GIA Certified 1.8 Carat Vintage Cushion Milgrain Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$8,722Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.3ct Cushion Entwined Garden Flower Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Cushion Carat: 1.3 Color: I Clarity: VS2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Vintage Cushion Milgrain Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$28,010Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2.01ct Cushion Entwined Garden Flower Vine Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Cushion Carat: 2.01 Color: G Clarity: VS1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gol...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$6,982Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1 Carat Cushion Partial Eternity Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Cushion Partial Eternity Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Classic Cushion Halo Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$32,740Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2.5 Carat Solitaire Cushion Halo Infinity Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.22 Carat Classic Cushion Halo Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$7,604Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.18 Carat Solitaire Cushion Halo Infinity Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$11,284Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Cushion Twisted Braided Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$4,681Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.31 Carat Cushion Twisted Braided Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat Braided Band Square Cushion Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2.07Ct GIA Cushion Diamond, Natural Fancy Light Grayish Greenish Yellow Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
The prominent color of the diamond in this ring is a distinct and delicate green. The diamond is very clean and has a clarity grading of VS2. The diamond is also very clear, bright, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,672Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.22 Carat Cushion Halo Basket Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$25,000Sale Price|28% Off
Yellow Diamond Band, Features Yellow Cushion Cut Diamonds
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Canary Yellow Diamond Band, features 10.85 Carats of Yellow Cushion cut diamonds, total 15 stones.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.55Ct Cushion Modified Brilliant Fancy Light Yellow-VS1
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This cushion diamond is cut extremely well with only 64.1% depth -- which means that the diamond isn't cut on the deep side as most cushions are, and in turn looks similar in size to...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.73 Carat Halo Cushion Cathedral Milgrain Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.97 Carat Halo Cushion Cathedral Milgrain Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.53 Carat Basket Set Square Cushion Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Basket Set Square Cushion Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Halo Square Cushion Basket Set Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Halo Square Cushion Basket Set Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$38,500 / item
GIA Certified 2.02Ct Cushion Cut Fancy Deep Yellow Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This ring has as a focal point a 2.02Ct Cushion Cut Natural Fancy Deep Yellow Diamond. The color on this diamond is very rich and saturated.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Knife Edge Band Cushion Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$10,343Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Knife Edge Band Cushion Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.94 Carat Cushion Square Halo Multi-Row Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.3 Carat Cushion Diamond Frane Halo Gold Pendant Necklace
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this pendant ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York in polished 18K yellow gold, this timeless diamond pendant necklace features a GIA certified 1.30 carat cush...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2.12 Carats Diamond Cushion Fancy Yellow 5-Stone Gold Platinum Half Band Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Beautiful Diamond 5 Stone Half Band Ring The ring is 18K Yellow Gold & PLT 950 There are 5 Cushion Cut Fancy Yellow Diamonds Prong Set.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.7 Carat Cushion East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.53 Carat Cushion East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the ring may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cushion Shape Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an exquisite cushion-shaped yellow diamond ring that exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury and fine craftsmanship.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Cushion Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Step into the epitome of opulence with our exquisite yellow diamond ring, embraced by a stunning halo of radiant white diamonds. Nestled at the core of this captivating piece is a m...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 12ct Fancy Yellow Cushion VS1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Type: Natural Diamond Shape: Cushion Carat: 12.17 Color: Fancy Yellow (FY) Clarity: VS1 Polish: Excellent Symmetr...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 5.01ct Fancy Yellow Cushion VS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose: this GIA certified natural 5.01 carat Fancy Yellow cushion cut diamond is available loose and can be mounted into th...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 4.04ct Fancy Yellow Cushion IF Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Singularly rare and crafted by nature, this GIA-certified natural 4.04 carat Fancy Yellow cushion cut diamond combines a warm, memorable color with pure brilliance and timeless appeal.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 9.56ct Cushion Fancy Intense Yellow VS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A GIA certified, natural 9.56 carat cushion diamond with Fancy Intense Yellow (FIY) color and VS2 clarity, unmistakably rare and crafted by nature.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Fancy Yellow Cushion SI2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
With a Fancy Yellow (FY) color and a cushion silhouette that maximizes face-up spread, this loose diamond reads big and brilliant on the finger while remaining an exceptional choice ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 10ct Cushion Fancy Vivid Yellow VVS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Singularly rare and crafted by nature, this 10.06ct cushion cut Fancy Vivid Yellow (FVY) diamond delivers pure brilliance and an enduring presence that collectors and engagement buye...
