Designer Slice Aquamarine, Tanzanite & Diamond Dangle Earring in 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Slice Aquamarine, Tanzanite & Diamond Drop Dangle Earring in 18K White Gold is lovely for gifting to your loved one!
Aquamarine, Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
"Double Slice" Sapphire Drop Pendant with Brown Diamond Accent & Gemstone Chain
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The slices are set in slightly puffy solid 14 karat gold triangular freeform frames.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold,...
18k Gold Sliced Yellow Diamond Earring Caged In Pear Shaped Pave Diamond Setting
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Delicate but a statement making yellow silce diamond earring with small full cut diamonds sprinkled around and framed in a pave pear shaped white gold frame. It has a hoop earring cl...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Designer Sliced Tanzanite and Diamond Ring in 18k Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Sliced Tanzanite and Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver is a perfect 3 stone ring to pair with any of your denim look. 18kt gold:0.75gms Diamond:1.45cts Silver:4.91gms Tanzani...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Watermelon Tourmaline Slice Pendant in 14K Gold with Diamond & Emerald Accents
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS: Total pendant length: 34.3mm (just under 1-3/8") Pendant width: 13mm (just over 1/2") Tourmaline dimensions: 10.5mm x 9mm x 2.6mm Tourmaline slice weight: 2 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi-Color Sliced Sapphires and Diamonds 14 Karat Gold Butterfly Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 16" & 18" Pendant Measurement: 25 mm * 20 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14K Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 4.64 Gram Stone Type: Diamonds & Multi...
Diamond, Sapphire
Sliced Blue Sapphire & Pearl Earring With Diamonds In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This 2 tier fabulous sliced pearl and blue sapphire earring is a delight with colored diamonds around.
Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Sliced Pear & Oval Shaped Diamond Earrings with Pave Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold:14.07g, Diamond:11.43ct"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold 4.27ct Natural Uncut Diamond Slice Station Necklace 18 Inches
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This slices station necklace features 4.27 carats of natural uncut diamond in mixed shapes, set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Shaped Sliced Ice Diamonds Earrings with Pave Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt Gold:10.94g, Diamond:7.17ct
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified 2.15 Carat Natural Pink Brown Diamond Slice Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural pink brown color diamond slice pendant necklace. 1 pear slice pink/brown diamond slice with a halo of round white diamonds, accented with one round diamond on the bail.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Metal x Wire 'Diamond Slice Halo Ring' in 18kt Yellow Gold with 1.69 ct Diamond
By Metal x Wire
Located in Davenport, FL
This ring features a captivating salt and pepper diamond slice surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Pear-Shaped Sapphire Slice Pendant with Diamond Bail
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim’s 18k Gold Pear Shaped Sapphire Slice Pendant with Diamond Bail features a luminous pear-shaped gemstone slice suspended from a delicate diamond-accented bail.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold
$900Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 8" Salt and Pepper Diamond Slice (1.75ct) Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Rare and unmistakably modern, this 8-inch bracelet features a captivating arrangement of natural salt and pepper diamond slices, each individually bezel set in luminous 14K yellow go...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rectangular Shape Blue Sapphire Faceted Cabochon Slice 14kGold Diamond Halo Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This striking ring is finely crafted in 14k gold. The centerpiece is a large, rectangular blue sapphire. The frame is adorned with a delicate border of sparkling diamonds (0.29ct) 1...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multicolored Sliced Geode Macrame Bracelet With Diamonds In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.10g, Diamond:1.63ct, Silver:6.09g, Geode:20.95ct
Diamond, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
Large Diamond Slices, Indicolite Tourmaline inlaid in White Onyx Earrings
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Large Champagne diamond slices surrounded by white brilliant cut diamonds, with rare indicolite tourmalines inlaid in white Onyx, set in 14k yellow gold
Pair of Slice Cut Regency Decanters with Diamond Cut Band
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A pair of slice cut Regency decanters with diamond cut band.
