Gilded Age Siberian Amethyst Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace Pink Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an exquisite Siberian Amethyst, Rose Cut Diamond and Seed Pearl Pendant dating to the Gilded Age, circa 1890-1910.
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Victorian 25 Carat Siberian Emerald 1880s American Handmade Old Cut Diamonds GIA
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian 25 Carat Siberian Emerald 1880s American Handmade Old Cut Diamonds GIA Finger size 7 Weighting 20.7 gram Certification GIA , see pictures Gems 25 Carat Sugar Loaf cut Sib...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Russian Bracelet 0.5ctw Diamonds 18KGold Platinum/ 14.8cm-18 cm/10.5gr
Located in SE
Russian ca. 1908 -1917 Imperial period solid 18K Gold and Platinum link Bracelet decorated with five old diamond cut Siberian Diamonds and 14 rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
H 0.95 in W 3.94 in L 16.15 in
Exquisite Victorian Siberian Amethyst Diamond Rare Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn – assay on the chain Gems: 8 round faceted and 5 oval faceted cut natural Siberian amethysts t...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Siberian Amethyst and Diamond Bracelet Steven Webster
By Stephen Webster
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Eight of these sections are bezel set with faceted marquis shaped Siberian Amethyst, of exceptional quality. The remaining 8 sections are studded with raised white gold domes pave se...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Siberian Amethyst Diamond Antique Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Combined diamond weight is about 1 carat. The amethyst and diamond cluster measures 14 x 14 mm (9/16 x 9.16 in.)
Amethyst, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Rare Antique Siberian Amethyst Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
It features a pear shaped Siberian amethyst of a superb deep royal purple color.
Amethyst, Diamond
Siberian Amethyst Diamond Convertible Bracelet / Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
The amethyst is surrounded by two rows of sparkling old rose cut diamonds. The amethyst and diamond cluster is detachable and could be worn as a pendant.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
1890s Antique Russian Siberian Amethyst Diamond Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
Petersburg, circa 1890 A pair of 14K gold antique cluster earrings prong-set with deeply saturated royal purple with flashes of pink old mine cut Siberian amethysts surrounded by ...
Amethyst, Diamond
Antique Siberian Amethyst Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
The front is mounted with a detachable panel set with a 12 ct oval Siberian amethyst. The amethyst is framed by two rows of chunky old cut diamonds flanked by two silver garlands set...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold
Antique Russian Siberian Amethyst Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in Moscow between 1882 and 1898 A 14K rose gold bangle bracelet is centered with a faceted Siberian amethyst surrounded by 18 rose cut diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond
A Spectacular Large Siberian Amethyst and Diamond Pendant/Brooch, c. 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Many people, indeed most jewelers have never seen a Siberian amethyst. The stone itself with its very high crown, its small table and its memorable octagonal shape set in an exquisit...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
A Spectacular Large Siberian Amethyst and Diamond Pendant/Brooch, c. 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Many people, indeed most jewelers have never seen a Siberian amethyst. The stone itself with its very high crown, its small table and its memorable octagonal shape set in an exquisit...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
A Spectacular Large Siberian Amethyst and Diamond Pendant/Brooch, c. 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Many people, indeed most jewelers have never seen a Siberian amethyst. The stone itself with its very high crown, its small table and its memorable octagonal shape set in an exquis...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Fancy Cut Very Fine Siberian Amethyst and Diamond Antique Pendant/Brooch, c 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Many people, indeed most jewelers have never seen a Siberian amethyst. The stone itself with its very high crown, its small table and its memorable octagonal shape set in an exquisit...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond and Amethyst Briolette Earrings, 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Fine antique early Victorian Siberian amethyst earrings with additional diamonds from mid 19th century.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Amethyst and Diamond Cross Pendant, 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
This big early Victorian diamond and Siberian amethyst cross is a historic pendant made in the mid 19th century.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Vintage Amethyst Diamond White Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
The openwork bow is embellished with old brilliant and rose cut diamonds. The amethyst could be of Siberian origin.
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Russian Amethyst Necklace Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in Moscow between 1908 and 1917 14K gold, three sparkling Russian Siberian amethysts, two rose cut diamonds Marked with maker's initials and 56 zolotnik gold standard l...
