Diamond Jewelry
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
1940s American Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Rubelite, Platinum
1940s Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s British Modern Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
1940s American Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1940s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s European Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Gold
1940s Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1940s Hong Kong Contemporary Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Hong Kong Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
1940s Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 14k Gold
1940s Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 14k Gold
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, 14k Gold
1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s French Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1940s Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1940s French Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
White Diamond, Platinum
1940s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
1940s Swiss Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s American Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, 14k Gold
1940s American Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1940s Retro Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1940s French Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Jewelry
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.