Cut Glass
18 Karat .25 Carat Diamonds Matrix Quartz Rough Slice Leaf Earrings Omega 3D**
Located in New York, NY
Natural Matrix Raw Sliced quartz & Diamond Leaf Earrings. Diamonds Total Weight: .25ct.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI Pink Sapphire Slice with Pavé Diamond Rose Gold Drop Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire: 4.66ct total weight. Diamond: 0.59ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
One of a Kind 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Teardrop Emerald Slice Earrings
By Thomas Laine LLC
Located in New York City, NY
Handcrafted in New York by our team of master jewelers Detailed Information: 14K Yellow Gold Emerald Slice: 10 cwt. Diamond .04ctw Length: 1 inch Post and Friction Back
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sliced Polki Diamonds Cuban Link Bangle Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18K:2.9g, Diamond:17.58ct, Silver:66.374g,, Size: 57X20MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
RUCHI Diamond Slice with Pavé Two-Tone Gold Butterfly Pendant and Brooch
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold and Black Rhodium Diamond Slices: 3.37ct total weight
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Sliced Geode Earring with Tourmaline & Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:2.13g, Diamond:0.88ct, Silver:6.57gm, Geode:37.75ct, Tourmaline:3.48ct Size: 49X27MM"
Diamond, Tourmaline, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
Two Tier Sliced Geode & Hand Carved Agate Dangle Earrings with Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18Kt:2.16g, Diamond:1.94ct, Silver:10.21gm, Agate:9.90, Cameo:16.50ct Size: 60X21MM"
Agate, Diamond, Geode, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,900Sale Price|28% Off
Diamond Slice Drop Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold-Original Retail $8250
Located in Princeton, NJ
These beautiful handmade drop earrings feature two diamond slices that weigh 6.30 carats total. Accented with 72 pave set round diamonds that are also on the front on the ear wire, w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sliced Geode Cocktail Ring Accented with Garnet & Diamonds in Pave Setting
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:4.72g, Diamond:1.36ct Garnet:1.05Cts, Geode:6.75Cts "
Diamond, Garnet, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,900Sale Price|29% Off
18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Slice Drop Earrings-Original Retail $5500
Located in Princeton, NJ
These beautiful handmade drop earrings feature two diamond slices that weigh 2.97 carats total. Accented with 74 pave set round diamonds that are also on the front on the ear wire, w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Two Tier Multicolor Sliced Geode Dangle Earrings with Ruby & Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.74g, Diamond:1.77ct, Silver:9.80gm, Geode:27.75ct, Ruby:0.40ct Size: 60X17MM"
Ruby, Geode, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Sliced Geode Earring Surrounded by Pave Sapphire & Diamonds in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
A sliced geode earring surrounded by pave sapphire and diamonds in 18k gold and silver is a unique and beautiful piece of jewelry.
Diamond, Sapphire, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
Fancy Cut Colored Sapphires Slice Pearl Diamond 18K Rose Gold Statement Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Featuring a cluster of pastel-hued sapphire slices (76.8 CTW) , each piece is uniquely shaped, creating a harmonious blend of colors.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
"Chocolate Drop" Brown Sapphire Slice Earrings in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes' new shimmery slice earrings feature natural brown sapphires and bright white diamonds in rich, unmistakable 18 karat gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multicolor Sliced Geode Two Tier Dangle Earrings with Pearl & Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.82g, Diamond:2.71ct Geode:43.73Cts, Pearl:5.9Cts Size: 52X32MM"
Diamond, Pearl, Geode, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Three Tier Sliced Geode & Sapphire Dangle Earrings Accented with Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:2.84g, Diamond:2.13ct, Silver:8.94gm, Geode:20.75ct, Sapphire:0.75ct Size: 50X19MM"
Sapphire, Geode, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Sliced Geode Dangle Earrings With Blue Sapphire & Diamonds In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:9.843g,D:0.79ct, GEODE:18.70ct,SAPPHIRE:1.20ct,
Sapphire, Geode, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Three-Tier Slice Multicolor Sapphire Earrings Pearls Diamond in Silver and Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Three-tier Slice Multicolor Sapphire dangle earrings with pearls and diamond around set in 18k Gold and silver is a cool one for the season.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue and Cognac Sapphire Diamond Halo Slice Earrings
Located in New York City, NY
One-of-a-kind sapphire earrings, the wild and raw beauty of these uniquely colored natural sapphires illuminated with a halo of sparkling diamonds. Each earring features a stunning ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nugget Shaped Sliced Jasper Dangle Earring with Sapphire & Diamond in 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of sparkle to your look with these unique earrings featuring sliced jasper stones, dazzling sapphire & diamond accents, and a luxurious mix of 18k gold & silver.
Diamond, Sapphire, Jasper, 18k Gold, Silver
Sharon Meyer Couture 18 Karat Yellow Gold Aquamarine Slice and Diamond Necklace
By Sharon Meyer
Located in Troy, MI
This breathtaking aquamarine slice necklace is flattering in lovely shades of blue, accented with off center slice bezel set in 18 karat yellow gold and 0.15 Carat diamond.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sun Design Sliced Sapphire Ring with Diamonds in 18k Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Sun Design Slice Sapphire Ring with diamonds in Silver and Gold is a lovely designer ring. 18kt gold:0.98gms Diamond:0.6cts Silver:7.35gms Sapphire:21.35cts
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Designer Diamond and Slice Blue Sapphire Dangle Earring in Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Diamond motif over the Slice Blue Sapphire Dangle Earring in Gold and Silver is a real party time jewelry piece.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver
Artisan Sliced Geode And Opal Pendant With Diamonds In 18K White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary brooch pendant by Artisan features a mosaic of 13.50ct natural geodes and 5.30ct opals, all framed by 1.79ct of sparkling diamonds in 9.142g of 18K white gold. The...
