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'Yessayan' Designer Moving Diamond Bangle in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A stunning Yessayan designer moving diamond bangle crafted in rich 18ct yellow gold. This dynamic
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18kt Yellow Gold Earrings with Moving Diamonds
By Chopard
Located in Lisboa, PT
center of each heart, three free-moving diamonds glide delicately between sapphire crystals, creating a
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pendant Necklace in 18 kt. White Gold With 7.6ct. Brilliant Cut Moving Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant Pendant Necklace in 18 kt. White Gold With 7.6ct. Brilliant Cut Moving Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamond 3P Moving Diamond 18k YG Yellow Gold Ring Size 5.75 US
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Chopard Happy Diamond 3P Moving Diamond 18k YG Yellow Gold Ring Size 5.75 US The ring is a size
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.20ct Rare moving diamond pendant necklace circle infinity diamond pendant 18KT
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning moving pendant necklace in 18KT yellow gold made with 1.20 ct of diamonds VS clarity and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
Chopard Happy Diamonds necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold. The signature design with free-moving
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Bangle in 18k Yellow Gold 41g
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
moving diamonds reflects elegance, playfulness, and timeless luxury. • Material: 18k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
-moving diamonds reflects lightness, elegance, and the unmistakable Chopard style. • Material: 18k yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Earrings in 18k Gold
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
-moving diamonds, the design reflects elegance, lightness, and classic Chopard style. • Material: 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
Chopard Happy Diamonds ring crafted in 18k yellow gold. The signature design with free-moving
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Happy Diamonds Drop Earrings by Chopard
By Chopard
Located in Greenwich, CT
motif of these earrings in 18 karat white gold holds the signature moving diamond that dances between
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Three Diamond Floating 0.25cttw Earrings
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
carats. Measuring 20mm wide, the transparent double sapphire crystal showcases the free-moving diamonds
Category

20th Century American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Happy Sport Watch 18k Yellow Gold, Ref. 276150
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
free-moving diamonds and a ruby cabochon crown. The watch has a 27 mm case and is powered by a reliable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika Move Romane Diamond Hoop Earrings 18K White Gold 0.80Cttw
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
set moving diamonds weighing 0.80 carat. Encrusted in lustrous 18K white gold. Diamond quality: color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Curves Rose Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
smoothly moving diamonds, the hallmark of the brand. Dancing in the light, the precious stones portray the
Category

2010s Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Vintage Happy Diamonds Heart Bracelet, 18kt gold, CHOPARD
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
from Chopard. It features 15 round brilliant cut diamonds forming a heart shape together and one moving
Category

1990s Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
elegance and sophistication. The centerpiece features 9 round cut moving diamonds, totaling approximately
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Contemporary Clamper Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
Chopard’s iconic freely moving diamond elements, a signature of the Happy Diamonds collection, celebrated
Category

2010s Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika Necklace Move Link 18kt yellow gold
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
ever, the curves of this diamond necklace are more imposing, and the moving diamonds are even more
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold With Pouch/Paper
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
, 0.63 CTTW (bail) - 5 Round cut diamonds, 0.50 CTTW (moving diamonds) - 21-0.63ct / 5pc-0.50ct (moving)
Category

Early 2000s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18kt Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Lisboa, PT
enhances its sculptural presence. At the heart of the design, free moving diamonds glide delicately within
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Teardrop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold with Floating Diamon
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
Chopard’s signature floating diamond design, in which free-moving diamonds glide effortlessly within the
Category

1990s French Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Sapphire and Diamond Square White Gold Earrings
By Chopard
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
: a freely moving diamond enclosed between sapphire crystal layers. Together, the two floating
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Elephant pendant
By Chopard
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
playful moving happy diamond and a little sapphire as an eye. Signed and numbered on the back. Attached to
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Clover Shaped Moving Full Diamonds Set 18 Kt Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Clover Shaped Moving Full Diamonds Set 18 Kt Ring MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold DIAMONDS: b 2.66 ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Kt White Gold & Diamonds Crivelli Necklacewith Moving Parts
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
WHITE GOLDEN MOVING NECKLACE WITH DIAMONDS MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold DIAMONDS: white brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Magnificent Moving 18kt White Gold Chandelier Earrings With Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Moving 18kt White Gold Chandelier Earrings With Diamonds Diamonds: Brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Amethyst Ring 18K White Gold Cocktail Moving 2.58 TDW Diamonds
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Amethyst Ring 18K White Gold Cocktail Moving 2.58 TDW Diamonds This amazing large and
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin w/ Moving Wing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds, featuring articulated top wings that allow them to gently flutter with movement. There are about
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Folding Moving Butterfly 18k Gold, Silver Diamonds Rubies Sapphires Ring
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
sophisticated articulated movable ring gives a sparkle and shine to the most special occasions. Diamonds 1.28ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Two Piece Halo Moving Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Natural emerald and diamond moving two-piece pendant in 18K yellow gold featuring emerald cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Diamond Evil Eye Pendant with Moving Center — Luxe Protection Charm
Located in Miami, FL
A striking 18K gold Evil Eye pendant, crafted with a full halo of brilliant diamonds totaling
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Folding Moving Butterfly 18k Gold Acquamarine, Diamonds, Sapphires Cocktail Ring
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
. Aquamarine totaling 8.34ct Diamonds 2.54ct Blue Sapphires 0.36ct Weight 4.52gr of 18kt gold Weight 14.61
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18kt White Gold with 6.7ct Diamonds & Brilliant Cut, Moving Dangle Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White Gold With 6.7ct Diamonds & Brilliant Cut Diamonds Moving Dangle Earrings Extremely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stunning Moving 18kt White Gold Necklace with 2.5ct Black and White Diamonds
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning Moving 18kt White Gold Necklace With 2.5ct Black and White Diamonds Comes with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold

