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Rare Colors Diamonds

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Natural Pink Pear Diamond Pear Shape Halo Earrings
Natural Pink Pear Diamond Pear Shape Halo Earrings

Natural Pink Pear Diamond Pear Shape Halo Earrings

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Natural Light Pink Diamond earrings 4 Pear Shapes VS-SI1 Clarity Handset in 18k White Gold Double pink and white diamond halo 1.20 total diamond carat weight 4-5 week delievery ...

Category

2010s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold

70 Carat Oval Yellow and Colorless Diamond Necklace
70 Carat Oval Yellow and Colorless Diamond Necklace

70 Carat Oval Yellow and Colorless Diamond Necklace

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Our master jewelers in New York can customize or redesign any piece to match your unique style, using our stunning selection of fancy colored diamonds. With decades of expertise in f...

Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

5 Carat Fancy  Yellow Diamond Hoops
5 Carat Fancy  Yellow Diamond Hoops

5 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Hoops

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

5 Carat Total Diamond Weight Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cuts 46 Diamonds Total Click-in Safety Lock Closure Crafted in 18k Yellow Gold Handmade in NYC At Rare Colors, you can exper...

Category

2010s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

12.8 Carat Yellow and Colorless Diamond Statement Necklace
12.8 Carat Yellow and Colorless Diamond Statement Necklace

12.8 Carat Yellow and Colorless Diamond Statement Necklace

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Our master jewelers in New York can customize or redesign any piece to match your unique style, using our stunning selection of fancy colored diamonds. With decades of expertise in f...

Category

2010s American Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Mixed Pink and White Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Mixed Pink and White Diamond Chandelier Earrings

Mixed Pink and White Diamond Chandelier Earrings

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

3 Carat Purplish Pink Heart Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
3 Carat Purplish Pink Heart Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

3 Carat Purplish Pink Heart Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Pink Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

5.44ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Three Stone Ring
5.44ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Three Stone Ring

5.44ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Three Stone Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

5.44 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Center Diamond VVS2 Clarity Excellent and Excellent Cutting Medium Blue Fluorescence 0.56 Carats of Side Epaulettes GIA Certified Diamond Crafted...

Category

2010s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Fancy Green GIA Certified Elongated Radiant Diamond Ring
Fancy Green GIA Certified Elongated Radiant Diamond Ring

Fancy Green GIA Certified Elongated Radiant Diamond Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Spiral Ring
Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Spiral Ring

Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Spiral Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

A dazzling fusion of color, craft, and character—this ring isn’t just jewelry; it’s a celebration in gold and light. At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite...

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

2.27ct Yellow Heart Shape Diamond Bezel Set Necklace
2.27ct Yellow Heart Shape Diamond Bezel Set Necklace

2.27ct Yellow Heart Shape Diamond Bezel Set Necklace

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

2.27 Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Heart shape diamond VS1 Clarity Set 18k Yellow Gold Bezel set Diamond looks very green and has the spread of a 3 carat At Rare Colors, you can e...

Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Intense Yellow Round Diamond Bezel Set Necklace
Intense Yellow Round Diamond Bezel Set Necklace

Intense Yellow Round Diamond Bezel Set Necklace

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

A celebration of brilliance and beauty, this necklace is designed for those who appreciate radiance in every detail. At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite...

Category

2010s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Fancy Pink Diamond Stackable Eternity Band
Fancy Pink Diamond Stackable Eternity Band

Fancy Pink Diamond Stackable Eternity Band

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Our master jewelers in New York can customize or redesign any piece to match your unique style, using our stunning selection of fancy colored diamonds. With decades of expertise in f...

Category

2010s Band Rings

Materials

Pink Diamond, Rose Gold

Unique 13 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Bracelet
Unique 13 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Bracelet

Unique 13 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Bracelet

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

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

3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring

3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

5 Carat Pear Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace
5 Carat Pear Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace

5 Carat Pear Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

3 Carat Green Yellow Pear Diamond Bezel Pendant Necklace
3 Carat Green Yellow Pear Diamond Bezel Pendant Necklace

3 Carat Green Yellow Pear Diamond Bezel Pendant Necklace

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Handmade in New York City, this pendant is a study in understated luxury—perfect for someone drawn to clean lines, rare color, and timeless sophistication. At Rare Colors, you can e...

Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

1.70 Carat GIA Fancy Purplish Pink Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
1.70 Carat GIA Fancy Purplish Pink Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring

1.70 Carat GIA Fancy Purplish Pink Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum

5 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
5 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

5 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

2 Carat GIA Certified Fancy Deep Brown-Pink VS2 Pear Shape Diamond
2 Carat GIA Certified Fancy Deep Brown-Pink VS2 Pear Shape Diamond

2 Carat GIA Certified Fancy Deep Brown-Pink VS2 Pear Shape Diamond

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

2.22 Carat Fancy Deep Brown-Pink Pear Shape Diamond VS2 Clarity Very Good, Good Cutting No Fluorescence No fluorescence GIA Certified Diamond At Rare Colors, you can experience th...

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Diamond, Diamond

1.38ct Fancy Yellow Double Halo Diamond Studs
1.38ct Fancy Yellow Double Halo Diamond Studs

1.38ct Fancy Yellow Double Halo Diamond Studs

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Fancy Yellow Cushion Studs 1.38 carat total diamond weight VS Clarity Center diamonds are 0.50 ct each Surrounded by fancy yellow and white diamond Handmade in NYC Set in 18k Gold ...

Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

22 Carat Elongated Radiant Yellow Diamond Tennis Bracelet
22 Carat Elongated Radiant Yellow Diamond Tennis Bracelet

22 Carat Elongated Radiant Yellow Diamond Tennis Bracelet

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Handmade in New York City, this bracelet is a statement of pure color and craftsmanship—perfect for someone drawn to bold elegance and the unmistakable glow of rare yellow diamonds. ...