Geode, Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Sliced 10.8 Carat Multi Sapphire and Diamonds 14 Karat Gold Flower Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 16"-18" Pendant:26 mm Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 14K Stone Type:10.86 CT Multi Sapphire and 0.45 CT G SI1 Diamonds Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 8....
Diamond, Sapphire
Round Shape Blue Sapphire Faceted Cabochon Slice 14K Gold Diamond Halo Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring. This exquisite piece features a large, round blue sapphire set in a halo of sparkling diamonds. The sapphire is faceted, enhancing its deep blue...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sliced 30.14 Carat Ruby 0.35 Carat Diamonds 14 Karat Rose Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 16"-18" Pendant:26 mm * 29 mm Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 14K Stone Type:30 CT Ruby and 0.35 CT J SI1 Diamonds Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 9.2 Gra...
Diamond, Ruby
Two Tier Sliced Watermelon Tourmaline Pendant Accented With Diamonds In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.224g,D:0.21ct, Tour Melon:18.78ct, 50X18 MM
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Artisan Sliced Geode Necklace With Ruby Sapphire and Diamond 18K White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This one-of-a-kind necklace by Artisan highlights a stunning 79.12ct natural geode centerpiece, framed by 2.63ct rubies, 0.75ct sapphires, and 0.43ct sparkling diamonds, all set in 9...
Ruby, Geode, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Two-Tier Sliced Sapphire and Diamond Dangle Earring Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Two-Tier Pear and round shape Slice Sapphire and Diamond Dangle Drop Earring in 18k White Gold, perfect for any occasion.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cushion Shape Faceted Slice Brown Sapphire Diamond Halo 14K Gold Dangle Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Exquisite dangle earrings featuring rich brown sapphires, totaling 59.35 carats. Each stone is framed by a delicate halo of sparkling white diamonds, weighing 0.65 carats in total. C...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sliced 8.69 Carat Blue Sapphire 0.24 Carat Diamonds 14 Karat White Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Necklace Wearable Length: 16" Pendant:22 mm * 20 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14K Stone Type:8.69 Sliced Blue Sapphire and 0.24 ct G SI1 Diamonds Hallmarks: 14K Total Wei...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
14 Karat Yellow Gold Blue and Cream Sapphire Slice and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York City, NY
Truly one-of-a-kind beauty and luxury: 14k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Oval Shaped Slice and Cream Sapphire Slice with Diamond Halo Earrings Each earring features a captivating blue s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sliced Geode Dangle Earrings With Sapphire & Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:13.954g,D:1.61ct, Geode:12.40ct,Sapp:2.17ct, 45X22 MM
Sapphire, Geode, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fancy Shaped Sliced Ice Diamonds Stud Earrings Made in 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold:18.76g, Diamond:19ct"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multicolor Sliced Geode 3 Layer Earrings With Diamonds Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
The slices are dotted with sparkling diamonds, adding even more shine to these one-of-a-kind earrings.
Diamond, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
Sliced Geode Earrings With Pave & Ice Diamonds Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.76g, Diamond:4.79ct, Silver:14.05 Geode:24.65ct Size: 67X22MM"
Diamond, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
Multi Tourmaline Sliced Earring with Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:4.82g, Diamond:5.48ct, Silver:15.48gm, Tourmaline:44.20ct Size: 80X42MM"
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Sliced Multicolor Geode Handmade Bangle with Pave Diamonds Made in Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14Kt:1.9g, Diamond:3.67ct, Silver:15.67ct, Geode:43.82ct
Diamond, Geode, Gold, Silver
Sliced Geode Earrings Accented with Ruby & Pave Diamonds in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.75g, Silver:10.83g Diamond:1.3ct GEODE:72.5Cts, RUBY:0.8Cts Size: 52X27MM"
Diamond, Ruby, Geode, 18k Gold, Silver
Sliced Jasper Pendant with Butterfles Made in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamond
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold:12.82g, Diamond:1.71ct Jesper:33.80ct"
Diamond, Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Uneven Sliced Geode Bracelet with Pave Diamonds Made in 14k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:11.882g, Diamond:1.46ct, Geode:26.21ct, Size: 203 MM"
Diamond, Geode, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.