Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning pendant has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold. It is set with 5.93 carats of natural slice diamond & pave diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Diamond Pavé South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A timeless silhouette elevated by exceptional quality. These earrings feature 11–12mm South Sea pearls with mirror-like lustre and near-flawless surface, gently suspended from elegan...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Ancient Cycles Round S & P Diamond Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Ancient Cycles Round S & P Diamond Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 6 mm. Materials: 14K gold, 1 ct Salt & Pepper Diamond, SI-VS G-H Diamond Side Sto...
Diamond, 14k Gold
【Crown Radiance】South Sea Pearl & Diamond Pavé Earrings
Located in New York, NY
From the Crown Radiance collection, these earrings embody a modern interpretation of regal elegance. Each pearl sits like a coronation jewel, framed in a starburst of hand-set diamon...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
GIA Antique Art Deco 14k Platinum Type A Jade & Diamond Bar Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 9.83 Grams Stone: Type A Jade, .15tcw Diamond Near Colorless/SI Measurements: 47.3 x 7.20 x 7.1mm Hallmark (Pin back): 14K Brooch Metal: Platinum Pin Metal: 13-14k White Gold...
Diamond, Jade, White Gold, Platinum
$7,840Sale Price|31% Off
【Crown Radiance】Cascade Luxe Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Rediscover the charm of vintage elegance with these Aurora Japanese Baby Akoya pearl earrings. Featuring a stunning array of 2-5mm pearls, meticulously arranged to create a lush, mul...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
18k Gold Malachite White Onyx and Diamond Duck Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This duck pin is a miniature masterpiece that speaks in gemstones. Handcrafted in 18K gold, it features lush green malachite from Zambia, creamy white onyx from Mexico, and sparkli...
Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, 18k Gold
Lobster Claw Clasp Jewelry Findings 925 Silver Diamond Jewelry Lock Supplies.
Located in Chicago, IL
1 Pc Pave Diamond Heart Shape Carabiner Clasps 925 Sterling Silver Diamond Lock. Size: 26x28 mm Approx. Shape heart Pierre Diamond Type beads Size 15 - 15.9 mm Handmade Yes Cou...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Amour Morganite & Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Amour Morganite & Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 8.8 mm. Materials: 14K gold, morganite, SI-VS G-H diamonds side stones. Ring s...
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Ribbed Ring 18K Gold R6726
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Sapphire and Diamond Ribbed Ring 18K Gold ♥ The face of the ring measures 14mm in width (East West direction), 16mm in length (North South direction), and sits 3.8mm tall from the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$10,900 / item
Fancy Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18 karat gold, these beautiful stud earrings are set with 3.91 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive piec...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Amour Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Amour Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 1.65 mm. Materials: 14K gold, black diamonds. Ring size upon request. Please contact u...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
Astral Fields Ring in 14K White Gold, S & P Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Astral Fields Ring in 14K White Gold, S & P Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 6 mm. Materials: 14K white gold, 1 ct Salt & Pepper diamond, SI-VS G-H diamond s...
Diamond, 14k Gold
【Conchéa】Heritage Flamingo Conch Pearl Baguette Diamond Ring — 1.0 ct
Located in New York, NY
A refined vintage-inspired conch pearl ring set in 18K yellow gold, showcasing a 1.0ct natural conch pearl glowing in delicate flamingo pink with partial flame pattern. The warm gold...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Lustre Arc】Aurora Eclipse Convertible Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Evoking the rare beauty of a lunar eclipse, these convertible drop earrings feature exceptionally large 13–14mm Tahitian pearls with deep aurora overtones. The lustrous pearls are de...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
Diamond Wide Band 18K Gold 7.9g V1119
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a gorgeous wide band featuring a row of diamonds bezel set diagonally across the middle, amidst a sea of beautiful micro pave diamonds ♥ Low profile and very comfortable to...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Sandblasted Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These drop earrings feature stunning Tahitian pearls set in 14k sandblast yellow gold, which adds a soft matte finish. Below each pearl, two round white diamond accent the design wit...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Jādora】Teardrop Halo Akoya Pearl Emerald Diamond Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A perfect harmony of classic elegance and modern glamour, these earrings feature 9–9.5mm Aurora-grade Japanese Akoya pearls, known for their radiant luster and exceptional roundness....
