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Natural Red Round Ruby and White Diamond 1.68 Carat TW White Gold Stud Earrings
Natural Red Round Ruby and White Diamond 1.68 Carat TW White Gold Stud Earrings

Natural Red Round Ruby and White Diamond 1.68 Carat TW White Gold Stud Earrings

Located in New York, NY

The diamonds are surrounded by natural round white diamond melee.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

South-Sea Pearls, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Kt Gold Earrings.
South-Sea Pearls, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Kt Gold Earrings.

South-Sea Pearls, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Kt Gold Earrings.

Located in Marcianise, CE

Fantastic earrings in 18 kt white gold and rose gold structure mounted with a central south-sea pearl surrounded by diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose ...

David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Fan Earrings
David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Fan Earrings

David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Fan Earrings

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

Each earring features a ribbed fan shape, lined by a rope of twisted yellow gold. A single diamond embellishes the bottom of the design. Five rubies surround the diamond, adding a po...

Category

20th Century American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

1.43 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold
1.43 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold

1.43 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold

Located in NEW YORK, NY

A stunning ring showcasing a rich red emerald cut Ruby weighing 1.43 carats surrounded by diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.19 Ct GRS Pigeon Blood Burmese No Heat Ruby Diamond Earring in 18 Karat Gold
2.19 Ct GRS Pigeon Blood Burmese No Heat Ruby Diamond Earring in 18 Karat Gold

2.19 Ct GRS Pigeon Blood Burmese No Heat Ruby Diamond Earring in 18 Karat Gold

By Rewa Jewellery

Located in Bangkok, TH

The rubies are surrounded by 2.94 carat diamonds studded on 18k white gold 6.16 g gross weight.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Handcraft Lemon Quartz 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Ruby Sapphires Cocktail Ring
Handcraft Lemon Quartz 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Ruby Sapphires Cocktail Ring

Handcraft Lemon Quartz 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Ruby Sapphires Cocktail Ring

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

Amazing 18 karat white gold cocktail ring mounted at the top with a lemon quartz leaf and surrounded by diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires Ring total weight 12.50 grams Lemon ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold and 18k Yellow Gold
Estate Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold and 18k Yellow Gold

Estate Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold and 18k Yellow Gold

Located in La Jolla, CA

Estate Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold and 18k Yellow Gold Estate Ruby and Diamond Ring features 25 Round Brilliant cut Rubies surrounded by 18 Round Brilliant Diamonds, all...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Inspired 1.5ct Ruby & Diamond Halo Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Vintage Inspired 1.5ct Ruby & Diamond Halo Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold

Vintage Inspired 1.5ct Ruby & Diamond Halo Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

The rubies are surrounded by sparkling diamonds with total diamond weight of 0.44 carats with an average size of 1.19 mm, creating a classic halo design.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 2.07 Carats Total Ruby and Diamond Flower Earrings in White Gold
Roman Malakov 2.07 Carats Total Ruby and Diamond Flower Earrings in White Gold

Roman Malakov 2.07 Carats Total Ruby and Diamond Flower Earrings in White Gold

By Roman Malakov

Located in New York, NY

A floral motif stud earrings showcasing a round ruby center, surrounded by round brilliant diamonds.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 3.44 Carats Total Oval Cut Ruby and Round Diamond Drop Earrings
Roman Malakov 3.44 Carats Total Oval Cut Ruby and Round Diamond Drop Earrings

Roman Malakov 3.44 Carats Total Oval Cut Ruby and Round Diamond Drop Earrings

By Roman Malakov

Located in New York, NY

An elegant and chic pair of classic drop earrings, showcasing beautiful oval cut rubies surrounded by round diamonds suspended on a floral motif round diamond halo.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pair of NWT $17, 900 18KT Fancy Ruby Diamond & NWT $16, 900 Bracelet Bangle Cuff
Pair of NWT $17, 900 18KT Fancy Ruby Diamond & NWT $16, 900 Bracelet Bangle Cuff

Pair of NWT $17, 900 18KT Fancy Ruby Diamond & NWT $16, 900 Bracelet Bangle Cuff

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Magnificent Radiant 18KT Gold Pair of Large Rare Gorgeous Fancy Ruby and Emerald Diamond Bangle Bracelet. One Bracelet is comprised of Be...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Red Ruby Cherry Blossom Flower Ring with Diamonds in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
Red Ruby Cherry Blossom Flower Ring with Diamonds in 18k Solid Yellow Gold