Diamond, White Gold
10 carat Fancy Yellow GIA Diamond Ring
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
An amazing diamond full of sparkle and brilliance! A rare and most sought after rectangular shape! GIA certified Fancy Yellow 10.17 carat SI2 center diamond. 1.55 carats of white...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Yellow Cushion Cut and White Diamond Bracelet
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Abstract and Sophisticated Yellow and White Diamond Bracelet. 9 Yellow Diamonds weighing 6.30 Carats 3 White Diamonds weighing 2.10 Carats Round Diamond of White and Yellow totalin...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond
0.92 TCW Yellow Cushion Diamond Loose Stones
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 0.2 Grams Stone: 0.92 TCW Yellow Diamond (0.30+ ct.) Measurements: 3.8 x 3.35 x 2.55 mm 3.6 x 3.3 x 2.85 mm 3.7 x 3.25 x 2.6 mm ITEM #: BR-1471-120424-03
Yellow Diamond
Yellow Diamonds - Bracelet 7.26ct Natural Fancy Yellow Diamonds 18K Gold Cushion
Located in New York, NY
Don't pay retail prices ! we offer all of our customers the lowest wholesale prices possible. - Don't miss out on these great deals ! If you like it bid on it ! - 100% natural colo...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$7,392Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.3 Carat Round Cushion Solitaire Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating centerpiece of a GIA-certified round diamond weighing 1.3 , ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,152Sale Price|40% Off
Natural Yellow Diamond Stud Earrings 14kt Yellow Gold 0.49ctw Cushion New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
These natural yellow diamond stud earrings are crafted in 14kt yellow gold and feature 0.49 carat total weight of cushion cut yellow diamonds.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow and White Diamond Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
Fancy Yellow cushion cut diamonds are set between white pear and marquise cut diamonds.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Solitaire Aquamarine Ring. 1.20ct Cushion Cut Aquamarine Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Estate Diamond Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.2-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Jewelry Type: P...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.02ct Princess Diamond Cushion Halo Gold Pendant Necklace
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Please note: The appearance of the pendant may vary slightly from the photos due to lighting, photography, and the natural characteristics of both handcrafted jewelry and diamonds. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
3.44 Carat Cushion Cut Yellow Diamond Cross
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
This cross features 6 perfectly matched Cushion Cut Yellow Diamonds weighing 3.44 Carats and set in a minimalistic setting that lets light pass from all directions.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Fancy Shaped Yellow Cushion And Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The stunning Yellow Cushion Shape Diamond Ring is a work of art that skillfully combines traditional elegance with modern craftmanship.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Yellow Cushion Diamond .50 Carat TW Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic diamond earrings. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow Gold setting with natural cushion cut yellow diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Cushion Diamond 2.56 Carat TW Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond earrings. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow Gold setting with natural cushion cut yellow diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$110,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 8.03 Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 2.99ct Diamond Ring
By Nazarelle
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made in 18K yellow gold and features a 8.03ct Fancy Yellow Cushion cut Diamond clarity grade VVS2 with GIA certificate # 6193658610.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Necklace with Natural Yellow Diamond
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Necklace with Natural Yellow Diamond A sophisticated and timeless piece, this 18K yellow gold necklace showcases a cushion-cut natural yellow diamond (0...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Yellow 10.06 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Impressive and brilliant 10.06 cushion cut Fancy Yellow, VS2 center diamond. 1.41 carats of F color Vs clarity Emerald cut side diamonds all set in 18k gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.02Ct Cushion Cut Natural Fancy Gray-Greenish Yellow Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This ring boasts a unique natural color combination that is both alluring and bright. The inner halo is comprised of natural pink color diamonds followed by an outer halo of natural ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
A Cushion Cut 2.03 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, US
A Cushion Cut 2.03 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
Yellow Diamond
Fancy Light Yellow Cushion Diamond Ring
Located in LA, CA
Item #8051 GIA Certified 18K Ladies Ring 5.04 carat Fancy Light Yellow Cushion Diamond and 1.16 carat Diamond Colored Precious Stone: 5.04ct Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Precious Me...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring with Yellow Cushion Diamond
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This 18 karat yellow gold Buttercup ring features a natural yellow cushion diamond weighing 0.53 carats (VS1).
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
10.01 carat GIA certified Fancy Yellow, VS1 cushion cut center diamond. Set with 1.61 carats of white side diamonds.
Yellow Diamond
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.