G. Verdi Long Gold necklace with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Verdi
Located in Darnestown, MD
Giuseppe Verdi began his jewelry design firm in Italy in 1971.
Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
G. Verdi Long Gold necklace with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Verdi
Located in Darnestown, MD
Giuseppe Verdi began his jewelry design firm in Italy in 1971.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Verdi Italian 18K White Gold Pavé Brown Diamond Aquamarine Bypass Cocktail Ring
By Verdi
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Specifications * Manufacturer: Verdi, Italy * Metal: 18K white gold with brown plated finish * Gemstones: Approximately 6.00 carats total weight in natural oval cut aquamarines ...
Aquamarine, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18kt Wg 10.50ct. Brilliant & Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by G. Verdi of Italy. This elegant 18 karat white gold bracelet is designed with 5 large marquise shaped open links set with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
G.Verdi for Cellini 18kt Yellow Gold, 8.27ct, Diamond Wide Cuff Bracelet
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini NYC by g. Verdi of Italy, this 18 karat yellow gold and diamond cuff bracelet is a real showstopper.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
G.Verdi for Cellini 18kt YG Bracelet 8.58cts.Yellow Sapphire .89 Carat Diamonds
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 18 karat yellow gold bracelet designed by g. Verdi of Italy for Cellini NYC. The opened bangle bracelet is set with 8.58 carats of rose cut yellow sapphires and .89 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini NYC 18KT RG 2.38CT Diamond Curved Spring Wire Bracelet
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by G. Verdi of Italy. This 18 karat rose gold curved bracelet is set with 28 round brilliant diamonds totaling 2.38 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
G.Verdi for Cellini 18 Karat Rg Bracelet 7.22cts Pink Sapphire 8.45cts, Diamonds
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 18 karat rose gold bracelet designed by g. Verdi of Italy for Cellini NYC. The bracelet is set half way around with 7.53 carats of rose cut pink sapphires and 4.45 carat...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Set of 3 Titanium Bangles with Pave Diamond Bean Accent
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
This unique set of bangles is made of colored titanium, which is incredibly lightweight and durable. Accented with and organic 18kt white gold and pave diamond bean, these bangles ar...
Diamond, Titanium
Set of 4 Titanium Bangles with Pave Diamond Bean Accent
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
This unique set of bangles is made of colored titanium, which is incredibly lightweight and durable. Accented with and organic 18kt white gold and pave diamond bean, these bangles ar...
Diamond, Titanium
18KT White Gold Diamond and Marquis Citrine Flexible Bangle
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful flexible open back 18kt white gold bangle features 4 marquis cut citrines, totaling 0.30 cts, accented with 0.26 cts of white diamonds. The flexibility of the bangles ...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18KT White Gold Flexible Bangle with Citrine Flower and Diamond Accents
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful flexible open back 18kt white gold bangle features a beautiful citrine flower, totaling 0.30 cts, accented with 0.40 cts of white diamonds. The flexibility of the bang...
Citrine, Diamond, White Gold
G. Verdi 12.32 Carat Semi Precious and .90 Carat Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
G. Verdi of Italy is known for their outstanding craftsmanship and use of color.
Diamond
G. Verdi 18KT Yellow Gold Necklace with 32.19Ct. Amethyst & Tsavorites, Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Round brilliant Diamonds along with 14 heart shaped Tsavorites join the Amethyst links.
Amethyst, Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
G. Verdi 18KT. Gold Bracelet with 15.69Cts of Amethyst & Tsavorites, & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Round brilliant Diamonds and heart shaped Tsavorites join the Amethyst links.
Amethyst, Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Verdi Gioielli Pavé Rose & Round Cut Diamond Dome Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A remarkable example of contemporary Italian craftsmanship, this substantial diamond ring by Verdi Gioielli is designed as a wide, multi-row bombé-style band entirely covered in diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
G. Verdi 18KT Rose Gold, 8.82ct. Diamond & SouthSea Brown Pearl Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The pearls are separated by pave diamond rondelle sections, total diamond weight 8.82 carats.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
G. Verdi 18kt. Yellow Gold, .94ct. Diamond, Sapphire and Semi Precious Earrings
Located in New York, NY
G. verdi of Italy earrings are beautifully crafted in 18 Karat yellow gold, and set with 3.07Ct. of pear shapes yellow sapphires and embellished with amethysts & green tourmaline. Th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
G. Verdi 18 Karat Blackened Gold, Blue Sapphire, Diamond and Tsavorite Bracelet
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by g. Verdi of Italy. This 18 karat gold bracelet is crafted in a blackened gold with a beautiful hi-polished finish.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
G. Verdi 18Kt. Yellow Gold, 12.32Ct. Semi Precious & 1.77 Carat Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
G. verdi of Italy, is known for their outstanding craftsmanship and extraordinary use of color. These earrings center 2.50Ct. Cabochon Citrines, surrounded by Cabochon Tsavorites and...