Crivelli 18 Kt White Gold Diamond Pendant/Hanger Necklace with Moving Parts
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Crivelli Pendant / Hanger Neckace with Diamond set with Moving Parts ! Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt White Gold and Pavé Moving Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Italian-Made 18k White Gold Pavé Moving Ring is an extraordinary piece from the 1990s
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamond Ring 18 karat White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Chopard Happy Diamond Ring is a luxurious and iconic piece that seamlessly blends
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Moving Boy Clown Large Pendant 0.65ctw Floating Round Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.65 carats. The pendant features movable legs, head
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolette Diamond ring with moving ball VERY RARE 14KT yellow gold 28.11 grams
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A stunning artistic casino ring with a flare! A roulette ring made with a moving ball in 14KT gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Gold Diamond Ruby Inlaid Coral & Black Onyx Moving Clown Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (79) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pavé Set - VS2/SI1 Clarity - G
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Spirit Diamond Ring 18 karat White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
moving diamonds within. These dancing diamonds, unrestrained within their crystal enclosure, create a
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamond Heart Ring 18 karat Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Chopard Happy Diamond Heart Ring is a luxurious and iconic piece that seamlessly blends
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Silver 67 carats Ruby Diamond Lapis Butterfly Ring Moving Wings!
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
18k Gold Silver 67 carats Ruby Diamond Lapis Butterfly Ring Moving Wings! Gross Weight 32.38 gms
Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Rings

BOON Moving Across the Sky Diamond and Pearl Climber Earrings in 18K White Gold
By BOON
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K white gold. Adorned with luminous white pearls and diamonds, these earrings add a touch of
Category

2010s Asian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard, 18 Karat Gold Happy Diamonds Clip Earrings Women 98 Pieces Diamond
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
characterised by moving diamonds that gently dance and twirl to create a joyful cascade of light. Immaculately
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Natural Carved Sapphire and Diamond moving Ring in 22 Karat Matte Finished Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
of brown diamonds on both sides. The whole ring is handcrafted carefully in 22K Yellow gold by our
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold

Messika So Move Pave Diamond Earrings 18K White Gold French Contemporary
By Messika
Located in Lisbon, PT
, the geometric silhouette features the signature central moving diamond—set within a suspended pavé-set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Floating Diamonds Heart Clip On 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
sparkling drops of water in a waterfall, Chopard’s ‘Happy Diamonds’ collection is characterized by moving
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elephant Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Earrings
Located in Geneva, CH
Elephant design, Diamond on Yellow Gold 18K Earrings. Dancing diamonds gently moving and twirling
Category

Early 2000s European Anglo-Indian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Joaillerie 18K White Gold Dancing Diamond Earrings
By Chopard
Located in Aventura, FL
(Moving) 22 Diamonds: 2.05 CT FT Mother Of Pearl: 4 Diamonds Color Grade: F-G Diamonds Clarity Grade: IF
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chocolate Quartz Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Jaipur Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
the quartz droplets and diamonds moving and shimmering for the wearer make for a stunningly beautiful
Category

2010s Indian Modern Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Silver

Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Drop Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
brilliant cut diamonds in a rubover setting joined together by moving flexi bars. The 26 diamonds have an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Band Ring set with Diamonds
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
A Ring set in Yellow Gold and with 3 "moving" white diamonds weighing 0,17 ct. Weight in 19.2K Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika Diamond Baby Move Classique Pavé Ring
By Messika
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating diamond ring by Messika. This piece features three moving round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Legacy Chandelier Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
five tassels consisting of round brilliant cut diamonds leading to freely moving pear cut diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Angel Castelo 18K Onyx Diamond Spinner Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
onyx disk with a moving brilliant-cut diamond creating a floating effect. Surrounding the onyx, a halo
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

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Moving Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate moving diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 7 vintage or 28 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a moving diamond may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. Creating a moving diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Deakin & Francis, Andreoli and Piaget are consistently popular. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also antique cushion cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. Most of our moving diamond for sale are for women, but there are 14 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Moving Diamond?

Prices for a moving diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $450 and can go as high as $25,300, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,819.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.