Rare Mughal Enamel and Diamond Cup, Early 19th Century
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A rare Mughal Enamel and Diamond Cup, early 19th Century The Mughal cup is finely decorated with a combination of red, white, blue, green "Meenakari" enamel on high carat gold.
Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel
Mughal Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Bangle
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Indian 18th century Mughal 22k gold bangle with kundan set diamonds and rubies, featuring fine enamel work.
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Gold, Enamel
Mughal 20kt Gold Diamond Emerald Rubies Enamel Earrings
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Elevate your elegance with these breathtaking Mughal-inspired dangle earrings. Crafted from luxurious 20kt gold, these earrings feature a stunning array of gemstones and intricate de...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Vintage Mughal Indian Enamel Gemstones Earrings
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Beautiful vintage 10kt gold , hand - painted Mughal earrings with fresh water cultured pearls , paste stones , coral and emerald beads at bottom . These kundan style jewelry is hand...
Coral, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, 10k Gold, Enamel
Mughal Revival 22K Enamel Wide Mesh Bracelet Handmade
Located in Miami, FL
A magnificent Mughal Revival 22K gold wide bracelet, entirely handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail.
18k Gold, Enamel
A Rare Mughal Indian Gold and Enamel Mother of Pearl Spoon with Diamonds
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare Mughal Indian Gold and Enamel Mother of Pearl Spoon with Diamonds Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Mughal India with this rare and luxurious gold and enamel spoon, a t...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
East Indian Mughal Enamel Peacock 22K Gold Bangle with Kundan Set Diamond Rubies
Located in Berkeley, CA
This fantastic antique peacock bangle from the Mughal period was made in the mid-late 1800's and is complete with red, blue, and green enamel on 22K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Enamel
$14,939
W 1.78 in L 2.76 in
Rare Gem-Set Gold Enamelled Armlet 'Bazuband' Mughal India 18th/19thCentury
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Centring upon a flowerhead white sapphire surrounded by petals on a green enamel ground and a thin blue enamel border. Mounted in + 22K Gold, with an outstanding enamel work on the r...
Multi-gemstone, 22k Gold
A mughal gold Enamel jaipur ring with diamond polki and Ruby
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A ring with blue and white enamel band done in 22K gold set with diamond polkis at top and encrusted with centre bangkok ruby. The ring takes around two weeks to get completed, the...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Enamel
Unavailable
H 3.23 in W 0.45 in Dm 2.23 in
Mughal Gold Diamond polki crocodile bangle in 22K gold with enamel
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 22K heritage bangle designed as opposing makra (crocodile in sanskrit) head terminals, variously-shaped faceted and table-cut diamonds are set across this bangle which are setted w...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel
Unavailable
Mughal Diamond and Pearl Enameled Bangle
Located in New York, NY
The bangle is made from 22K gold and is enameled inside and outside with beautiful flower motif.
Diamond, 22k Gold
Unavailable
H 0.35 in W 0.68 in L 7.5 in
22K gold Mughal Indian Diamond polki and ruby bracelet with enamel
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 22K gold pair of bracelets each consisting of 13 pieces in flower shape panels. Each panel is set in centre with a glass filling ruby which is surrounded with diamond polki petals ...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Enamel
22K Gold Mughal Peacock enamel kundan meena ring studded with diamond polkis
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A beautiful ring in the form of Peacock with natural top quality diamond slices (polkis) enamelled with blue, red and green colours. The rings is setted in traditional kundan setting...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel
22K gold pink green enamel nine precious gemstones (navratna) Mughal ring
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 22K gold ring decorated with Indian Benarasi Meena (enamel) and studded with nine precious natural gemstones including diamond. The enamel on this ring is an old art which comes f...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Cat’s Eye, Hesso...
Unavailable
W 4.8 in L 3.8 in
22K gold Mughal Indian peacock necklace with diamond polki, enamel and south sea
Located in Bangkok,, TH
the enamel colours are testament to the purity of 22K gold used in making this timeless piece. the piece is accompanied with 2 peacock earrings as well.
Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel
An Early Antique Mughal Diamond and Enamel Bangle
Located in London, GB
A rigid gold bangle set with flowers,each raised from the body and set with flat-cut diamonds.Each flower has blue enamel decoration surrounding the diamonds and red and green enamel...