Citrine, Diamond, Topaz, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18 Karat Gold and 10.13 Carat Diamond Pave Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by g.Verdi of Italy. This 14mm wide bangle is pave diamond set,along with three bezel set baguette shaped diamond solitaires.
Diamond, 18k Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18KT Gold Rose Cut 14.21ct. Diamond Lace Hanging Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Made in Italy for Cellini by the famed jewelers g. Verdi ,these exquisite 18 kt gold hanging diamond earrings give you the feeling of a lace pattern.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
G. Verdi 18 Karat Gold, 1.14 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, and Semi Precious Pendant
Located in New York, NY
g. verdi Italy, is known for their exquisite craftsmanship and interesting use of color.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18 Karat Rose Gold and 5.54 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by G. Verdi of Italy. This elegant bracelet is set with 3 sections of pave set round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
G.Verdi 18 Karat Rose Gold, 2.40Ct Diamond & 5.78Ct Pink Sapphire Serpent Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini Jewelers NYC, by g.Verdi of Italy. This 18KT rose gold snake ring is entirely pave set with rose cut pink sapphires and round brilliant cut white diamo...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18 Karat Rose Gold and 5.54 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by G. Verdi of Italy. This elegant bracelet is set with 3 sections of pave set round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18kt White Gold Briolette Sapphire and Diamond Braid Ring
Located in New York, NY
G. Verdi, made in Italy exclusively for Cellini Jewelers. 18-karat white gold braid ring composed of 3.12 carats of rose-cut diamonds and 8.50 carats of sapphire briolettes.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
G. Verdi 18KT RG Ring with 25.99 Carat of Multicolored Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by g. Verdi of Italy this large domed cocktail ring features 8 Natural Oval Sapphires in Pink, Blue and Yellow.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Go...
G. Verdi 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond, Orange and Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The other link has rose cut diamonds sprinkled throughout in polished yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
G.Verdi 18KT Yellow Gold Pendant Hoop Earrings 43.22Ct. Multicolored Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
Designed and crafted by g. Verdi of Italy . These beautiful pendant hoop earrings feature multi colored pastel raw sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
$3,543Sale Price|20% Off
Gold trilogy band ring with Green Diamonds and Brown Diamonds
Located in Bologna, IT
A trilogy ring that dances between earth and forest, guardian of an ancient and precious tale. Three diamonds, like three stars set in the firmament of love, narrate the past, presen...
Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handmade 18-karat gold bracelet with green tourmalines, diamonds, and abalone
By Daniela Norinder Jewels
Located in Pignola, IT
A handmade 18-karat gold bracelet with a rich and striking design, embellished with green tourmalines, diamonds, and a striking central abalone element with iridescent shimmer. The d...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
VERDI Rutile Quartz 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
VERDI - Oval Rutile Quartz ring with a halo of diamonds of over over 1 carat. 1.15 cts of diamonds 8.61 grams
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdi Diamond White Gold Flexible Bracelet
By Verdi
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This gorgeous estate bracelet by designer Verdi features an 18 karat white gold flexible band.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Verdi White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Verdi
Located in Dallas, TX
An approximate 3.29 CTW of diamonds bring the earrings to life in the 18K white gold settings.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Verdi Multi-Color Sapphire Cabochon & Diamond Ring 18k Rose Gold 28.85ctw Italy
By Verdi
Located in Orlando, FL
Verdi Multi-Color Sapphire & Diamond Dome Ring in 18k Rose Gold, 28.85ctw From renowned Italian jeweler Verdi, this bold and joyful dome ring showcases exceptional craftsmanship and...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
g.Verdi for Cellini 18k RG Bracelet with 7.53cts Pink Sapphire, .89cts Diamonds
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 18 karat rose gold bracelet designed by g. Verdi of Italy for Cellini NYC. The opened bangle bracelet is set with 7.53 carats of rose cut pink sapphires and .89 carats of...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Modern G. Verdi Multicolored Rose Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Verdi
Located in Fairfield, CT
Modern G. Verdi 18 Karat Gold Multicolored Sapphire and Diamond Ring The Modern G.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Verdi Diamond White Gold Flexible Necklace
By Verdi
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This gorgeous diamond and 18 karat white gold necklace was crafted by designer Verdi.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
G. Verdi 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond 2.51ct. Cuff Bracelet
By Verdi
Located in New York, NY
Designed exclusively by g.Verdi of Italy for Cellini NYC. Gorgeous and elegant cuff bracelet designed in an 18 karat yellow gold satin finish .The 5/8" wide cuff is graciously wrappe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
G. Verdi 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1.54 Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Of round brilliant diamonds set in 18KT. White Gold, which appear to gracefully wrap around the hoop.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
