Natural Red Round Ruby and White Diamond 1.34 Carat TW White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful ruby earrings. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Rose and White Gold setting with natural round cut red ruby's complimented by natural round white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Round Cut Diamond and Ruby Wedding Band. Alternate Half Eternity Platinum Band
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamonds Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.60-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: L-M Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS2-SI2 Clarity Secondary...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Angara Natural Round Ruby and Diamond Inside Out Hoop Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Alternately secured in prong settings are brilliant diamonds and fiery red rubies on these stunning hoop earrings.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Red Round Ruby and White Diamond 0.53 Carat TW Rose Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic ruby earrings. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Rose and White Gold setting with natural round cut red ruby's complimented by natural round white diamond melee in a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Elegant Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Favero
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gorgeous ring by Favero features one 0.49ct Round Brilliant Cut Ruby set with 16 Round cut Diamonds with a total approximate weight of 0.31cts in an 18Kt White Gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Floral Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Natural Rubies
Located in Milano, MI
A magnificent floral cocktail ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold (hallmarked 750), featuring a bold and elegant design. The setting is adorned with approximately 1 carat of diamonds, a...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 1.50 Carat Oval Ruby Round Diamond White Gold Hoop Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
The rich deep rubies are complemented by the brilliance of the diamonds. 14 white gold setting settings with lever backs. 6 oval red rubies, approx. 1.50cts 84 round brilliant cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
18K Rose Gold Ring, Set with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Total weight: 4 carats. Diamonds: Set around each ruby and in the body of the ring itself, in a dense and luxurious pavé setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Roman Malakov 3.60 Carats Total Baguette Cut Ruby & Round Cut Diamond Bracelet
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
Accented by 19 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 1.30 carats total, each set on a four prong setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 1910 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Nouveau ring is finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered by one round-cut gem-quality natural red ruby with approximately 0.15 carat total weight, beautifull...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Gold Black Onyx and Pink Opal Round Beads Rubies Black Diamonds Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique and elegant Art Deco Style ring composed of a flat oval ring in solid 14 Kt yellow gold with 3 round black onyx beads with small faceted rubies set on one side and 3 pink op...
Black Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
3.8ct Red Ruby Ring w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14k Yellow Gold Round 9mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful ring features a 3.86 carat round ruby gemstone with natural earth mined diamonds, all set in solid 14K gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18K Gold Flower Pendant Necklace with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant flower pendant necklace is crafted in 18K gold and features a beautiful design that combines classic charm with refined detail. At the heart of the pendant lies a vivid ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,992Sale Price|35% Off
Ruby Pear Diamond Round "Flower" Shape 18 Karat Gold Fashion Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The center-stone of these earrings are a dazzling White Diamond round, capturing both the essence of brilliance and sophistication.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.45 Carat No-Heat Burma Ruby Oval Cut & Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified 6.45 carat unheated oval cut Ruby from Burma. Adorned with a diamond halo of 12 round cut white diamonds totaling 2.96 carats (0.25ct each).
