Platinum and Diamond Pave Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Presenting a Platinum and Diamond Pave Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Ring Size 7 A sparkling ring
Vintage 1910s Unknown Belle Époque More Rings
Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Pave Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Presenting a Platinum and Diamond Pave Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Ring Size 7 A sparkling ring
Platinum
Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified
Located in Hong Kong, HK
pendant (circa 1850) is made up of 39 antique old mine cut diamonds totaling 4.25 Cts. The center old mine
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3.27ct Fancy Yellow Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum ring features a captivating design with a 2.02ct old mine cut diamond at
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
the shape of a love heart with intricate openwork playing host to an array of round faceted old mine
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Antique 8.60 Ct Old Cut Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
detachable bail are modern. The heart pendant is densely set with chunky old mine brilliant and rose cut
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Georgian Old Cut Diamond Heart Shape Brooch Circa 1820
Located in London, GB
An antique old cut diamond heart brooch, circa 1820. The Georgian brooch is designed as an open
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond heart shape Pendant Handmade Victorian
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond heart shape Pendant Handmade Victorian Natural Rose Cut Polki
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$2,990
H 0.23 in W 0.91 in L 1.02 in
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
pearls arranged in a dense, shimmering mosaic. At the center, a cluster of bright old cut diamonds forms
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,750
W 0.83 in L 1 in
Roman Malakov 1.81 Carats Old European & French Cut Diamond Heart Shape Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
-work design. Surrounded by French cut round diamonds weighing 1.09 carats total, set on a heart shape
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond Flower Brooch in Silver With Gold Platting
Located in New York, NY
design. At the heart of the piece lies a luminous old mine-cut diamond, surrounded by heart-shaped and
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Vintage Platinum and 14K Gold Pearl Necklace with Ruby and Diamond Floral Clasp
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
carats), and a captivating 0.25 carat old mine-cut diamond at the heart of the flower, framed by an
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart, circa 1820
Located in Houston, TX
's. Silver surround in 27 Old Mine Cut Diamonds with a clear front and removable clear case back. A
Diamond, Silver
Unavailable
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
atop 14k yellow gold and set with 25 bright old mine cut diamonds totaling 2.06ctw. Hangs from a new
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
H 1.46 in W 1.15 in
Victorian 9.0 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Large Sentimental Heart Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
heart and smaller set in the margin We estimate 9.0 full CT of Diamonds all chunky antique mine cut
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
H 2.25 in W 1.43 in D 0.45 in Dm 1.84 in L 2.25 in
8.57 Carat Rose Cut Brown Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Nicosia, CY
Heart Shaped Rose Cut Diamond Pendand with a bird on top set in 14 Karat gold and 8.57 carat
Brown Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable
H 1.11 in W 1.03 in D 0.56 in
Antique Victorian Opal Heart Diamond Flower Brooch Silver 18ct Gold
Located in Kendal, GB
cut diamonds and twelve heart cut opal petals in a fabulous, tiered arrangement. The opal hearts
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Double Heart Diamond & Natural Pearl Ring
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and impressive natural pearl and old mine cut diamond double heart ring which would
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century Silver Topped Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A romantic large scale antique old mine cut diamond heart pendant made around 1890. The heart is
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Ring in Silver-on-Gold
Located in London, England
A truly unique Victorian opal and old mine cut diamond heart ring set in the era’s iconic silver-on
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Adorned with approximately 4 carats of old mine brilliant diamonds, the pendant measures 1 ¼ inches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart and Arrow Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
of old Mine Cut diamonds which are pave set along the entire surface of the puffed heart as well as
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace Mined .45ct Heart Cut 14K Floating Vanishing
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace Mined .45ct Heart Cut 14K Floating Vanishing Chain Features a
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Heart Halo Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
talon prongs and featuring a halo surround of old mine cut diamonds. Weighing approximately 0.96 carat
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace Round Brilliant Cut Natural Mined Anniversary
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace Round Brilliant Cut Natural Mined Features a Genuine Natural
