Turquoise and Diamond Bib Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Fine Sleeping Turquoise Pear Shapes weighing about 70 Carats. Diamonds weighing 19.50 Carats.
2010s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Turquoise and Diamond Bib Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Fine Sleeping Turquoise Pear Shapes weighing about 70 Carats. Diamonds weighing 19.50 Carats.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
28 Carat Oval Turquoise and Diamond Gold Vintage Solitaire Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Turquoise and Diamond Gold Halo Pendant Necklace. Centering a 28 Carat Cabochon Turquoise.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18 Karat Rose Gold, Amethyst, Turquoise and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, CH
Cartier "Les Délices de Goa" Amethyst, Turquoise and Diamond Ring, 2003. This stunning ring is a beautiful piece from Cartier's "Les Délices de Goa" collection—a stunning ring featu...
Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum Ring with Turquoise and Diamonds 0.90 ct, Mid- 20th Century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Platinum Ring with Turquoise and Diamonds Oval ring made of platinum (0.950 fineness).
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
$1,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Turquoise and Diamond Silver Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver "Gresha" signature ring with a cushion cut turquoise weighing 4.05cts. and 26 round diamonds weighing .90pts. set in a silver antiqued ring.
Diamond, Turquoise, Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sea Urchin Brooch with Turquoise and Diamond - VHK#821b
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Sea Urchin Brooch with Turquoise and Diamond - VHK#821b Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 17.1 grams Pin Measurements: Diameter: 1.25 inche...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.65 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 18k Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.65 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 18K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $6,000.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 7.00 Carats Turquoi...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.50 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.50 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $4,400.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 3.10 Carats Turquoi...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.00 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.00 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $4,400.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 3.30 Carats Turquois...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 8.35 Carat Turquoise and Diamond Ring - Size 6.75
Located in New York, NY
This turquoise and diamond ring has a bold yet elegant look, centered with a striking 8.35 carat turquoise surrounded by a halo of pear cut diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Extremely Rare, Georgian Turquoise and Diamond Fede Ring, circa 1750
Located in London, GB
As shown in the images, this ring is missing a number of diamonds and turquoises. This is a fragile piece and therefore it is not suitable for everyday wear.
Diamond, Turquoise
8.35 Carat Lapis Lazuli Turquoise and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8.35 Carat Lapis Lazuli Turquoise and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring A beauty to say the least!
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.80 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5.80 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Earrings Amazing looking piece!
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
13.00 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
13.00 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $7,400.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 11.00 Carats Turq...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.55 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.55 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $6,000.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 7.00 Carats Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.50 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.50 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $7,400.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 2.20 Carats Turquois...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
7.65 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.65 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $5,600.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 7.00 Carats Turquois...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.60 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.60 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 18K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $4,500.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 3.20 Carats Turquoi...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold
6.80 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.80 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value Approx. $6,400.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 6.50 Carats ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.30 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
11.30 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 8.40 Carats Turquoise Measures: 18.00 x 13.00mm Natural Round...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
David Webb 18k Gold & Platinum Turquoise and Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Gemstone: Brilliant Cut Diamonds 4.50ct & Turquoise Measurement: Approx 1" Signature: Signed David Webb
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
4.50 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.50 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 3.50 Carats Turquoise Measures: 11.00 x 9.00mm Natural Round ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.90 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14k Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.90 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 3.20 Carats Turquoise Measures: 12.00 x 10.00mm Na...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.60 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14k Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.60 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $4,500.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 3.20 Carats Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. White Gold Turquoise and Diamond Tiffany T Circle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. White Gold Turquoise and Diamond Tiffany T Circle Bracelet PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 155616 Listing Title: Tiffany & Co.
White Gold
6.20 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisite 6.20 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Earrings Amazing looking piece!
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fred Leighton Nat'l Turquoise and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Fred Leighton
Located in La Jolla, CA
Fred Leighton Natural Turquoise and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold Necklace features 17 Cabochon Turquoise Stones graduating in size set in 18k White Gold bezels with Diamond S...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A refined pair of turquoise and diamond stud earrings, each centred with a vivid cabochon turquoise, framed by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Cabochon Turquoise and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat Gold and Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
David Webb cabochon turquoise and diamond clip on earrings in 18k yellow gold and platinum, accompanied by a David Webb box and David Webb Certificate of Authenticity.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,237Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Floral Ring with 3.41ct Turquoise and Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Surrounding the turquoise are brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.22 carats, set with meticulous precision to add a touch of sparkle and luxury.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Tiffany T Circle Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. Tiffany T turquoise and diamond necklace set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Turquoise and Diamond Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
This stunning pair of diamond and Persian turquoise earrings are bright, brilliant, and very cheerful jeweled flowers.
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Turquoise and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold featuring 14 Cabochon Turquoise and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 15.00 carats.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique Persian Turquoise and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
This gorgeous antique ring stylishly combines the vibrant beauty of Persian turquoise with the sparkle of .80 carats of fine mine-cut diamonds (H color, SI1 clarity).
