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Old Diamonds

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Antique Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Pearl Drop Pendant
Antique Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Pearl Drop Pendant

Antique Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Pearl Drop Pendant

Located in New York, NY

appeal. Weight: 1.6 Grams Stone: 0.45tcw Old European Cut Diamonds Stone: Pearl Measurements: 4.82 x

Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Romantic Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Romantic Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum

Romantic Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum

Located in Bloomington, MN

Romantic Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this antique ring features a

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Marquise Navette Old Cut Diamond & Emerald
Victorian Marquise Navette Old Cut Diamond & Emerald

Victorian Marquise Navette Old Cut Diamond & Emerald

Located in beverly hills, CA

shaped field of glittering mine cut diamonds, subtly enhanced at the shoulders with two single diamonds

Category

Antique 1840s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

2.47 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Drop Earrings
2.47 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Drop Earrings

2.47 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Drop Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Diamond weighing a total of 2.17 carats, and 2 smaller Old European cut top Diamonds weighing a total of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

GIA Old European Round Diamond Ring in Platinum
GIA Old European Round Diamond Ring in Platinum

GIA Old European Round Diamond Ring in Platinum

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous 1.06 ct. L color I2 clarity old Euro white diamond round. Handmade in platinum. Ring

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

A Gold Butterfly Necklace with Old Cut Diamonds
A Gold Butterfly Necklace with Old Cut Diamonds

A Gold Butterfly Necklace with Old Cut Diamonds

Located in Amsterdam, NL

An 18 carat yellow gold necklace with old cut diamonds (app. 10 carat),  most likely originating

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

1910 Edwardian Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
1910 Edwardian Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

1910 Edwardian Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in South Pasadena, CA

1910 Edwardian Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring. The Edwardian Old European Diamond

Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1920s Antique Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch
1920s Antique Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch

1920s Antique Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Old European cut diamonds total approximately 0.61 carats. Platinum and 14K gold.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold

.50ct Natural Diamonds Old Mine Vintage Ring 14kt*
.50ct Natural Diamonds Old Mine Vintage Ring 14kt*

.50ct Natural Diamonds Old Mine Vintage Ring 14kt*

Located in New York, NY

Hand Bead Set Pave Vintage Ring. .50ct. Old Mine Natural round cut diamond Durable Built. Si-1

Category

2010s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Old cut diamond dress ring, French, circa 1970.
Old cut diamond dress ring, French, circa 1970.

Old cut diamond dress ring, French, circa 1970.

Located in London, GB

Old cut diamond dress ring. Set to centre with an round old cut diamond in an open back claw

Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Edwardian Platinum Navette Old European Diamond Brooch
Estate Edwardian Platinum Navette Old European Diamond Brooch

Estate Edwardian Platinum Navette Old European Diamond Brooch

Located in Hicksville, NY

Estate Edwardian Platinum Navette Old European Diamond Brooch Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring
Art Deco 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring

Art Deco 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring

Located in London, GB

antique piece features a chunky 0.80 carat old mine cut diamond at the centre of the face. This principal

Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Antique Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Antique Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Early 20th century work "Toi & Moi" ring in yellow gold 750‰, platinum 850‰, claw-set old-cut

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Bangle
Victorian Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Bangle

Victorian Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Bangle

Located in London, GB

with 2 rows of both old cut diamonds and rich blue sapphires, in a 2 row formation. The mid to dark

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold

3.95ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
3.95ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

3.95ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

elegance set in vintage platinum. The centerpiece is a GIA-certified 3.55ct old European cut diamond

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

Located in Denver, CO

This stunning Victorian era solitaire engagement ring features an Old Mine-cut center stone

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1ct Diamond Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring Platinum
1ct Diamond Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring Platinum

1ct Diamond Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring Platinum

Located in New York, NY

: Old European Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite diamond cluster ring showcases a captivating old

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Edwardian 1.25ct Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring
Platinum Edwardian 1.25ct Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring

