Unavailable|$49,000
Breathtaking Autumn Color Fancy Natural Diamond Bracelet
Located in Louisville, KY
An Exhilarating Autumn Color Natural color Diamond Bracelet, 57 Fancy Color Diamonds=9.51ctw (Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Russet, Cognac, etc) 421 White Diamonds=1.83ctw (H/VS) A C...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Pink Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k...
Unavailable|$11,500 / item
Fancy Colored Diamond 18K Wedding Set
Located in Solvang, CA
There are 21 full cut accent diamonds multicolored in orange, yellow, and brown, at .21 carat total weight with VS1-I1 clarity.
Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,151
Silver, Diamonds and Sapphires Pendant Earrings
Located in Bari, IT
Fashion Silver pendant earrings feeature with diamonds and orange sapphires
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver
Unavailable|$5,150
Yellow Slice Diamond Gold Floral Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Slice Diamond Floral Earrings accented with Natural Burnt Orange and White Diamonds with 3.41cts. total diamond weight set in 18k gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,150
Reddish Icy Diamond Rosecut Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Reddish Icy Diamond Rosecut Earrings accented with natural burnt orange and white diamonds set in 18k rose gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,876
0.75 Carat Diamond Ring G/I1 18k Gold, Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,985
0.32 Carat Diamond Ring Champagner/VS 14k Gold, Flanders Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$6,000
Yellow Oval Modern Lattice Diamond Ring
Located in Whippany, NJ
Enhance your style with this exquisite ring featuring a .18 carat fancy brownish orange-yellow diamond as its center stone. The unique color of the diamond adds a captivating and vib...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,485
0.56 Carat Diamond Ring G/SI1 18k Gold, 28 Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,455
0.285 Carat Diamond Ring G/VS 14k Gold, Brilliant Cut Pave Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,405
0.23 Carat Diamond Ring G/VS 14k Gold, Brilliant Cut Pave Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$168,300
Riviera 26.98 Carat Multi-Color Diamond Necklace
Located in La Jolla, CA
This Riviera collection tri-color 18k yellow and rose gold long necklace is set with an array of stunning natural fancy yellow, pink, orange and clear diamonds totaling 26.98ctw. The...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,775
Icy Diamond Rosecut Stud Earrings in Gold
Located in New York, NY
Icy Diamond Rosecut Stud Earrings surrounded with Natural Burnt Orange and White Diamonds with 1.61cts. total diamond weight set in 18K gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,950
Vivaan Natural Orangy Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
VIVAAN Natural Orangy Diamond Engagement Ring accented with Natural Burnt Orange and White Diamonds with 1.07cts. total diamond weight set in 18k Gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,790
Estate 18k Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous estate diamond pendant necklace! Crafted in 18k white gold, this pendant necklace features a central .90ct orange pear cut diamond held within a three-prong setting.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,950
Natural Reddish Icy Diamond Rosecut Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Natural Reddish Icy Diamond Rosecut Ring surrounded with natural burnt orange and white diamonds with 4.22cts. total diamond weight set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,950
Natural Yellow Slice Diamond Gold Paisley Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Natural Yellow Slice Diamond Paisley Earrings accented with Natural Burnt Orange and White Diamonds with 2.49cts. total diamond weight set in 18K White gold, black rhodium plated.
