1.24 Ct Emerald Cut Pear Marquise Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Below it, two marquise diamonds bracket the emerald-cut at its sides before the composition opens into a downward-facing fan of pear-cut and round brilliant diamonds — an inverted cr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spectrum 14K White Gold Marquise and Emerald-Cut Diamond Cluster Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This extraordinary piece centers on a sharp, elegant emerald-cut diamond, which is brilliantly surrounded by a voluminous, multi-layered arrangement of marquise-cut diamonds totaling...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Spectrum 18K White Gold Marquise and Emerald-Cut Diamond Cluster Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This extraordinary piece centers on a sharp, elegant emerald-cut diamond, which is brilliantly surrounded by a voluminous, multi-layered arrangement of marquise-cut diamonds totaling...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Multi-Colored Emerald & Marquise Cut Sapphire Yellow Gold Eternity Band
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Multicolor Sapphire: 24 stones - 5.84ct Total weight.
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Emerald Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond & Emerald Flower Cocktail Ring 1 round cut emerald surrounded by 6 marquise cut diamonds & 6 round cut emeralds in a flower motif.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Marquise, Tapers & Baguette Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
SOLID PLATINUM SET WITH EMERALD CUT & MARQUISE CUT DIAMONDS RING MATERIAL: Platinum WEIGHT: 7.6 grams / 4.9 dwt SIZE: eur 54 / us 6.75 DIAMONDS: marquise cut diamonds, baguette ...
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold 0.58 Ct Natural Pear Emerald Cut & Marquise Slider Pendant Gift
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Made to be the piece everyone remembers, a trio of fancy-shaped diamonds sits at the front of a sliding chain with an adjustable disc closure. Layer it over a silk dress for black-t...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$5,248Sale Price / item|20% Off
Emerald Cut Marquise Diamond Open Bypass Ring 14 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This Emerald Cut Marquise Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Open Bypass Ring features round cut diamonds set on the band of the bypass ring with marquise cut diamond with halo of diamond a...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Marquise Diamond Open Bypass Ring 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This Emerald Cut Marquise Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Open Bypass Ring features round cut diamonds set on the band of the bypass ring with marquise cut diamond with halo of diamond a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
NECKLACE Certified Colombian Emerald 66.37 Carat Emeralds And VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The design is thoughtfully anchored by seven AGL-certified Colombian emeralds totaling approximately 66.37 carats. Each emerald-cut stone radiates a deep, soulful green, offering a v...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Zambian Emerald Bracelet 3.22 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Zambian Emerald: 3.22 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing available upon r...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Emerald Cluster Earrings 14Kk Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Emerald Metal Choice: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Marquise Dimensions: 21mm x 15mm Closure: Omega Clip On
Emerald, 14k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Platinum Bracelet
By Jan Feld
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Bracelet featuring 3.37ct Total Weight of Emeralds, 6.74ct Total Weight of Round Diamonds, and 1.48ct Total Weight of Marquis Diamonds. 6.75-inch Length.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Butterfly Stud Earrings 0.84 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Emerald: 0.84 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 10 x 9 mm
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
3.70 Carat Natural Emeralds Diamonds Rosè Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning earrings come in 14k rosé gold with lustrous Natural Emeralds of 3,70 carats, in perfect marquise cut, vibrant green color, and pavè of Natural Diamonds of 0,50 carats, very...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Oval Sapphire and Marquise Diamond Bracelet
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
9 Oval shaped Sapphires weighing 11.75 Carats in a semi bezel setting with diamonds. Spaced between Marquise shaped Diamonds weighing 4.60 Carats. Round Diamonds 0.60 Carats. 16.95 C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Ruby and Marquise Diamond Bracelet
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
9 Oval shaped Rubies weighing 11.75 Carats in a semi bezel setting with diamonds. Spaced between Marquise shaped Diamonds weighing 4.60 Carats. Round Diamonds 0.60 Carats. 16.95 Cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 3.00ct Diamond Emerald Platinum Pin
Located in New York, NY
At its focal point, a luminous marquise-cut diamond is framed by a halo of vivid, square-cut green emeralds, serving as a striking contrast against a glittering backdrop of Old Europ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Ring, Diamond Emerald Wedding Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Emerald Gemstone Weight - 1.56 ct Gemstone pcs - 2 Gemstone shape - Marquise Gemstone size - 6 x 3 mm Diamond weight ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Tiffany & Co Yellow Gold Emerald Cat Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
A charming expression of Tiffany & Co. artistry, this authentic cat brooch is exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases a sleek, sculptural feline design. The elongate...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2 Center Marquise Cut Diamonds Art Deco Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in Platinum, in the center, are two Marquise cut Diamonds weighing 0.66 carats in total, Color: I-J, Clarity: VS-2, plus 36 Round Brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.70 carats, 1.3...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
RARE GRS Certified 47.73 Carat Emerald Pendant
By bo·be jewellery
Located in COTTESLOE, AU
Elevate your style with the mesmerizing Creation Cabachon Emerald Pendant. Crafted in 18ct white gold, this pendant features a marquise cut champagne diamond surrounded by 28 round ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.40Ct Natural Loose Emerald Marqiuse Shape 2 Pcs
Located in רמת גן, IL
Title: Exquisite 1.40ct Loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald Gemstone Product Description: Presenting our exceptional 1.40ct loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald gemstone—a sym...
