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Diamond Jewelry

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Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels
Gemstone: Diamond
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond Grey MOP Coral Butterfly Yellow Gold Brooch Necklace
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Grey Mother Of Pearl Coral Butterfly Brooch Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 16 brilliant round cut diamonds VVS1 c...
Category

1970s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 1930s Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Cuff Links
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Art Deco platinum cuff links with diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels. The cuff links have 8 baguette diamonds with an approximate ...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Sophisticated Enamel Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated bracelet manufactured by Van Cleef & Arpels during the 1940s, presenting appx. 10cts of old mine cut diamonds on a fine 18kt yellow gold mounting, decorated with blac...
Category

1940s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamond Ruby Gold Cous-Cous Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Of flexible tubular design, composed of a clustered band of polished spherical beads to a central pavé-set circular-cut ruby panel with diagonal brilliant-cut diamond line highlights...
Category

1960s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dress Ring, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels vintage diamond dress ring. Set with one hundred and ninety six round brilliant cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined weight of 3.38 carats, bor...
Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Floral Diamond Brooch French
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Floral Diamond Brooch 41 large brilliant diamonds set in platinum surrounded by rope design leaves 18k gold Estimat...
Category

Late 20th Century French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Ring and Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
A classic wide band with a matching pair of gorgeous earrings from Van Cleef and Arpels! This jewelry set is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a basket-weave motif pave-set wit...
Category

1990s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Platinum diamond and sapphire straight line bracelet, signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Dimensions approx. 7" x .25" x .11" Circa 1930s Fr...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Inseparable Love Birds Pendant
Located in Bethesda, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels portrays the eternal bond of inseparable love birds against a backdrop of the radiant sun, with one bird embellished with exquisite single-cut diamonds and the oth...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Two-Tone Gold Diamond Bracelet French Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet made of 18k white and yellow gold. The bracelet’s links are flat, so that allows it to sit perfectly on the wrist. The yellow gold links...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Diamond Celia Butterfly 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with approx. 0.60ct of fine quality whi...
Category

20th Century French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Collection Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Romance a Paris Collection Necklace In 18k White Gold. The necklace features six 18k white gold lovers figurines, spaced across the chain, with man and a woman on ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Gold Diamond Large Snowflake Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels. Each large model “Snowflake” earclip fashioned as a diamond snowflake motif surmounted by a crescent of diam...
Category

2010s American Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Textured 18k Rose Gold Ring Size 50
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra jewel was first created in 1968, and the Vintage Alhambra creations remain faithful to its timeless elegance. The iconic clover motif is a potent symbol ...
Category

2010s Italian Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Bracelet 18k Rose Gold diamonds & motherofpearl
Located in Bilbao, ES
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 5 motif Bracelet 18k Rose Gold diamonds & motherofpearl The bracelet is made in 18k rose gold and set with white diamonds that are D to F color and VS cl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Aesthetic Movement Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace with Malachite & Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Introducing an authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Butterfly Necklace with Malachite and Diamond. This exquisite piece highligh...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace with Diamonds & Lapis Lazuli in 18K Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Unearth a masterpiece - Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Alhambra Butterfly Pendant Necklace. Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, it boasts a captivating butterfly design ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 0.39ct Diamond and Coral Bow Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
A dainty diamond jewelry for those who seek to add a hint of luxury, a touch of color, and a dash of feminity to their looks. This Van Cleef & Arpels creation features a 15 yellow go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 2014 Alhambra Grey Mother of Pearl Holiday Pendant
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2325 Comes With Invoice with Box Date 2014 Model ARO5SX00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond, Mother of Pearl Weight 5.4 g Length 42 cm Condition Excell...
Category

2010s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 2013 Diamond Malachite Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2289 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 Model ARO49S00 Serial Number JE****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond, Malachite Weight 6.5 g Length 42 cm Condition Excel...
Category

