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E Wolfe And Co

Vintage brooch E. Wolfe and Co Signed and Numbered 18k Gold
Vintage brooch E. Wolfe and Co Signed and Numbered 18k Gold

Vintage brooch E. Wolfe and Co Signed and Numbered 18k Gold

Located in Nicosia, Cyprus

The Details Era / Style: Mid-Century Modern / Figurative (Circa 1960s) Design: Hummingbird Brooch / Lapel Pin Maker: E. Wolfe & Co (Signed and individually numbered) Origin: Lond...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1950s E. Wolfe & Co. Eagle Cufflinks
Vintage 1950s E. Wolfe & Co. Eagle Cufflinks

Vintage 1950s E. Wolfe & Co. Eagle Cufflinks

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k white and yellow gold with Cabochon Rubies as the eyes. Signed by E. Wolfe & Co. Circa 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

E Wolfe & Co 17.86ct Aquamarine and Diamond 18ct White Gold Cocktail Ring
E Wolfe & Co 17.86ct Aquamarine and Diamond 18ct White Gold Cocktail Ring

E Wolfe & Co 17.86ct Aquamarine and Diamond 18ct White Gold Cocktail Ring

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18 carat White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring.

Category

2010s British Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring
E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring.

Category

2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, White Gold

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring.

Category

2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

E Wolfe & Co 18ct White Gold Yellow Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring
E Wolfe & Co 18ct White Gold Yellow Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring

E Wolfe & Co 18ct White Gold Yellow Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18 carat White Gold Yellow Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring.

Category

2010s British Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1980s E. Wolfe & Co. Yellow and White Diamond Eagle Brooch
Vintage 1980s E. Wolfe & Co. Yellow and White Diamond Eagle Brooch

Vintage 1980s E. Wolfe & Co. Yellow and White Diamond Eagle Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

The pin also features Round Brilliant and Tapered Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 10.00 carats, G-H color, VS1-SI1 clarity. Signed by E. Wolfe & Co. Made in B...

Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Rose and Yellow Gold Flower Brooch with Diamond
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Rose and Yellow Gold Flower Brooch with Diamond

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Rose and Yellow Gold Flower Brooch with Diamond

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

E. Wolfe & Co is a family-run fine jewellery manufacturing Workshop, established in 1850 and located in central London.

Category

1990s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Bulldog Cufflinks with Sapphire and Black Onyx
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Bulldog Cufflinks with Sapphire and Black Onyx

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Bulldog Cufflinks with Sapphire and Black Onyx

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

18 karat white gold bulldog cufflinks. The beautifully sculpted bulldogs face is in a brushed white gold. The eyes are set with blue sapphire cabochons and the nose is black onyx. Ba...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Cufflinks

Materials

Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Frog with a Fishing Pole Brooch
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Frog with a Fishing Pole Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Frog with a Fishing Pole Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

E. Wolfe & Co is a family-run fine jewellery manufacturing Workshop, established in 1850 and located in central London.

Category

1990s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

18 Karat Gold and Diamond E. Wolfe & Co. Lizard Brooch
18 Karat Gold and Diamond E. Wolfe & Co. Lizard Brooch

18 Karat Gold and Diamond E. Wolfe & Co. Lizard Brooch

Located in Pikesville, MD

Created by E. Wolfe and Company, manufacturer of exquisite and whimsical designed animal brooches and fine jewelry since 1850.

Category

1990s British Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Enamel Frog Brooch Yellow Gold by E. Wolfe and Co.
18K Enamel Frog Brooch Yellow Gold by E. Wolfe and Co.

18K Enamel Frog Brooch Yellow Gold by E. Wolfe and Co.

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in Fairfield, CT

18K Enamel Frog Brooch Yellow Gold by E. Wolfe and Co. This EW & Co. brooch features a frog design in 18k yellow gold with green enamel detailing across the body.

Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

E. Wolfe & Co. Gold and Diamond Hummingbird Brooch
E. Wolfe & Co. Gold and Diamond Hummingbird Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. Gold and Diamond Hummingbird Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in London, GB

The charming brooch designed as a hummingbird in mid hover, the wings and tail with finely engraved feathers, the body pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds and with a ruby cabo...

Category

2010s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. Rose Gold and Diamond Pig Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. Rose Gold and Diamond Pig Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in London, GB

The charming little pig in 18ct rose gold with a curly upturned tail, round brilliant cut diamonds around its neck and ruby cabochon eyes. Round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a ...

Category

Early 2000s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. White Gold And Diamond Pelican Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. White Gold And Diamond Pelican Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in London, GB

The brooch finely crafted in 18ct white and yellow gold and designed as a pelican in flight with polished yellow gold beak, body pavé set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds...

Category

Early 2000s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

E Wolfe& Co 3.08 Carat Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring
E Wolfe& Co 3.08 Carat Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring

E Wolfe& Co 3.08 Carat Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond Cluster Ring.

Category

2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, White Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Diamond Giraffe Brooch
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Diamond Giraffe Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Diamond Giraffe Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in Montgomery, AL

It was made by E. Wolfe & Co. and this highly detailed pin also has hallmarks that tell its story.

Category

Vintage 1980s British Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

E Wolfe & Co GIA Certified 1.23 Carats HVS1 Emerald-cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
E Wolfe & Co GIA Certified 1.23 Carats HVS1 Emerald-cut Diamond Ring in Platinum

E Wolfe & Co GIA Certified 1.23 Carats HVS1 Emerald-cut Diamond Ring in Platinum

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Company Handmade 1.23 carats H colour and VS1 clarity Emerald-cut Diamond ring. The central 1.23 carats emerald-cut diamond is certified by the GIA Laboratory and is certif...

Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

E Wolfe & Co 2.03 carats I VS2 Old Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum
E Wolfe & Co 2.03 carats I VS2 Old Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum

E Wolfe & Co 2.03 carats I VS2 Old Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Company handmade 2.03 carats I colour and VS2 clarity old cushion cut diamond cluster ring. The ring has been handmade in platinum and surrounding the 2.03 carats centre st...

Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

E Wolfe & Co 3.33 Carats J SI1 Old-Cut Cushion Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum
E Wolfe & Co 3.33 Carats J SI1 Old-Cut Cushion Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum

E Wolfe & Co 3.33 Carats J SI1 Old-Cut Cushion Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Company handmade diamond cluster ring containing 3.33 carats J colour and SI1 quality old-cut cushion diamond. The ring has been handmade in platinum and set to the band an...

Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

E. Wolfe & Co. White Gold and Diamond Elephant Brooch
E. Wolfe & Co. White Gold and Diamond Elephant Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. White Gold and Diamond Elephant Brooch

Located in London, GB

Round brilliant diamonds weighing a total of 3.02cts 18ct white gold signed E. Wolfe 14.2 grams The charming elephant with his trunk raised mid trumpet crafted in 18ct white gold an...

Category

2010s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. Vintage Diamond Playing Cat Brooch Yellow Gold
E. Wolfe & Co. Vintage Diamond Playing Cat Brooch Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. Vintage Diamond Playing Cat Brooch Yellow Gold

Located in London, England

A delightful E. Wolfe & Co. vintage diamond and emerald playing cat brooch in 18-karat yellow and white gold, circa 1993.

