$4,336Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gassan Diamond & Cobalt Blue Enamel Cluster Ring 18k Gold - Amsterdam
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage Gassan 18K Gold Diamond & Cobalt Blue Enamel Cluster Ring, Netherlands Diamonds: 10 round brilliant cut diamonds, approx. 1.60 carats total weight, E/F color, VVS clarity Ac...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 1.25ct Diamond and Enamel Ring, c.1860s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the mid Victorian era, this beautiful ring is a true rarity. At it's centre a 0.25 carat old mine cut diamond sits surrounded by a halo exquisite blue enamel.
Diamond, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Heavy 18K Gold Open End Fan Ring with Natural Diamond and Blue Enamel 9.8g R6547
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Heavy 18K Gold Open End Fan Ring with Natural Diamond and Blue Enamel Accent ♥ The item measures 9.7mm in length (North South direction), 31.1mm in width (East West direction), an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Old European Diamond Ring Blue Enamel 14K White Gold .75 carat
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The blue enamel is in mint condition. The top of the ring measures 13mm top to bottom.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Diamond and Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Floral Cluster Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Floral Cluster Ring in 14K White Gold captures the essence of a blossom in full bloom. Featuring a radiant emerald surrounded by dazzling diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Light Blue Enamel Ring Diamond Stars - Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light Blue Enamel Ring Diamond Stars - Gold Plated Silver - Orb Ring – Victorian Twisted Band Size Us 7 Designer: J Dauphin The Diamond Star Orb Ring blends Victorian celestial sy...
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k...
Round Electric Blue Guilloche Enamel Ring in White Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Electric Blue Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds (total 0.55 ct, G VS) in diamond bezel and on ring shank.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
$4,038Sale Price|20% Off
Every Day Diamond Blue Sapphire Enamel Band Yellow 14k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 14K Ring Diamond 56-0,28 ct Blue Sapphire 26-0,08 ct Enamel Size 7 Weight 8,28 grams It is our honor to create fine jewelry, and it’s for that reason that we choose ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Blue Enamel, Diamond & Pearl Ring 14K Gold - c.1860
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian enamel gold ring made c.1860-1880. This ring exudes a regal and majestic air with its deep royal blue enamelling that co...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster and Enamel Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a remarkable dress ring taken from the Victorian era. This exquisite piece features a centralised old mine cut diamond, radiating a pristine white hue whilst being encir...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
0.5 Ct Diamond Solitaire Enamel Ring Blue Vitreous 18k White Gold 9 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer 0.5 Ct Diamond Solitaire Enamel Ring Blue Vitreous 18k White Gold 9 Diamonds total 0.56 ct About Victor Mayer VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophist...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
Great looking ring with an attached floret of seven old diamond cut Diamonds pave set in white Gold clusters and surrounded by 12 Blue Enamel panels smoothly conforming down the shou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Octagon Sky Blue Topaz & Diamond Black Enamel White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A beautiful Art Deco style features the combination of emerald cut sky blue topaz accent with diamonds and black enamel which represents power, richness and passion. 14K White Gold.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Diamond and Enameled 14K Gold Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This Victorian ring is like a layered cake, with moonstone, diamonds, rubies, and stunning cobalt blue enamel.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond & Blue & White Enamel Polo Cap Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and enamel ring in yellow gold, comprising one old cut diamond and eighteen rose cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, and adorned with blue and white enamel,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Gold Early Victorian Diamond Trilogy Ring with Blue Enamel Details
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold early Victorian ring features three Old Mind Cut diamonds encased in blue enamel square details.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Enamel Diamond and Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat yellow gold.. In the form of a butterfly in flight, the wings are of lightly sparkling enamel changing from yellow at the centre to pink then blue at the edges.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite Cabochon, Blue Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Rubellite & Blue Enamel Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, 0.50 carats, natural Diamonds & Blue Enamel Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Diamonds & Blue Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Snake Ring Enamel and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning snake ring features 0.50 carat of white round diamonds, the body is covered with blue enamel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Mikimoto Diamond Cats Eye Blue Enamel Platinum and White Gold Band Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum And 18k White Gold Diamond Cats Eye Blue Enamel Band Ring by Mikimoto.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
C1980 18K Blue Enamel Band Ring w Raised Gold Galloping Horses & Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Striking gold equestrian band ring of raised gold galloping horses interspersed between small round diamonds on a blue enamel band with an 18K gold interior.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Santagostino 18k Gold Enamel and Diamond "Enchanted Garden" Statement Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Design & Narrative The ring is a triumph of polychrome "grand feu" enameling.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Diamond Star Ring 9K Gold Blue Enamel Cabochon - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Victorian diamond star and blue enamel ring made c.1890.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Enamel
$17,280Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Bombe 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond Blue Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely bombe style ring by David Webb designed with blue enameled striped pattern and a touch of round cut diamonds on the top.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Victor Mayer Constance Light Blue Enamel Ring 18k Rose Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Constance Light Blue Guilloche Enamel Ring in Rose Gold with Diamonds Constance ring, 18k RG, vitreous enamel, 97 diamonds total 0.60 ct, G VS Reference: V1539/HB/00/00...