Platinum Edwardian 1.25ct Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

] Weight: 3.8 grams Diamond Details: 1.25ct, Old Mine brilliant, J Color, I1 Clarity (Eye Clean), Natural

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch
Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch

Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch

$11,950

H 0.17 in W 0.24 in L 2.51 in

Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Brooch

Located in Seattle, WA

diamonds with a total carat weight of approximately 4.26ctw shine bright in gleaming platinum, with

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This elegant Old European Cut diamond engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love and commitment

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 3.58 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Art Deco 3.58 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

Art Deco 3.58 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have an exquisite engagement ring focally featuring an impressive 3.58 carat old mine cut

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Crown Brooch
Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Crown Brooch

Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Crown Brooch

Located in London, GB

chunky old mine cut diamonds, each exhibiting a captivating radiance. The crown's intricate structure is

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Old Europe Diamond Engagement Ring
Art Deco Old Europe Diamond Engagement Ring

Art Deco Old Europe Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Bethesda, MD

From the Art Deco period a 1.35 carat diamond engagement ring ♦ Metal: Platinum ♦ Old European cut

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This phenomenal

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Edwardian Openwork Filigree Old European Diamond Ring
Platinum Edwardian Openwork Filigree Old European Diamond Ring

Platinum Edwardian Openwork Filigree Old European Diamond Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

] Weight: 4.3 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, old European cut diamonds, G Color, VS Clarity

Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring 2.75ct
Platinum Art Deco Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring 2.75ct

Platinum Art Deco Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring 2.75ct

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ring with an Old Euro Cut center stone. There are small accent Diamonds

Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique Russian old mine cut diamond brooch with an estimate diamond weight of 2.5 carats H color

Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique Russian old mine cut diamond brooch with an estimate diamond weight of 1.20 carats stone

Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian old cut diamond sapphire iron silver peacock brooch
Victorian old cut diamond sapphire iron silver peacock brooch

Victorian old cut diamond sapphire iron silver peacock brooch

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

of the peacock is adorned with glowing old mine cut diamonds in rare fancy yellow tones, creating a

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Silver

1.15 ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring
1.15 ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring

1.15 ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring

By Hakimi's Gem

Located in Chicago, IL

This captivating natural European-cut diamond ring is a timeless expression of vintage elegance

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 0.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring
Antique 0.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring

Antique 0.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have refined single stone ring showcasing a captivating old mine-cut diamond as its focal

Category

Early 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2.57ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
2.57ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

2.57ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1.42ct old European cut diamond, GIA certified at F-SI2. Exceptionally white and perfectly eye clean, it

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace

Located in London, GB

Here we have a charming diamond necklace. This Victorian pendant has been crafted from silver into

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1.85ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
1.85ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

1.85ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This diamond engagement ring is truly something special! Featuring a 1.50ct old mine cut diamond

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

3.19ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
3.19ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

3.19ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

antique cushion-shaped Old Mine Cut diamond exudes vintage sophistication, offering a unique sparkle that

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.09ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
2.09ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

2.09ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Behold our extraordinary old Mine cut diamond engagement ring, a masterpiece of unique beauty set

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Cufflinks
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Cufflinks

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Cufflinks

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique Russian cufflinks centered with old mine cut diamond in ingraved designs with magnificent

Category

Antique Early 1900s Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1.75ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
1.75ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

1.75ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

its heart is a 1.20ct old mine cut diamond, GIA graded at E-SI1, showcasing a pristine white hue and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster and Enamel Earrings
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster and Enamel Earrings

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster and Enamel Earrings

Located in London, GB

identical antique pieces feature a centralised cluster of round faceted old mine-cut diamonds, elegantly

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA-certified 19 Carat Old European Diamond Ring
GIA-certified 19 Carat Old European Diamond Ring

GIA-certified 19 Carat Old European Diamond Ring

By Antinori Fine Jewels

Located in Chicago, IL

This exceptional platinum ring features a breathtaking GIA-certified 19 carat diamond as its

