2.50ct Natural Untreated Red Spinel & Diamond Halo 18K White Gold Dress Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This magnificent dress ring features a breathtaking Natural Unheated Spinel – of impressive size 2.50ct (approx.) – 9.00 x 7.91 x 4.34mm, of superb vivid intense deep crimson red c...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL Unheated 3.01 ct Natural Red Ruby in Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
AGL Unheated 3.01 ct Natural Red Ruby in Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Ruby and Diamond Ring features an AGL certified natural oval Red Ruby weighing 3.01 carats set in a dome style ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Vivid Red Spinel and Double Halo Diamond Oval Stud Earrings, Glows
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video. Here is a pair of glowing vivid red spinel stud earrings. The earrings is set in 18k rose gold and diamonds. There are 0.49Cts of round brilliant full ...
Diamond, Spinel, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
2.70 Carat Natural Deep Red Ruby Diamond Double Halo Dangle Earrings 14 Karat**
Located in New York, NY
Natural cushion cut Rubies. 5.2 X 4.5mm each. Clean clarity, Deep Reds & Transparent.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.00 Carat Natural Deep Red Ruby Diamond by Yard Dangle Earrings 14 Karat**
Located in New York, NY
Natural Rounds Brilliant cut Rubies. Clean clarity, Deep Reds & Transparent.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1.60 Carat Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.60 Carats Impressive Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Total Natural Red Ruby Weight is: Approx. 1.00 Carats Ruby Measures: Approx. 7.00 X 5.00mm Natural Round ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Diamond - 0.32ct Natural Loose Fancy Deep Orangy Pink (Red Color) GIA Pear
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $13,500 Item Stock Number - FDP23573587 Certificate Number - GIA 2235736587 Shape - Cushion Carat Weight - 0.32ct Measurements - 5.62 x 3.50 x 2.2...
Pink Diamond
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Vivid Red Natural Ruby, 5.50 cts., White Diamond 18K Gold Bracelet.
Located in Aspen, CO
13 very fine red rubies are prong set and surrounded by diamonds. These oval rubies are a bright vivid red color and weigh approximately 5 cts. This 18K white gold bracelet is well m...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
4.00ct GIA Burma Antique EF Natural Unheated Red Ruby & Old Diamonds Ring 18K
Located in New York, NY
ITEM SPECIFICATION DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $12,500 Item Stock Number - 344721121 Shape - Round, Old Cut Carat Weight - 1.00ct Ruby, 3.00ct Diamonds Measurements - ring to...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,552Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond 1.16 carat 3 Cluster Red Rubies Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This stunning cluster baguette and diamond ring has a colour stone border to give it that extra sparkle in 18KTWhite Gold. Make a commitment to glamour, integrity and style with t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mozambique Red Ruby & Diamond Curb Chain Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant chain bracelet features a 0.45 carat ruby set in 14K yellow gold. The ruby measuring 5.8 x 4.1 mm in a classic prong setting. The center stone is accented by 0.13 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring Red Sapphire and Diamonds natural gemstone, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, 7US
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Red Sapphire and Diamonds natural gemstone Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, 7US, Certified!
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.40 Carat Natural Fine Gem Red Ruby Diamond Earrings Dangle Hoop 14 Karat**
Located in New York, NY
1.30ct. Natural Rubies Vibrant and Strong Saturation Fully Faceted Ovals for maximum brilliance Clean Clarity and transparent The Fine Gem Red Average 5.4 X 5.2mm of each 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pinkish Red Rubellites Gemstone 6.93 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Color: The diamonds are a pristine white, creating a stunning contrast against the pinkish-red rubellites.
Diamond, Rubelite
12.60 Carat Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
12.60 Carats Impressive Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Total Red Ruby Weight is Approx. 12.00 Carats Ruby Measures: Approx. 13.00 x 10.00mm Ruby Treatment: Lead...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.60 Carat Impressive Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.60 Carats Impressive Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Total Red Ruby Weight is Approx. 1.10 Carats Ruby Treatment: Lead Glass Filling Ruby Measures: Approx. 7mm ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.80 Carat Impressive Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.80 Carats Impressive Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Total Red Ruby Weight is: Approx. 1.50 Carats Ruby Treatment: Lead Glass Filling Ruby Measures: Approx. 8.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Red Natural Oval Ruby 8.88 carat and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Red Natural Oval Ruby 8.88 carats and Diamond Ring in Platinum Natural Ruby and Diamond Rings features an 8.88 carat natural Red Ruby with an Oval faceted cut surrounded by 12 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3.00 Carat Natural Deep Red Ruby Diamond by Yard Dangle Earrings 14 Karat**
Located in New York, NY
Natural Rounds Brilliant cut Rubies. Clean clarity, Deep Reds & Transparent.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
9.77 Carat Natural Vivid-Red Rubies & Diamonds Tennis Necklace Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful necklace set in platinum featuring a total of 9.77 Carats of Rubies and 4.40 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Ea...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 4.27 Carat Natural Purplish Red Spinel GIA and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Impressive Oval captivating GIA Purplish Red Spinel and Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
6.51 Carat Vivid Red Natural Ruby Diamonds Alternating Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Classic Alternating Tennis. 3.74ct. Natural ruby bracelet. Rounds, full cuts Clean clarity Transparent & Vivid Reds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural Red Oval Ruby and White Diamond 0.93 Carat TW Gold Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with natural oval cut red ruby's complimented by natural round cut red ruby's and natural round white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Natural Red Ruby Diamond 5.40ct Three Stone Trilogy Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
At its centre, a magnificent 4.54ct oval faceted natural ruby, with its deep, rich red hue, takes centre stage and exudes vibrant allure.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
5.94 Carat Natural Red No Heat Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings 14 Karat Unheated*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Vivid Red Rubies 6.3 X 4.5mm (average) Full cut Pear brilliants.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Natural Oval Red Ruby and White Diamond 0.89 Carat TW Gold Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with a natural oval cut red ruby. The ruby is surrounded by natural round cut red ruby's & natural round cut white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Pear Red Ruby and White Diamond .91 Carat TW Gold Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Total Weight: .91cts Natural Pear Cut Red Ruby Natural Round Cut Red Ruby Natural Round White Diamonds 14K White Gold All diamonds are guaranteed natural International Shipment...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rare 1.42ct Burma Ruby Natural Unheated Red Ruby Mogok & Diamonds Ring 18K GRS