Red Ruby Cherry Blossom Flower Ring with Diamonds in 18k Solid Yellow Gold

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby improves mental strength. Designed with ruby surrounded with diamonds making a five petal flower ring that makes it a perfe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.76 Carat Natural Ruby Cluster Ring in 14k Solid Rose Gold with Diamonds
2.76 Carat Natural Ruby Cluster Ring in 14k Solid Rose Gold with Diamonds

2.76 Carat Natural Ruby Cluster Ring in 14k Solid Rose Gold with Diamonds

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby gemstone improves mental strength. Designed with oval cut ruby as center stone surrounded with diamonds around and on shank...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Evil Eye Bracelet Ruby and Diamond with Bezel-Set in 14K Solid Gold for Women
Evil Eye Bracelet Ruby and Diamond with Bezel-Set in 14K Solid Gold for Women

Evil Eye Bracelet Ruby and Diamond with Bezel-Set in 14K Solid Gold for Women

By ANGARA INC.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

It features a bezel-set round striking red ruby, surrounded with glittering diamonds.July Birthstone Bracelet for Women: Ruby is the July birthstone and the traditional gemstone gift...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Angara Natural Six Petal Diamond and Ruby Flower Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
Angara Natural Six Petal Diamond and Ruby Flower Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Gold

Angara Natural Six Petal Diamond and Ruby Flower Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Gold

By ANGARA INC.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Product Description: Radiant rubies surround a sparkling round diamond to form an alluring floral pattern.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Grandeur 0.83 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Grandeur 0.83 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold

Grandeur 0.83 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold

Located in NEW YORK, NY

A vibrant and colorful engagement ring that features a 0.83 carat oval cut ruby surrounded by Diamonds all over. The Ruby is set on a 4 prong white gold basket attached to a 18 kara...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cluster Ruby Heart Ring with Halo of Diamonds in 18k Solid Rose Gold
Cluster Ruby Heart Ring with Halo of Diamonds in 18k Solid Rose Gold

Cluster Ruby Heart Ring with Halo of Diamonds in 18k Solid Rose Gold

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby improves mental strength. Designed with pear and square cut ruby making a heart surrounded with diamonds in center in rose ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Angara Natural Oval 1 ct Ruby Pendant with Floral Diamond Halo in 14K Solid Gold
Angara Natural Oval 1 ct Ruby Pendant with Floral Diamond Halo in 14K Solid Gold

Angara Natural Oval 1 ct Ruby Pendant with Floral Diamond Halo in 14K Solid Gold

By ANGARA INC.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

It features a mesmerizing oval ruby, surrounded by sparkling diamond accents that form a dazzling floral halo.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Three Stone Ring in 9K Two Tone Gold
Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Three Stone Ring in 9K Two Tone Gold

Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Three Stone Ring in 9K Two Tone Gold

Located in Bangkok, TH

Three radiant rubies, each surrounded by sparkling diamonds, beautifully arranged to resemble a delicate halo.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

South-Sea Pearl, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring
South-Sea Pearl, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring

South-Sea Pearl, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring

Located in Marcianise, CE

Gorgeous ring in 14 kt rose and white gold structure mounted with a south-sea pearl surrounded by diamonds,rubies and sapphires. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master gold...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Certified Diamond, Ruby and Blue Sapphire Toi et Moi Ring 18k Solid White Gold
Certified Diamond, Ruby and Blue Sapphire Toi et Moi Ring 18k Solid White Gold

Certified Diamond, Ruby and Blue Sapphire Toi et Moi Ring 18k Solid White Gold

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Sapphire stimulates concentration and reduces stress and ruby improves mental strength. Designed with oval cut ruby and sapphire each surrounded with diamonds set in prong setting m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.08 Ct Diamond and Ruby Necklace
LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.08 Ct Diamond and Ruby Necklace

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.08 Ct Diamond and Ruby Necklace

By LB Exclusive

Located in Southampton, PA

At the center of the 14K White Gold pendant - which measures 0.75” long and 0.45” wide - you’ll find a breathtaking ruby gemstone surrounded by diamonds totaling 0.08 carats.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1.02ct Marquise Ruby & 0.38ct Diamond Halo 14K Yellow Gold Ring
1.02ct Marquise Ruby & 0.38ct Diamond Halo 14K Yellow Gold Ring

1.02ct Marquise Ruby & 0.38ct Diamond Halo 14K Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A delicate diamond halo surrounds the ruby, while diamond-accented shoulders add balance and graceful detail.