Amethyst
Art Nouveau Diamond 14 Karat Gold Siberian Shaman Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a highly rendered female shaman face Topped by a bird headdress with deeply engraved feathers Accented by an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.06 carat, I...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Siberian Amethyst Platinum and Diamond Ring, circa 1915
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique diamond ring centering a fine vivid deep purple natural amethyst (probably from Siberia)weighing 7 cts. and surrounded by fine white old cut diamonds. The diamonds are well ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold
H 1.5 in W 2 in D 0.5 in
Art Deco Siberian Amethyst Flower Old Mine Diamond Brooch Antique 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT ANTIQUE ART DECO SIBERIAN AMETHYST AND OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND FLOWER BROOCH.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 23 Carat Siberian Amethyst Ring Old Mine Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT ANTIQUE ART DECO - RETRO 23 CARAT EMERALD CUT SIBERIAN AMETHYST RING WITH FOUR GORGEOUS OLD MINE CUT DIAMONDS AND SIX SPECTACULAR SQUARE CHANNEL SET RUBIES IN 1...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Russian Imperial Halo Ring 1.85ct Diamond Rubies 56 14K Gold Ø US7.5 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Flower crown with parts in Silver + Gold construction measuring 16 mm x 14 mm x 6 mm deep. Siberian Diamond, old rose hand cut stone, of a bit irregular shapes measuring 9.5 mm x 6 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, 14k Gold
Art Deco Siberian Amethyst Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A lovely Art Deco era cluster ring, set with a vibrant Siberian Amethyst within a halo of platinum and diamonds.
Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Diamond Siberian Amethyst Hexagon Pendant Necklace
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Complete with the original diamond-set bail. STONES Old Mine Cut Diamonds - total carat weight approx. 0.95ct Natural Calibré Cut Amethyst - Siberian origin MEASUREMENTS 3.0 x 2....
Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
6.00 Carat Natural Siberian Amethyst Diamond Emerald Art Deco Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Journey to the 20's Representative and highly distinctive Art Deco era, Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald ring Divine right hand example so hard to come across these days Charming and tast...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Victorian Amethyst Diamond Purple Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Sale, Cheshire
The prettiest of antique heart pendants, set with a beautiful Siberian amethyst surrounded by rose cut diamond points.
Amethyst, White Diamond, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver
Edwardian Siberian Amethyst Diamond Rare Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
A striking authentic Edwardian natural Siberian Amethyst and Diamond pendant Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold with platinum top.
Amethyst, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian 24.00ct Amethyst Diamond and Pearl Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 24.00 carat, heart shaped amethyst sits central to this Victorian pendant. Set into silver, as was common in the Victorian period, the amethyst is surrounded by a halo of ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique 1910s 4.83 Carat Amethyst and Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 4.83 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold pendant and 9 karat yellow gold chain; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collectio...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold and platinum bracelet with old cut diamonds, circa 1920.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old rigid bracelet made of 18-karat yellow gold (750 fineness) and platinum. The openwork front of the bracelet is set with rose-cut diamonds. Origin: Western Europe, circa 1920. V...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond about 0.50 ct. Totally is old cut diamond 0.30 ct. The old cut diamond is has H color and s2 clarity. T...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Nice cluster Ring with the carved band and shoulders. Top parts of openwork crown in White Gold or Platinum holding bezel set natural Emerald stone and twenty diamonds, both of old ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Bangle Rigid Bracelet With 36 Rose Cut Diamonds Set in Platinum
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique 18 karat yellow gold bangle/rigid bracelet with 36 rose cut diamonds set in platinum manufactured circa 1900, most likely in France. The bracelet features floral decor. Th...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Victorian Antique 18 Karat Gold / Silver Diamond and Emerald Ring, 6.60 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
I'm so in LOVE with this Stunning Antique Victorian Diamond and Emerald Halo Ring - it is amazing! Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, the ring is beautifully designed with a center Natural ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian era Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this exquisite 18ct gold ring. At its heart lies a stunning square...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
“Antique 14k Gold Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1930”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold ring centered with green cabochon emerald in oval cut diameter 8.50mm flanked with old mine cut diaminds estimate weight of 1.5 carats ring was made during soviet er...