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.33Carat Diamond Ring F-G/VS 18k White, Emerald Cut Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
HRD Certified 2.00 Ct. Diamond Necklace 750 Gold with Rare Hexagon Cut Diamond
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$3,369
1.27 Carat Diamond Ring G/IF 14k White Gold, 7 Princess Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$16,850
18 Karat Gold Black Rhodium Multi-Color Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An 18K gold black rhodium necklace featuring a mix of white, brown, yellow, and orange round-cut diamonds weighing a total of 30.69 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Unavailable|$6,790
GIA Certified 0.62 carat Yellowish Fancy Diamond Ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Natural Fancy Yellowish Orange pear-cut diamond and 1.25 carat brillant-cut diamonds drop-shaped ring Certified GIA report n°5181790757 Ring size (adjustable on demand) : 53 FR Gros...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant with 3.08 Carat F.BN-Y, Diamond and Colored Diamond
By JT Jewellery Theatre
Located in Kowloon City District, HK
- 1 Pear Fancy Brownish-Yellow Diamond/VS2 – 3.08 ct - 138 Round Canary Diamonds – 0.81 ct - 94 Round Purple Diamonds – 0.58 ct - 74 Round Orange-Cognac Diamonds – 0.44 ct - 45 R...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,822
0.285 Carat Diamond Ring G/IF 18k White Gold, 19 Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,785
0.42 Carat Diamond Ring G/SI1 14k White Gold, 42 Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,595
Multicolor Diamonds White Gold Band Ring
Located in Naples, FL
We have this white gold band ring with multi color diamonds (white, brown, orange, yellow, and pink).
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.285 Carat Diamond Ring G/VS 14k White Gold, Brilliant Cut Pave Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,639
Citrine Topaz Yellow Diamond 18k Gold Drop Earrings
By Kristin Hanson
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Delicate yet strong, these drops sparkle in the sunlight, dazzled with cognac and yellow diamond accents. 18k yellow gold, 14k yellow gold Golden citrine, 14ctw London blue topaz, 9...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$16,389
"Nemo" Clownfish Sapphire Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
The design is encrusted with white and black brilliant diamonds, as well as pink, blue, and orange sapphires.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18...
0.32carat Diamond Ring F-G/VS 18k White Gold, Emerald Cut Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$34,000
Mandarin Garnet Diamond Gold Clip Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
The bottom is removable and the small orange clip with diamond can be worn alone or with a pearl drop.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,279
Frederic Sage Sphalerite and Diamond Pendant Necklace & Chain
By Frederic Sage
Located in New York, NY
18K YG DEEP ORANGE SPHALERITE, WHITE & CHAMPAGNE DIAMONDS OAK PENDANT WITH 14K CHAIN, SPH 1.32 Carats, WDIA 0.32 Carats, CHDIA 0.32 Carats
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$45,657 / item
Sabbadini Bee Brooch Invisible Setting Diamonds
By Sabbadini
Located in Milan, IT
White gold bee brooch, orange invisibly set diamonds and diamond pavé. The Bee Brooch, originally designed by Alberto Sabbadini for his wife Stefania in the 1980s, has become an icon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.45 Carat Diamond Ring G/VVS2 14k White Gold, 5 Marquise/Navette Cut Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.20 Carat Diamond Ring G/SI1 14k White Gold, 40 Brilliant Cut Pave Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.365 Carat Diamond Ring G/SI1 18k White Gold, 31 Brilliant Cut Pave Diamonds
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$12,500
GIA Certified 2.02ct Brown Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Stock# P7259 Diamonds Shape: Pear Diamonds Weight: 2.02ct Diamond Color: D Orange-Brown Diamond Clarity: SI2 GIA Certificate: GIA#2125894286 Side Diamonds Shape: Round Side Diamonds ...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$18,100
18k White/Rose Gold, Diamonds, Sapphires, Pearl, Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
White and Black Diamonds 2.50 cts, Orange Sapphires 1.73 cts - Golden South Sea Pearl 13.5 mm ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose G...
Unavailable|$19,500
William Levine Fine Jewels Platinum Diamond Necklace
Located in Kirkwood, MO
There is a natural fancy intense, brownish orange, marquise cut diamond weighing 0.30 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$21,306
Fox Sapphires and Diamonds Fashion Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold
Located in Valenza, IT
The whole animal is covered in orange sapphires (9.18ct), black diamonds (0.08ct), brown diamonds (0.52ct) and white diamonds (1.40ct) This is a unisex ring that can be worn in spec...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Unavailable|$22,000
2.50 Carat GIA Cert Fancy Colored Mens Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Calabasas, CA
A sleek and contemporary men's fancy colored diamond ring, set with a GIA Certified 2.50ct Modified Octagonal Step Cut, Fancy Orange-Brown diamond, mounted in Platinum with 0.64 cara...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,392
Natural Black Diamond Earrings 0.84 Ct 18k White Gold
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alex Soldier Diamond Chrome Diopside Gold Sunflower Ring as seen on Kate Upton
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
Made in 18 karat white, yellow and rose gold studded with 2 carats of intense yellow, champagne, cognac, brown orange and black diamonds and 5 carats of finest chrome diopside.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, R...