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
Heavy Platinum Ring 1.77ct Ruby on Stunning Baguette Diamond Band 12.6g R6786
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Heavy Platinum Ring 1.77ct Ruby on Stunning Baguette Diamond Band ♥ Gorgeous ruby color! ♥ The item measures 10.2mm in length (North South direction), 6.4mm in width (East West di...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Two elegant styles in one timeless piece. These convertible earrings feature large 9.5–10mm Aurora-grade Japanese Akoya pearls—renowned for their perfect round shape, exceptional lus...
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Lustre Arc】Cluster Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with these exquisite Aurora Japanese Baby Akoya Pearl Earrings. Designed for grand occasions and special soirées, these earrings are a harmonious blend of traditio...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
$36Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pave diamond pendant 925 sterling silver flower shape pendant jewelery findings
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave diamond pendant 925 sterling silver flower shape pendant jewelery findings Theme Love & Hearts Featured Refinements Silver Charm Type Pendant charm Size 17mmx9mm approx H...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
【Lustre Arc】Lunar Arc Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Evoking the elegance of crescent moons and the fluidity of sculptural lines, these earrings feature luminous 11–12mm Tahitian pearls embraced by twin arcs of pave-set diamonds. Craft...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
Stunning Platinum Ring 2.186ct Sapphire with 1.36ct Baguette Diamond Halo PT900
Located in Osprey, FL
Make a timeless statement with this beautiful Sapphire Ring surrounded with Diamond Baguettes! Crafted with a breathtaking cornflower blue sapphire in the center in a faceted oval sh...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
【Vine Symphony】Noir Bloom Aurora Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A bloom in shadow, a pearl in light. A graceful study in contrast and simplicity, these earrings feature radiant Tahitian pearls suspended beneath a luminous floral motif. The diamon...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
Gaea Signet Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaea Signet Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 4.5 mm. Materials: 14K gold, black diamonds. Ring size upon request. Please contac...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Diamond Arc Aurora Akoya Pearl Everyday Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Experience timeless elegance with these exquisite Aurora Japanese Akoya pearl hoop earrings. Featuring perfectly round, radiant pearls with a lustrous finish, these earrings capture ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Eris Contour Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Eris Contour Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 1.85 mm. Materials: 14K gold, black diamonds. Ring size upon request. Please contact ...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
Unchained Naiad Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Unchained Naiad Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 1.8 mm. Materials: 14K gold, black diamonds. Ring size upon request. Please contac...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
IGI certified natural Diamond sterling silver bracelet with Yellow Gold plating
Located in Delhi, DL
This statement wide bangle consists of: Diamond- 11.50cts Diamond type: Pave diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: White with tint of yellow Diamond Certificate- IGI Certi...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian necklace with pearls, rubies and 5 oval rock crystal elements, finished with 18 karat gold and diamonds for a total of 3 karats. The pendant is detachable with a 3.76...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Garland Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora Peacock Green Tahitian Pearl Ring is a breathtaking fusion of natural beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. The captivating peacock green Tahitian pearl shimmers with iride...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
【Jādora】Aurora Verde Baby Akoya Pearl, Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Where ocean’s glow meets earth’s fire — this sculptural design pairs luminous Baby Akoya pearls with the vivid depth of a 1.1ct natural emerald, framed by a river of diamonds. The du...
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
Vintage Chimera with Diamond Ring 14K Dual-Tone Gold White and Yellow Mythical
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Vintage Chimera with Diamond Ring 14K Dual-Tone Gold White and Yellow Mythical Animal Lion V1176 ♥ Low profile and very comfortable to wear ♥ The face of the ring measures 18.6mm ...