G.Verdi for Cellini, 18kt Gold, 2.88ct. Yellow Sapphire & .94ct. Diamond Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Each center sapphire is surrounded by a row of white brilliant cut diamonds ,along with 4 more brilliant diamonds set in between.The stones go half way around the bracelet.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
g.Verdi 18KT WG Sunflower Brooch with Diamonds, Yellow Sapphires and Tsavorites
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the master craftsman of g. Verdi of Italy. This sunflower brooch is very special, with 14 petals and stem pave set with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
G. Verdi for Cellini 18 Karat Rose Gold and 5.54 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini by G. Verdi of Italy. This elegant bracelet is set with 3 sections of pave set round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Verdi Fancy Color Sapphires Ring 21.50 Carat with Diamonds 18 Karat Gold
By Verdi
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Brand: Verdi Fancy Color Sapphires = 21.50 Carats Diamonds = 1.88 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Made in Italy
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Spray Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A dazzling statement of vintage glamour, this 18K yellow gold necklace evokes the elegance of mid-century design with a bold, sculptural silhouette. Known as a “spray” motif for its ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Wide Openwork 32cts Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and feminine this a fabolous openwork diamond bangle crafted of 18K Yellow Gold. Accented with round cut diamonds all around yet is appropriate to wear around town. This bang...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
René Boivin Multi-Colored Sapphire Floral Bracelet
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
Discover the enchanting beauty of this René Boivin Sapphire Bracelet, a stunning piece that embodies the designer's exquisite craftsmanship and floral artistry. This bracelet feature...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,380,000
Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MAGNIFICENT PIECE! An important emerald and diamond necklace. 144.07 carats of fine quality, "Vivid Green" emeralds. 171.40 carats of white diamonds all set in platinum. A re...
Diamond, Emerald
H.Stern Rock Crystal Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with large rock crystals prong set in 18k yellow gold and 4 small Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by H.Stern Circa early 2000s 8 x 1 1/2 inches. Fits like 7 inches
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Matte green iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and champagne gold hardware. Double front flap and signature 'CC' turn...
Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Choker Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
$45,000Sale Price|66% Off
NWT 135, 000 Gorgeous 18KT Gold South Sea Golden Pearl Yellow Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful Rare Important 18KT White and Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace. Necklace is comprised of Beautiful Magnificent High Luster ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
76 Carat Pear Cut, Marquise Cut, and Round Cut Diamond Collar Platinum Necklace
By Rick Shatz
Located in New York, NY
Platinum 76.00 Carat Diamond Collar Necklace. This stunning diamond necklace is crafted with substantial size diamonds all throughout. The focal point is a flower motif that is co...
Diamond, Platinum
Rosior Diamond "Bow" Drop Earrings set in White Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
"Bow" Earrings by Rosior set in White Gold with 457 different size certified natural diamonds (IGI certified), F color, VVS clarity, weighting 2,89 ct. Weight in 19.2K gold: 10.8 g. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 100.00 Carats Natural Diamonds Multiple Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A statement masterpiece. A stunning tennis necklace features a collection of Diamonds , each more mesmerizing than the last. The array of diamonds creates a sparkling and radiant pie...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$13,989
Roberto Cavalli dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CAVALLI - (Made in Italy) Long-sleeved dress entirely embroidered with pearls and sequins in green, blue, yellow, and white tones. Size 42IT indicated, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Ve...
$133,900
David Webb Ruby Diamond Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in Geneva, CH
David Webb 18K gold, ruby and diamond bracelet. The wide openwork strap set with oval rubies weighing approximately 5.00 carats cabochon rubies and round diamonds weighing approximat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piaget Paris Diamond & South Sea Pearl Suite Necklace, Earring Watch & Ring 18K
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
South Sea Pearl & VVS quality Diamonds 4 Piece Set Necklace, Watch , Earring and Ring Suite 18 Karat White Gold 285 Gm with Each piece is signed PIAGET , 750 , PT and serial # Fu...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Platinum Diamond Choker Necklace, 60.00ct D Color VVS Clarity
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious platinum Cartier diamond necklace. The necklace comprises of a choker style with 68 platinum collet strands with 306 round brilliant cut diamonds each set in a rubover se...
Diamond, Platinum
$68,500 / set
Buccellati 'Macri' Gold Bracelet and Ear Clip Suite
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati 'Macri' 18k yellow and white gold bracelet and ear clip suite with diamond accents. The set features 18k yellow gold bracelet and earrings crafted in dome design, with Buc...
Diamond, 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.