Category

2010s American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

AGL Certified 37 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ruby Cocktail Ring
AGL Certified 37 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ruby Cocktail Ring

AGL Certified 37 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ruby Cocktail Ring

Located in New York, NY

An elaborate arrangement of vibrant red rubies and brilliant diamonds surrounds the center stone, creating a striking contrast of color, texture, and brilliance.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

New 5 Carat Ruby & Sapphire 14k Gold PL Sapphire Sterling Necklace
New 5 Carat Ruby & Sapphire 14k Gold PL Sapphire Sterling Necklace

New 5 Carat Ruby & Sapphire 14k Gold PL Sapphire Sterling Necklace

Located in Eagan, MN

They total 5 carats. The oval rubies are surrounded by diamond cut white sapphires.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Sterling Silver

Staurino Fratelli 18K YG Diamond Cabochon Multicolored Gemstone Brooch
Staurino Fratelli 18K YG Diamond Cabochon Multicolored Gemstone Brooch

Staurino Fratelli 18K YG Diamond Cabochon Multicolored Gemstone Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This stunning Staurino Fratelli diamond multicolored gemstone brooch, exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold, set with one cabochon ruby surrounded by a diamond halo in the center, a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Heavy 18k Yellow Gold Kunzite Diamond Statement Necklace Barbara Anton Vintage
Heavy 18k Yellow Gold Kunzite Diamond Statement Necklace Barbara Anton Vintage

Heavy 18k Yellow Gold Kunzite Diamond Statement Necklace Barbara Anton Vintage

By Barbara B. Anton

Located in Austin, TX

One of a kind hand made statement necklace with large pale pink kunzite set in heavy gold with round-faceted rubies and RBC diamond surround, approx. 3.38 cts.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Italian Designer 35.40cts Multi-Gem Diamond 18K Gold Bangle Bracelet
Italian Designer 35.40cts Multi-Gem Diamond 18K Gold Bangle Bracelet

Italian Designer 35.40cts Multi-Gem Diamond 18K Gold Bangle Bracelet

By Tallarico

Located in Miami, FL

Crafted in yellow gold, the wide dome silhouette is centered with an oval ruby framed by baguette diamonds, surrounded by an exquisite arrangement of rubies, emeralds, and sapphires ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pair of Art Deco Ruby Crystal Perfume Bottles by Val Saint Lambert
Pair of Art Deco Ruby Crystal Perfume Bottles by Val Saint Lambert

Pair of Art Deco Ruby Crystal Perfume Bottles by Val Saint Lambert

By Val Saint Lambert

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Crafted from richly finished ruby ​​crystal and expertly cut, these bottles feature a striking geometric pattern of faceted ruby ​​medallions surrounded by intricate diamond-cut deta...

Category

20th Century Belgian Other Bottles

Materials

Crystal

Diamond Kissed 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Pink Blossom Stud Earrings
Diamond Kissed 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Pink Blossom Stud Earrings

Diamond Kissed 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Pink Blossom Stud Earrings

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Delicate and bold, these Diamonds Kissed 14K Yellow Gold Pink Blossom Stud Earrings feature vibrant rubies surrounded by sparkling diamonds, set in 14k white gold.

Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Pair of Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Pair of Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Earrings

Pair of Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Earrings

Located in London, GB

A pair of late Victorian ruby and diamond earrings, each in the form of a flower, centrally-set with a round ruby, surrounded by five petals, each set with a pear-shaped ruby surroun...

Category

Antique 1890s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

An Early 20th Century Ruby And Diamond Clover Brooch
An Early 20th Century Ruby And Diamond Clover Brooch

An Early 20th Century Ruby And Diamond Clover Brooch

Located in London, GB

This lovely piece features a three-leaf clover set with three beautiful Burmese rubies and surrounded by diamonds. Each clover leaf has a vibrant central ruby set to it and a boarder...

Category

Early 20th Century Polish Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold

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Ruby Surround Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of ruby surround diamonds available on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. Find a collection of 12 vintage versions or 17 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of ruby surround diamonds bearing Art Deco or Modern hallmarks are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by DesignsOnDiamonds, Dianna Rae Jewelry and Jade Jagger are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for oval cut ruby surround diamonds and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and brilliant cut alternatives. When shopping our range of ruby surround diamonds, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Ruby Surround Diamonds?

On average, ruby surround diamonds at 1stDibs sell for $9,000, while they’re typically $600 on the low end and $98,000 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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings. 

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Questions About Ruby Surround Diamonds

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    While rubies, one of the most expensive gemstones, are worth about $20,000 per carat, diamonds are worth between $2,500 and $18,000 per carat. Diamonds are a bit less rare than rubies.