Emerald
1.36Ct Natural Loose Emerald Marqiuse Shape 2 Pcs
Located in רמת גן, IL
Title: Exquisite 1.36ct Loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald Gemstone Product Description: Presenting our exceptional 1.36ct loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald gemstone—a sym...
Emerald
1.78Ct Natural Loose Emerald Marqiuse Shape 2 Pcs
Located in רמת גן, IL
Exquisite 1.78ct Loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald Gemstone Product Description: Presenting our exceptional 1.78ct loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald gemstone—a symbol of ...
Emerald
1.79Ct Natural Loose Emerald Marqiuse Shape 3 Pcs
Located in רמת גן, IL
Captivating 1.79ct Loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald Gemstone Product Description: Behold our breathtaking 1.79ct loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald gemstone—a harmonious ...
Emerald
0.82Ct Natural Loose Emerald Marqiuse Shape 3 Pcs
Located in רמת גן, IL
Captivating 0.82ct Loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald Gemstone Product Description: Behold our breathtaking 0.82ct loose Marquise Shape Colombian Emerald gemstone—a harmonious ...
Emerald
Emerald Pendant 0.82 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Emerald: 0.82 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Dimensions: 38 x 17 mm Chain Length: 18 Inches
Emerald, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Ocala, FL
An elegant 18K gold emerald and diamond pendant necklace featuring a richly colored marquise-faceted emerald as its striking centerpiece.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Earrings
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The settings are 14k and the posts test 10k gold. The natural emeralds are marquise shape and have a very nice color, 1.00 total carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 1.40 carat diamond emerald platinum band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set in alternating rhythm are 3 marquise cut emeralds totaling approximately 0.60 carat, their rich green color and elongated shape adding graphic contrast to the diamonds' sparkle.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Modern Gold Natural Multicolor Marquise & Colorless Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18K yellow gold statement ring featuring a bold three-layer stacked design set with multicolor gemstones, including marquise-cut ruby, sapphire, and emerald, each measuring app...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
8.31 Carat Natural Diamond Emerald Pendant Star*
Located in New York, NY
The Star Drop Emerald 4.60ct. Natural emerald Supreme green Taste of the Zambia Jungles 12.80mm X 10.20mm Top 4 Marquise diamonds: 3.21ct.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Emeralds, Pear-Shaped Diamond Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Marquise-cut emeralds, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, platinum and 18k yellow gold, maker's mark (Jacques Timey), black Harry Winston pouch Harry Winston, Emeralds: 6 marquise-c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
1.33 Ct GUILD Certificate Natural No Oil Russia Emerald Intense Green Color
Located in bangkok, TH
Natural No Oil Russia Emerald Intense Green Color Gemstone Guild Certificated EMA69 Name : Emerald Weight: 1.33 Ct Color: Intense Green Clarity: Eye clean Origin: Ural Russia C...
Emerald
14k Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Flower Earrings
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
The bright marquise cut emeralds are vivid green and perfectly compliment the bright white round diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA 1.00 carat emerald diamond platinum cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vivid and sophisticated this vintage platinum cocktail ring showcases a striking 1.00 carat GIA-certified Zambian emerald glowing with deep lush green color. The marquise cut gem is ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3ct Emerald & Diamond Pendant Set in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
The emerald is gracefully surrounded by 1.30ct of natural marquise cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
2.06 Ct Guild Certificate Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon Gemstone vivid green
Located in bangkok, TH
EMA84 2.06 Ct Guild Certificate Natural Emerald Russia Cabochon chon Gemstone vivid green color eye clean quality GEM DESCRIPTION Species: Natural Beryl Variey: Natural Emerald Weig...
