Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse Details: Material: 18K yellow gold Stones: approx. 0.27
20th Century Art Deco Vanity Items
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Purse Details: Material: 18K yellow gold Stones: approx. 0.27
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Multi Colored Sapphire Purse Pendant 18 Karat White Gold 0.95 Carats
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold pendant featuring a purse motif with round brilliants and multi colored
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Scull Pendant Purse Charm
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond Skull Charm is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a statement of confidence and
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Women's Diamond Luxurious Purse Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 18k Yellow gold handcrafted Women's pendant showcases a melee of Round Brilliant & Baguette
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Scheherazade Shiny Crocodile Bag With Diamonds 18K Gold
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Birkin 30 in Rose Scheherazade Shiny Porosus Crocodile with Diamonds • Hardware: 18K White
Diana M. Custom 1.30 Cts Diamond Purse Shape Pendant 18K White Gold
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18 kt white gold diamond pendant with purse shaped design featuring 1.30 cts tw brown diamonds and
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mirabelle Pave Diamond Purse Pendant Necklace 18" White Gold 18k .55ctw Handbag
Located in Greensboro, NC
Necklace Style: Chain Chain Style: Diamond Cut Cable Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Theme: Purse
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 245 Gm of 18K Yellow Gold Clutch /Handbag /Purse, Diamond, & GOLD
Located in New York, NY
STUNNING AND RARE! Vintage 245 Gm of 18K Yellow Gold Clutch /Handbag /Purse, Diamond, &
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mirabelle Sapphire Diamond Animal Print Purse Necklace 18" WhiteGold 18k Handbag
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Lobster Claw Clasp Theme: Animal Print Purse, Handbag Features: Peek-a-boo diamond accent on back of
Diamond, Sapphire
Cartier Paris Diamond Gold Evening Purse
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A special piece made in Cartier's Paris workshops, a diamond studded gold evening purse. In
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mirabelle Sapphire Diamond Purse Necklace 17 3/4" White Gold 18k 1.60ctw Satchel
Located in Greensboro, NC
Claw Clasp Theme: Purse, Satchel Features: Peak-a-boo diamond accent of back of pendant Measurements
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Sterle Gold Purse
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Sterle Circa 1950s 4
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 18kt/Sterling Silver Diamond Chatelaine Mesh Purse Pendant 0.80ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
with 36 Rose Cut diamonds that adorn the hinged lid. The purse opens from the edge of the frame with a
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18KT Gold Petite Purse Necklace with 1.50 Carat Diamonds & 1.50 Carat Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat white gold 33" pendant necklace is designed with the most elegant petite purse. Round
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,875
H 1.25 in W 1 in L 33 in
18 Karat Gold Petite Purse Pendant w/1.54ct Diamonds & 1.50ct Yellow Sapphire
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold 33" pendant necklace is designed with the most elegant petite purse
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
HERMÈS Himalaya Crocodile Diamond Birkin 35 with 18K White Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
A RARE & EXCEPTIONAL, MATTE HIMALAYA NILOTICUS CROCODILE DIAMOND BIRKIN 35 WITH 18K WHITE GOLD
Unavailable
Gold and Diamond Purse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: 18.5 cm HEIGHT: 9.5 cm DEPTH: 5 cm DIAMOND WEIGHT: Approximately 5 carats METAL: 18k Yellow
White Gold, 18k Gold
French Hallmarked 18k Solid Gold 3.0ct VS Diamond Floral Filigree Clutch Purse
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
French hallmarked 18k solid gold 3.0ct VS diamond floral filigree clutch purse. This magnificent
Gold, 18k Gold
French Woven Gold and Diamond Evening Purse
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite French woven gold and diamond evening purse. Rope weave border encrusted with diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Mini Purse Pendant Necklace
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mini purse pendant on double chain crafted in 18-karat white gold with diamond accents. Signed F
Diamond, 18k Gold
Gold Purse Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Slim allover textured 18K yellow gold magnifying glass. When closed, it looks like a slender
Diamond, 18k Gold
Circa 1950 Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Evening Purse
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Of woven design, this exquisite evening purse is embellished with circular-cut diamonds, opening
Diamond, 18k Gold
Black & White Diamond Purse Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Purse Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold. The purse pendant features black and white diamonds, on a
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Diamond Purse Bag Pendant Necklace 2 Blue Diamond
Located in New York, NY
18K Diamond Purse Bag Pendent Necklace 2 Blue Diamond Consistent with age and use please see the
Blue Diamond
Mirabelle Diamond Purse Pendant
Located in Bethesda, MD
This pendant, crafted in the shape of a purse, features a stunning array of pave diamonds adorning
Diamond, 18k Gold
CARTIER 2 Tone 18K Gold Sapphire Diamond Platinum Clutch Purse
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Chic estate clutch purse by Cartier, circa 1950s-60s. It features an engine turned basketweave
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold
Hermes Diamond & 18k White Gold Shiny Crocodile Skin Bearn Wallet
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Diamond & 18k White Gold Shiny Crocodile Skin Bearn Wallet Blue shiny Porosus Crocodile
Breathtaking 1940's 18k Gold & Pearl Handbag with Sapphires & Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This luxury evening bag epitomizes 1940's glamour and post-war decadence. The 18 karat gold frame
Bulgari Diamond Gold Clutch Purse
By Bulgari
Located in New York City, NY
Rare and unusual 18K white and yellow gold and diamond clutch bag by Bulgari, circa 1960-70s. It