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.72 Carat H VS2 Old Mine Heart-Shaped Cut Diamond Platinum Ring by Hancocks
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
A beautiful rare and romantic heart old mine diamond solitaire ring by Hancocks, set with a heart
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 1.59 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Antique Heart Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart shaped form with bead and prong set old mine cut diamonds throughout. Weighing
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Old-Cut Diamond Heart Brooch
Located in London, GB
a stunning array of round faceted old mine cut diamonds. Each antique stone has been meticulously
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Old Cut Diamond Cluster Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
around the outer edge playing host to a vast array of chunky old cut diamonds; the largest of which sits
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rare French Belle Époque Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Ruby Heart Locket
Located in Cape May, NJ
, France (1847-1919) Main Stone: Diamond Cut: Old Mine Clarity: VS2-Si1 Color: G-I color Ten old mine
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold
French Art Deco GIA Certified 6.33 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
certified old mine brilliant cut diamond steals hearts while providing more than ample finger coverage. This
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old and Rose Cut Diamond Love Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
gold and silver into the shape a love heart and pave set with a multitude of diamonds. The centralised
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Antique Old and Rose Cut Diamond Love Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
gold and silver into the shape a love heart and pave set with a multitude of diamonds. The centralised
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Sold
W 0.75 in L 1 in
Victorian GIA 3.70ctw Old Euro Old Mine & Pear Shaped DIAMOND Heart Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite GIA Victorian 3.70ctw Old European, Old Mine & Pear Shaped DIAMOND Pavé Heart Silver
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
IGI Cert 1.37 Ct + 0.42 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K White Gold Statement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Old Mine Cut Diamond at its heart, radiating an enchanting allure reminiscent of a bygone era
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Pearl Heart Pendant in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful seed pearl and old mine cut diamond late Victorian heart pendant necklace set in 18k
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Edwardian Diamond Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
approximately 5.75 ctw of old European and mine cut diamonds. The heart is platinum top 14K yellow gold backed
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Pendant Mined .10 Carat Round Brilliant 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Round Brilliant Cut Natural Mined Diamonds Hearts & Diamonds on the Sides Exquisitely Made in 14K
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early Victorian Diamond Gold Double Heart Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
, completing the lovely design. There are a total of 36 sparkling old Mine Cut diamonds that decorate the
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
1930s 14K YG Diamond Seed Pearl Clover Citrine Brooch
Located in New York, NY
old mine cut diamond 3 heart shape citrine and seed pearl edges & stem 2 pearls near the stem Brooch
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.46 Carat Fancy Color Diamond 18k Rose Gold Platinum Three Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
encapsulating a bygone era, an enhancing old mine cut diamond sits at the heart of this ring. This center
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, R...
$1 NO RESERVE! - 2.15cttw Fancy Color Heart Diamond Halo Necklace 14k White Gold
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
: Natural Fancy Dark Brown Clarity: SI2 Shape: Heart Brilliant Side Stones: ___________ Natural Diamond Cut
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1 NO RESERVE! - 1.74cttw Fancy Heart Diamond Halo, 14K White Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
. Center Diamond: Weight: 1.58 Carat Color: Natural Fancy Gray Clarity: I2 Shape: Heart Side Stones
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1 No Reserve! 1.15cttw Fancy Heart Diamond Halo, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
: Heart Side Stone Diamonds Round: Weight: 0.15 cttw Color: D to F Clarity: VS1 to VS2 Item ships from
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
No Reserve! 1.22 Cttw Fancy Heart Diamond Halo, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Color: Natural Fancy Deep Brown Clarity: SI2 Shape: Heart Brilliant Side Stone Diamonds Round: Weight
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Heart Brooch Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
motifs with grain set old mine, old European, single cut and rose cut diamonds. There is an estimated
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Victorian Silver Gold Old Cut Diamond Emerald Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An antique silver topped 15k gold old mine diamond heart pendant set with a square cut emerald
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Set, 18kt.