Emerald
Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Emerald Accent Milgrain Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 3.9 Grams Stone: Centerstone 0.30ct Marquise Old Cut Diamond. 0.89ctw Diamonds, Emerald Accent Measurements: 22.3 x 19 x 21.47mm Size: 6 Metal: Platinum Item #: BR-1972-0806...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$503Sale Price / item|44% Off
Floral Lab emeralds Cross Pendant Silver, gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold cross pendant with marquise and round cut lab emeralds. Lab Emerald Cross Pendant.
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Emerald Butterfly Stud Earrings 0.46 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Emerald: 0.46 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Dimensions: 10 x 8 mm
Emerald, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Emerald Butterfly Earrings With White Sapphire 0.38 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Emerald: 0.36 Carats White Sapphire: 0.02 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 29 x 14 mm
Emerald, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Large Art Deco 33.25ct Diamond Bracelet in Platinum with Emeralds
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Cut Baguette Content 0.30 carat Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour J Clarity SI2 Cut Marquise Content 0.70 carat Dimensions 9.11mm (length) x 4.97mm (width)...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Flowers 18K Gold Earrings Diamonds Emeralds Sapphires Natural Motive, 2000
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
18K Gold Earrings with Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies, circa 2000 A luxurious and exceptionally beautiful pair of 18K gold earrings, masterfully crafted and set with white...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bague marquise vintage en émeraude et diamants
Located in PARIS, FR
Bague marquise vintage en or 18 carats 750 millièmes) ornée d’un cabochon d'émeraude d'env. 1,85 carats épaulé de 10 diamants taille brillant totalisant env. 1 carat. Poids total d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s 25.30 Carat Diamond Bracelet with Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet features accenting Marquise cut Emeralds. Circa 1930s Size 7 inches
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1950s Impressive Lace Deco Design Diamond Emerald Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This captivating estate necklace is masterfully handcrafted in solid 18K white gold, weighing approximately 304.0 grams. The entire openwork lace pattern surface is embellished with ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Estate Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14K yellow gold ring with natural diamonds and natural mined emeralds on merged side gold band. Cluster setting ring with central row of marquise cut emeralds and row of diamonds on ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
22.04 cts of Emerald and sapphire Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Adorned with 321 white round diamonds totaling 2.76 carats, 55 marquise-cut emeralds amounting to 5.4 carats, and 20 large round sapphires weighing 4.1 carats, this piece embodies th...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Louis Rousselet Faux Emerald Georgian Revival Earclips
By Louis Rousselet
Located in New York, NY
Louis Rousselet faux Emerald Georgian Revival ear clips. The faceted faux emerald marquise and pear shape glass stones are claw set in antique silver gilt metal.
Emerald, Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
Vintage emerald diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding the emerald, twelve round brilliant and six marquise cut diamonds form a radiant frame of light.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Gold & Platinum Diamond Emerald Leaf Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
Cartier 18K Gold & Platinum Diamond Emerald Leaf Brooch Marked: CARTIER Approximate Dimensions: 7 cm (Length) 3.7 cm (Width) Approx. 5.76 carat (Diamond) Approx. 7.73 carat (Emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 2.70 Carat Diamond and Emerald Panther Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.70 Carat Diamond & Emerald Panther Ring. The craftsmanship on this ring is very detailed and high quality. The emeralds approx weight is 2.20 carat and the diamonds are 0.5...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Diamond Colombian Emerald Ring 18K White Gold Flower Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This vintage circa 1970s ring is crafted in solid 18K White Gold. 14 marquise cut natural Emeralds measure 6x3mm each = 3.36 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Foliage Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This vintage brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a dynamic foliage design set with vibrant emeralds totaling approximately 8.02 carats and diamonds totaling approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring, Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated setting is ornamented to the centre with a stunning feature bezel set 0.55Ct emerald cut diamond. The segmented marquise-shaped setting is further embellished ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,140Sale Price|40% Off
18K Gold & Silver Emerald Diamond Chandelier Earrings, 2.33ct Diamonds
Located in Nantucket, MA
A stunning pair of chandelier earrings with marquise cut emeralds creating a flower pattern with a center round diamond at each flower.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Platinum Art Deco Diamond and Calibre-Cut Emerald Geometric Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: Platinum Gemstone: Center Marquise Cut Diamond Brilliant Cut Diamonds Calibre Cit Emeralds Measurement: 6.75" Long
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum 5.50 Carat Natural Diamond & Green Emerald Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique Art Deco 5.50 Carat Natural Diamond & Green Emerald Bracelet Metal: Platinum Weight: 31.7 dwt Diamonds: Approx. 5.50 CTW natural round & marquise shaped G-H VS-SI dia...
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.