Diamond, 24k Gold
Unavailable
H 0.6 in W 0.6 in D 0.2 in L 16 in
Mughal Style Indian Enamel Pendant with Rose Cut Diamond
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Pendant with Rose Cut Diamond. Recreation of Jewelry worn by The Mughal's who ruled India from the early Fifteen Hundreds until the late Eighteen Hundreds. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable
H 0.7 in W 0.5 in D 0.3 in L 16 in
Mughal Style Indian Enamel Pendant with Rose Cut Diamond
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Pendant with Rose Cut Diamond. Recreation of Jewelry worn by The Mughal's who ruled India from the early Fifteen Hundreds until the late Eighteen Hundreds. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Mughal Style Indian Enamel Necklace with Organic shaped Rose Cut Diamonds
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Enamel Necklace with Organic shaped Rose Cut Diamonds by Amyn The Jeweler. Recreation of Jewelry worn by The Mughal's who ruled India from the early Fifteen Hu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
H 2.88 in W 1.32 in D 0.55 in L 16 in
Mughal Style Indian Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds and Red Enamel
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds and Red Enamel set in Gold by Amyn The Jeweler ™ The back shows beautiful intricate gallery and repousse work.
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable
H 1.7 in W 1.4 in D 0.125 in L 1.7 in
Mughal Style Indian Chand Bali Earrings with Enamel and Rose Cut Diamond
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Chand Bali Earrings with Rose Cut Diamonds Pearls and Enamel by Amyn The Jeweler ™ Recreation of Jewelry worn by The Mughal's who ruled India from the early Fi...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond and Gold Peacock Pendant Necklace
Located in London, Stockholm
The diamonds are framed by yellow gold with intricate Mughal enamel work on the reverse and on the bell shape below.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Diamond Spinel and Gold Flower Stud Earrings
Located in London, Stockholm
They are framed by Yellow gold with intricate Mughal enamel work on the sides and reverse.
White Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
Diamond Spinel and Gold Flower Stud Earrings
Located in London, Stockholm
They are framed by Yellow gold with intricate Mughal enamel work on the sides and reverse.
White Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Silver
Rare Mughal Enamel Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
One of the famous skills learnt in this period was Meenakari, the artistic play with enamel paints on gold and other metals. While this technique is still used in jewellery-making in...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Mughal India Emerald Diamond Ruby Enamel Gold Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Condition: minor loss of enamel, the 18K gold clasp of the necklace is a modern replacement.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Mughal Enamelled Heart Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding heart shaped locket produced during the Mughal era. Mughal jewellery is notorious for exotic designs with birds, flowers and paisley being the most common...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Mughal Earring with Blue Enamel Handcrafted in 18K Gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
The earring is handcrafted in 18K Gold by our highly trained artisans. The uncut diamond used is called "Polki" in hindi and the stones are set in the earring using a bezel of pure g...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Indian Mughal Diamond and Enamel Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally crafted bracelet made during the Mughal Empire. This antique bracelet has two sides one with exquisite enamel and one with very rose cut diamonds. Provenance: From ...
Diamond, 22k Gold
Sold
W 0.63 in Dm 7.1 in L 7.1 in
Mughal Empire Vintage Enameled Bracelet 22Kt Gold 8.93 Ctw in Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Hallmarks: None, tested for .9175/.9999 gold, 22 karats. Mughal jewelry. Five centuries ago, India was under the rule and influence of the Mughal dynasty.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 0.75 in L 3.15 in
21st Century Antique Mughal Gold Diamond Piece Jade Silver Birds Enamel Earrings
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century Antique Mughal Gold Diamond Piece Jade Silver Birds Enamel Earrings Vicente Gracia Antique Mughal Gold Diamond Piece Jade Earrings Earrings in silver in gold plated, f...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Jade, Malachite, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite Maharajas & Mughal Magnificenct Necklace and Heavy Antique Gold Matching Earrings Jadau Traditional K...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique High Karat Gold Enameled Mughal Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1800-40s, 20-22k, Colonial India, Victorian Export. Made from a matched pair of high karat gold hatpins, these stunning earrings feature brilliant enamel work, peridot, and ...
Natural Pearl, Peridot, Gold, Enamel
Indian Mughal-Style Enamel Turquoise Pearl Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An Indian Mid 20th Century 18 karat gold and enamel necklace with turquoise, seed pearls and beads.
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Sold
W 1.25 in L 1.75 in
Antique Indian Mughal 22 Karat Gold Topaz Pearl Necklace Enamel Bridal Wedding
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful antique Indian Mughal Jeweled Pendant in 22 Karat Gold set with gorgeous Topaz gems with Pearls in a classic medallion design with exquisite Enamel bird and flowe...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 2.37 in D 0.4 in L 2.07 in
Rajasthani Aria Mughal Diamond Ruby Seed Pearl Enamel Crescent Gold Necklace
Located in Tustin, CA
Gorgeous, reversible, yellow gold choker necklace from India is in the Mughal Dynasty style of royal wedding jewelry.
Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Red Enamel Suite Maharajas & Mughal Magnificenct Necklace and Heavy Antique Gold Matching Earrings Jadau Traditional K...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Kundan Polki Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Pendant with 18 Karat yellow gold chain Maharajas & Mughal Magnificenct Necklace Jadau Traditional Kundan rea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Mughal Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Bangle
Located in Lake Forest, IL
A 22 karat yellow gold, ruby, diamond, and enamel bangle style bracelet.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Contemporary Mughal Style Diamond, Enamel and Gold Pendant
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Beautifully handcrafted Indian 22 karat yellow gold pendant. Fashioned in a Mughal style, the pendant is set with rose-cut diamonds, rubies and green foil-backed beryl while the reve...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
15th Century Inspired Mughal Mural Motif Enamel and Diamond Earrings
Located in London, W1U 2JG
So much historical influence behind this earring – Drawing on from real wall motifs and murals found in old palaces from the Mughal rule in the 15th century. A mix of silver and gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 2.3 in W 1.7 in D 0.8 in L 18 in
Mughal Style Indian Enamel Double Sided Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mughal Style Indian Double Sided Pendant with Rose Cut Diamonds and Green Enamel on one side and Red Enamel on the other side. Recreation of Jewelry worn by The Mughal's who ruled I...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Mughal Indian Enamelled Gold Whistle
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This fantastic antique whistle pendant is adorned with vibrant enamel work in the Mughal style. The motifs include birds, star-shaped flowers, and intricate foliate patterns, all fin...
24k Gold
Mughal Style Diamond, Pearl, Enamel and Gold Earrings
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Beautiful Mughal style diamond earrings set in 22 karat gold with a pearl drop.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 22k Gold
Mughal Magnificent Traditional Bead & Cabochon Multi Color Vintage Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Mughal Magnificenct Traditional Bead & Cabochon Multi Color Vintage Necklace Jadau Traditional Kundan Synthetic stones in Yellow Gold tone, its not gold Base Metal : metal Metal P...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,775 / set
W 1 in L 1.88 in
Pair 19th Century Carved Coral Rosebud and Leaf 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Very fine quality antique carved red coral and 14K yellow gold Rosebud earrings 19th Century Each earring composed of delicately hand carved coral rosebuds and foliage ideal for a fa...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 12
Beautiful 1990s Badgley Mischka Size 12 Fully Beaded Grey Vintage 90s Deco Gown
By Badgley Mischka, BADGLEY MISHCKA
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 1990s BADGLEY MISCHKA size 12 gray fully beaded + rhinestone deco style evening gown! Features elegant 3/4 sleeves with a fitted bodice and forgiving skirt. Hand cr...
1996Jean Paul Gaultier Velvet Gown with Large Fabric Beads
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
1996 Jean Paul Gaultier maroon velvet evening gown with long straps and extra large fabric covered beads - 6 1/2" L x 1 1/4" W. 29" bust, 32" waist, 32.5" hips, 59" length. Co...
Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful velvet Vivienne Westwood Jacket. Cut in a stunning velvet that seems to absorb and refract light like oil on water, the piece balances romance and rebellion with signature ...
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 10
1990s Bob Mackie Size 10 Black Crepe Sexy 90s Vintage High Slit Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet sophisticated 1990s BOB MACKIE black crepe bodycon evening dress! Features an elegant sweetheart neckline, with satin trim. Figure flattering silhouette that hugs the body ...
Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag or evening clutch is completely...
$746Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Petite Small - Medium
1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress
By Lillie Rubin, Janine of London
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 90s JANINE OF LONDON for LILLIE RUBIN silver gray crushed velvet metallic bodycon dress! Features the softest crushed velvet that stretches to fit. Has what first appears to be ...
$5,649
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
Rare 1948 Jacques Fath Beaded Chantilly Lace Dress Gown
By Jacques Fath
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French designer, Jacques Fath has been called the "Couturier's Couturier" and was considered one of the greatest couturiers of the 1950's. He was known for his outstanding opulent hi...
Genuine & Natural Plain Emerald Beads Necklace and Indian Kundan Enamel Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A Genuine & Natural Plain Emerald Beads Necklace with an Indian Kundan Enamel Pendant. The emerald beads are 5 to 6MM. The clasp is 14K Yellow Gold. Total Weight: 193 carats, the len...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
$19,504
Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Givenchy by Alexander McQueen beige angora wool and shearling coat, c. 1999-2001
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Givenchy beige maxi coat ▪ Designed by Alexander McQueen ▪ Large shearling collar and cuffs ▪ Double breasted ▪ Center pleat to the back ▪ 65% Angora, 35% Wool ▪ 100% Acetate linin...
Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Never worn Paco Rabanne Gold chain link sleeveless cocktail dress. New with tag. In excellent condition. Fit size 4-6
Rare Gem 22k Gold Armlet 'Bazuband' Mughal India 18th-19th Century
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: A stunning unique antique pendant in 22K yellow gold with 11 gemstones, and studded with diamonds, engraved and adorned with enamel work. Originally an armband, and later co...
Coral, Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tiger's Eye, Turqu...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 25 Bag Blanc Casse Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a vintage limited edition Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in rare Blanc Casse lizard. Exquisite pale buttery cream perfectly complimented by lush Gold hardware. This ...
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.