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.04 Carat Total Round Cut Diamond & Square Cut Ruby Fashion Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable ring, showcasing one row of square cut rubies, set on a channel setting. Accented on both sides by round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.04 carats total, set on a hal...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Round Cut Ruby Ring and Halo Diamond Studded in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 0.55 ct Gemstone pcs - 1 Gemstone Shape - Round Gemstone size - 5 mm Diamond Weight - 0.39 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Delicate Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
The ruby is set within a fine halo of round diamonds, with additional diamond accents extending along the shoulders for a balanced, graceful design.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3 Oval Ruby Cabs Yellow Gold Diamonds Round Drop Shape Amethyst Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of an upper part of 3 oval shape Ruby cabs of 4 mm x 5 mm set together in 14 Kt yellow gold with 2 small diamonds in the ce...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,060
18k Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Set with a Cabochon-Cut Ruby. Encircled by Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Angara 14K Gold Ruby Halo Stud Earrings with Diamond Accents, 0.68ct
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: These ruby halo stud earrings in 14k solid gold feature a central round ruby that is surrounded by several diamond accents.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Whimsical Ruby Strawberry Pendant 2.55ct in 14K Yellow Gold with Pave Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 2.55 cts Gemstone shape - Round Gemstone Size - 2.6 mm Diamond Weight - 0.2 cts Diamond Size...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.74 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bold, refined, and timeless—this Ruby Cocktail Ring is a striking expression of elegance. At its center lies a 1.738 carat ruby, glowing with deep red brilliance and unmatched allure...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Oval Ruby Halo Cocktail Ring with Multi-Cut Diamond Band
Located in New York, NY
The ruby is held by four gold prongs and is enclosed by a compact oval halo of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Ruby Knotted Heart Pendant with Diamond in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal And Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: RubyMain Stone Color: Medium RedMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation: NaturalMain Stone Size: 5mmMain Stone Carat We...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
18k Rose Gold & Enamel Band with 1.60 Carat Diamond & 0.28 Carat Ruby
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
Very Unique and Stylish 18k Rose Gold Band with Red Oriental Style Enamel and Diamond Inlay & Border containing Natural Rubies Total Carat Weight: 1.32 Carats White Diamonds: 1.32 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Enamel, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.4ct Burmese Rubies & .6ct Round Diamond 18k White Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
This luxurious ring features 4 vibrant baguette-cut Burmese Rubies in an east-west setting. They are perfectly complemented by 3 brilliant round white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,403Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Halo Stud Earrings With Diamonds In 18K White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
These classic stud earrings by Artisan feature vivid 1.20ct oval rubies, surrounded by a halo of 0.51ct round brilliant diamonds, all set in 4.460g of 18K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
REINSTEIN ROSS Stackable Duo Rings In 20Kt Yellow Gold With Rubies & Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
The rings are embellished with thirteen natural earth mined gemstones such vivid red rubies and a diamond. Diamond: Mounted in a flush setting, with 1 round brilliant cut diamond, 0...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Aquamarine and Ruby Halo Ring. 2.60ct Round Aquamarine Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum, this ring exemplifies fine craftsmanship and enduring quality. The sleek platinum setting not only provides exceptional durability but also enhances the bril...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Platinum
Roman Malakov 1.13 Carats Total Oval Cut Ruby & Round Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable pendant necklace, showcasing a 0.32 carat oval cut ruby, set on a four prong setting. Accented by round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.81 carat total, set in an intr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Amazonite Round Cab Ruby Round Cab 14 Karat Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple elegant clip on earrings with round plain Blue Amazonite cabochons of 16 mm in diameter set in 14 Kt yellow gold with a round Ruby cabochons of 4 mm in diameter,also set in 1...
