VICTORIAN ring with emerald and rose cut diamonds 18k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and silver ring set with emerald and rose-cut diamond up to 0.15 ct - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.2 cm long, 1.5 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Certified natural uncut rose cut Diamonds yellow gold plated silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond- 3.10cts Diamond type: uncut polki diamond, rose cut diamonds Diamond color: White Diamond Certificate- IGI Certified Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silver or 92.5% Pu...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold Plate
18k yellow gold Papal award set with rose-cut diamonds total 0.08ct, 1888
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold Papal award set with rose-cut diamonds total 0.08ct – G/H – SI detailed description: The award was issued in 1888 on the occasion of the 50th priestly jubilee in th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Antique Russian Rose Cut Diamond Necklace, 8ct, 56 Gold, Circa 1900”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian rose cut diamond necklace with an estimate diamond weight of 8 carats in movable dangling links design back foiled diamond settings rose gold color hall marked 56 imp...
Diamond
$2,310Sale Price / item|30% Off
White Rose Cut Diamond Butterfly Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR White Rose Cut Diamond Butterfly Necklace 18 Karat White Gold A strikingly simple composition of pear-shape and Round captures the delicate beauty of a butterfly’s.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,520Sale Price / item|30% Off
White Rose Cut Diamond Butterfly Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR White Rose Cut Diamond Butterfly Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold A strikingly simple composition of pear-shape and Round captures the delicate beauty of a butterfly’s.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Mid- Century 9K & Silver Yellow Gold Drop Earrings with Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in Marcianise, IT
Earrings total weight 24.50 grams Rose Cut Diamonds weight 3.66 Karat
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 9k Gold
French 19th Century Rose- Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, own hallmark. Sumptuous antique daisy ring, it is adorned in the center of an important rose- cut diamond retained in claws in a surrounding of antique cu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,520Sale Price / item|30% Off
JR Rose Cut Diamond Dangling Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 1.39ct Rose cut Diamond Dangling Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,749Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Rose Cut Diamond Star Necklace in 18k White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Rose cut Diamond Star Necklace in 18K White Gold Timeless and dainty 18K solid gold pave diamond small star charm hanging form a link necklace.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Fox Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring Antique Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian - Edwardian Ring with a gorgeous Fox head set with Rose Cut Diamonds with Ruby eyes. The jewels are set in Silver atop Gold as was the custom of the per...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings by Bracken Jewelers
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Handcrafted Greco Earrings by Bracken Jewelers in Los Angeles, California, featuring oval rose cut diamonds totaling 0.85cttw in 22K yellow gold bezel settings with symmetrical ball ...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Antique Russian 14k Gold Star Pendant Brooch with Rose Cut Diamonds”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian 14k gold large star pendant and brooch with rose cut diamonds 5cm width 6cm lenght total gold weight 12.50 grams hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard
Victorian 17k Yellow Gold .15ct Rose Cut Diamond Ring With Starburst Engraving
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious yellow gold, this piece features a captivating rose-cut diamond at its center, weighing 0.15 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.10ct – G/H – SI – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Faye Kim 18 Karat White Gold Rose Cut Diamond Line Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat White Gold Rose Cut Diamond Line Earrings feature a series of diamonds separated by white gold links, and finished with a larger diamond briolette drop.
Diamond, White Gold
$10,987Sale Price|25% Off
Certified Natural Uncut rose cut Diamonds 14K white gold ribbon bow necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This gorgeous ribbon bow uncut rose cut diamond Gold necklace is unique in itself.
Diamond, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.60ct – G/H - SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
“Antique French 18k Gold Floral Earrings with Rose Cut Diamonds, 1900”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique french earrings 1900s in 18k yellow and white gold floral shape with rose cut diamonds hall marked with french eagle assay mark for 18k gold standard earrings lenght 1.5cm
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Brooch or Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous victorian brooch holds a rose cut diamond at the centre and is modelled in 18carat gold.