Unavailable|$1,147 / item
Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Depending on the amount of nitrogen, a yellow diamond could range from light to dark. Different chemicals present during the diamond’s formation result in additional colors present,...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,240
Contemporary Heart Shaped 3.50 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Under white light its reflects pink color and under yellow it reflects orange. 0.25 carat side diamonds. VS-SI clarity and G color.
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$6,000
Mother-of-Pearl Gemstone Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
By Rina Limor
Located in New York, NY
This 18K butterfly brooch is accentuated with orange sapphires and diamonds set on unique yellow mother-of-pearl with a noticeable shimmer for that always polished look.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,760
1.38 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Butterfly Chain Necklace
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful butterfly shaped necklace has Natural Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 1.30 carats and Natural Orange Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.08 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,950 / item
18ct Yellow Gold Opal, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Opal Weight: 6.55ct Opal Colours/Grade: Strong colour play, displaying hues of orange, green and red. Total Diamond Weight: 1.38ct Diamonds Clarity/Colour: H-J, SI2-I2.
Opal, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$12,644
The Rainbow Serpent Amulet Pendant 18K Fairtrade Yellow Gold & Diamonds
Located in London, London
Shakti Ellenwood’s Rainbow Serpent is crafted in 18 carat Fairtrade gold and studded with rubies, a white CanadaMark diamond, and rainbow-coloured diamonds (orange, yellow, green, bl...
White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$605,000 / item
8 Carat Assher Brilliant Statement Fancy Yellow Royal Radiance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Georges St-Pierre · From courtside seats to private jets, this 8 carats fancy vivid orange-yellow diamond and diamond ring sits comfortably everywhere, its mixed cuts / design ring g...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,900 / set
18 Karat White Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Onyx Stud Earrings
By Atelo
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
• 18k white gold with yellow and orange sapphire, black onyx and diamonds • Total diamond weight: 1.01 carats of round, brilliant-cut diamonds • Diamond quality/colour: VS/FG (cle...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$9,850 / set
GIA certified 2.18 Carats Chocolate and White Diamond Earrings
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Two perfectly matched round brilliant natural fancy dark orange brown "chocolates" diamonds (0.86ct & 0.82ct ) bezel set in 18kt yellow gold and paired with natural round brilliant c...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Want Facelift. Amaze Yourself with Contemporary Yellow Diamond Gold Earrings
By ROHIT JAIN
Located in NEW DELHI, IN
It features rare fancy colored Orange Yellow Rosecut diamond which is flush set with an outline of black rhodium to highlight this beauty of nature.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$28,095
GIA Certified Diamond 2.18ct Fancy Light Yellow VVS2
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds in all colors: - Yellow Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Orange Color Diamonds (Very Rare in high color intensity) - Pink Color Diamo...
Diamond
Unavailable|$18,950
18.82 Carat Medley of Diamond Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Seven halos with natural yellow orange brown Pear shape diamonds mods complete the gentle movement of this dazzling show piece.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,950 / set
Fancy Color Diamonds 21-22k Gold Dangle Lever-Back Earrings Wedding Jewelry
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
-14 fancy color (yellow, pink, orange, peach, brown) diamonds, totaling approx. 3ct Inspired by the trip to India, full of history, traditions, architectural marvels, and subtle...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gol...
Unavailable|$15,000
Citrine and Diamond Pendant by Frederic Sage
By Frederic Sage
Located in Melbourne, FL
The citrine is a rich yellowish-orange color and the diamonds are white in color with slight natural inclusions.
Citrine, White Diamond, 18k 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.