Natural Emerald-Cut Emerald & Pear Diamond Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
"Deep, saturated green stacked twice over in a single earring is not a subtle choice, and this design leans fully into that boldness: two substantial emerald-cut emeralds are stacked...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Emeralds White Diamond Stud Earrings AENEA Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Paving: Emeralds 0,94 ct. & White Diamonds 0,70 ct. Material: Palladium 950; White Gold 750; Length: 2,5 cm Width: 1,5 cm Earrings are available with different stones and also i...
White Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Palladium
Alex Jona Emerald White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold ring set with 3 baguette cut emeralds, for total 0.40 carats.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Jewelry Suite, 20.56ct Emeralds
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8235 18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Jewelry Suite Featuring 20.56 Carats of Emeralds and 4.54 Carats of Diamonds An elegant and finely coordinated jewelry suite comprisi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
11.69 Carats Emerald and White Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
24 Emerald Gemstones: 9.23 Carats 108 White Diamonds: 2.46 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 20.59 Grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
15.37 Carats Emerald and White Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
38 Emerald Gemstones: 14.78 Carats 84 White Diamonds: 0.59 Carat Metal: 18K White Gold, 4.70 Grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.43tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Shank White Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
The ring is made in a solid 14K white gold, prong setting. Setting Style: Prong Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 3.8 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald Cut We...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
9ct White Gold Emerald Earrings Set with 12 Square Natural Emeralds
Located in London, GB
A refined and elegant pair of earrings crafted from 9ct white gold, each designed in a classic half-hoop silhouette.
Emerald, White Gold, 9k Gold
Emerald drop earrings in white gold with diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Introducing our emerald drop earrings in 18-karat white gold with diamonds, a perfect blend of classic and contemporary style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$46,000Sale Price|20% Off
23.92ct Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamonds Grand Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Created by Alexander of Beverly Hills. 23.92 carats total diamond weight. Emerald cut Zambian emerald, 11.25 carats, apx moderate oil. 901 round and baguette diamonds, 12.67 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,470Sale Price / item|20% Off
TImeless Natural Emerald White Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 18K Pendant Diamond 4-RND-0,54-G/VS1A Diamond 2-RND-57-0,03-4/6A Diamond 53-RND-57-0,2-4/6A Emerald 1-2,25 3/(3)З₁A Weight 2,78 grams With a heritage of ancient fine S...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
New Solid 18K White Gold 1.89ct Emerald Cut Emerald Eternity Band Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
The classic step-cut facets of the emeralds offer a sophisticated, geometric aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the icy brilliance of the white gold, making it a perfect stand...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Flower Ring, 1.35ct Emerald
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold flower ring. The ring is set to the centre with an oval cut emerald weighing 1.35ct, displaying a bright even tone.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
White GOld Necklace with White Diamonds, Emeralds and Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
A stunning sinuous shape in white gold, enriched by emeralds and diamonds of the micromosaic tesserae and precious stones.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.68 Carats Emerald and White Diamond White and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
1 Emerald Gemstones: 3.34 Carats 38 White Diamonds: 0.34 Carat Metal: 18K White and Yellow Gold, 6.50 Grams
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
9.16ct 14K Emerald Cut Solitaire Ring - Deep Green Emerald 585 White Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Prong-Solitaire Setting Material: White Gold 14K Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald Cut Weight: 9.16-Carats Dimensions: 13 x 10.25 (mm) Clarity: Semi-Transparent Colo...
