Spectra Fine Jewelry 8.88 Carat Red Spinel Diamond Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding this exceptional gem, a dazzling array of 3.58 carats of diamonds enhances its allure, creating a breathtaking contrast.
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata Red Garnet 16.44ct. Earrings in 14KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Red Garnet Earrings in 14Karat Yellow Gold with White Diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Red Garnet 16.10ct. Earrings in 14KWG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Red Garnet Earrings in 14Karat White Gold with White Diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Air King Red Vignette Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel & Lugs Steel Watch 14000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Air King Red Vignette Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel and Lugs Steel Watch 14000
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Important Certified Imperial Red Jade & Diamond Stud Earrings, Collector's Item
Located in Hong Kong, HK
It is set in 18k white gold. There are 2 imperial red jade cabochons around 10.5mm each and around 16mm in diameter with the rose cut diamond halo.
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata Red Garnet 16.22ct. Earrings in 14KRG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Red Garnet Earrings in 14Karat Rose Gold with White Diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$234Sale Price|40% Off
Retro Natural Diamond Real Sun red Onyx sterling silver Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Gemstone- Onyx Origin- Natural Diamond- Natural rose cut diamond Diamond origin- Natural, real, earth mine...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
18k Red Gold Cocktail Ring Natural Sapphire brilliant cut diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique 18k rosé gold halo ring centered with an oval faceted natural untreated sapphire and halo set with brilliant cut diamonds. Sapphire weight is 3.66ct. Total estimated diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Red Natural Coral & Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Abstract Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is beautifully crafted in 14k yellow gold and showcases a natural red coral centerpiece in an elongated marquise shape.
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Rubellite & White Diamond 18K Rose Gold Button Cufflinks
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 1.50x1.50x0.80cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "72 White Diamonds 0.22 CT 2 MXRE 13.67 CT 18KR 8.67 GM (WNTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewel...
Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 3.06 Carat Red Ruby Diamonds Ring 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 2.06Ct Natural Ruby Ring Report: 5191466545 Oval cut Clean Clarity & Transparent 8.42 X 6.60 X 4.13mm GIA: "Red" & Mozambique Origin See report in photo ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Natural Red Spinel, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural red spinel and diamond crescent brooch, with 19, natural red spinels, graduating from the centre, in grain settings, with a row of old-cut diamonds set between, e...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold
Burmese Red Spinel and Diamond Dress Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Burmese red spinel and diamond dress ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese red spinel, in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weigh...
Diamond, Spinel, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sterling Silver Checkered Cushion Red Garnet and Diamond Accent Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the exquisite allure of this captivating .925 Sterling Silver Checkered Cushion Red Garnet and Diamond Accent Fashion Tennis Link Bracelet.
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Sterling Silver
Vivid Red Ruby and Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
1.57 Carat Vivid Red Ruby and Diamonds Ring 18K Gold Stunning Cocktail Ring centering a 1.17 Carat Natural Ruby Vivid Red and 0.40 Carat Rond Brilliant Cut Diamonds G-VS.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Marquise Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.16 carats R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Coral White Diamond Ruby Emerald Aquamarine Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Pendant has 0.10 Carats of White Rose Cut Diamonds. This Pendant has 0.40 Carats of Rubies. This Pendant has 1.20 Carats of Emeralds.
Aquamarine, Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yello...
Edwardian Red & Blue Tourmaline Diamond 18 Kt Lavaliere Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
Fine general condition Great addition at any collection Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 oval faceted cut natural Rubellite (Red Tourmaline) of approx 4...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
6.79ct No Heat Red Spinel Diamond 18K Drop Earrings
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Ultra fine unheated Burma Red Spinel and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,507Sale Price|20% Off
Ring in 750 Red Gold with Marquise Cut Diamond
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Ring in 750/ Red Gold (4.5 gram), set with 1x Diamond (LY/ VS2, Marquise-cut, 1.09cts) Beautiful antique inspired stone with a golden/honey colored tone.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Red Garnet 15.30ct. Earrings in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Red Garnet Earrings in 18Karat Yellow Gold with White Diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.61 Carat White Diamond White Gold Red Enamel Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
122 White Diamonds: 0.61 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 15.95 Grams
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Certified Red Jade & Diamond Pendant. Lucky Jade. Large Statement Piece.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This natural jadeite Jade used in this pendant is a highly transparent with excellent red color saturation. The pendant is set in 18k white gold with brilliant white diamonds totalin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gourd Red Jade White Diamond & Ruby 18K Gold Pendant
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 3.20x2.50x0.60cm Materials: "29 White Diamonds 0.25 CT 1 MXJA 16.29 CT 1 Ruby 0.08 CT 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Our Jewelry Collections celebrate ar...
White Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold
.925 Sterling Silver Red Ruby and Diamond Accent Milgrain Swirl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Embrace timeless elegance with this exquisite pendant necklace, where the allure of a natural, heat-treated red ruby meets the subtle shimmer of diamonds. Centered around a captivati...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold .77ct Jedi Red Spinel & Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold diamond ring featuring a Jedi red spinel. The red spinel weighs .77 cts.
Diamond, Spinel, Yellow Gold
Radiant Red Garnet & Diamond 14KT Rose Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
These wide-profile hoops feature a dynamic multi-row arrangement of deep red Garnets totaling 1.56 carats, beautifully contrasted by a central wave of shimmering 0.2 carat Diamonds.
Diamond, Garnet, Rose Gold
18K Black White Gold Diamond with Red Green Sapphires Heart Pendant
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Specs: Material: 18K White & Black Gold Gemstones: Red & Green Sapphires, Black & White Diamonds Diamond Count: 20 Brilliant White + Numerous Black Diamonds Sapphire Count: 9 Oval Re...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Vivid Red 31.99 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Necklace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Delicately handcrafted in platinum, this extraordinary necklace presents a breathtaking arrangement of 35 fine GIA-certified Vivid Red Burmese rubies, revered in the trade as “pigeon...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Red Orange Tourmaline Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Red Orange Tourmaline Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Cocktail This estate cocktail ring is made in solid 18K White Gold (750 stamp inside of the band).
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Red Enamel Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet is crafted out of 14k yellow gold and features 3 sparkling diamonds bezel set in red enamel. Measurements: 6.5" (16.5cm) length.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Ruby And Diamond Flower Stud Earrings. Simple And Elegant.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is a fantastic pair of bright red Ruby (very hard to capture in photos or video) and diamond stud earrings.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Blue Sapphires, Red Corals, 14K Gold Pendant
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashionable and charming pendant mounted in 14K rose and white gold. Its design is embellished with diamonds, cabochon cut blue sapphires and coral. Tot Weight 18.9 g Diamonds 0.48 c...
Coral, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Diamond Rust Red and Blue Guilloché Enamel Cufflinks
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
These Alex Jona sterling silver cufflinks are handcrafted in Italy, featuring rust-red guilloché enamel, a vivid blue enamel border and round-cut white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver, Enamel
3.00 Carat Natural Deep Red Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings 14 Karat**
Located in New York, NY
Natural Rounds Brilliant cut Rubies. Clean clarity, Deep Reds & Transparent. Diamonds Total Weight: 1.00ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Michael Kneebone Mediterranean Red Coral Diamond Archaic Style Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Mediterranean red coral is the centerpiece of the archaic style ring.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Gubelin Certified 4.98 Carat Burma No Heat Red Spinel Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Kowloon, Hong Kong
This exquisite Gubelin-certified Burma no-heat red spinel and diamond ring is a true masterpiece of rarity and refinement.