Located in Miami, FL
cut diamond at its heart, weighing approximately 0.50 carat. This near flawless diamond sparkles with
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond 18kt Gold Platinum Filigree Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Aventura, FL
yellow gold and platinum, this ring showcases a breathtaking 0.40 carat old mine cut diamond at its heart
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
1820s 1.54 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
heart shaped frames encircled with a mix of Dutch cut and mine cut diamonds. The antique heart shaped
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Pavé-Set Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Large pavé-set old-mine cut diamond heart pendant set in silver and gold. Diamonds total approx
29.36 T.W Natural Mined Heart Shaped Emerald Diamond Chandelier 18KT White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegance meets extravagance in this 29.36 Total Weight (T.W) Natural Mined Heart-Shaped Emerald
Emerald, White Gold
Diamond heart pendant with diamond chain
Located in New York, NY
The center cushion-cut diamond is combined with pave-set, mine-cut diamonds into a beautiful heart
Antique Amethyst and Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
happily nestled in the center of 2.75 carats of bright-white and sparkling old mine-cut diamonds. The
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian Garnet Diamond Gold Snake Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian unusually large, 2-toned 15kt gold snake necklace with cabochon garnet and mine-cut
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold
Victorian 15 Karat Gold Silver Old Mine Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Dublin, IE
This Victorian heart pendant is set with old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 0 .60 ct
Diamond, 15k Gold
Sold
H 1.15 in W 0.99 in
Platinum Edwardian 6.0 Carat Mine Cut Diamond Rare Sentimental Heart Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
Crafted large Heart Pendant displaying a huge amount of old mine cut Diamonds all large and chunky in cut
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Garnet Mine Cut Diamond Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Boston, MA
yellow gold. Weighing a combined 0.34 carats, the seven old mine cut diamonds in this pendant are set in
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
$138,000
Diamond Necklace Tiara
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Courreges 1960s Color Block Dress
By André Courrèges
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful color block wool dress alternating panels of black and royal blue from Courreges. It is an A-line dress flaring subtly to the hem and has a stand up collar, back zipper,...
Edwardian Peridot Old Mine Diamond Pearl Festoon Swag Necklace Antique Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE FESTOON NECKLACE WITH THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL ROUND FACETED PERIDOT GEMS SET WITH PEARLS AND AN OLD MINE DIAMOND IN A GORG...
Pearl, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Very Fine Heart Shaped 10.5 TCW Peridot Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful, estate 10.5 TCW heart shaped peridot, diamond and 14K yellow gold ring 20th Century The heart shaped peridot of very fine quality- excellent color, cut, clarity and substa...
Peridot, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Garnet and Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is an antique Art Nouveau garnet and pearl pendant necklace. It has been set with a central garnet which is surrounded by multiple seed pearls along with an oval cut garnet drop...
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,950
H 1.58 in W 1.66 in L 16.15 in
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fine Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. Early 20th Century With a central oval peridot measuring 9mm by 6mm, surrounded ...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 4.10Ct Aquamarine and Seed Pearl 15k Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 4.10 carat aquamarine and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold pendant / brooch; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collections. This stunning...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Gemstone Giardinetti Flower Basket Conversion Necklace
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This remarkable giardinetti or “little garden” pendant (circa 1820–1850) exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Georgian to early Victorian era. The jewel depicts an urn over...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$7,818
Size: Equivalent size 35/36 France
A Pierre Balmain Ottoman Silk Faille Couture Ball-Gown N° 83213 Paris Circa 1958
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1958 France A yellow banana ottoman silk faille ball-gown or ceremonial long dress. Boned bodice with large plunge neckline and cream oblique pleated shape faille on the ches...
Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
A stunning pair of dangle earrings with a faceted, oval sapphire on the post surrounded by round, pave` set diamonds. Baguette and round diamonds comprise the chain as well as diamo...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1950's Sequin Leaf Cocktail Dress with Scarf
Located in New York, NY
Charming 1950's Sequin Leaf Printed Cotton Cocktail Dress with Scarf. Fitted bodice with draped panel and super full skirt with occasional sequined accents. Sequined leaf motif mount...
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Well well well. If only this tiara could talk - I'd just love to know the people and outfits this significant piece has graced. Let's start with the tiara. Circa 1900, the theme co...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Dress
Located in London, GB
A head turning cocktail dress from the 1950s. The dress has a deep v neckline and backline. with a flared skirt and wonderful velvet flowers and detail on the hem.
Emporio Armani - Black sleeveless dress with back bow and purple lining
By EMPORIO ARMANI EA7, Giorgio Armani
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Refined black Emporio Armani suit, made in Italy, a perfect example of the Maison's timeless elegance. The design is minimal in the front, with a round neckline and flared line that ...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Red Sheer Stretch Tank Midi Skirt Set
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2003 collection under Tom Ford, this two-piece set includes a sheer red stretch tank top with soft ruffle detailing and a matching asymmetrical ...
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.