Belle Epoque diamond ring bicolore white and yellow gold 18 Karat
Located in Uccle, BE
The ring is set with an old cut elongated cushion shape diamond of approximately 1.35 carats, a pair of old European cut diamonds for a total of approximately 1.02 Carats, 1 old cut ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring. 2.20ct Emerald Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the center stone is a luminous halo of old European cut diamonds, while pear-shaped diamonds accent each shoulder.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The gracefully contoured bow is adorned with sparkling diamonds, centering on a larger old European-cut diamond, while two pear-shaped sapphire drops add a touch of fluid movement.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Antique Platinum 19.5ct Diamond Art Deco Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
It is crafted in platinum and features a pattern of old European and pear-cut diamonds, totaling 19.5 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage sapphire ruby emerald diamond platinum Tutti Frutti earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Accenting the carved gemstones are 32 old European and rose cut pear diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat in total.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Brooch, Platinum
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco brooch in platinum, built as a geometric openwork plaque with a pear-shaped old-cut diamond suspended at its heart and a dense field of smaller old cuts filling the pierc...
19th Century Diamonds Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
This charming, small antique brooch depicts a bow and ribbons. It is set with old-cut diamonds, and two pear-shaped pearls supposedly fine, believed to be fine quality, are attached ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Ro...
0.63Ct Sapphire and 0.77Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Snake Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The serpents' heads are independently ornamented with a 0.63ct oval faceted cut sapphire and a 0.62ct Old European pear cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Indian Ruby, Pearl & Diamond Necklace — 18 Natural Burma Rubies No Heat
Located in OVIEDO, AS
The chain suspends a magnificent pear-shaped pendant drop set with a large old-cut diamond at centre, surrounded by oval-cut rubies and further pearl fringes — the whole measuring 34...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 22k Gold
Antique Edwardian 15K Yellow Gold and Platinum Pearl and Diamond Stick Pin
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian pearl, diamond, platinum and yellow gold stick pin, comprising one old single cut diamond, and one pear-shaped pearl, in platinum and 15 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
“Antique 14k Gold Russian Locket Pendant with Diamond & Sapphire, 1890”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold russian locket pendant centered with a pear shape old cut diamond and navy blue natural sapphire pendant dates back to the russian imperial era 1880/1899.c hall mark...
A late 18th century diamond flower brooch
Located in London, GB
A large late 18th century diamond flower brooch, the central old-cut diamond surrounded by six petals of openwork design, centrally-set with old mind and pear-shaped cut diamonds, al...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara, the five openwork foliate garland design sections graduating in size from the centre, each featuring three old-European cut diamonds within a pear...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
A George III diamond and blue glass mourning ring
Located in London, GB
A George III diamond and blue glass mourning ring, the urn set with a pear-shaped old-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.35 carats and smaller rose-cut diamonds, applied on an oval blu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Fine Victorian Diamond Scroll Brooch
Located in London, GB
A fine Victorian diamond scroll brooch strung here as a centrepiece on a cultured pearl choker necklace, centrally-set set with a row of graduating old European-cut diamonds and two ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
A Pair of Rare Late Georgian Diamond Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late Georgian open-work diamond drop earrings, set with three graduating old brilliant-cut diamonds, the principal pear shaped diamonds weighing approximately 3.5 carats th...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
A Pair Of Early Victorian Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Hanging from the bow is a further cluster, with a sparkling old-cut pear-shaped diamond set in the centre. These elegant and feminine earrings have a lively sparkle to them and catch...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Art Deco 2.76ct Burmese Ruby & Diamond Ring, Platinum, Circa 1930
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco ruby and diamond ring, the cushion-shaped ruby weighing 2.76 carats, accompanied by GCS report, stating to be of Burmese origin with no indications of heating, four claw-...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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.