Category

2010s Italian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Circa 1890s Old Miner Diamond and Sapphire  Ring
Circa 1890s Old Miner Diamond and Sapphire  Ring

Circa 1890s Old Miner Diamond and Sapphire Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

grams Diamond Details: Old Mine Brilliant, .40ct total weight, F Color, VS Clarity Sapphire Details

Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

GIA Certified 9.14 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Diamond Ring
GIA Certified 9.14 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Diamond Ring

GIA Certified 9.14 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Diamond Ring

By Antinori Fine Jewels

Located in Chicago, IL

carat Old Mine Brilliant cut diamond, offering exceptional character and historic charm. The center

Category

2010s Italian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum A striking example of Art Deco elegance

Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian old mine cut diamond flower silver gold brooch
Victorian old mine cut diamond flower silver gold brooch

Victorian old mine cut diamond flower silver gold brooch

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

design favored during the late 19th century. Set with forty nine old mine and rose cut diamonds totaling

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Substantial Old European Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Substantial Old European Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Substantial Old European Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

This graduated diamond tennis bracelet is set entirely with old European cut diamonds and dates to

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Ring
14K White Gold Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Ring

14K White Gold Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Ring

Located in Venice, CA

This gorgeous floral ring centers around an Old European Cut diamond, with eight petal-like

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

5.10 Carat Old Cut Diamond Shell Stud Earrings
5.10 Carat Old Cut Diamond Shell Stud Earrings

5.10 Carat Old Cut Diamond Shell Stud Earrings

By Rewa Jewellery

Located in Bangkok, TH

A pair of new old cut and diamond earrings from Rewa. The two main stones are approximately 2.05

Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Circa 1920s Pltainum Old European Diamond and Onyx Ring
Circa 1920s Pltainum Old European Diamond and Onyx Ring

Circa 1920s Pltainum Old European Diamond and Onyx Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

] Weight: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: .55ct, Old European Brilliant, F Color, VS Clarity. Side

Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Old Cut Diamond Art Deco Circa 1920 Bracelet in Platinum
Old Cut Diamond Art Deco Circa 1920 Bracelet in Platinum

Old Cut Diamond Art Deco Circa 1920 Bracelet in Platinum

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous 8.00 ct. old cut diamonds set in platinum. Circa 1920.

Category

Vintage 1920s Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.30ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
1.30ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

1.30ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Mark Broumand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

luxurious 18k rose gold. The centerpiece is a GIA-certified 1.00ct antique cushion cut diamond, radiating

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

3.30 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
3.30 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring

3.30 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

We love a big chunky old European cut diamond, and this ring is set with an exceptional example

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2.95 Carat Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Ring
Edwardian 2.95 Carat Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Ring

Edwardian 2.95 Carat Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Ring

Located in London, GB

piece showcases two round faceted chunky old cut diamonds, each sitting proud in a four clawed setting

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pearl Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Brooch
Pearl Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Brooch

Pearl Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Brooch

Located in New York, NY

old mine cut diamonds. Brooch measures 1.75" x 0.75". Not hallmarked. Weight of the piece - 11.2 grams.

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold

TVJ 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Earrings
TVJ 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Earrings

TVJ 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Earrings

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. Each earring features a round faceted old mine cut

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Edwardian 8.0 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum Brooch Pendant
Edwardian 8.0 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum Brooch Pendant

Edwardian 8.0 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum Brooch Pendant

Located in Napoli, IT

magnificent workmanship of intricate scrolls fulfilling an accurate openwork overwhelmed by old cut Diamonds

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Old Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of old diamonds. Frequently made of Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Find a collection of 12759 vintage versions or 1437 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Pieces in our collection of old diamonds made by Art Deco jewelers — as well as those associated with Victorian — are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Single Stone, Hancocks and Mark Broumand are often thought to be among the most beautiful. There are many old european cut, old mine cut and round cut old diamonds for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of old diamonds, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Old Diamonds?

Prices for old diamonds can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $27 and can go as high as $1,750,000, while old diamonds, on average, fetch $6,014.

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.