Diamond, Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】South Sea Pearl Diamond Convertible Earrings Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A versatile masterpiece — these earrings feature AAAA South Sea pearls (12–13 mm), admired for their luminous glow and perfectly round silhouette. Each pearl is suspended from an ele...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
18K White Gold Invisible Set Ruby Pendant Heart-Shaped Diamond Halo V1210
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K White Gold Invisible Set Ruby Pendant Heart-Shaped Diamond Halo Clip-On Enhancer Bail Go On Any Necklace V1210 ♥ The overall setting measures 15mm wide, 18.8mm in length w/ba...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Blooming Aurora Akoya Pearl Ruby & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Experience the perfect harmony of sophistication and vibrant color with these Aurora Japanese Akoya pearl earrings. Each earring features a luminous Akoya pearl, renowned for its rad...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
If you're looking for an Australian opal with phenomenal play of color, then look no further. This absolutely stunning piece features a natural wavy Australian boulder opal that disp...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】15.7mm Platinum-Grey Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A majestic creation from the Crown Radiance collection. This one-of-a-kind pendant features a 15.7mm platinum-grey Tahitian pearl of extraordinary size and luster, exhibiting a flawl...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
Boucheron Diamond White Gold Wedding Band Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Classic Boucheron Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Wedding Band. Ring Size: 8 1/2 (cannot be sized) Metal Type: 18 KT White Gold (stamped) Metal Weight: 7.8 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant necklace features a lustrous Tahitian pearl suspended from a white gold pendant accented with sparkling diamonds. The pearl displays dark green-gray to blue-gray body co...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 36.0 Grams Stone: Pearl (7.8 - 8.4 mm), Accent Diamond Clasp Measurements: 387.35 x 8.4 x 8.4 mm Length: 15.25 Inches Metal: 18K Gold ITEM #: BR-1482-121824-17
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
16.31 Carat Goethite Quartz Amethyst Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
The center piece of the this pendant is the unique and rare 16.31ct Geothite quartz amethyst. Natural and untreated quartz. It has sections of pure clear quartz crystal and distinct ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz, Platinum
Unchained Naiad Open Ring in 14K Gold, S & P Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Unchained Naiad Open Ring in 14K Gold, S & P Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 1.8 mm. Materials: 14K gold, Salt & Peper diamonds. Ring size upon request. Pl...
Diamond, 14k Gold
【Caelmare】Azure Halo Akoya Pearl & Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A graceful strand of luminous Akoya pearls leads the eye to a striking turquoise cabochon, haloed in delicate diamonds — a serene centerpiece reminiscent of ocean skies at dawn. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Regal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Majestic and resplendent, this regal pendant features a golden South Sea pearl at its heart, framed by diamond-studded leaves and radiant engravings of gold. The intricate design rec...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
【Conchéa】Flaming Grace Vintage Conch Pearl & Diamond Ring — 1.65ct
Located in New York, NY
A graceful homage to vintage glamour, this artistic ring showcases the enchanting beauty of a 1.65ct flamingo pink conch pearl. With a symmetrical drop shape and a moderate flame pat...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Pave Diamond Necklace Heart Shaped Pendant 925 Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Pave Diamond Necklace Heart Shaped Pendant 925 Sterling Silver Necklace Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Natural Diamond. Light weight can be worn everyday...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
$38,400Sale Price|22% Off
【Conchéa】Empress Flame Vines Conch Pearl & Diamond Ring — 4.42ct
Located in New York, NY
A radiant emblem of organic movement and feminine strength, this Conchéa creation features a 4.42ct natural Flamingo Pink conch pearl nestled within a flowing vine-like structure of ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Damiani Brad Pitt Diamond 7 Station Drop Yellow Gold Necklace
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond 7 Station Drop Necklace by Brad Pitt for Damiani. With Round brilliant cut diamonds E-G color, VS-SI clarity total weight approximately 0.52ct. This necklace...
Diamond, 18k Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora Akoya Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
From the Aurora Akoya collection, this jewelry set captures the essence of delicate femininity and timeless elegance. Featuring clusters of luminous Akoya pearls framed by sparkling ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Caelmare】Keshi Baroque South Sea Pearl Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A form shaped beneath the surface. This 17 × 19 mm baroque South Sea pearl reveals a quiet intensity — its organic curves and luminous surface reflecting the natural forces that for...
Aquamarine, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Pave Diamond Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Butterfly Shaped Pendant Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Pave Diamond Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Butterfly Shaped Pendant Gift.. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Natural Diamond. Light weight can be worn everyda...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
$328Sale Price|20% Off
925 Sterling Silver Natural Pave Diamond Necklace Cross Shaped Pendant Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Sterling Silver Natural Pave Diamond Necklace Cross Shaped Pendant Gift. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Natural Diamond. Light weight can be worn everyday H...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
【Crown Radiance】Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Star Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A jewel that radiates majesty, this pendant embodies Crown Radiance — where brilliance takes form, and elegance takes the throne. The glowing 13–14 mm Golden South Sea pearl, prized ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$5,900 / item
18K White Gold 3.54 Carat Cluster Diamond Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 18K Solid White Gold > Gemstone - Diamond > Gemstone Weight - 3.54 ct > Gemstone Shape - Uncut > Gemstone Pcs - 20 > Gemstone Size - Mix > Gross W...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
【Crown Radiance】Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Commanding and luminous, this pendant embodies Crown Radiance — where brilliance takes form, and elegance takes the throne. At its center rests a magnificent 13.8 mm Golden South Sea...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k 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.