Diamond, Enamel, Rose Gold
18K Gold Black and Pink Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
We also have an 18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent and an 18K Gold Blue and Turquoise Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent also available in our shop.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Black Enamel Ring Emerald Diamond Star Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Black Enamel Ring White Diamonds 14k Gold Plated Shooting Star Cocktail Ring Designer J DAUPHIN This Black Enamel Bubble large cocktail ring has a shooting star motif swe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Georgian 18K Gold Blue Enamel Cross Diamond Pearl Ring, Circa 1790
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Treasure This quite outstanding antique ring is genuine Georgian period, 1790/1800 ca Marvellous large Marquee shaped with a very flat profile when worn It displays the skilful ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
$1,680Sale Price|30% Off
Citrine Diamond Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Number: 20 Weight: 0.15 Carat (approx. total weight) Accent Gemstones II Type: Blue Enamel This ring will be made to your order in 1-2 weeks, contact us to find out more.
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Diamond X Ring Size 6.5 #18221
By Hidalgo
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Ring Size 6.5 This beautiful ring by designer Hidalgo is meticulously crafted from 18K yellow gold and is decorated with beautiful blue e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Enamel, Pearl, and Diamond Flower Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking 14k gold bouton ring (circa 1870-1880), centered with a silver flower accented with an old mine cut diamond and rose cut diamonds, surrounded by a garland of half pearl le...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Natural Diamond & Enamel Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
GW=17.11gm NW=16.39gm Diamond=1.55cts Enamel=2.05cts A stunning butterfly-inspired statement earring is showcased on a black velvet jewelry display against a clean white background....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Natural Diamond Heart-Cut Solitaire Blue Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Ring 0.33ct
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, the band is beautifully coated in deep royal blue enamel, giving it a bold yet sophisticated look that stands out from ordinary diamond rings.
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Gold 0.75ctw Diamond Royal Blue Enamel Textured Flower Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Royal Blue Enamel Work Weight: 15.57 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany&Co. Schlumberger Ring in 18ct Gold, Platinum and Blue Enamel with Diamon
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Milano, MI
Schlumberger Period: 1970s vintage Materials: 18ct yellow gold and platinum 950 (hallmarked) Enamel: Blue Diamonds: Brilliant cut (≈ 1.30 ct total) Dimensions: Height: 1.1 cm Weight:...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Vintage 9ct Gold, Enamel RAF and Diamond Ring, Circa 1940s
Located in Brighton, GB
The crowned, winged RAF insignia is enamelled in vivid blue and framed by six diamonds three set into each shoulder offering subtle sparkle and balance.
