Victorian 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring, C.1880s
Located in London, GB
Two old pear shaped rubies sit to either side of an old cut oval diamond.
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring, C.1880s
Located in London, GB
Two old pear shaped rubies sit to either side of an old cut oval diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A bright ruby sits between two contrasting old cut diamonds in this Edwardian engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid Century synthetic ruby diamond 18k yellow gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Flanking the ruby are 2 old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.90 carat, graded G-H color and SI clarity, their warm antique brilliance offering a soft counterpoint to th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58 Carat Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This beautiful three stone ring features a rich red cushion cut ruby weighing 2.58ct in a four claw open back setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.67 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in platinum 900 three-stone ring, size 6.25. Details: Item Type: Three Stone Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: 6.25 Weight: 4.60 Grams Center Gemstone Details: Type: Ruby Ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting at the centre of this three stone beauty is a stunning 25pt deep pink ruby. Either side of the gorgeous centre stone sit two shimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum, 18K White Gold Ruby And Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
Set in rich 18k white gold and platinum, this 4.09 carat flux-treated natural ruby features stunning swirled inclusions and a deep, cool red color. Accented with two baguette diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$13,580Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1 Carat Oval Ruby Baguette Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisitely crafted, this GIA certified natural oval ruby ring showcases a vibrant, untreated red center stone weighing 1 carat, set in luxurious 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three-Stone Ruby and Princess-Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 2231723239
Located in Bloomington, MN
Three-Stone Ruby and Princess-Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 2231723239 Crafted in platinum, this elegant three-stone ring centers on an oval-cut red ruby weighing approximately ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Pretty Ruby & diamond three stone ring in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Ruby Emerald Cut Three-Stone Diamond Ring in Platinum (AGL Certified)
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking three-stone ring features a vivid emerald-cut natural ruby of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, elegantly set in polished platinum and flanked by tapered baguette diamonds for ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.01 Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by 0.41 carats of baguette-cut white diamonds, adding a touch of elegance. Set in platinum in a classic 3-stone setting, the ruby is certified by GIA as natural an...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This edwardain ring is set with two diamonds and three rubies. The diamonds measure approximately 4 points each. The central ruby measures 10 points and the smaller ones measure 5pts...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
3 Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 14ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
A stunning 14ct white gold ring set with an 1.97ct oval natural ruby at it's center, beautifully accented by 2 natural round diamonds, creating an elegant and timeless piece. Total ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring. This gorgeous Edwardian three stone ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3.01 No Heat Ruby 1.22cttw E/SI1 Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A gorgeous trio of gemstones suitable for the sophisticated collector, this 3.01 carat oval ruby sits in platinum flanked by a pair of ideally matched oval white diamonds. The accomp...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.07 Carat Ruby Diamond White Gold Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural simple heat Ruby and diamond ring. Oval center ruby with two round side diamonds in a classic three-stone 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian English sapphire ruby diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Victorian English sapphire ruby diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring is a beautifully balanced antique design showcasing the rich color and timeless elegance characteristic of fin...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
The unheated central ruby weighs 1.00 carat, whilst the accompanying diamonds weigh 0.50 carat a piece.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$14,320Sale Price|20% Off
15kt Gold and Platinum Three-Stone Diamond and Natural Ruby Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Specifications: Metal: 15kt gold shank with platinum settings Style: Three-stone ring with central ruby flanked by diamonds Condition Report: Diamonds bright and well-matched, natur...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Platinum
Ruby Three Stone Ring with Diamond Accent in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three brilliant round rubies define this Ruby Three Stone Ring, accented with sparkling diamonds and crafted in warm 9K gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.65 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Two glistening old cut diamonds highlight a gorgeous natural red ruby set in between.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1.27 Carat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A 1.27 Carat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s Size: N
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.31 Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum 3-Stone Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb gem quality ruby from the famous mines of Myanmar (Burma). It weighs an impressive 2.31 carats and has a rich vivid pinkish-red color that glows in the light. Adding to that...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 2ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A truly remarkable three stone ring, dating back to the 1920s. In the centre is a 2.00 carat oval cut Ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Three Stone Ring - GIA. This incredible Edwardian old mine diamond and Burma ruby three stone ring is crafted in plat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
From $4,534 / item
5.78 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
5.78 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 14k White Gold features oval cut ruby in center with two tapered diamonds each set beside it making a three stone style ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
From $5,668 / item
5.78 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
5.78 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 18k White Gold features oval cut ruby in center with two tapered diamonds each set beside it making a three stone style ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.04 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing color-rich 2.04-carat natural rubies. Two perfectly matched baguette diamonds elegantly flank the center emerald cut ruby for a very classy and sophisticated piece. Additi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.52 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
2.52 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 14k White Gold features octagon cut ruby in center with diamond on side making a three stone style engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Cabochon and Round Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold ring featuring an oval cabochon ruby estimated to weigh 1.00 carat accented by 2 round diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling approximately 0.20 carats. Fin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pigeon's blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's Blood Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.47 carat Radiant Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring with Rubies
