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Pig Diamond

Antique Ruby and 0.23 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Pig Pin Brooch Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
embellished with forty-four pavé set Dutch cut diamonds, totalling 0.23ct. The pig's eye is represented by a
Category

Vintage 1930s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18K Pig Pendant Diamond Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
18K Yellow Gold Pig Brooch with Pink Sapphire and Diamond This brooch features a charming pig
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Pig Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a pig in gold and silver set with 26 rose-cut diamonds with an
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Cute Enamel & Diamond Pig Necklace in 18kt White Gold - 0.08ctw, 18", New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This adorable Cute Enamel and Diamond Pig Necklace in 18kt white gold features 0.08ctw of natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Platinum & 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Pig Ring by David Webb
By David Webb
Located in Firenze, IT
Lovely ring to start your David Webb collection with or to continue on building your David Webb animal zoo. Size : 7 Weight: 27.4gr.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Diamond with Black Diamond Pig Brooch/Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 1.64 carats with Black Diamond 0.01 carat Brooch/Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Brooches

Recent Sales

Pigs love diamonds
By João Cardoso
Located in MADRID, ES
Oil pastel on 350 g/m2 textured paper. With thoughts on 21st century humans and their future, João Cardoso concludes that technology brings tools for two extremes. Thus, technology,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Water...

Materials

Oil Pastel

Fabergé Chinese New Year Heritage Pig Yellow Gold Locket
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
diamonds = 0.29cts (G VS+), 18k yellow gold chain = 50cm Complimentary: - Gift wrapping - Lifetime
Category

2010s British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Fabergé Chinese New Year Palais Tsarskoye Selo Gold Locket with Red, US Clients
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
pig with diamond-set eyes, in honour of Chinese Year of the Pig. Pigs have a beautiful personality and
Category

2010s British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Pave Diamond Platinum Pig Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a pig with a shining corkscrew tail and ruby eye accent Pavè set throughout by single
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Edwardian 1920s Diamond Sapphire Ruby Platinum Pig Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pig charm pavé set throughout with rose cut diamonds With millegrain center channel set with
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian Coral Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pig Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Charm is comprised of bright pinkish-orange coral Intricately carved to depict a pig Bisected by
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. Rose Gold and Diamond Pig Brooch
By E. Wolfe & Company
Located in London, GB
The charming little pig in 18ct rose gold with a curly upturned tail, round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Early 2000s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Gold

South Sea Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pig Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cobra chain necklace suspends a stylized pig pendant With a polished gold bale suspending an 18.0
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold...

18kt Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace Orange Sapphire Black Diamond Pig
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Pig Black Diamond Orange Sapphire 18kt Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace This nice pendant is made
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

18K and Pave set Fine Diamond Pendant/Pin of a Flying Pig.
Located in Aspen, CO
18K white gold and fine diamond pendant/pin. If Pigs could fly or when pigs fly is a humorous way
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Tiffany & Co. Pig Charm Pendant Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed Tiffany & Co pig charm, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Two diamonds are
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Rose Cut Diamond and Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Pig Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stick pin with a open form pig, set with rose cut diamonds Delightfully detailed with hooves, nose
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Pink Sapphire and Diamond Flying Pig Rose Gold Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Delightful! A Wonderful and Whimsical Pink Sapphire and Diamond Flying Pig Brooch Encrusted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

George Lederman 1960's Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Pig Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized pig with finely brushed texture and curling tail Accented by round cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Happy Pig Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Animal Jewelry Pre Owned 7
Located in Torrance, CA
Charming vintage pig cocktail ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold. Two estimated 0.20 carat
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond

Pig Diamond Sapphire Gold Pearl Pendant/Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two orange sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pig Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace and Charm
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
gold: the ears and the nose. The eyes consist of two black diamonds for a total of 0.10 ct. The ring
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire,...

Pig Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace and Charm
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
gold: the ears and the nose. The eyes consist of two black diamonds for a total of 0.08 ct. The ring
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Pig Charm of 14k Gold & Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
1900 Diamond & Ruby Pig Charm in Silver with 14k Gold Accents A delightful turn-of-the-century
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Petite Old Rose Cut Diamond Pig Charm Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely lovely diamond pig charm pendant from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! This wonderful
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Platinum

18k Gold Pink Sapphire, Diamond, and Tsavorite Flying Pig Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k gold ring ring. This wonderful ring is whimical flying pig, set in the entirety with pave set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sap...

Pig Pink Sapphire Black Diamond Red 18Kt Gold Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
12mm in diameter and the other oval of approximately 10mm. The pulsating pearl is a pig's head with a
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Pendant/Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two orange sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace. This nice pendant is made
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18kt Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace Pink Sapphire Black Diamond Pig
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Pig Black Diamond Pink Sapphire 18kt Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace This nice pendant is made with
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Pink Sapphire 18kt Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Pig Black Diamond Pink Sapphire 18kt Red Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace This nice pendant is made with
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Pendant or Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two orange sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.04. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Pendant or Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two orange sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.04. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18K and Pave set Fine Diamond Pendant/Pin of a Flying Pig.
Located in Aspen, CO
18K white gold and fine diamond pendant/pin. If Pigs could fly or when pigs fly is a humorous way
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18kt Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace Petronilla
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18kt Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace or Charm
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Roberto Coin Diamond Pig Pendant Necklace Rose Gold 18k Round .15ctw Adjustable
By Roberto Coin
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Synthetic Ruby Cut: Round Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Kt Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace Petronilla
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Petronilla Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18 Kt Gold Pearl Italian Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Pig Black Diamond Sapphire 18kt Gold Pearl Pendant Necklace or Charm Petronilla
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
diamonds. In the holes of its nose there are two pink sapphires encrusted, in total ct 0.03. All the
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Lucky Pig Conversion Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This charming antique conversion ring features a diamond-set "Lucky Pig". Modelled in 15ct gold and
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond “Lucky Pig” Gold Stick Pin
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This charming antique stick pin features a diamond-set "Lucky Pig". Modelled in 15ct gold with
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Ruby Miniature Pig Charm
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A tiny Victorian period Pig Charm, diamond set with a ruby eye. The piece is modelled in Sterling
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver

Exceptionally Adorable Ruby Eyes Diamond Gold Pig Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
has been mistaken for a pig 6 times now..... This sweet pig is 18K gold with 2 ruby eyes and a prong
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Adorable Gold Pig Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Figural textured 18k gold pig pin with diamond in one hoof. Curled tail, well detailed. Ruby eyes
Category

Vintage 1930s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Finn 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pig Pendant
Located in Nashua, NH
Finn 18K Yellow Gold Pig Pendant. The solid gold pig is set with two full cut diamond eyes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Late Victorian Diamond and Ruby Set Pig in Silver on Platinum Chain
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
fully adorned (front and back) with Rose Cut Diamonds and Rubies for eyes. This Pig was hand crafted
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Silver

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Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Chick Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a chick in gold and silver set with 21 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.32 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but test...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Fish Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a fish in gold and silver set with 26 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.65 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but teste...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Rooster Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a rooster in gold and silver set with 35 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.35 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but te...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

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Pig Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact pig diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 21 vintage or 24 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect pig diamond may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic pig diamond over the years, but those made by Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA, E. Wolfe & Company and Fabergé are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also rose cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. Finding a pig diamond for sale for women should be easy, but there are 13 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Pig Diamond?

On average, a pig diamond at 1stDibs sells for $1,011, while they’re typically $461 on the low end and $10,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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.