Emerald, White Gold
White Gold Emerald-Cut Emerald and Tiered Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Emerald-Cut Emerald and Tiered Diamond Halo Cluster Ring Description: This magnificent vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and showcases a striking 3...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,765 / item
Emeralds White Diamonds Platinum Pendant Necklace
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Pendant handcrafted in Platinum with White Diamonds and Emeralds. Paving: Emeralds 1,52ct.; White Diamonds 0,12ct.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$5,765 / item
Emeralds White Diamonds Platinum Pendant Necklace
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Pendant handcrafted in Platinum with White Diamonds and Emeralds. Paving: Emeralds 1,52ct.; White Diamonds 0,12ct.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18KT White Gold Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant and striking emerald and diamond cluster ring crafted in solid 18KT white gold, centred with a vibrant emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald weighing approximately 2.40 ca...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
2.78 Carats Emerald and White Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
4 Emerald Gemstones: 2.51 Carats 30 White Diamonds: 0.27 Carat Metal: 18K White Gold, 5.80 Grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Vintage Ring, 1.71 Carat Emerald
Located in Warszawa, PL
This white gold emerald and diamond ring is an exceptional choice as an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or statement piece for a significant milestone.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
3 Carat Emerald Cut Zambian Emerald Gemstone Dangle Earrings 14Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
3 Carat Emerald Cut Zambian Emerald Gemstone 14 Karat White Gold Dangle Earrings features octagon cut emerald one on top and one dangling down making dangle earrings.
Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
9 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 9 Carat Emerald cut Emeralds & Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat White Gold Size 7 inches long This exceptionally affordable Tennis bracelet has 17 stones of Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.75 Carat Square Emerald Shape Green Emerald & Diamond Pendants In 18k White Go
Located in Chicago, IL
This pendant is a true embodiment of luxury and sophistication. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, it features a magnificent 3.75 carat square emerald-shaped green emerald as its center...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
9ct White Gold Emerald Earrings Set with 12 Square Natural Emeralds
Located in London, GB
A refined and elegant pair of earrings crafted from 9ct white gold, each designed in a classic half-hoop silhouette.
Emerald, White Gold, 9k Gold
1.50 Carat Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
1.50 carat bright sparkly round brilliant cut diamond pendant necklace. Face up white with just a hint of color. 1 Round Brilliant cut J- SI1 diamond, 1.50 carat (7.16mm). 14k whi...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and White Diamond Cluster Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful cluster style necklace a with 1.86 ct. emerald oval and 7.50 ct. of good quality, white, and bright diamond rounds and marquise shapes.
White Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
White Diamond Emerald and Round Bypass Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 0.70 ct. white diamond emerald cuts with 0.48 ct. white diamond rounds.
White Diamond, White Gold
Emerald Marquise and White Diamond Round Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 8.20 ct. emerald marquise with 0.10 ct. white diamond rounds.
White Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
0.62 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Emerald 18K White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Classic 18k white gold dangle earrings set with 2 emerald cut Diamonds weighing 0.62 carats total.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Emerald Necklace With Diamonds
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 6ctw Emerald Necklace With Diamonds This stunning 6ctw Emerald Diamond Necklace is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 6.58 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring -Size 7
Located in New York, NY
Ring size: 7 Markings: “750" Metal: 18k White Gold Weight: 7.27 grams Diamonds: 2.18 carats Emerald: 6.28 carats
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.11tcw 14K Emerald Cut Emerald & Round Diamond Vintage White Gold Fancy Choker
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a stunning emerald and diamond necklace made in fine 14K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Emerald, Ruby, & Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Emerald Cut 1.54ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): 1.28ct Cut: Emerald C...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.60tcw 14K Emerald & Diamond Floral Ring - Dark Green Emerald 585 White Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
An exquisite celebration of love and artistry, this 3.60 TCW 14K Green Emerald & Diamond Floral Engagement Ring in White Gold captures the essence of timeless romance, nature and...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
18K White Gold Emerald Bead Necklace with Diamond and Emerald Centerpiece
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage necklace featuring two strands of richly saturated emerald beads, finished with a bold emerald-cut emerald centerpiece framed by a radiating halo of tapered baguet...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Emerald Halo Stud 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These Art-Deco stud earrings are completely spectacular! The vibrant color stone is a specialty cut to surround the excellent emerald cut center diamond, which is in a thin bezel wit...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Natural Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring, 17.48 Carats, 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Crafted in 18K white gold, this remarkable ring is centered around a 17.48-carat natural emerald cut emerald framed by 1.03 carats of natural diamonds.
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold Crafted in 14K White Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
4.93 Carat Spinel and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, No Heat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Captivate her heart with this breathtaking, one-of-a-kind natural spinel engagement ring. At the center of this masterfully crafted solid gold three-stone ring sits a magnificent 4.4...
Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Emerald Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold These stud earrings are crafted in 14k white gold and feature round prong-set emeralds with a rich green color.
