$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Princess Brilliant-Cut Diamond Eternity Band in 14K White Gold
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and timeless, this stunning eternity band showcases 10 natural Leo Princess brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.26 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
LEO Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Wed Band White Gold 14k First Light 1.04ctw GSI
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 3/4 Sizing Fee: Down 2 sizes for $80 Brand: LEO Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .44ct Cut: LEO First Light Round Brilliant Color...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.52ctw VS2 Leo Diamond Engagement Ring Wedding Band Set 14k Gold Round Halo GIA
Located in McLeansville, NC
The engagement ring is set with a shimmering round brilliant The LEO solitaire center framed by a lower halo of diamonds with diamond accents along an elegant woven design to either ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
The LEO 1.39 Carat LEO Princess Cut Diamond Ring
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning 1.39 ct Total Weight 14K White Gold LEO® Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring!
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
A Leo Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring is crafted with a 14K White Gold shank and a 950 Platinum head.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
The Leo Mens Diamond Band Ring 14k White Gold
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold GSI Report #: 27363200121 Diamond Count: 6 brilliant cut Diamond Carat Weight: ~3/8 carats Diamond Color: I Diamond Clarity: SI2 ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
14k Double Row Diamond Wedding Band. Two row diamond channel ring eternity
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Double Row channel set diamonds. Ring is made by the popular LEO diamonds.
Diamond
14k Channel Diamond Wedding eternity Band. Mens diamond channel eternity ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Single Row channel set diamonds. Ring was sold by KAY jewelers. Possibly LEO diamonds.
Diamond
The Leo Brilliant Cut Diamond Band Ring 14k White Gold 1.9 mm size 6.75
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 21 brilliant cut and 1 inside the band so 22 total Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.20 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo Diamond Gold Heart Earrings
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
Hearts are removable. Marked: 750, Leo Pizzo, Italian mark. Weight - 27.6 grams.
Diamond, Gold
Leo Round Diamond 0.71 Carat H I1 Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold GSI Report
By The Leo Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
The LEO Round Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 14 kt White Gold Size: 7.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.71 tcw Diamond Shape: Leo Round 0.71 cts H color, I1 clarity Hallmark &...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Bracelet
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Luxurious and striking, this pre-owned Leo Pizzo snake bracelet showcases exceptional Italian craftsmanship with dazzling diamond brilliance and bold sculptural design.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold Diamond Earrings
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K white Gold Diamond Earrings Diamonds 7.8ctw Made in Italy Retail $41,560.00
Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold Diamond Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K White gold Diamond Necklace Diamonds 2.35ctw Pendant measures 1 3/4" length and 1" width White Gold Chain 16" Made in Italy Retail $15,390.00
Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K Rose Gold Diamond ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K Rose Gold Diamond Ring Black Diamonds 2.08ctw White Diamonds 2.34ctw Made In Italy Retail $17,100.00
Diamond, Rose Gold
Leo Pizzo White Gold, Diamond, and Black Diamond Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
A simple yet stunning necklace composed of round brilliant cut black and colorless diamonds. - Diamonds weigh a total of approximately 16.00 carats - Signed Leo Pizzo - Italy - 18 k...
Black Diamond, White Gold
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Bridal Collection Engagement Ring 1.80ctw 14K White Gold/Platinum
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate Leo Bridal Collection Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold and Platinum.