2010s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Tiger's Eye Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Siz
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Vintage Alhambra ring exudes timeless charm. A mesmerizing Tiger's Eye gemstone sits gracefully amidst delicate 18k gold beading, accented by a rad...
Category

2010s Italian Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tiger's Eye, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 54
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Experience timeless elegance with the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra ring. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite piece features the iconic Alhambra motif a...
Category

2010s Italian Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Two Butterfly Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VCA: Two Butterfly earrings, 18K yellow gold, round yellow sapphires, rhodium plated 18K white gold, round and marquise-cut diamonds; diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS REFERENCE VCARB1...
Category

2010s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Ruby Emerald Young Lion Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the epitome of sophistication and regal elegance, behold the Van Cleef & Arpels Lion 14K Brooch Pin. Exclusively curated for those with a discerni...
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Diamond Medium Perlée Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels medium-sized Perlée ring in polished 18k gold with beaded borders accented by eight mini clover cluster motifs set with thirty-two round full-cut diamonds weighing...
Category

2010s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold 0.48cttw
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra diamond ring. Inspired by the clover leaf, this ring showcases 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.48 ...
Category

2010s Modern Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels GIA 1.39ctw No-Heat Blue Sapphire Diamond 18K Ring
Located in New York, NY
A VERY ELEGANT Natural Gorgeous Royal Blue Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy 18k Yellow Gold Engagement, Wedding or Anniversary Vintage Ring signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Founded in 1896 by th...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Earrings with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with two Cabochon Emeralds weighing approximately a total of 12.00 carats, 10 Pear-Shaped Rubies weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, and ...
Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage VCA Natural Saltwater Button Pearls Stud Earrings, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A vintage pair of Van Cleef and Arpels earrings showcasing natural saltwater button pearls weighing 12.04 and 13.08 carats. These pearls exhibit beautiful color and high luster, surr...
Category

1970s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS NY 18k Yellow Gold & 5.13 Carat Diamond Fleurette Ring 1987
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels NY 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Fleurette Cocktail Ring Circa 1987 Vintage w/GIA Certificate Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible desig...
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring 18k Gold size 6.25
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Cluster Diamond and 18K Gold Ring, a dazzling vintage piece crafted in France in the 1980s. The presence of the...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem & Diamond Floral Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem & Diamond Floral Necklace, this necklace features a combination of sapphires, rubies, and diamonds in a necklace design. It showcases a delightful flower...
Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VCA Diamond and Gold Necklace, D-F Color, VVS1-VS1 Clarity, Platinum & 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Behold the rarity of an original French Van Cleef & Arpels masterpiece in this stunning necklace. Exquisite in design, it showcases a symphony of diamonds set in a meticulous interpl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Bow Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond bow pendant necklace. This necklace features 2 cabochon turquoise accented by 3 round brilliant ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k/ Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Ring w. Diamond sz 4.5
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k/ Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra w. Diamond Materials: 18k yellow gold, mother of pearl, diamond Overall Condition: Excellent Includes: Van Cleef pouch Size...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 10 Motif Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU. AT-1661 Brand Van Cleef & Arpels Model VCARN59E00 Date 2009 Diamonds Approx.0.60ct ___________________________________________________________________ Metal 18K Yellow Gold Seri...
Category

Early 2000s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mechanic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
Located in Crema, Cremona
An elegant, classic evergreen and unisex watch "La Collection" by Van Cleef & Arpels, made by the famous watch designer Gerald Genta for VCA. The "La Collection" line, was renamed l...
Category

1970s French Post-War Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 3.50 Carats Diamond Platinum Floral Double Hawaii Flower Earr
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Earrings are designed as a double floral motif comprised of round brilliant cut diamonds. Weighing approximately 3.50 carats total - E/F in color with VVS2 clarity. Set in platinum b...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring Duo VCA
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy and timeless pair of rings created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France. The rings are made of 18 karat yellow gold. Each ring features an approximately 0.42-carat princess cut di...
Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS A Sophisticated Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated bracelet watch, manufactured by Van Cleef & Arpels in the late 1940s, presenting small diamonds and sapphires on an 18k yellow gold mounting. The watch is functioning...
Category