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Shape Emerald Halo Diamond 18K White Gold Classic Statement Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking Emerald and Diamond Ring, featuring a captivating emerald-cut emerald set in a halo of sparkling diamonds, mounted on a sleek white gold band. 18 Solid White Gold Diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.5ct Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Unisex ring Approximately 2.5 Ct Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald GIA certified , F2 Diamonds: 40 Pieces , approximate 4 Carat Platinum 12.8 gm Emerald: 2.5 Carat GIA c...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
GIA Certified 8ct Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Unisex ring Approximately8 Ct Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald GIA certified , F2 GIA certificate report # 22257441080 Diamonds: 68 Pieces , approximate 2.5 Carat Gold 2...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond & Emerald Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Elegant 14K white gold drop earrings featuring round emeralds accented by natural round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.50 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Diamonds Heart Pendant 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
2.12-carat heart-shaped Burmese ruby takes center stage in this exquisite pendant. Left untreated to preserve its natural beauty, the gemstone showcases a remarkably rich, vivid pink...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
2.41 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in London, England
The contrast between the dazzling white diamonds and the Regal Emerald add to the opulence that this pristine ring emanates.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Lugano White Diamond Emerald Cut Band Ring in 18K White Gold
By Lugano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 4.71 ct. white and bright emerald cut diamonds. Handmade in 18k white gold.
White Diamond, White Gold
Certified 4.38 Carat Untreated Fine Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
EGL USA Certified 4.38cts Natural Untreated Fine Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18k White Gold Primary Stones: Natural Sapphire Shape or Cut : Oval Faceted Cut Average ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Green Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Oval Ruby and Accented Diamond Bypass Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
This one-of-a-kind ring is a celebration of rare color and exceptional design. At its heart an oval ruby accented with Diamond Bypass Ring 15 round diamonds approx. 0.15 carats, and ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
0.92 Carat Emerald-Cut Emerald & 0.74 cttw Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
.92 carat genuine emerald cut emerald gemstone (almost 1 carat) .74 carat total diamond weight 2 princess cut/square cut diamonds (.34 carats) 8 round diamonds on the band (.40 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
25 Ct Natural Emerald Cut Emerald Cocktail Tennis Bracelet 14 Kt White Gold 7.5"
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 25 Ct Natural Emerald Cut Emerald Cocktail Tennis Bracelet 14 Kt White Gold 7.2" This exceptionally Beautiful Tennis bracelet has 28 stones of Emerald shape Emerald...
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,129Sale Price|20% Off
14 Kt White Gold Emerald Ring
Located in София, BG
14 kt Gold Ring with Emerald Gold Color: White Ring size: 6 US Total weight: 2.15 grams Set with: - Emerald Cut: Round Color: Green Weight: 0.33 Carat
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Price Upon Request
White Gold Necklace with Emeralds, Sapphires Malachite, White Diamonds
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Intricate micromosaic patterns and rich malachite accents weave through the design, evoking the textures and hues of the vibrant birds and their enchanting wings. White Diamonds 11...
White Diamond, Emerald, Malachite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An elegant vintage ring crafted in 14K white gold, showcasing a vivid 2.31 carat emerald-cut emerald at its center.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features a vivid 0.80 carat emerald accented by diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,069Sale Price / item|20% Off
Impressive Emerald White Diamond White Gold Every Day Pendant
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Pendant White Gold 14 K (Same Pendant in Yellow Gold Available) Chain is not included Diamond 16-Round 57-0,23-3/5A Diamond 16-Round 57-0,11-3/4A Emerald 1-0,56 3/(5)З₁A Weight 1.55 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.52 Carat Emerald Shape Green Emerald & Diamond Rings In 18k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This ring is a dazzling embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, it features a striking 2.52 carat emerald-shaped green emerald as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
The Midnight Bloom Cushion-Cut Sapphire and Floral Diamond Stud Earrings
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
The Midnight Bloom: Cushion-Cut Sapphire & Floral Diamond Stud Earrings Fine Sapphire and Diamond Floral Motif Stud Earrings Gemstones: Two cushion-cut Natural blue sapphires (3....
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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.