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Old Diamonds

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Platinum Diamond Necklace. 20TCW Old European Cut Diamond Necklace Double Wrap
Platinum Diamond Necklace. 20TCW Old European Cut Diamond Necklace Double Wrap

Platinum Diamond Necklace. 20TCW Old European Cut Diamond Necklace Double Wrap

Located in New York, NY

-carats of dazzling old European-cut diamonds. Each diamond is meticulously bezel-set, enhancing its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Circa 1920s GIA 1.08ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Circa 1920s GIA 1.08ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Circa 1920s GIA 1.08ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2235353896 Weight: 1.08ct total weight Cut: Old

Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Circa 1930s GIA 1.03ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Circa 1930s GIA 1.03ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Circa 1930s GIA 1.03ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 7235180040 Weight: 1.03ct total weight Cut: Old European

Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Set With 1.16ct Old cut Diamond
18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Set With 1.16ct Old cut Diamond

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Set With 1.16ct Old cut Diamond

Located in London, GB

This exquisite 18ct yellow gold ring showcases a stunning 1.16ct old cut diamond, radiating vintage

Category

2010s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.17ct Old Euro Diamond & Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
1.17ct Old Euro Diamond & Yellow Gold Engagement Ring

1.17ct Old Euro Diamond & Yellow Gold Engagement Ring

Located in San Francisco, CA

Combining old and new, this 18k gold ring will appeal to everyone! Featuring an Old European-cut

Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Silver-Topped Gold and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bracelet
Silver-Topped Gold and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bracelet

Silver-Topped Gold and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

cut diamonds, weighing approximately 0.80 carat total, alongside numerous old mine and single cut

Category

Mid-20th Century Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Drop Shape Old Mine Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Drop Shape Old Mine Diamond Ring, circa 1935

Drop Shape Old Mine Diamond Ring, circa 1935

Located in London, GB

Drop shape old mine diamond ring. Set to centre with a drop shape old mine diamond, D colour, VVS2

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Diamond Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring I VS2
Antique Diamond Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring I VS2

Antique Diamond Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring I VS2

Located in New York, NY

centers on a striking Approx 1.20-carat old European cut diamond secured in refined square prongs. Graded

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Two Stone Diamond Elongated Ring. 1TCW Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum
Two Stone Diamond Elongated Ring. 1TCW Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum

Two Stone Diamond Elongated Ring. 1TCW Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum

Located in New York, NY

Primary Stone: Diamonds Primary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.4-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco old cut diamond sapphire platinum dinner ring
Art Deco old cut diamond sapphire platinum dinner ring

Art Deco old cut diamond sapphire platinum dinner ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

transitional cut diamond, offering a beautiful balance between old-world charm and modern brilliance

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Center Old-Cut Diamond
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Center Old-Cut Diamond

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Center Old-Cut Diamond

Located in Los Angeles, CA

center diamond surrounded by round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.95 carats. The combination of the old

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Circa 1930s 1.30ct Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Circa 1930s 1.30ct Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Circa 1930s 1.30ct Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.30ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity

Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Old Cut Diamond Marquise Shaped Platinum Dress Ring
Old Cut Diamond Marquise Shaped Platinum Dress Ring

Old Cut Diamond Marquise Shaped Platinum Dress Ring

Located in London, GB

Marquise shaped dress ring featuring an old cut diamond weighing 0.87ct in the centre with two old

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique Russian ring centered with old mine cut diamonds with an estimate diamond weight of 0.80

Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k
Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k

Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k

Located in Bloomington, MN

Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k This ring is crafted in 14k two-tone gold and

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian 50.00 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Necklace
Antique Georgian 50.00 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Necklace

Antique Georgian 50.00 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in silver over gold with Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Vintage 1.3CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Vintage 1.3CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Vintage 1.3CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Montgomery, AL

Diamond; J Color; VS1 Clarity; Estimated Weight: 0.55 Carat 2 - 4.2mm Old European Cut Diamonds;J Color

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Ring
Edwardian Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Ring