Amazonite, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
The rubies form a bold inner halo around the central diamond, while additional round diamonds totaling 1.20ctw create a bright scalloped outer frame.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$10,160Sale Price / item|20% Off
12.37 CTW Floral Ruby & Diamond Bracelet with Pear Cut Rubies in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 12.37 cts Gemstone Shape - Pear Gemstone Size - Mix Diamond Weight - 0.97 cts Diamond Size -...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is a very good gauge of gold and is in excellent condition. Ruby Quality Color Red Cut round mixed Content 0.15 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (ave...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco style diamond ruby platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A bold tribute to the glamour of the 1930s, this Art Deco–style ring centers on a luminous 0.39 carat transitional cut diamond. Its balanced proportions and lively sparkle bridge ant...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$8,116Sale Price / item|20% Off
12.37 CTW Floral Ruby & Diamond Bracelet with Pear Cut Rubies in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 12.37 cts Gemstone Shape - Pear Gemstone Size - Mix Diamond Weight - 0.97cts Diamond Size - ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Round Diamond & Pink Red Ruby 18K White Gold Shield Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The oval shaped ring setting is made of solid 18k white gold and celebrate a round brilliant cut natural diamond at is center with a color of H-J and a clarity of SI.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Double Headed Lion & Multi Rope Chain Bracelet with Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The centerpiece of this piece is a magnificent circular setting that showcases a stunning cabochon cut emerald, surrounded by a halo of sparkling round cut diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Set of Four Round Bangle Bracelets in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Each bangle is set with 24 rubies and 24 round brilliant cut diamonds, all grain set with open backs to allow maximum light and enhance their natural beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby with Diamond Halo and Sapphire Channel-Set Band
Located in New York, NY
The ruby is framed by a delicate halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Roman Malakov 12.65 Carat Oval Cut Ruby & Round Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful tennis bracelet, featuring oval cut rubies weighing 12.65 carats total, set on a four prong setting.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Platinum Cluster Ring with Ruby and Diamond Halo, 20th Century
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Encircling the ruby, a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds adds dimension and radiance, creating a beautifully balanced composition that enhances the center stone without overpoweri...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 1.60ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF14-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring will continually capture your imagination. The bold Platinum setting shines to life thanks to sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 1.60 carats. A 3.0 carat Ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 1.00 Carat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Round Faceted Content 1.00 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Eight Content 0.70 carat Dimensions Length of ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3 Carat Classical Round Cut Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 3 ct Gemstone pcs - 1 Gemstone shape - Round Gemstone size - 9 mm Diamond Weight - 0.24 ct D...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
14K White Gold Emerald and Ruby Floral Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Ruby , Emerald Gemstone Weight - 1.35 ct Stone Shape - Round Gemstone Pcs - 13 Stone Size - 3, 2.5 mm Diamond Weight - ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1.80ct Ruby Ring with Diamond Halo Accents 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Surrounding the center stone is a halo of sixteen sparkling round diamonds totaling approximately 0.32 carats, adding an elegant brilliance and refined contrast against the warm gold...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The main stones are 6 round cut rubies with a total weight of 1.00 carats and are mounted in a pave setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charles Krypell 18K White Gold Clover Earrings with Diamonds & Rubies
By Charles Krypell
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Details at a Glance: Designer: Charles Krypell Metal: 18K White Gold Style: Quatrefoil Clover / Flower Center: Round Bezel-Set Diamond Diamond Setting: Pavé — Inner Cluster & Ou...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring is set in 18k rose gold setting and weighs 8 grams. There is a beautiful 1.29 carat ruby in the center surrounded by 1.29 carats of diamonds. 18K Rose Gold Diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
White Gold Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold ruby and diamond cluster dress ring. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.54ct pear shaped ruby in a 3 claw setting which disperses a deep red hue throug...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Baguette & White Diamond Round Three-Row 18 Karat Gold Fashion Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Discover the perfect blend of elegance and beauty with our stunning three-row band ring. The centerpiece features 10 baguette-cut Rubies totaling to 0.56 carats, radiating a rich, vi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,094Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century with Diamonds and Rubies 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Charming early 20th-century (1900) 18k gold ring featuring rose-cut diamonds and round-cut rubies. Weight: 3.09 grams Diamonds: Rose-cut, 0.20 ct total weight Rubies: Round-cut, 0.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$591Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Zodiac Gemini Diamond Bracelet with Birthstone Ruby Emerald Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
DON'T HESITATE TO ASK FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS ON TOP OF THE CURRENT DISCOUNT *** Details *** - Gold :- 14K Solid Gold - Gold Color :- Rose Gold / Yellow Gold / White Gold (WRITE A ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
$616Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold Zodiac Pisces Diamond Bracelet With Birthstone Ruby Emerald Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
. - Setting Type :- Pave / Bezel Diamonds :- All Diamonds are genuine, natural, conflict free diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
$554Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold Zodiac Pisces Diamond Bracelet With Birthstone Ruby Emerald Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
. - Setting Type :- Pave / Bezel Diamonds :- All Diamonds are genuine, natural, conflict free diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
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.