1940s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Van Cleef & Arpels Star Sapphire Onyx & Diamond Ring
Located in MIAMI, FL
A breathtaking design from Van Cleef & Arpels. This stunning art deco ring is crafted in platinum with details throughout. The highlight of the design is a cabochon cut star sapphire...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant Diamonds Yellow Gold Bracelet, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Weight: 52.48gr Metal: 18kt yellow gold and platinum Condition: Very good Signature: VCA nº12340 Stones: 14 Diamonds • Cut: Brilliant • Total carat weight: 2ct approximately • Co...
Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Diamond Brick Motif Link Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ludo Brick Motif Link Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 17 brilliant round cut diamond VVS1 clarity, E color Total weight approximately 1.78ct This bracel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Cub Brooch / Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunningly detailed lion cub brooch accented with glittering diamonds and emeralds. Made of solid 18 karat yellow gold, this exquisite piece by Van Cle...
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Diamond Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Three Diamond Black Onyx Ring France 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning ring by Van Cleef & Arpels with three Diamonds, Black Onyx and 18 Karat Gold. The ring is made in France. The classic elegant jewel is a vintage Van Cleef jewel...
Category

20th Century French Contemporary Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Watch Diamond & Mother of Pearl 18k
Located in MIAMI, FL
Bold and timeless, the Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas watch is as contemporary today as it was when first created in 1935. Its distinctive design features an...
Category

2010s French Modern Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Diamond Double Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Old European and Baguette cut diamonds, weighing approximately a total of 30.00 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco, circa 1930s
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond Concealed Dial Bracelet Wristwatch
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and gold bracelet watch. Length 6 1/2.
Category

1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond and Platinum Cadenas Watch, Circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Platinum “Cadenas” Watch; Back Winder; signed Van Cleef & Arpels, France; Circa 1930 Maker’s Mark for Verger Freres This watch is similar to...
Category

1930s French Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette Ruby Diamond Double Flower Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Fleurette Double Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 7 diamonds, VS1 Clarity, G Color. Total Diamond Weight approx. 1.80ct 7 Round Rubies total weig...
Category

1970s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible-set Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Calibre-cut Rubies which are set in the iconic "serti myserieux" (invisible setting) method, which was patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933. T...
Category

1930s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Cocktail Gold Ring
Located in Feasterville, PA
A magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cocktail ring adorned with the finest round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The ring measures a size 5 1/2 and can be resized.
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Cocktail Gold Ring
Located in Feasterville, PA
A magnificent Van Cleef & Arpels diamond cocktail ring adorned with the finest round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k yellow gold. The ring measures a size 5 1/2 and can be resized.
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold, Onyx and Diamond Fidji Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold ring with onyx covering the whole ring and a gold ellipse on the top set with 12 brilliant cut diamonds (app. 0.51 carat) s...
Category

1970s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli / Diamond Sweet Alhambra Watch Limited New
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Van Cleef and Arpels limited edition iconic Sweet Alhambra Lapis Lazuli and diamond set ladies' wristwatch. Numbered a...
Category

2010s French Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bombé Ring
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century Van Cleef & Arpels bombé ring is a striking and sensuous period design is set with over ten carats of diamonds. The voluminous form, dripping and patterned with roun...
Category

1960s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Sapphire Diamond Floral Motif Ring
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning display of craftsmanship in this fabulous Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring showcasing graduating colors of pink sapphire illuminated by round brilliant cut diamonds in 18k ...
Category

Early 2000s Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Modern Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Gold Earrings and Ring Set
Located in New York, NY
A mid-century modern fluted coral and diamond earring and ring set by Van Cleef & Arpels. The earrings are modified hanging hoop earrings that fit front to back on the ear. The rin...
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Shop Antique and Vintage Diamond Rings, Diamond Necklaces and Other Diamond Jewelry and Watches 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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

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

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