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Ring

Located in London, GB

faceted old cut diamonds before the piece is finished with a plain slimming band. Condition: Used (Very

Category

Antique Early 1900s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Platinum 0.30ct Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Antique Platinum 0.30ct Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Antique Platinum 0.30ct Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

showcases a sparkling 0.30-carat Old European cut diamond nestled within an intricately detailed filigree

Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Palladium, Platinum

Antique 3 Carats old mine diamond ring
Antique 3 Carats old mine diamond ring

Antique 3 Carats old mine diamond ring

Located in Uccle, BE

Antique ring mage of yellow gold 18 Karat and silver. The ting is set with 15 old mine diamonds

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Early Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Drop Necklace
Antique Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Drop Necklace

Antique Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Drop Necklace

Located in London, GB

into a knife-edge bar consisting of four platinum milgrain set old cut diamonds which collectively hang

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GIA 1.54 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring
GIA 1.54 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

GIA 1.54 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This modern engagement ring showcases the enduring romance of an old mine cut diamond within a

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Drop Earrings
Art Deco 1.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Drop Earrings

Art Deco 1.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Drop Earrings

Located in London, GB

. Each of these identical earrings feature two round faceted old mine cut diamonds, each exuding a

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique Russian old mine cut diamond ring made by important faberge workmaster August Holmstrom in

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

GIA Certified 3 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
GIA Certified 3 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

GIA Certified 3 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

This stunning platinum engagement ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified old European cut

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Old European Cut Diamond Circle Pendant Double Strand diamond Vintage Necklace
Old European Cut Diamond Circle Pendant Double Strand diamond Vintage Necklace

Old European Cut Diamond Circle Pendant Double Strand diamond Vintage Necklace

Located in Boca Raton, FL

necklace are adorned with old European cut diamonds, renowned for their unique charm, larger facets, and

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Circa 1900s .55ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Circa 1900s .55ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring

Circa 1900s .55ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Diamond Details: .55ct Center Stone, H Color, VS Clarity, Old European Brilliant, Natural Diamond. Band

Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Platinum K SI1
Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Platinum K SI1

Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Platinum K SI1

Located in New York, NY

Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Five-Stone Old European-cut Diamond Ring
Five-Stone Old European-cut Diamond Ring

Five-Stone Old European-cut Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

delicate 18K gold band is set across the top with a tapering line of old European-cut diamonds, approximate

Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Circle Dangle Earrings
4.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Circle Dangle Earrings

4.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Circle Dangle Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in Platinum featuring Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Emerald Gold Ring
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Emerald Gold Ring

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Emerald Gold Ring

Located in New York, NY

18k gold Art Deco ring, set with emeralds, surrounding a center approx. 1.22ct old mine cut diamond

Category

20th Century Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings 0.5ct Old Mine Cut
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings 0.5ct Old Mine Cut

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings 0.5ct Old Mine Cut

Located in Miami, FL

stud earrings featuring Old Mine cut diamonds Approx. 0.5ct. The diamonds are white with a clarity of

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Horse Shoe Necklace
Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Horse Shoe Necklace

Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Horse Shoe Necklace

Located in Venice, CA

chunky Old Mine Cut diamonds, in a fashion that creates a pattern of tiny V’s along the edges of the

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Tiffany & Co. Old European Diamond Ribbon Brooch
Edwardian Platinum Tiffany & Co. Old European Diamond Ribbon Brooch

Edwardian Platinum Tiffany & Co. Old European Diamond Ribbon Brooch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Hicksville, NY

Edwardian Platinum Tiffany & Co. Old European Diamond Ribbon Brooch Item Details: Metal Type

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Deco Platinum Pearl & Old Erou cut Diamond Ring
Antique Deco Platinum Pearl & Old Erou cut Diamond Ring

Antique Deco Platinum Pearl & Old Erou cut Diamond Ring

Located in Miami, FL

old mine cut diamonds, graded G–H color and SI clarity. Fine milgrain detailing enhances the antique

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Art Deco 0.70 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ballerina Ring
Art Deco 0.70 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ballerina Ring