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
$3,091Sale Price|20% Off
Venice Collection: Square-Shaped 18k White Gold Diamond Ring with Blue Enamel
Located in רמת גן, IL
The blue enamel surface surrounding the center diamond and the white diamonds framing the ring create a striking contrast which adds a touch of artistic flair to the ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Trumbull, CT
This beautiful vintage ring has turquoise as the center stone surrounded by white diamonds, The shank has meticulously crafted intricate work of midnight blue enamel and rope work of...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victor Mayer Soirée Electric Blue Enamel Ring 18k White Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Soirée Electric Blue Enamel Ring 18k White Gold with Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Blue Enamel Greek Key Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This stunning ring features 17 brilliant-cut White Diamonds total weight of 0.27 Carat and is finished with a unique Blue Enamel inlay workmanship creating a striking wave pattern.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Diamond & Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Floral Flower Cluster White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Floral Cluster Ring in 14K White Gold captures the essence of a blossom in full bloom. Featuring a radiant emerald surrounded by dazzling diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
La Nouvelle Bague 18KT Rose/White Gold Diamond .37Ct. & Blue Enamel Ring
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the modern. The ring is composed of 4 bands, 2 in white gold, 1 rose gold and 1 in a dark blue enamel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Locket Ring in Blue Enamel & 18K White Gold With 22 Diamonds & Oval Aquamarine
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Locket Ring in Blue Enamel & 18K White Gold with 22 Diamonds & Oval Aquamarine Limited Edition of 100 Reference: V1673/MB/13/00/101 Brand: VICTOR MAYER Collection: Peacock Descript...
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona White Diamond Blue Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band set with white diamonds total carat 0.09 and blue enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Turquoise Light Blue Enamel Eternity Band Unique Stretch 18K Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
The transformable rings featuring enamels inspired by the colours of gemstones – lapis lazuli blue, coral red, turquoise blue, jade green, black onyx and white coral – sparkle with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring Blue Ribbon 0.7ctw Diamonds Enamel 18K solid Gold ØUS6.5 /2.74gr
Located in SE
Cobalt Blue Enamel, Diamonds on 18K Yellow Gold. Reminds closely ' Bagues de Firmament ' or " Rings of the Heavens" as the diamonds represent celestial bodies in the deep blue night ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Navy Blue Enamel Flexible Italian Eternity Band Unique White Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
The transformable rings featuring enamels inspired by the colours of gemstones – lapis lazuli blue, coral red, turquoise blue, jade green, black onyx and white coral – sparkle with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Blue Enamel & Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and very beautiful, Art Deco style, Emerald & Enamel Cocktail Engagement Ring set in White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 6.10 carats. The Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
1.62 Carat White Diamond and Sapphire Enamel 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
1.62 Carat White Diamond And Sapphire Enamel 18K White Gold Ring will make you have a new fun look to add to your jewelry collection.
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Ring 10k Rose Gold Sz 5 Blue Enamel Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian diamond & seed pearl blue enamel ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
18K White Gold White Quartz and 1/5 Cttw Diamond Halo with Blue Enamel Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
The stunning 14mm white quartz is elegantly set with a thin bezel of white gold and accented with a halo of 48 white diamonds. This magnificent ring is finished with a vibrant patina...
Quartz, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, White Gold, 18k Gold
1980 Art Deco Revival Green & Blue Enamel Snake Ring w diamond accents
Located in Baltimore, MD
In addition, we love the pristine green and blue enamel painted in the most sublime tear drop shape to echo the shape of the band, we love the diamond topped accents and the substant...
Enamel, 18k Gold
Round Medium Blue Guilloche Enamel Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with 57 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Collection Medium Blue Guilloche Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds (total 0.55 ct, G VS) in diamond bezel and on ring shank.
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Round Petrol Blue Guilloche Enamel Ring 18k White Gold 57 diamonds total 0.42ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Round Petrol Blue Guilloche Vitreous Enamel Ring Artemis, 18k White Gold, 57 diamonds total 0.42ct About Victor Mayer VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Diamond Royal Blue Enamel Fleurs De Lis Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning Antique Victorian Ring with a Diamond Fleurs-de-lis on a Royal Blue Enamel background in 14 Karat gold.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.