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,500 / set
Retro Turquoise and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Weston, MA
- 1.20” x .80” - 18k yellow gold - 10 cabochon turquoise beads - 1.0 carats of rose cut diamonds - French assay marks - Circa 1945
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique, Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous antique ring boasts an oval cabochon turquoise measuring approximately 8.80 x 7.10 x 4.96 mm, surrounded by 14 single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat tot...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Gum Drop Earrings with Iolite, Turquoise and Diamonds Clip or Pierced
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Large GUM DROP™ Earrings with Iolite, and Turquoise and diamonds. Clip or Pierced The Iolite is approximately 5 cts each and the Turquoise is approximately 12 ct...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, Turquoise, Iolite, 1...
Antique Victorian Turquoise and Diamond Brooch in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This incredible Victorian style turquoise and diamond brooch is an absolutely stunning piece of history.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Large Gum Drop Earrings with Blue Topaz, Turquoise and Diamonds Clip or Pierced
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Large GUM DROP™ Earrings with Blue Topaz and Turquoise and diamonds. Clip or Pierced The Blue Topaz is approximately 5 cts each and the Turquoise is approximatel...
Topaz, Apatite, Blue Topaz, Pink Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Peri...
Art Deco Turquoise and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s Platinum. This stunning diamond and Persian turquoise brooch features a floral motif.
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
9.15 Carat Turquoise and Diamond Halo Studs Earring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Specifications Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise: 9.15 carats Diamonds: 1.64 carats, Round Brilliant Cut Style: Halo Stud Earrings Closure: Push-pull backing A versatile and luxurio...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique turquoise and diamond bombé swirl ring
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian turquoise, diamond, and gold bombé cluster ring, centered by a cabochon turquoise set within alternating channels of diamonds and turquoise in a radiating spiral design, ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A delightful brooch dating back to the 70's is designed with a combination of luminous blue turquoises and dazzling diamonds. The turquoises have been formed in the shape of flowers,...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. T Collection 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
T Collection pendant necklace in 18K yellow gold, featuring turquoise center framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 carats.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.13ct Turquoise and Diamond Evil Eye Necklace
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant necklace features a captivating turquoise gemstone and diamonds. A 0.07ct turquoise center is surrounded by a brilliant halo of diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Estate Turquoise and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Striking and original, this bold cocktail ring features a square-shaped turquoise cabochon measuring 12x12.5mm surrounded by sixteen baguette diamonds and eighty-eight round-shaped d...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Turquoise and Diamond Pendant - Circa 1860
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This antique flower features turquoise and pearl accents and a 0.25ct old European cut diamond at its center.
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 9k Gold
Victorian Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A vivacious Victorian vintage diamond and turquoise navette ring that is long, sleek and slender.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Gold Necklace With Turquoise and Diamond and Enamel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow and white gold floral necklace set with oval and round cabochon cut turquoises and dark blue translucent enamel leaves alternated an element with two brilliant cut...
Turquoise, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Pendant, 3.24ct Turquoise
Located in jaipur, IN
This pendant features a graceful design crafted in 14-carat gold, adorned with a vivid turquoise and sparkling diamonds. Crafted in radiant 14K gold, this exquisite necklace showcase...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
18K White Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Stud Earings
Located in Nantucket, MA
Diamonds total .16 carats and the turquoise .80 carats, for pierced ears.
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold
Amethyst, Turquoise, and Diamond Bouquet Brooch by Verdura
By Verdura
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The piece takes the form of a 'bouquet' which has been crafted in platinum, with the flowers in the form of cabochon turquoise, round cut amethysts and brilliant cut diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat yellow gold and features a turquoise gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
White Gold Ring with Pearl, Turquoise, and Diamonds
Located in Warszawa, PL
These diamonds subtly illuminate the composition, adding depth and delicate sparkle.
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold
0.26ct Turquoise and Diamond Evil Eye Stud Earrings
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring a captivating 0.14ct turquoise center, each eye is bordered by 0.12ct of sparkling white diamonds, creating a striking contrast with the beautiful light blue of the turquoi...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Turquoise and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 1 carat approx.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise and Diamond Bracelet with Star Motif
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A gorgeous example of Victorian finery, this handsomely appointed bracelet is rendered in 18 karat rose gold and decorated with an artful display of turquoise and rose cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum Station Necklace with Amethyst Turquoise and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
It features a sequence of vintage amethyst and turquoise beads, accented by bezeled round diamonds.
Diamond, Amethyst, Turquoise, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1960s Item Details: Ring Size: 9 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 13.8 grams Diamond Details: Round Brilliant, .50ct total weight, G Col...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.55ct Turquoise and Diamond Ring, hallmarked 1924
Located in London, GB
With Hallmarks dating to 1924 this wonderful carved shank ring showcases a trio of turquoise, accompanied by old cut diamonds. The central turquoise sits the largest at 0.25 carat w...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k 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.