14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold Diamond Pave Ring Diamond: 3.04ctw Color: G-H Clarity: VS1/VS2 Ring size: 6 SKU: LPO01327 Retail price: $17,695.00
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo Wide Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Darnestown, MD
Absolutely eye dazzling wide band gold ring with 4.25 carats of VS diamonds; F color. The ring is domed and has a slightly braided design in the gold. The diamonds are set on a diago...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,000 / set
Leo Pizzo Diamond Hoop Earrings in White Gold
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Leo Pizzo 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings with 3.8mm Tube Design. 56 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds of VS Clarity and G Color Total Approximately 0.56 Carats. 24mm Inside Dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Leo Pizzo, with 13mm South Sea pearl, and approx. 0.72ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Leo Pizzo Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Leo Pizzo, with 14.2mm South Sea Tahitian pearl, and approx. 0.60ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Black & White Diamond Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Item # LPO01329 Leo Pizzo 18 KT White Gold Ring Diamond 1.84 CT White Diamond Diamond 1.18 CT Black Diamond Total Diamond Weight 3.02 CT Vendor Model 23065BN
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Black & White Diamond Earrings
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Item # LPO01214 Leo Pizzo 18 KT White Gold Earrings Diamond 2.44 CT total weight Vendor Model 23759BN1 Retail $7,500.00
Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 3.94 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
Impressive 18k gold cocktail ring by Leo Pizzo, set with center emerald cut approx. 3.94ct emerald ( stone measuring 11.8 x 8.4 x 5.4mm with a tiny chip on the girdle). surrounded w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Pizzo Designer 18k White Gold Black Diamond Bracelet
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
Designer : Leo Pizzo Metal : 18k White Gold Type : Link chain Bracelet has a total of 9 diamonds Bracelet Size : 8 inch weight: 5.9g Elevate your accessory game with the exquisite Le...
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K Rose and White Gold Diamond Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K Rose and White Gold Diamond Ring Diamonds 0.67ctw Made in Italy Size 6.5 Retail $5,100.00
Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold Diamond and Enamel Bracelet
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold diamond and enamel Bracelet Diamonds 4.05ctw Size 6 3/4 Made in Italy Retail $32,280.00
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Leo Pizzo Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k white gold earrings by Leo Pizzo, with 12mm South Sea Tahitian pearls and approx. 0.80ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
$5,824Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold, Diamond and Enamel Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Leo Pizzo 18K White Gold, Diamond and enamel Ring Diamonds 1.32ctw Size 7 Made In Italy Retail $10,400.00
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Leo Schachter Diamond Engagement Ring - White Gold 14k Princess 1.50ctw
By Leo Schachter
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Brand: Leo Schachter Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .40ct Cut: Pr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$31,600Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Ten Row Diamond Bracelet
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Multi-row diamond bracelet in 18k white gold, featuring ten diamond line bracelets joined together near the clasp. 890 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 16.23 total carats (F-G c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond Platinum 18K Dangle Earrings
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Shine with these Designer Leo Pizzo Natural fancy yellow Diamond Dangel earrings are crafted in Platinum and 18k yellow gold details.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Carat White Gold Diamond Cross Necklace by Leo Pizzo
By Leo Pizzo
Located in London, GB
18ct White Gold necklace by Designer Goldsmiths Leo Pizzo Length of chain 16.8 Inches Thickness of chain 1mm Cross has six beautiful natural diamonds of high quality .
Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18kt White Gold Floral Earrings with Diamonds and Sapphires
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Bergamo, BG
Earrings Aurora collection by Leo Lace in 18 kt. white gold, a masterpiece of timeless elegance. Each earring features a floral arrangement with natural white brilliant-cut diamonds...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Brooch with 3.00ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in The Hague, ZH
White gold brooch signed by Leo Pizzo, set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - dimensions 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.5 cm long ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18kt White Gold Necklace with 12.04ct Black and White Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Leo Pizzo 18kt white Gold Necklace with 12.04ct Black and White Diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Leo Pizzo Diamond Link Bracelet, 8 inches - 54.5g
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Providence, RI
