62234758...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.86 Carat of Marquise Cut Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A beautiful and chic pair of drop earrings showcasing a cluster of brilliant mixed-cut diamonds, and marquise cut Emeralds set in an intricate and stylish design. 28 Mixed cut Diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut and Marquise Diamond Floral Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
These elegant diamond stud earrings showcase a sophisticated floral-inspired design centered around striking emerald-cut diamonds framed by sparkling marquise-cut diamond accents.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 0.67 in
1.73 Carat SI/H Marquise Pear Emerald Cut Diamond Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.73 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pie...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold
$2,976Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 0.67 in
1.73 Carat SI/H Marquise Pear Emerald Cut Diamond Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.73 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
26.30 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Marquise Diamond Platinum Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking cabochon emerald, with a deep, slightly bluish green color, framed by 29 marquise-shaped diamonds, make for gorgeous statement piece to elevate any look.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$72,000Sale Price|20% Off
ICA Certified 4.29 Green Emerald Cluster Pear Marquise Diamond Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
Composed of pear cut emeralds and accented by pear and marquise cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Gold 7.97tcw Pear Cut Colombian Emerald & Marquise Diamond Floral Earring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Prong Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 5.0 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear Weight: 7.32-Carats (Total) Clarity: Semi-Transparent Color: Medium ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$34,400Sale Price|20% Off
L 7 in
Alexander Beverly Hills 12.77ct Emerald Cut & Marquise Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern east-west natural emerald cut and marquise diamond tennis bracelet.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Estate Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Luminous marquise-cut diamond and bezel set emerald estate pendant sparkles with radiance.
Natural Diamond Multi Shape Hoop Earrings 1.03 Carats in 18K White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
An intriguing arrangement of round, marquise, emerald-cut, and pear-shaped natural diamonds gives these hoop earrings a distinctive architectural character.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Amwaj Jewellery 18k White Gold Marquise and Emerald Cut Diamond Earrings
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
An elegant 18K white gold Amwaj earring featuring the marquise and emerald cut diamonds. Each meticulously cut by our master craftsmen to ensure perfect symmetry and proportion makin...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
1.11 Ct Natural Diamond Emerald & Marquise Ear Climber Earrings, 14k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
A refined ear climber featuring an emerald-cut centre framed by marquise natural diamonds in 14k white gold. 1.11 ct · SI clarity · HI color · 13 mm length.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum 1.41ctw Diamond Marquise Cut Vivid Green Emerald Flower Spray Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamond - Center - 0.47ctw (exact) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Ring. Genuine Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring. PT900 Plat Marquise
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1990s Size: 7 1/2 US Materials: Gold, Platinum Gemstone: Emerald Gem color: Green Band color: Silver Stunning Emerald Marquise and Diamond Ring.
Platinum
$5,191Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 0.79 in
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Earrings Marquise Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.86 carats Zambian emerald and 2.40 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the l...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold
Marquise Round & Pear Cut Diamonds Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow Gold (prongs) Gemstone: Five emerald-cut emeralds, approx 7.50ct Marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds Marquise, round, and pear-cut diamonds tota...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$3,674Sale Price / set|20% Off
Multi-Cut Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings with Emerald & Marquise Diamond 18K Gold
Located in Diera, AE
These diamond stud earrings feature a carefully arranged cluster centered around emerald-cut natural diamonds, accented by marquise-cut diamonds positioned in a graceful botanical-in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luminous 18K white gold, this elegant necklace features a striking 1.19 carat pear cut emerald at its center, framed by 5.25 carats of marquise cut diamonds and 2.24 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,079Sale Price / item|20% Off
Real 1.30 Carat SI/HI Marquise Round Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Item Code :- SER-2567E Gross Wt. :- 3.50 gm 18k Rose Gold Wt. :- 3.24 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.30 Carat ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Ring Size :- 7 US & All siz...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$72,000Sale Price|20% Off
Chandelier Oval Emeralds Marquise pear and brilliant cut diamond dangle earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite set of chandelier earrings with oval emeralds, marquise-shaped, pear-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, over a floral design topped with a circular-cut emerald centered ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow and White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow and White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Emerald Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,213Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Diamond Drop Earrings 1.80 Ct Emerald Marquise & Round Cut in 18K Gold
Located in Diera, AE
A refined composition of emerald, marquise, and round brilliant natural diamonds creates a striking interplay of light and geometry.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18K Gold Zambia Emerald & Yellow Diamond Marquise Oval Cluster Earrings 5.28ct
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal: Solid 18K Gold Emeralds: 3.68 carats total, natural Zambian emeralds Diamonds: 1.60 carats total, Fancy yellow diamonds/ Natural brown-yellow diamonds Cuts Featured: Marquise,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18...
4.35tcw 14K Natural Dark Green Pear Emerald & Marquise Diamond Accent Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Bezel/Prong Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 2.7 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear Cut Weight: 4.05-Carats Clarity: Semi-Transparent Color: Rich ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Colombian Emerald Cts 0.42 with Marquise Princess‑Cut Diamonds Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted in 18k gold weighing 4.27 grams, the chain glimmers with six round diamonds totaling 0.11 carats, leading to a centerpiece of four marquise diamonds (0.18 cts) and two prince...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Pear Cut Emerald Drop Earrings.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$807Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 2.54 CTW Oval Emerald & Marquise Diamond Statement Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a vivid oval cut emerald measuring approximately 8 x 11 mm. The striking center stone is beautifully adorned by six marquise cut diamonds measuring approximately 2 x 3 mm, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Oval Emerald & Diamond Marquise Shape Edwardian Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Add an elegant touch to your look with this oval emerald and diamond ring. This beautiful ring features an oval cut emerald accented in a halo of round diamond. 14K White Gold. Ring...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.59tcw 18K Fine Quality Asscher Colombian Emerald & Marquise Diamond 3 Stone
Located in Jupiter, FL
A dramatic emerald and diamond three-stone ring that is sure to turn heads anywhere you may take it.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 0.56 in
Zambian Emerald Earrings Marquise Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.70 carats Zambian emerald and 1.25 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the l...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold
0.50ct Marquise Cut Diamond 1.00ct Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
At its center rests a captivating approximately 0.50 carat marquise-cut diamond, gracefully elongated to enhance its elegant silhouette and remarkable sparkle.
Diamond, Emerald, 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.