Art Deco 0.70 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ballerina Ring

Located in London, GB

movement. This elegant piece showcases an impressive bright white round faceted old European cut diamond at

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring

Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring

Located in New York, NY

Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring Description: This statement ring features a

Category

20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Art Deco Platinum Bracelet with 10.69ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Art Deco Platinum Bracelet with 10.69ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Art Deco Platinum Bracelet with 10.69ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

platinum. It features old mine cut diamonds with a total carat weight of 10.69, showcasing a white color

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian .75 Carat Old European Cut Diamond & pearl Necklace
Edwardian .75 Carat Old European Cut Diamond & pearl Necklace

Edwardian .75 Carat Old European Cut Diamond & pearl Necklace

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

refined elegance of the Edwardian era. Delicately adorned with 22 old European cut diamonds weighing

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Old-Cut Diamond Ring
Antique Old-Cut Diamond Ring

Antique Old-Cut Diamond Ring

$4,272Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Old-Cut Diamond Ring

Located in Firenze, FI

antique ring from the 1950s with a central old-cut oval-shaped diamond surrounded by 8 sparkling

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Drop Earrings 1.20ct Old Brilliant Cut Diamonds, circa 1930s.
Drop Earrings 1.20ct Old Brilliant Cut Diamonds, circa 1930s.

Drop Earrings 1.20ct Old Brilliant Cut Diamonds, circa 1930s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

. The earrings are set with "old" brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.20 ct (SI1 clarity/E-F

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle
Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle

Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle

Located in New York, NY

Old Mine Cut Diamond Bangle A gold bangle featuring 13 antique cut diamonds set in 6 prong

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian French Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Antique Edwardian French Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Antique Edwardian French Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Edwardian French Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified Old European Diamond 4.28 Carat Studs
GIA Certified Old European Diamond 4.28 Carat Studs

GIA Certified Old European Diamond 4.28 Carat Studs

By Antinori Fine Jewels

Located in Chicago, IL

These stunning diamond stud earrings feature two beautifully matched GIA-certified round brilliant

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum 1.20tcw Old Euro Diamond Ring
Antique Art Deco Platinum 1.20tcw Old Euro Diamond Ring

Antique Art Deco Platinum 1.20tcw Old Euro Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

An elegant Art Deco–era platinum ring centered by an old European–cut diamond weighing

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Three-Stone Old Cut Diamond Tablet Ring
Edwardian Three-Stone Old Cut Diamond Tablet Ring

Edwardian Three-Stone Old Cut Diamond Tablet Ring

Located in London, GB

of round faceted old cut diamonds have been individually milgrain set at the centre in a vertical

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Palladium

Circa 1920s Platinum .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Circa 1920s Platinum .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Circa 1920s Platinum .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

] Weight: 7.6 grams CenterDiamond Details: .50ct, old European brilliant, G color, VS Clarity Side Diamond

Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring. Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum
2 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring. Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum

2 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring. Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum

Located in New York, NY

Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.00-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

2.20ct. Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
2.20ct. Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

2.20ct. Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

Made of platinum, this ring centers a sparkling GIA certified old European cut diamond that weighs

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

17 Carats Old-cut Diamonds Flower Brooch Box, 1890
17 Carats Old-cut Diamonds Flower Brooch Box, 1890

17 Carats Old-cut Diamonds Flower Brooch Box, 1890

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

17 Carats Old-cut Diamonds Flower Brooch Box, 1890 Fine and exquisite antique Diamonds brooch

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring. This gorgeous

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco 3.42ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Accents
Platinum Art Deco 3.42ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Accents

Platinum Art Deco 3.42ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Accents

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

hand-engraved detail. The centerpiece is an impressive Old European Cut diamond weighing approximately

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1900s Antique Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Victorian Pendant
1900s Antique Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Victorian Pendant

1900s Antique Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Victorian Pendant

Located in Santa Monica, CA

by 48 natural diamonds of mixed old mine and rose cuts totaling 7.00 carats (SI clarity, H color

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

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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.