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold
H 4.25 in W 3.75 in L 7 in
Vintage French-Made Diamond Platinum 18k Gold Basket Weave Clutch Purse
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Enter into a world of timeless glamour with this exquisite French-made Diamond set platinum and 18
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1960s Diamond Gold Clutch Purse
Located in New York, NY
This stylish 18K white gold clutch is decorated with 1.60 carats of diamonds at the buckle and
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Purse Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 2.25ctw of round brilliant diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960's Diamond Ladies Italian 18K White Gold Clutch Purse
Located in Miami, FL
, crafted in solid with 18K White Gold. Topped with (15) round cut, pave set, genuine diamonds, weighing
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Purse
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
princess cut rubies and white diamonds. There are 2 cabochon rubies set on the clasp. Perfect evening purse
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Piaget Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Mesh Purse
By Piaget
Located in New York City, NY
Very fine diamond and 18K gold mesh purse by Piaget, circa 1970s. It features an 18K gold short
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco-Inspired Two-Tone 18K Gold Purse with Diamonds and French Cut Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Revel in the vintage glamour of this 18K Yellow Gold Two-Tone Art Deco Purse, embellished with 0.27
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Cabochon Clasp Yellow Gold Evening Purse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage evening purse is composed of 18kt yellow gold and features a stunning array of pave
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1980s Diamond Gold Clutch Purse Compact
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This 1960's Tiffany & Co. Clutch Purse & compact is of Italian provenance, crafted in solid 18K
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Rose Purse Dangle Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K rose gold Diamond: 63 round brilliant cut = 0.27cttw Color: G
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hermes Kelly Diamond Gold Pendant Purse on 30 Inch Chain
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
diamonds weighing 1.64tcw. The purse section measures 1.5" x 1.5" and the chain is 30" Enjoy this rare
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
JUDITH LEIBER Miniature Gold Purse Earrings
By Judith Leiber
Located in Litchfield, CT
These fabulous red enameled 18k gold earrings are miniature Judith Leiber turtle-form purses. They
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1910 Antique Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond Yellow Gold Mesh Purse
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
displayed alternately between three bezel set Old European round cut diamonds. The body of the purse has a
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Purse and Powder case set.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k two tone Gold and diamond purse and powder case set. Circa 1970's. The
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Piaget Gold and Diamond Evening Purse, a Comb and a Powder Compact
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
design, with a brilliant- cut diamond clasp, The purse is measuring approximately 155 x 100 x 60mm, with
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Mid-19th Century Pearl Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Mesh Purse
Located in Firenze, IT
Gross weight approximately: 30,7 grams; dimensions: 75mm x 40mm
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Sapphire Pearl 14 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Purse Pendant
By A. J. Hedges & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant is designed as a highly rendered purse with cinched top and twisted rope handles. Featuring
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k ...
Sold
H 3.5 in W 6.75 in D 1.5 in
Vintage Evening Purse 18 Karat Yellow Gold Woven Solid Bag Diamond Pave Tassles
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Exquisite 18 karat yellow gold evening purse. This gorgeous and unique bag is composed of delicate
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
HERMES BIRKIN BAG 30cm MATTE HIMALAYAN CROCODILE 18K & DIAMOND JaneFinds
By Hermès
Located in NYC Tri-State/Miami, NY
EXTRAORDINARY 30cm Diamond , Matte Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin Bag with 18k gold hardware
One of a Kind Hermes Kelly 20 Black Crocodile, 18k gold hardware and diamonds
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
One of a kind Black hermes croco Kelly 20 with 18k gold hardware and diamonds. Used but in
Lorraine Schwartz 2b Happy 18k Rose Gold And Pave Diamond Cuff
By Lorraine Schwartz
Located in London, GB
Lorraine Schwartz 2B Happy 18k rose gold and pave diamond cuff. Featuring one small-sized happy
Sold
H 3.5 in W 1.5 in
Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Sovereign Purse Set with Diamonds and Sapphires, 1920
Located in London, GB
Platinum and 18ct Gold Sovereign Purse set with Diamonds and Sapphires,circa 1920 Quite a unique
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Huge Mirabelle 18k Sapphire & Diamond Purse Pendant on 18k Tycoon 3 Strand Chain
Located in Rancho Mirage, CA
18K White Gold (both pendant and chain) Diamond and Sapphire, all natural and high quality
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Massoni Gold Purse
By Massoni & Massoni
Located in Roma, IT
Massoni Gold Purse, comprising a purse, comb and lipstick holder. White and yellow gold 18K. The
Diamond, 18k Gold
English Antique Gold Coin Purse Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
line of five Old European Cut Diamonds and calibrated synthetic Rubies. The pendant purse is suspended
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold and Diamond Purse by Meister with Rap Pouch and Leather Case
Located in Chicago, IL
18kt. Yellow & White Gold Lady's Purse, 24 round diamonds apprx. 1.00tw and black inlay. Stamped
Diamond, 18k Gold
$138,000
Diamond Necklace Tiara
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elegant French Art Deco Sequin Gown
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless French Sequin Art Deco Gown sewn on cotton tulle. Nude iridescent gelatin sequins cover the entire gown completely. There are sequined Art Deco diamond motifs ab...
