Victorian Diamond Swallow
Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1870s European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s Pendant Necklaces
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
2010s American Victorian Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 1860s English Victorian More Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique 1860s English More Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
2010s American Victorian Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Unknown Brooches
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Brooches
Antique 1870s Unknown High Victorian Brooches
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver
Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Enamel
Antique 1830s French Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s Late Victorian More Jewelry
Diamond, Silver
Antique 1850s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
English Brooches
2010s Australian Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Italian Victorian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s American Victorian Stud Earrings
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold
2010s American Artist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Victorian Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Diamond Swallow For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Victorian Diamond Swallow?
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
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.
Read More
This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Inside the Mansions of HBO’s ‘Gilded Age’ with Set Decorator Regina Graves
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Why Victorian Snake Jewelry Is Anything but Scary
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
The Original American Silver-Making Company Is Back in the Spotlight
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Canadian Designer Philip Mitchell Masterfully Balances Tradition and Glamour
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
How to Buy a Vintage or Antique Engagement Ring
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.