Diamond, Gold
18 Karat Gold 2.13 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This vintage inspired drop earrings is intricately cast from 18-karat yellow gold, it's encrusted with 2.13-carats of gleaming rose cut diamonds FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K Rose Gold Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Rose Gold Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in 18k rose gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold
Antique 14k White Gold and Silver Rose Cut Diamond Floral Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This antique floral brooch combines 14k white gold and silver in a delicate openwork design set with 0.17ctw of rose cut diamonds. The softly faceted diamonds lend the piece a subtle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
1.92 Carat Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful uncut natural diamond earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold, is set with 1.92 carats rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.60ct Rose Cut Diamond Tiara in 18kt Gold and Oxiidized Silver
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Diamond Tiara that contains 17 Rose Cut Diamonds= 2.60ct Each diamond is set into a highly polished Floret Collet in 18kt yellow gold with a Millgrain Set Design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
2.69 Carat Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Flower Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these beautiful drop earrings are set with 2.69 carats of rose cut diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclus...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Lapaix Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Mined 1.10ct 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Brand New Lapaix Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Mined 1.10ct 14K Yellow Gold Featuring a Gorgeous Colorless .90ct Genuine Natural Mined Rose Cut Diamond Center Accented by 8 Ro...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,591Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1950s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage navette ring in 9k gold, circa 1950s, set with natural rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.75 carats (H-I-J-K-L color, SI1-SI2-SI3-I1-2 clarity).
Diamond, 9k Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage style Natural rose cut Diamonds 14k Gold serpent snake bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This snake gold bracelet is a versatile and captivating accessory that can add a touch of elegance, mystery, and individuality to your style. This diamond gold bracelet consists of: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Russian Gold Ring, Circa 1880, Turquoise & Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian turrquoise ring centered with light blue oval turquoise flanked with little rose cut diamonds in detailed work on ring sides ring head diameter 10.30mm ring was made ...
Victorian Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Total weight: 11.1 grams Set with: - 20 x 1.3 mm - 3.7 mm rose-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.50 carat.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$504Sale Price|20% Off
Regal Natural rose cut diamond real emerald 925 silver double tone ring
Located in Delhi, DL
This stunning ring is one of its kind. It consists of: Diamond- Natural rose cut diamond Diamond color- Tinted grey Metal- Silver Metal purity- 925 silver or sterling silver Gemstone...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
14 Karat Gold 2.13 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This vintage inspired stud earrings is intricately cast from 14-karat yellow gold, it's encrusted with 2.13-carats of gleaming rose cut diamonds FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian yellow Gold Rose-Cut Diamond Drop Earrings — 19th Century
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Each earring features a central rose-cut diamond framed by a halo of smaller rose-cut stones, all set in warm 9K gold that has acquired a soft, antique patina.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver Topped Yellow Gold Fancy Brown Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique cluster ring combines a yellow gold body with a silver-topped setting arranged around fancy brown rose cut diamonds. The darkened silver enhances the warm brown tones of...
Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold
$26,670Sale Price|30% Off
JR Rose Cut Diamond Tassel 18 Karat White Gold Earring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR Rose Cut Diamond Tassel 18 Karat White Gold Earring Stylish, graceful and elegant is what this pair of diamond tassel earring is.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique French 18K Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Fleur de Lis Bracelet
Located in Mārupe, LV
An exceptional Antique French Rose Cut Diamond Fleur-de-Lis Cuff Bracelet crafted in 18K rose gold and silver, dating to the mid-19th century, circa 1850-1870.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Natural Pearl and Rose-Cut Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Firenze, FI
Details: • Material: 9k Rose Gold • Stones: Rose-cut diamonds • Pearls: Round white cultured pearls • Design: Vintage floral motif with pearl drops • Closure: Hook fastening f...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold
Victorian 1.5ct Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earrings 18k Gold Circa 1859
Located in Cairo, EG
Victorian era 1850s dangling earrings topped with a flower design with a dangling pear shaped with rose cut diamonds estimate weight of 1.5 ct in 18k gold topped with silver and a ba...