White Diamond, Spinel, Diamond, Platinum
Modern 18k YG 2ct Diamond Pavé Red Double String Bracelet
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
Style Details -18k yellow gold -Diamond beads -Orb size 12mm - 0,47 inches -Bead size 4mm - 0,157 inches -Total weight: 2,1 ct diamonds - G/H color -Love red nylon string -Comes in o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18KT Rolex Cellini Ref. 4082 Red Vignette Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The watch features a distinctive 22.5 x 24MM cushion-shaped case crafted in 18KT yellow gold, seamlessly integrated with a textured gold bracelet for a bold and luxurious presence. I...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Red Ruby Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 6.25 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 2.0 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 o...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Red Orange Coral diamond 18K Gold Clip Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These Vintage Circular coral earrings are crafted in solid 18K white gold. It is centered with a Natural pair of large reddish salmon color natural coral cabochons approx 17mm, surro...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Judith Leiber 18k Yellow Gold Red Enamel and Diamond Turtle Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 16.5 Grams Stone: 0.78ctw H VS1 Diamond Stone: 3mm Emerald Measurements: 32 x 25.96 x 9.63mm Hallmark: Judith Leiber, 750 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Material: Red Enamel Item #:...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
GRA Certified 0.70 Carat Natural Purplish Red Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 2.790 grams Set with- Stone type: Ruby Shape: Pear Carat: 0.70 ct Colour: Pinkish ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Alternating Red Ruby and White Diamond Bezel Station Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
At every turn of your wrist, catch the light with alternating stations of deep red rubies and sparkling white diamonds, each gemstone meticulously bezel-set to showcase its unique sp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58 Carat Natural Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Heart Necklace 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Red Ruby & Diamonds Heart Necklace Sharing / Common prong, Max.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Carved Red Coral, Diamond, and Sapphire Budhha Pendant Brooch
Located in Delray Beach, FL
This intricate brooch features Buddha carved in natural red coral embraced by a decorative gold design featuring single-cut blue sapphires and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,481Sale Price|20% Off
Ring in 750 Red Gold with Antique Cut Diamond
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
1 Ring in 750/ Red Gold, set with 1x Diamond (cushion, antique-cut, VS2, 1.16ct).
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2.64 Carats Red Ruby and Diamonds - Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
The stones are set in yellow gold and embraced by a dazzling white diamond surround, which extends down the ring’s platinum band.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Round Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.1 Grams Ring Size: 6.75 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 round red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$55,800Sale Price|20% Off
3.11 Carat vivid red oval Diamond White and Yellow Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant White and Yellow Gold ring featuring a 3.11 carat oval natural diamond as the center stone. The center diamond is graded vivid red color, offering a bright and lively appeara...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
Certified Natural Red & Apple Green Jade & Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is a nice Jade pendant made with an eye catching brown (almost red) colorJade, a pear shaped apple green Jade and one 0.07Cts old rose cut diamond set in rose gold and white gold.
Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, White Gold
Platinum 2.67ctw Oval Mozambique Vivid Red Ruby w/ Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Rubies- Oval Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Red Color - Mozambique - 1.01ctw (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** (28) Natural G...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GRA Certified 1.16 Carat Natural Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 3.250 grams Set with- Stone type: Ruby Shape: Octagon Carat: 1.16 ct Colour: Vivid...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
11.20 Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Dangling Chandelier Earrings Omega 18Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Chandelier Statement Ruby Diamonds Dangling throughout 6.20ct. Natural Red Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.58 Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Hoop Earrings 14 Karat Gold**
Located in New York, NY
Transparent & Even Red tone. Vivid red colors .58cts of round diamonds: G-color, Vs-2 clarity. 14kt. white gold 7.9 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Red Spinel Multi-Strand Necklace with Diamond Plaque Clasp
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional Edwardian multi-strand spinel necklace featuring richly colored natural red spinel beads arranged in a luxurious torsade of numerous strands and secured by a magnifice...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Italian Designer Diamond Emerald Red & Black Enamel Panther Brooch
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Frederique Constant Modele Brooch, Single Cut Diamond 0.23 ct H SI1,2 Emerald Rose Cut 0.10 ct , Red and Black Enamel 18K White/Yellow Gold 23.00g Jewelry Type : Brooch Meta...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
GIA Burma Red Ruby & Trillion Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous GIA 4.43 ct. purplish red ruby oval cabochon with 0.35 ct. good quality white diamond trillion.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
9.74Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Dangling Earrings 18 Karat Roulette Bullseye*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Red Rubies. Rubies: Rounds, Full Cuts. Transparent, clean clarity & even red tone. 2.24cts of round diamonds: G-color, Vs-2 clarity. 18kt. white gold 22.5 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Red Lady Bug Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Adorable 18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Red Lady Bug Brooch 18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Red Lady Bug Brooch Condition: In good condition with some minor surface w...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.