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage E. Wolfe & Co. Diamond Giraffe Brooch in Yellow Gold
Vintage E. Wolfe & Co. Diamond Giraffe Brooch in Yellow Gold

Vintage E. Wolfe & Co. Diamond Giraffe Brooch in Yellow Gold

Located in London, England

An interesting vintage E. Wolfe & Co. diamond and ruby giraffe brooch set in 18k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1980s British Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage E Wolf Phoenix Bird 0.98cts Diamond 18K Gold Brooch Pin
Vintage E Wolf Phoenix Bird 0.98cts Diamond 18K Gold Brooch Pin

Vintage E Wolf Phoenix Bird 0.98cts Diamond 18K Gold Brooch Pin

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in Miami, FL

Presenting the Phoenix Bird Brooch by E. Wolfe & Co., an English masterpiece crafted in exquisite 18K yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1950s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. Vintage Musical Dachshund with Diamonds and Sapphires
E. Wolfe & Co. Vintage Musical Dachshund with Diamonds and Sapphires

E. Wolfe & Co. Vintage Musical Dachshund with Diamonds and Sapphires

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This whimsical and highly articulated 18k yellow gold brooch is a product of E. Wolfe & Company. This workshop has been producing very finely worked jewels continuously since it's in...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring
E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring

By E Wolfe and Company

Located in London, GB

E Wolfe & Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cocktail Ring.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, White Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. Yellow And White Gold And Diamond Elephant Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. Yellow And White Gold And Diamond Elephant Brooch

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in London, GB

The delightful brooch finely crafted in textured 18ct yellow gold designed as a standing elephant in profile with trunk raised, white gold tusks, diamond pavé set ear and ruby caboch...

Category

2010s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Diamond, Emerald and Ruby
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Diamond, Emerald and Ruby

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Diamond, Emerald and Ruby

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

Diamonds = 0.18 carats Stamped EW&CO 750 E. Wolfe & Co is a family-run fine jewellery manufacturing Workshop, established in 1850 and located in central London.

Category

1990s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Owl Brooch .55 Carat Diamonds and Emerald Eyes
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Owl Brooch .55 Carat Diamonds and Emerald Eyes

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Owl Brooch .55 Carat Diamonds and Emerald Eyes

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

Diamond weight 0.55 carats Stamped EWC 750 E. Wolfe & Co is a family-run fine jewellery manufacturing Workshop, established in 1850 and located in central London.

Category

1990s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Koala Bear Brooch with .16 Carat Diamonds and Pearl
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Koala Bear Brooch with .16 Carat Diamonds and Pearl

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Koala Bear Brooch with .16 Carat Diamonds and Pearl

By E. Wolfe & Company

Located in New York, NY

E. Wolfe & Co is a family-run fine jewellery manufacturing Workshop, established in 1850 and located in central London.

Category

1990s British Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 17.86 Carat Blue Topaz Owl Brooch
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 17.86 Carat Blue Topaz Owl Brooch

E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 17.86 Carat Blue Topaz Owl Brooch

Located in New York, NY

This Lovely 18 karat yellow gold owl brooch features a 17.86 carat blue topaz center, Cabochon Sapphire eyes and a sprinkle of Diamonds around the owls eyes. E. Wolfe & Co is a fam...

Category

1990s English Artisan Brooches

Materials

Topaz, 18k Gold

E. WOLFE & CO Monkey Pin
E. WOLFE & CO Monkey Pin

E. WOLFE & CO Monkey Pin

Located in Chestnut Hill, MA

The piece is stamped by E. Wolfe and Co.

Category

English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Coral

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A spectacular perfectly emerald cut aquamarine is the centerpiece of this beautiful ring. The amazing saturation of color and brilliance warrant giving this gem a 10 our of 10. The d...

Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring, circa 1935.

Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring, circa 1935.

Located in London, GB

Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring. Centrally set with an octagonal scissor cut natural aquamarine in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 16.30 carats, further ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

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E Wolfe And Co For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the e wolfe and co you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 14 vintage editions and 6 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a e wolfe and co from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic e wolfe and co over the years, but those made by E. Wolfe & Company are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A e wolfe and co of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 10, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and cushion cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a e wolfe and co, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a E Wolfe And Co?

Prices for a e wolfe and co can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $145 and can go as high as $14,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,950.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.