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Ottoman Natural Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Ottoman Natural Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Brooch In very good condition.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
19th Century Marquise Ring in 18K Gold with Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Specifications Period: 19th century Metal: 18K yellow gold Stone(s): Rose-cut diamonds Weight: 2.93 g Ring Size: FR 55 (approx.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Meghna Jewels 12.85ct Rose Cut Diamond Chandelier Earrings in Gold
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold & sterling silver, these chandelier earrings are set with 12.85 carats of rose cut diamonds with blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$504Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Natural rose cut diamond Burma ruby 925 silver adjustable bow ring
Located in Delhi, DL
This stunning ring is one of its kind. It consists of: Diamond- Natural rose cut diamond Diamond color- Tinted grey Metal- Silver Metal purity- 925 silver or sterling silver Gemstone...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
VICTORIAN earrings with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold 6.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold drop earrings set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct – G/H - SI Detailed description: Earring dimensions: 1.8 cm long by 1.3 cm wide Weight: 6.5 grams Set with:...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Georgian Ruby Ring Rose Cut Diamond Halo 18 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Fine Red Color Round Cut The ruby is 4mm in diameter. Diamonds 10 Rose Cut Diamonds The top of the ring is 10mm in diameter.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
“Antique 14k Gold Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earrings, Circa 1939, 2ct”
Located in Cairo, EG
14k gold dangling earrings with rose cut diamonds estimate weight of 2 carats H colour white excellent spark open back in oxdized yellow gold colour with total lenght of 3cm
“ Antique 2.5ct Rose Cut Diamond Gold Earrings & Pendant Set, Circa 1910”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique set of earrings and pendant in rose cut diamonds with estimate weight of 2.5 carats and total lenght of earrings and pendant 2.5cm made in europe between 1910.c
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver zig zag diamond Bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.60cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Victorian Deer Brooch, Circa 1850, Rose Cut Diamonds and Sapphire Eyes in Silver
Located in Firenze, FI
The piece is set with 29 rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.5 carats, while two marquise-cut sapphires form the expressive eyes of the deer.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN earrings with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 14k gold 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold solitaire stud earrings set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct – G/H - SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 8.0 mm wide Weight 2.7 grams Set wit...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Estate Edwardian 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring - VHK#968A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring - VHK#968A Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.73 grams ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Necklace Antique Art Deco Belle Epoque Pendant
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A RARE NATURAL RUBY, ROSE CUT DIAMOND AND PEARL ART DECO TO BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Victorian necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 4.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Total weight: 11.4 grams Set with: - 1 x 7.0 mm x 6.1 mm rose-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.00 carat Color: G/H Clarity: SI - 1 x 6.5 mm x 6.4 mm pear-shaped rose-cut dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$7,980Sale Price|30% Off
JR 2.17 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Flower 18 Karat White Gold Earring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 2.17 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Flower 18 Karat White Gold Earring Flowers made of White Diamond rose cut earring is simple and for daily wear.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Flower Pendant Silver And Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a rare early Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Flower Pendant or Brooch dating to the Georgian to Victorian Era set with an abundance of antique Rose Cut Diamonds set in silver with...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 9k Gold, Enamel
$1,521Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century 1910-1915 0.30ct Rose Cut Diamonds in 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A beautiful early 20th-century ring from the 1910-1915 period, crafted in 18k gold and featuring classic rose-cut diamonds, reflecting the elegance of the era.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Certified natural rose cut Diamonds ruby yellow gold plated silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond- 3.60cts Diamond type: rose cut diamonds Diamond color: White with a tint of grey Diamond Certificate- IGI Certified Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silver or 92.5% Pur...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Michael Kneebone Moonstone Rose Cut Diamond Archaic Style Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Enhancing the design are two bezel set, rose cut diamonds. The ring has been created to a size seven but may be sized if needed and at no additional cost.
Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold
Meghna Jewels 18K Gold Silver Turquoise Rose Cut Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18K gold and sterling silver, these beautiful earrings are encrusted with turquoise and 9.98 carats rose cut diamonds with blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefr...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
1.88 Carat Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat XO Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold & sterling silver, this stud earrings is set with 1.88 carats of rose cut diamonds with blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
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.