Located in Nashville, TN
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & 14K White Gold Main Stone: 1 Radiant Cut Diamond (1.47 carat, I color, SI2 clarity, 7.25 x 5.74 x 4.47 mm, GIA #5234164584) Accent Stones: 2 Rectangular ...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
1.74 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
Our Jewelry comprises of exquisite stones such as Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds and Alexandrites which form the core of our merchandise.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.52ct natural vivid red ruby diamonds ring 14kt three stone halo class*
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Halo Three's 1.42ct natural Rubies ring. Vibrant vivid Reds Transparent & clean clarity. Round cut brilliants 4.4mm diameter 1.00ct natural Side diamonds: G-color Vs...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
From $3,380 / item
2.52 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
2.52 TCW Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring 18k White Gold features octagon cut ruby in center with diamond on side making a three stone style engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1940s
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 9.75 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.6 grams Center Ruby Details: Red, Natural, .60ct, Round Diamond Details: .50ct each, K Col...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Gold Three Stone Ring with Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 1870
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Three Stone This classy Victorian statement is suitable for him her Charming, substantially hand fabricated in 18 KT gold, rose gold Centering 1 oval cushion old miner cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 3.00CT Burma Ruby & Diamond Antique Style Platinum 3 Stone Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A ruby weighing 3.00ct of Burmese origin, is the centerpiece for this gorgeous, platinum three-stone ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Style Three Stone White Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A good looking two tone gold ring that is set with three well matched rubies with two small diamonds in between each stone.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3.10 carat diamond and ruby 18k white gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage diamond and ruby three stone ring is a beautifully balanced composition of brilliance and color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 3.10 CTW Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Three Stone Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round cut ruby weighing 2.50 carats - transparent medium red in color Natural Burmese in origin and set with split talon prongs in pierced basket Flanked by cathedral sho...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring with AGL Certificate
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The bright diamond side stones create a timeless three-stone silhouette, adding balance and brilliance while allowing the ruby to remain the focal point.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
3-Stone Star Ruby and Diamond Platinum Vintage Band Ring Estate Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely crafted Three Stone Star Ruby and Diamond Band Platinum Ring. Securely Hand set with 3 Rubies weighing approx. 1.15tcw, enhanced with Diamonds, weighing appr...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified Unheated Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
By Jae's Jewelers
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold 3 stone ring featuring a 3.40 carat oval cut unheated eye-clean Thai ruby with GIA report 2235346604 accented by 2 oval cut diamonds of G color and VS2 clarity (...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.46CT Natural fancy color light brown diamond ruby ring 18kt. Three Stone*
Located in New York, NY
1.30ct. Asscher cut / Natural Fancy light brown diamond ring. (VS) Clean Clarity 6.2 X 5.3mm 1.16ct side natural round rubies Vs- Clean clarity / vivid red. 18kt. white gol...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.57 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
Our Jewelry comprises of exquisite stones such as Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds and Alexandrites which form the core of our merchandise.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Certified 3.07 Carat Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing Certified Cushion cut, Vibrant color Ruby weighing 3.07 carats, flanked by two brilliant cut half moon diamonds weighing 0.60 carats total. Elegantly set in a polished 18K...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$31,070Sale Price|20% Off
Certified Burma Ruby 2.62ct and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This ring is crafted in a sophisticated two-tone gold setting, combining 18k yellow gold and white gold, enhancing the vivid color of the ruby and the brilliance of the diamonds. Per...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Diamond Ruby Daphne 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Domed Ring EU52
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Diamond & Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Daphne Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A.G.L. Burma Ruby and Diamond Thee-Stone Ring, by Pampillonia
By Pampillonia
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the master ring makers of Pampillonia jewelers a vivid red square cut ruby and diamond handmade ring. ♦ Designer: Pampillonia ♦ Metal: Platinum 18 karat ♦ Ruby=1.49 cart A.G.L c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold Pink Ruby & Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Belcher Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Dainty Edwardian three-stone ring in 18ct yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pink ruby flanked by two twinkling old-cut diamonds in a classic belcher setting.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum 0.92ct Square Cut Ruby Baguette Diamond Sides High Profile 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Square Step Cut - Prong Set - Deep Red Color - 0.61ct (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette Cut - Prong Set - G Color - VS2 Clarity...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Red Ruby Diamond 5.40ct Three Stone Trilogy Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Ring resize service included. – Stones: 1 x natural ruby, gem weight 4.54ct 2 x natural diamonds, clarity “SI2-PI”, colour “I”, total gem weight 0.87ct – Size: N (AU/UK), 6.5 (US...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2.66 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcases an Emerald cut, Natural Ruby weighing 2.66 carats, flanked by two brilliant cut trapezoid diamonds weighing 0.61 carats total. Elegantly set in a polished platinum composit...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 1.90 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Antique Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing 1.12 carats - transparent medium purplish red in color Natural Burmese in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Prong set and f...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
4.93 Carat Cabochon Cut Ruby & Oval Cut Diamond Three Stone 18K Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Item Type: Three Stone Ring Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 6 (adjustable) Weight: 3.98 grams Setting: Prong Shank: Pinched Stone Details: Gemstone: Ruby Carat: 4.93 CTTW...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.02 Carat Marquise Shape Ruby and Diamond 3 Stone Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Flanking the center stone are two oval-shaped diamonds, weighing 0.66 carats total, framed in a brilliant diamond halo. 64 Accent Diamonds weigh 0.48 carats in total.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.18ct Ruby SI/H Diamond Three Stone Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
2.18ct Ruby SI/H Diamond Three Stone Ring 14 Karat White Gold features octagon cut ruby set in center with diamond set beside it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.