Category

2010s American Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Light Yellow Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace, 1.5ct Radiant Cut
Light Yellow Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace, 1.5ct Radiant Cut

Light Yellow Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace, 1.5ct Radiant Cut

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Can be viewed at multiple retail partners nationwide. At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

4 Carat Light Yellow Pear Diamond Purple Sapphire Bubble Ring
4 Carat Light Yellow Pear Diamond Purple Sapphire Bubble Ring

4 Carat Light Yellow Pear Diamond Purple Sapphire Bubble Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold

3ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
3ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

3ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Designed to celebrate your love story, it’s a piece to be cherished for generations. At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Halo Diamond Ring
3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Halo Diamond Ring

3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Halo Diamond Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

With GIA certification and an impressive SI2 clarity, this one-of-a-kind piece is perfect for those who appreciate rare beauty and impeccable quality. At Rare Colors, you can experi...

Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

5 Carat Elongated Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
5 Carat Elongated Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

5 Carat Elongated Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Our master jewelers in New York can customize or redesign any piece to match your unique style, using our stunning selection of fancy colored diamonds. With decades of expertise in f...

Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Fancy Grayish Yellowish Green Heart Diamond Ring, 18k Rose Gold, 3.4ct
Fancy Grayish Yellowish Green Heart Diamond Ring, 18k Rose Gold, 3.4ct

Fancy Grayish Yellowish Green Heart Diamond Ring, 18k Rose Gold, 3.4ct

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

25 Carat Fancy Yellow and White Cushion Diamond Alternating Tennis Bracelet
25 Carat Fancy Yellow and White Cushion Diamond Alternating Tennis Bracelet

25 Carat Fancy Yellow and White Cushion Diamond Alternating Tennis Bracelet

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Our master jewelers in New York can customize or redesign any piece to match your unique style, using our stunning selection of fancy colored diamonds. With decades of expertise in f...

Category

2010s American Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

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

1.40ct Yellow Diamond Cushion Halo Earrings
1.40ct Yellow Diamond Cushion Halo Earrings

1.40ct Yellow Diamond Cushion Halo Earrings

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

All natural diamonds Fancy Light Yellow Set in 18kt White Gold with a Yellow Gold Basket Push-backs Apprixamtely 0.21ct of white diamonds VS Clarity

Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

5.02 Carat Fancy Yellow Elongated Radiant Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
5.02 Carat Fancy Yellow Elongated Radiant Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

5.02 Carat Fancy Yellow Elongated Radiant Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Our master jewelers in New York can customize or redesign any piece to match your unique style, using our stunning selection of fancy colored diamonds. With decades of expertise in f...

Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

8 Carat Flawless Elongated Radiant Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
8 Carat Flawless Elongated Radiant Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

8 Carat Flawless Elongated Radiant Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4 Carat Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond East West Pavé Engagement Ring
4 Carat Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond East West Pavé Engagement Ring

4 Carat Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond East West Pavé Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

3ct Light Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
3ct Light Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

3ct Light Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Whether as an engagement ring or an heirloom-worthy piece, this exquisite creation is a celebration of rare beauty and enduring love. At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance...

Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.4 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Cut Diamond Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
1.4 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Cut Diamond Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring

1.4 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Oval Cut Diamond Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

At Rare Colors, you can experience the elegance of our exquisite fancy colored diamonds in person.

Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

3 Carat Fancy Yellow VVS1 Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
3 Carat Fancy Yellow VVS1 Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring

3 Carat Fancy Yellow VVS1 Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring

By Rare Colors

Located in New York, NY

Absolutely dripping with color, no patches of emptiness in the stone; completely vibrant and beautiful Set in Platinum and 18kt Yellow Gold with 0.58ct of Epaulettes Making Extraor...

Category

2010s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.00CT Pear Shape Diamond, Natural Fancy Light Brownish Pink
GIA Certified 1.00CT Pear Shape Diamond, Natural Fancy Light Brownish Pink

GIA Certified 1.00CT Pear Shape Diamond, Natural Fancy Light Brownish Pink

By The Diamond Source

Located in San Diego, CA

Since Natural Color Pink Diamonds are among the most rare of colors for diamonds, the possession of this ring would be rare and valuable, with the added benefit of enjoying the weari...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified Multi Color Diamond Bracelet
GIA Certified Multi Color Diamond Bracelet

GIA Certified Multi Color Diamond Bracelet

By GEMME

Located in New York, NY

Rare colors and all natural. 11 diamonds each weighing from 1.03-2.04 carats and each certified by GIA totaling 15.17 carats.

Category

2010s American Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 3.53 Carat Fancy Light Greenish Yellow VS2 Clarity Diamond
GIA Certified 3.53 Carat Fancy Light Greenish Yellow VS2 Clarity Diamond

GIA Certified 3.53 Carat Fancy Light Greenish Yellow VS2 Clarity Diamond

Located in บางรัก, TH

They are a popular choice for engagement rings, pendants, and other fine jewelry pieces, especially for individuals drawn to unconventional and rare colors. Our radiant shaped diamo...

Category

2010s Asian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

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Rare Colors Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of rare colors diamonds for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Find a collection of 291 vintage versions or 1266 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of rare colors diamonds includes designs that are universally popular, but contemporary and modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Victor Mayer, Margherita Burgener and ROHIT JAIN are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of diamond versions from the 1352 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A selection of brilliant cut, round cut and oval cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our rare colors diamonds for sale are for women, but there are 404 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Rare Colors Diamonds?

On average, rare colors diamonds at 1stDibs sell for $7,834, while they’re typically $0 on the low end and $14,444,400 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.