Italian Designer Florentine Finished 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Elegant Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Elegant Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Elegant Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Flower Motif Diamond Earrings
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Earrings
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Designer 18 Karat Gold Flower Motif Diamond Pendant
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Italian 18 Karat Gold Flower Motif Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Designer 18 Karat Gold Flower Motif Diamond Pendant
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Designer 18 Karat White Gold Pave Eternity Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pave Eternity Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Designer 18 Karat White Gold Flower Motif Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, White Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hammer Finish 18 Karat White Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Florentine Finished 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Eternity Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hammer Finish 18 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hammer Finish Two-Tone 18 Karat Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hammer Finish Two-Tone 18 Karat Italian Diamond Ring with Ruby Center Stone
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Oval Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Florentine Finish 18 Karat White Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K White Gold Diamond Granulato Engagement Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant 18-karat white gold diamond engagement ring featuring a GIA-certified 0.55-carat round brilliant-cut center diamond. Graded G color and VS1 clarity, the center diamond has...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vitolo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Beaded Halo Bracelet
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this elegant tennis bracelet features 3.63 carats of brilliant round diamonds, each individually framed by delicate beaded gold detailing. The distinctive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,680Sale Price|20% Off
Vitolo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Granulated Hoop Earrings
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handcrafted in Italy by Vitolo Jewelry Artisans, these exquisite 18K yellow gold hoop earrings showcase the brand’s signature granulated texture and timeless Italian artistry. Each e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Honeycomb Earrings
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant two-tone 18K gold earrings showcasing a delicate honeycomb pattern, beautifully set with a total of 0.75 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. The design exudes timeless elegance...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18 Karat Handmade Twisted Rope Circle Bracelet
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handmade bracelet is crafted from solid 18K white gold with interlocking twisted rope circles. Elegant and beautifully made, it adds a timeless touch to any look. Perfect on its...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Honeycomb Band Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handcrafted in Italy, this elegant wide band ring showcases Vitolo’s signature honeycomb lattice design in 18K yellow and white gold. Brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18 Karat Gold Tessuti Bracelet with Diamonds
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It is made from an intricate weave of interlocking 18 Karat handmade gold links, that feels like a luxurious soft and pliable fabric. This handcrafted bracelet has 2.33 total carat w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K White Gold Diamond Mesh Band – Tessuti Collection
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tessuti Collection A stunning creation from the Tessuti (Mesh) Collection, this handcrafted 18K white gold ring showcases the art of Italian gold weaving. Its intricate mesh design ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Floral Sphere Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A polished yellow gold dome gives this 18K two-tone ring its distinctive rounded silhouette. A white gold floral motif set with diamonds sits atop the dome, surrounded by four smalle...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo Florentine-Finish Two-Tone 18K Gold Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 18K white and yellow gold ring features a Florentine-finished white gold band accented with raised yellow gold scrollwork. Round diamonds highlight the scroll motifs, while pavé...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo Florentine Finish 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A contemporary signet-style ring crafted in 18K rose gold, featuring an oval top set with 0.24 carats of pavé diamonds. The substantial 7 mm wide band is enhanced with a traditional ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vitolo 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Floral Pendant
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by classical floral architecture, this handcrafted pendant is beautifully executed in 18K yellow and white gold. The openwork yellow gold interior features an intricate flor...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18K White Gold Diamond Square Silhouette Statement Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bold and sophisticated statement ring crafted in 18K white gold, defined by its distinctive square silhouette and sculptural architectural design. The ring features a 0.50 carat r...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond Engraved Bangle
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant bangle bracelet is crafted in 18K white and yellow gold, featuring a finely engraved yellow gold surface accented with 0.83 carat of diamonds. The intricate engraving cr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Granulation-Style Scrollwork Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An ornate statement ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring intricate scrollwork accented by granulation-style beaded detailing. Graduated gold beads create rich texture and dimen...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18K White Gold Diamond Granulato Engagement Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant 18-karat white gold diamond engagement ring featuring a GIA-certified 0.76-carat round brilliant-cut center diamond. Graded G color and VS1 clarity, the center diamond has...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Leaf Locket Pendant
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant locket pendant crafted in 18K white and yellow gold, featuring an intricate openwork leaf motif framed by richly textured yellow gold. Delicate diamond accents highlight t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vitolo 18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Honeycomb Floral Pendant
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An intricate blend of geometric structure and floral elegance, this handcrafted pendant is fashioned in 18K white and yellow gold. An open honeycomb lattice in polished yellow gold i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Granulation Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted 18K yellow gold ring reflects the artistry of traditional Old World Italian craftsmanship. The sophisticated hand-engraved design blends the traditional technique o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vitolo 18 Karat Gold Mesh Bracelet with Diamonds
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It is made from an intricate weave of interlocking 18 Karat handmade gold links, that feels like a luxurious soft and pliable fabric. This handcrafted bracelet has 1.49 total carat w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vitolo 18K Yellow & White Gold Etruscan Diamond Medallion Pendant
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by the enduring beauty of ancient Etruscan artistry, this handcrafted 18K yellow and white gold medallion pendant showcases exceptional Italian craftsmanship. The richly tex...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vitolo 18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Rondel & Drop Earrings
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning Vitolo earrings feature a sophisticated composition of rondel and drop elements handcrafted in 18K yellow and white gold. The design begins with a sleek diamond-set ho...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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.