Antique Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled crescent moon brooch taken from the Victorian era. This antique
Antique 1880s Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled crescent moon brooch taken from the Victorian era. This antique
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous sapphire and diamond set crescent moon brooch dating back to the Victorian
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, set with seven, round faceted sapphires
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
$9,552
W 1.04 in L 1.14 in
French Antique Sapphire Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A French antique sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, with a graduating row of cushion-cut
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
$14,390
H 1.12 in W 1 in L 16 in
Victorian 18k/14k/Sterling Silver Sapphire & Diamond Crescent Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful sapphire and diamond crescent moon necklace from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver
$39,898
W 1.62 in L 1.62 in
Victorian Diamond Crescent Brooch, with Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Inserts
Located in London, GB
A Victorian three row crescent brooch, with a removable, original, sapphire insert and newly made
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
$3,022
H 0.5 in W 1.75 in L 18 in
Antique Crescent and Heart pendant necklace, Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
sapphires with a cushion cut sapphire to the centre of the heart. Crescent moons were a popular motif in
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$3,370
H 0.19 in W 0.87 in L 1.97 in
Antique 3.70Ct Sapphire, 0.48Ct Diamond and 9k Yellow Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 3.70 carat sapphire and 0.48 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold crescent
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$2,237
H 0.99 in W 1 in
Edwardian Crescent Moon Brooch, Antique Rose Diamond and Natural Sapphire Jewel
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
crafted from solid 14K rose gold and set with foiled rose-cut diamonds and natural blue sapphires. The
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Diamond & Sapphire Crescent Moon Brooch in 18K Gold and Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
. The crescent moon is set with approximately 2.00 carats of rose-cut diamonds, accented by alternating
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$12,313
W 0.87 in L 1.07 in
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Crescent Moon Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Tiffany & Co sapphire and diamond 18 karat white gold crescent moon brooch circa 1960. This eye
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.31 Ct Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire Crescent Moon Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crescent Moon Diamond and Gemstone Ring/ Minimalist ring/ Gold crescent moon ring/ Lucky ring
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.31 Ct Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire Crescent Moon Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crescent Moon Diamond and Gemstone Ring/ Minimalist ring/ Gold crescent moon ring/ Lucky ring
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,600
W 1.33 in L 1.57 in
Vintage Multi-Gemstone and Old Mine Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Sapphires: 1.00 ctw Emerald: .50 ctw Natural Diamonds: 1.30 ctw Diamond cut: Old Mine Dimond color: F-G
Multi-gemstone, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold...
Art Deco Tutti Frutti clip brooch in platinum and gold, crescent moon
Located in PARIS, FR
crescent moon, decorated with stylized flowers with sculpted petals of 17 sapphires (unheated), 14 rubies
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold
A pair of French Art Deco diamond and sapphire crescent earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of French Art Deco diamond and sapphire crescent earrings, each earring in the form of a
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in Glasgow, GB
A late 19th-century Victorian brooch, crafted circa 1890s, featuring sapphires and diamonds set in
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
1930s Sapphire Diamond Gold Crescent Tie Pin
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lovely dash of sparkle and gold to complete a gentleman's look. The gold crescent pin is elegant
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 14k Gold
Diamond and Sapphire Crescent Moon and Star Earrings
Located in Boston, MA
18K GOLD EARRINGS WITH DIAMONDS AND SAPPHIRES The Crescent Moon earrings are stunningly beautiful
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Gold Sapphires and Diamonds French Antique Crescent
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very lovely antique crescent, 19th century made. it is made in rose gold 18k and silver. Hallmarks
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Mary Gallagher 14k Yellow Gold Crescent Earrings with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Mary Gallagher
Located in Foxborough, MA
These gorgeous buttery yellow gold earrings are set with deep blue sapphires and vs white diamonds
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, set with cushion shaped faceted sapphires, spaced
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch, circa 1895
Located in London, GB
An antique sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, set with thirteen, oval and round faceted
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
into a graceful crescent shape. The brooch is adorned with a row of bold blue oval-cut sapphires, each
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful sapphire and diamond set brooch from the later stages of the 19th century
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous sapphire and diamond set crescent moon brooch. It is crafted in 9ct yellow gold
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
An antique sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, set with nine, oval and round faceted sapphires
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Antique Sapphire, Diamond, Gold And Silver Crescent Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An antique sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, with an outer row of oval and cushion faceted
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Sold
H 0.17 in W 0.98 in L 0.86 in
Vintage 1973 Hallmarked Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
sapphire and diamond crescent brooch is fine quality set with sapphires and diamonds. The brooch is a very
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 2 in W 1 in Dm 2.5 in
Antique Victorian Wide Sapphire Ruby Diamond Enamel Cherub Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
and rubies is beyond words. Delightful cherubs lounge on sapphire and diamond crescent moons
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Crescent Sapphire Pearl Diamond Gold Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
to express the infatuation of the unknown. Featuring a crescent inscribed with pearls, sapphires and
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire and Diamond, 15 Karat Yellow Gold Crescent Brooch, Antique
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique Victorian 0.70 carat sapphire and 0.52 carat diamond 15 karat yellow gold, silver
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Crescent Inline Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Sapphire: 108 princess cut = 2.16cttw Diamond: 180 round
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 0.23 in W 1.12 in L 1.12 in
1920s 1.88 Carat Sapphire and 1.04 Carat Diamond White Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
claw set graduating Old European cut diamonds. This diamond crescent brooch with sapphires secures to
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold
Unheated Ceylon Blue Sapphire Platinum Ring with Crescent Trapezoid Diamonds