- Measurements: Bracelet width 12.5mm, Bracelet thickness 3.3mm, Weighs 54.5 grams - Length is 8 inches - 210 Clean white diamonds - Hallmarked 750 Leo Pizzo - Includes bracelet on...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo White Gold 1.25ctw Diamond Twist Center Sectional Choker Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 35.05 Grams Chain Type: 3.3mm - 16” - Polished Sectional link - Push Clasp w/ Safety Latch Pendant Height: 17.5mm (0.69") Pendant Width: 32.8mm...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Leo Pizzo G VVS 4.50 Ct Diamond 18 Kt Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Napoli, IT
Beautiful contemporary Diamond necklace signed Leo PIzzo Exquisitely hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold Tasteful made by nature inspired design, comprising a mix of Diamond targ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K Rose Gold Wide Diamond Constellation Ring, Italian, c. 1995
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
A striking sculptural statement ring by renowned Italian jeweler Leo Pizzo, crafted in warm 18 karat rose gold and set with a constellation of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K White & Yellow Gold 3.48 Carats Diamond Serpentine Bangle Bracelet
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
A unique bangle bracelet created by Leo Pizzo, featuring a serpentine motif with pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 3.48 carats total, set on 18K white gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$601Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold 0.27 Ct Diamond Leo Zodiac bracelet with Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Leo Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
$668Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold 0.27 Ct Diamond Leo Zodiac bracelet with Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Leo Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold 1.50ctw Diamond Covered Latice Style Flexible Necklace
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stones– 243 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G-I Color - VS2-SI2 Clarity - 1.50ctw approx.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,388Sale Price|20% Off
LEO PIZZO Milano Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.36 Ctw Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Leo Pizzo. This is a gorgeous cocktail ring created in Italy by the jewelry house of Leo Pizzo.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$7,160Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Pizzo 18k White and Yellow Gold Diamonds Pair of Hoop Earrings
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Leo Pizzo 18K/750 white and yellow gold diamonds pair of earrings.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
LEO PIZZO 18k White Gold Natural Diamond Drop Earrings Approx 11 CTW
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Metal - 18k White Gold Stones - Approx 11ctw of Natural Diamonds Maker Mark - LEO PIZZO Weight - 28.8 grams Exquisite Leo Pizzo dangle earrings showcasing approximately 11 carats...
LEO PIZZO ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 18k gold 19.2 grams
By Leo Pizzo
Located in The Hague, ZH
LEO PIZZO 18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 8.25 – EU 18.25 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.9 cm wide and...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Leo Pizzo 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond 2.40 Carat Rose Brooch
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
The brooch measures 3-3/8" in length. Total diamond weight 2.40 carats Stamped 18KT Italy
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Leo Pizzo 18 Karat White Gold Necklace with 12.04 Carat Black and White Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Leo Pizzo 18kt white gold necklace with 12.04 carat black and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
LEO PIZZO ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 18k gold
By Leo Pizzo
Located in The Hague, ZH
LEO PIZZO - 18k two-tone gold ring set with a sapphire totaling 1.00 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond totaling 0.35 ct - F - VS - ring size US 8 - EU 18 (57) Detailed description The...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Leo Pizzo White Gold Dew Drop Pendant 4.05Ct. Blue Sapphire & .75 Carat Diamond
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
18-karat white gold necklace, with a dew drop pendant graduating in color from white diamond to light shades to darker blue sapphire pavé, on white gold chain with a bezel-set round ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Leo de Vroomen 18K Gold, Enamel & Diamond Ear Clips (Signed)
By Leo de Vroomen
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Leo de Vroomen 18K Gold, Enamel & Diamond Ear Clips (Signed) Striking ear clips by Leo de Vroomen, hand-fabricated in 18K yellow gold with flowing, sculptural lines.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Leo de Vroomen 18KT Yellow Gold .88Cts Diamond and Enamel Ring
By Leo de Vroomen
Located in New York, NY
Started in 1967 by Leo and Ginnie de Vroomen the company is known for bold and innovative designs.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Leo De Vroomen 1980s 18k Gold & 9-Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Leo de Vroomen
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Leo De Vroomen 1980s 18k Gold & 9-Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring is a stunning testament to classic craftsmanship and timeless design.
Hearts on Fire Seven Stone Diamond Engagement Ring Round 0.79 ct 18k White Gold
By The Leo Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
HEARTS ON FIRE Style: Seven-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 18k White Gold with Platinum Prongs Size: 6.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.795 tcw Diamond Shape: Round Bril...
Diamond, 18k 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.