$669,957
W 1.97 in L 14.97 in
Platinum Burmese 25 Ct Ruby No Heat Necklace- His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said Estate
Located in Antwerp, BE
Platinum Burmese 25 Ct Ruby No Heat Necklace to His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said Estate Qaboos bin Said Al Said was Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until his death in 2020 Completely h...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1960s Boucheron Paris Emerald Diamond Platinum Double Clip Brooch Pin
By BUCHERON
Located in Miami, FL
This 1960's vintage Boucheron piece of jewelry is a dual clip lapel brooch crafted in platinum and comprises masterfully designed, naturalistically inspired and diamond swathed scrol...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
$51,000
W 2.76 in L 5.32 in
French, 19th Century, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond ‘En Tremblant’ Brooch
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An exceptional French, floral spray 'en tremblant' brooch pin. This 18 karat gold piece comprises of several components which screw together to form one large brooch. The piece can b...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Antique Gold Platinum and Gem set Hair Combs
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 Pair of Phenomenal Hair Combs, measuring 5 1/4 inches in length and 1 3/4 inches wide, heavy 18k Yellow gold with Platinum mountings top sections on top of Tortoise, furth...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$15,000
H 0.5 in W 2.88 in D 2.38 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Opening Cabochon Emerald Yellow Gold Compact
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Very elegant VCA 18kts woven Yellow Gold & brocaded pattern Compact. Made in the 1960 - when all you needed was your compact and your jewels. The opening spans the compact and is...
Emerald, Sapphire
Vintage 1940s Retro 40.00 Carat Aquamarine Brooch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with an Aquamarine weighing approximately 40.00 carats and Single cut Diamonds. Circa 1940s 1 7/8 x 1 7/8 inches
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 1928 Boucheron Diamonds Fine Pearls Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace consisting of 4 rows of round pearls white orient, in fall. Two platinum spacers with openwork floral designs are set with rose-cut and antique brilliant-cut diamonds, all i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold...
Vintage 1963 Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Pearls Twist Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with Turquoise beads and cultured Pearls. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Circa 1963 The necklace measures 18 inches long. The bracelet is a size 7 3/...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Seed Pearl Diamond Platinum Gold Choker Necklace 1940s
Located in Berlin, DE
Stunning choker composed of 12 strands of seed pearls (circa 2,5 mm to 3 mm) well matched, of cream body color with faint rose overtones. They are of good quality and luster. The st...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, Platinum, Gold
$23,807
W 0.63 in L 2.21 in
Antique 19th Century Natural Pearl Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings Silver Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
A pair of exquisite antique 19th-century night-and-day convertible chandelier earrings, featuring natural pearls and old-cut diamonds in silver and yellow gold. Each earring is desig...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver
19th Century Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Clip Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold and silver. Sumptuous antique clip, it is decorated in the center of an important cabochon of natural turquoise retained with claws and surrounded by a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, ...
Faberge Lilac Enamel and Yellow Gold Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An important Faberge gold and enamel frame, the frame comprising an oval glass photograph pane with yellow gold surround, within a rectangular frame exquisitely laid with a fine lila...
Yellow Gold
Circa 1920 Natural Unenhanced Burmese Sapphire Diamond Platinum Necklace Tiara
Located in London, GB
Burmese sapphire and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty two cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphires in open back claw settings, ranging from sma...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Early 1900s Vintage Engraved Ornate Hinged Snuff Box in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
An exquisite example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, this 18 karat yellow gold vintage snuff box showcases a breathtaking display of ornate engraving. The meticulously detailed ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.