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
two 0.45-carat F/VS2-SI1 Crescent Trapezoid diamonds, perfectly enhancing the sapphire’s vivid
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2.81 Carat Round Cut Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, 10k Gold Crescent Moon Link
Located in Greensboro, NC
Sapphires Treatment: Heating Color: Blue Cut: Round Carats: 2.75ctw Natural Diamonds Clarity: I2
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold
Antique Sapphire Diamond Crescent 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Sapphire Diamond Crescent 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Brooch. Featuring 21 round
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Antique Butterfly and Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
An antique butterfly and crescent brooch, set with old-cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds and a
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Io Si 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Diamond & Pink Sapphire Pave Crescent Pearl
Located in Southampton, PA
sapphires, with the diamonds and sapphires amounting to 6.96 and 9.01 carats respectively. The pendant
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Blue Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Charms of the moon! A Victorian blue sapphire and diamond crescent pendant, set with round and pear
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Crescent 18 Carat White Gold Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stylish crescent brooch holds a total of 15 sapphires and 8 diamonds. The sapphire total
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Victorian Sapphire Diamond Gold Crescent Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking sapphire and diamond crescent pin from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Made of 14kt
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Sapphire Emerald Diamond Bee and Crescent Arrow Brooch
Located in London, GB
Bee and crescent arrow brooch, set with rose-cut diamonds weighing an estimated total of 8.50cts
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique Crescent moon bangle, Sapphire and Diamond, 9k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique Victorian era Sapphire and Diamond bangle in 9ct yellow gold. A pretty openwork
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire, Diamond, and Enameled Cherub Crescent Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
graduated gemstones line the outside of the crescent, and include two rows of old Rose Cut diamonds which
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Crescent Moon Pavé Diamond and Sapphire Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This crescent moon pendant necklace exudes celestial charm with its shimmering diamond pave design
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Natural Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
grams Diamond Details: .75ct total weight, Old Mine Brilliant, Natural Diamonds, F-G Color, VS Clarity
Diamond
A Victorian sapphire and diamond crescent brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond crescent brooch, consisting of a row formed by nineteen faceted
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond "Crescent and Star" Necklace
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A gorgeous Victorian star and crescent necklace set with old cut diamonds and blue sapphires. We've
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Sapphire Ruby Diamond Crescent Clover Stars Bar Brooch
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Beautiful Victorian c.1890s Gold and Silver bar brooch with a Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire clover
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold
$138,000
Diamond Necklace Tiara
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...
Diamond, 18k Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Diamond White Gold 2 Row Ring. Box COA
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 2-row ring from Bulgari's alluring Serpenti collection is crafted in 18k white gold and fully pave-set with round brilliant-cut round E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds of an ...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Seed Pearl and Diamond Enameled Flower Brooch in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This charming vintage flower pin is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold with delicate enameled petals in warm shades of yellow and peach. At the center blooms a brilliant diamond, surrou...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Américaine watch with diamond bezel and bracelet in 18K yellow gold, featuring a rectangular 19 x 34.5mm case and quartz movement. Designed with timeless Roman numerals ...
18k Gold
$59,331
W 2.37 in D 0.4 in L 3.35 in
Fabergé Antique Bi-Color Gold Cigarette Case, Circa 1896-1908, Russia
By Fabergé
Located in Capri, IT
1896 - 1908 Circa Yellow and Rose Gold Faberge Cigarette Case. Workmaster August Hollming, ST Petersburg with scratched inventory number 5695. Of rectangular shape.
$35,000
H 2.76 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Vintage A. Tillander Diamond Platinum Tiara
Located in London, GB
An A. Tillander diamond platinum tiara, circa 1910. This exceptional diamond tiara by A. Tillander is beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The tiara is composed of intertwining, sc...
Diamond, Platinum
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold
Located in London, England
A truly elegant Edwardian old cut diamond tiara set in silver and gold, circa 1910. This beautifully handcrafted tiara is composed of a number of elegant foliate scroll motifs, com...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
$832Sale Price / item|55% Off
W 0.27 in L 7 in
20 Carat Heart Cut Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet for Birthday Gift in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
20 Carat Heart Cut Aquamarine Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural aquamarine, weighing 20 carat. It measures 7 inches long in length. Aquamarine stimul...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
New 1.50 Carat Blue Sapphire Sterling Silver Post Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
These earrings are just gorgeous! The stones are from Africa and measure .75 cts each. They are a deep rich blue and are oval stones that measure 7 x 4.5 mm. They are surrounded b...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
$30,450 / set
L 16.5 in
Scott Gauthier Diamond Scalloped Tiara with Dangling Pearls 14 Karat White Gold
By Scott Gauthier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This regal tiara, designed by Scott Gauthier, is a breathtaking composition of elegance and grace. Scrolling diamond-set ribbons weave across the crown in an openwork silhouette, wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Pearl Enameled Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Refined Fusion of Color and Classic Elegance Indulge in the charm of a bygone era with this Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pin Brooch, beautifully accented by a 0.10-carat round diamond, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$3,500
W 1.5 in L 2.19 in
Sakura Cherry Blossom Diamond Carved Coral Enamel 18K White Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Cherry blossoms in bloom are one of the most beautiful and delightful sights of spring. They symbolize romance, hope, new life, living in the moment and appreciating things as they a...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$247,648
W 0.75 in L 7.01 in
Cartier French Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, 18.70 Carats, Circa 1929
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A French, Art Deco, Cartier strap bracelet, comprising three, rectangular, flexible, openwork, pavé set diamond panels, each centre has a trap-cut diamond, in a claw setting, flanked...
Diamond, Platinum
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.