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $12,500 Item Stock Number - 4363146573658 Certificate Number - GRS2024-118547 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - Ruby - 1.22ct, Diamonds 0.20ct Measureme...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Red Oval Ruby and White Diamond 1.46 Carat TW Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with natural oval cut red ruby's complimented by natural round cut red ruby's and natural round white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Pear Red Ruby and White Diamond 1.36 Carat TW Gold Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with a natural pear cut red ruby. The ruby is surrounded by natural round cut white diamond melee and natural round cut red rubys.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
10.88 Carat Natural Red No Heat Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings 18 Karat Unheated*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Vivid Red Rubies 7.5 X 5.7 - 6.7 x 4.7 (range) Full cut Pear brilliants.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.95Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Karat Vivid Red and Origin*
Located in New York, NY
Red Prime Ruby Ring 1.63ct. Natural GIA Certified Ruby Ring GIA Certified Report ID: 6173627333 7.31 X 5.22 X 4.59mm Full cut oval brilliant, Transparent The Vivid Red & Ori...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Exquisite 3.16 Carat Natural Untreated Red Ruby and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisite 3.16 Carats Natural Untreated Red Ruby and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Stud Earrings Amazing looking piece!
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
11.83 Carat Vivid Red Natural Ruby Diamonds Tennis Bracelet 14kt Gold Two-Toned*
Located in New York, NY
Ruby, Classic Alternating Tennis. 4.52ct. Natural ruby bracelet. Round, full cuts Clean clarity Transparent & Vivid Reds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Round Red Ruby and White Diamond .70 Carat TW Rose Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with natural round cut red ruby. The ruby are surrounded by natural round cut white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Black Onyx, Red Coral & Diamond Earring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a black onyx...
3 Carat Vivid Red Natural Ruby Diamonds Alternating Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Classic Alternating Tennis. 1.65ct. Natural ruby bracelet. Rounds, full cuts Clean clarity Transparent & Vivid Reds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural Red Pear Ruby and White Diamond 1.65 Carat TW Gold Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K White Gold setting with natural pear cut red ruby's complimented by natural round white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 1.09 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 1.36 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Oval Red Ruby and White Diamond 0.92 Carat TW Gold Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 18K White Gold setting with a natural oval cut red ruby. The ruby is surrounded natural round cut white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Red Round Ruby and White Diamond 1.26 Carat TW White Gold Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K White Gold setting with natural round cut red ruby's. These earrings include both natural round red ruby's and natural round white diamond melee in a beaut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 1.27 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.90 Ct Natural Unheated Red Spinel 1.0 Ct Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Further Details Below Metal: platinum Hallmarks: assay Gems: 1 oval faceted cut natural unheated red spinel of approx 1.90 Ct (8.7 mm. x 6.7 mm.) – brilliant cut diamonds totalling ...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 1.11 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Art Deco Style Orange Red Ruby Natural Diamond Oval Halo Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Surrounding the ruby is a halo of thirty brilliantly sparkling round brilliant-cut natural diamonds, creating an exquisite contrast of fire and colour.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 1.03 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 0.61 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 1.20 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 0.72 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Purplish Red Rubellite Gemstone 0.77 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the captivating elegance of natural purplish-red rubellite with this stunning pendant, beautifully set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Grey Color Baroque Pearls Pink Opal Gold Diamonds Red Enamel Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The upper part consists of 2 round cabochons of natural pink opal, then in the central part we have a white gold element, diamonds and red enamel, at the bottom there are 2 baroque p...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Natural Grey Color Baroque Pearls Pink Opal Gold Diamonds Red Enamel Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER The upper part consists of 2 round cabochons of natural pink opal, then in the central part we have a white gold element, diamonds and red e...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Natural Round Red Ruby and White Diamond .77 Carat TW Gold Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K White Gold setting with natural round cut red rubies. The rubies are surrounded by natural round cut white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Oval Red Ruby and White Diamond .83 Carat TW Rose Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with a natural oval cut red ruby. The ruby is surrounded by natural round cut red ruby's & natural round cut white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
10 Carat Sapphire Old Mine Diamond Bracelet Natural Red Blue Star Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely magnificent antique Natural Multicolor Sapphire, Star Sapphire and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet in Silver.
Sapphire, Diamond, Star Sapphire, Silver
Natural Pinkish Red Ruby & Diamond Floral Motif Ring in 14K White Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
0.91 carat round cut pinkish red color natural ruby in 14k white and yellow gold floral motif ring.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Natural Round Red Ruby and White Diamond .35 Carat TW Rose Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 14K Rose Gold setting with a natural round cut red ruby. The ruby is surrounded by natural round cut white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Vivid Red Spinel 6.5mm x 5.5mm & Diamond 3 Stone Cocktail Ring, Glows
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The center natural (no treatment) vivid red Spinel. There are 2 colorless step cut natural diamonds one on each side of the center spinel.
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pinkish Red Rubellite Gemstone 5.03 cts in 14KWG Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Color: The diamonds are a pristine white, creating a stunning contrast against the pinkish-red rubellite.
Diamond, Rubelite, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.