Victorian 4.12 Carat Amethyst and Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 4.12 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and i...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, and silver. This magnificent antique bracelet is made up of 7 oval-shaped links, openworked with floral motifs set with antique brilliant-cut diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian 4.47 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Edwardian 4.47 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver French, Victorian era 7 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Bracelet 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver French Hallmarked Circa 1870 Step into elegance with this stunning Victorian era bracelet, crafted in 18ct yellow gold and s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1960 Armenian Ring 14K Gold natural 6ct Emerald 0.85ct Diamonds ØUS10/ 5.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 583 Gold, Silver, Emerald and Diamonds Halo Ring. Metal is solid 14k/ 583 Yellow Gold with clusters in white Gold featuring bezel set natural untreated Emerald cabochon cut...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4.5 /5.35gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct greenish Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Austrian Lavalier styled Necklace Amethyst Pearls Gilt Silver/ 42cm/25gr
Located in SE
A Renaissance Revival Lavalier styled Austrian / Hungarian Gilt Silver Necklace hand made on the territories of the former Austrian Hungarian Empire, ca. 1900 -1920s. Hallmarked 830S...
Pearl, Amethyst, Silver
“Antique 14k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings, CIrca 1917”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold russian old mine cut diamond earrings with estimate diamond weight of 1 carat H colour white vs clearty earrings hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard for 14...
Art Deco Platinum 2.8 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty! She is sweet & perfect for everyday love. Bracelet Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Weight: 16.6 Grams Head Width: 12.8mm Leng...
Diamond, Platinum
$539
H 1.74 in W 1.19 in D 0.2 in L 16.93 in
Antique French Belle Époque Silver Pendant Necklace Markasites Coloured Paste
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Belle Époque necklace was created out of silver in France towards the end of the 19th century. The design of the pendant shows a smaller and a larger bow crowning a garland. The...
Silver
$520Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.56 in L 0.99 in
Blue Sapphire Cabs 14kt Solid Gold Blue Chalcedony Cushion Shape Stud Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant and handmade earrings have 2 Oval Blue Sapphire cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel at the top to which are suspended 2 Cushion Shap...
Chalcedony, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old Cut Diamond and Platinum Graduated Tennis Bracelet, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Words simply cannot express how fabulous this vintage bracelet is! Masterfully crafted from cool platinum and dating from around the 1930s, this tennis bracelet showcases an intrica...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.00ct Diamond Platinum Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant platinum line bracelet from the Art Deco era. The bracelet is set with sparkling old European cut diamonds that weigh approximately 3.00ct. The color of these diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central emerald is so bright and beautiful and measures approx 25pts. Sat either side it are two bright shimmering old mine cut diamonds each measuring approx 5pts. The ring is m...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Cone Losange Green Enamel Bangle Bracelet 138 gm 18K
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
SERVICED BY TIFFANY & CO NY IN 2026 AND THEY APPRAISED IT FOR 100,000 COMES WITH PAPER FROM TIFFANY Stunning Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Cone Losange Bracelet, crafted in 18k...
18k Gold, Enamel
Regency Aquamarine Necklace with Old Mine Diamonds, circa 1815–1820
Located in Northampton, MA
This ravishing antique aquamarine necklace, dating to the Regency period (circa 1815–1820), is a crowning jewel of the era and a tour de force of early 19th-century jewelry design. A...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$4,990
H 0.24 in W 0.92 in L 6.51 in
Victorian Yellow Gold 4.26ctw Old European and Mine Cut Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This antique Victorian diamond bracelet is crafted in warm yellow gold and features an ornate floral motif with white metal detailing and yellow gold inlay beneath. The design is com...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The detailed bangle holds Sapphires and diamonds. The detail on this bangle is stunning and so intricate. Sapphire total 2.2ct and Diamond Total 36pts. Inner Diameter Hinge to Cla...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
“Antique 14k Gold Russian Cluster Ring, 1ct Old Mine Cut Diamond, 1910”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian cluster 14k gold ring with an estimste old mine cut diamond weight of 1 carat hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard and assay mark ring head diameter...
$1,120Sale Price / item|20% Off
Unisex Diamond Celestial Dome Band Ring in 18kt Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Diamond Celestial Dome Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamond of 0.031 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style.. April birthstone diamond brings ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 2018 Silk Soft Pink/Peach Gown Maxi Dress
By Narciso Rodriguez
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Narciso Rodriguez 2018 Original Price $2,995 Special Capsule Collection for Barneys NY The most adorable softest baby pink color bordering on peach Pullover Lined 100% silk IT40 fits...
$23,975
W 0.63 in Dm 2.38 in
Masriera 18KT Gold & Plique-a-Jour Enamel Bangle Bracelet with .94Ct. Diamonds
By Luis Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
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.