IGI Certified 38.00 Ct Natural Diamonds Gold Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Set in lustrous white gold , this necklace is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Wearing the Riviera Tennis necklace is an exclusive invitation to revel in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$23,800Sale Price|20% Off
10 Carat Natural Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace in 14k White Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this magnificent 10 Carat Natural Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace, meticulously crafted in radiant 14k White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
4.74ct Natural Round Diamonds Bezel Flush Riviera Tennis Necklace Eternity 14Kt*
Located in New York, NY
4.74ct. Rounds Eternity Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace Natural Diamonds G colors Vs-2 clarity.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald & Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace 16.75" in 14k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Emerald and Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace in 14k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Necklace features graduating Natural Round Faceted Emeralds alternating with Natural Round Brillian...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 100.00 Carats Natural Diamonds Multiple Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A statement masterpiece. A stunning tennis necklace features a collection of Diamonds , each more mesmerizing than the last. The array of diamonds creates a sparkling and radiant pie...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$74,400Sale Price|20% Off
23 Carat Round Diamond 18K White Gold Riviera Tennis Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Riviera tennis necklace boasts a total of 23 carats of dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$136,000Sale Price|20% Off
25 Carat Riviera Tennis Necklace Excellent Cut
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A 25 carat diamond in platinum Riviera necklace comprised of articulating links four-prong set with graduated round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
$31,200Sale Price|20% Off
Riviera Tennis Diamond Necklace 10.97 Carat Very Bright no milky
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This timelessly elegant riviera necklace dazzles with 10.97 carats of bright white, eye clean, and excellently cut diamonds. Exceptionally well cut, these diamonds are very bright an...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
9 Carat Riviera Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A true statement of refined luxury, this graduated Riviera-style diamond tennis necklace is masterfully handcrafted in 14K white gold and adorned with 9 carats of natural round brill...
Diamond, White Gold
$47,988Sale Price|20% Off
15 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace in Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Riviera tennis necklace features approximately 15 carats of high-quality round brilliant cut diamonds, meticulously set in luxurious platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
$80,000Sale Price|20% Off
20 Carat Diamond Riviera Necklace Round Brilliant White Gold Tennis
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This timelessly elegant riviera necklace dazzles with 20 carats of beautifully white and vibrantly brilliant natural diamonds. The central diamonds are gracefully graduated, with the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
30.81 Carats Total Round Brilliant Sapphire & Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful riviera necklace, showcasing round brilliant cut blue sapphires and diamonds that alternate elegantly with each other, set on a classic four prong setting. Blue sapphires...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
10 Carat Natural Diamond Two Strand Riviera Graduated Tennis Necklace Platinum
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum set 254 piece Round cut 10 Carat total natural diamond - 39 grams - two strand classic graduated diamond riviera tennis necklace with box and safety latch closure. 4 prong s...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond 18K White Gold Riviera Star Drop Tennis Link Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This Link Diamond Necklace was inspired with Elegance and Celebration in mind. With a large center star, It is crafted in 18K White Gold. This Dazzling piece is All-occasion wear, ...
Diamond, White Gold
CLEARANCE RIVIERA TENNIS NECKLACE, 6.05 ct Round Natural Diamond 14k White 17''
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
EXCELLENT Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond RIVIERA Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 6.05 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 17-inch chain. 17.06...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Formal Diamond Tennis Necklace Riviera 19.46ct Round Brilliant D-E-F Color
Located in Great Neck, NY
Certified 19.46ct Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace White Gold Round Brilliant DEF This important graduated diamond Riviera tennis necklace represents the pinnacle of classic high jew...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 15.50 Carat Graduated Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace in Platinum 18"
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
15.50 Carat Total Natural Graduated Diamond Riviera Necklace in Platinum. This unisex necklace features 134 individual natural round brilliant cut white diamonds. Together, the diam...
Diamond, Platinum
3 Carat Diamond Riviera Graduated Tennis Necklace in 18k White Gold & Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
3 Carat Total Natural Diamond Riviera Graduated Tennis Necklace in 18k White Gold and Platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
13.0ct Estate Graduated Round Diamond Riviera Tennis 14k White Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Classic Rivera 13.0ct Graduated Round Diamond Tennis 14k White Gold Estate Vintage Necklace An Amazing Estate Diamond 14k White gold (stamped) Tennis Necklace with 148 Round Brilli...
Diamond, White Gold
$13,324Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Classic Four-Prong Diamond 14.03 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This stunning 14K yellow gold Riviera necklace features a continuous, flexible line of closely set brilliant round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,324Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Classic Four-Prong Diamond 14.03 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This stunning 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a continuous, flexible line of closely set brilliant round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$9,622Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Classic Four-Prong Diamond 11.22 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a continuous, flexible strand of closely set brilliant round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 19.61 Carats Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A stunning riviera necklace, showcasing one row of round brilliant cut diamonds that increase in size as they reach the center, with the largest diamond weighing 2.02 carats and cert...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
23 Carat Extra Clean Natural Diamond Two Strand Riviera Tennis Platinum Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
High Jewelry Extreamlly well made with Two-Strand Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace in Platinum A radiant display of elegance and craftsmanship, this Riviera necklace is meticulou...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,962Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Graduated Miracle-Set Diamond 7.52 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a beautifully graduated layout of round brilliant diamonds that gracefully maximize in size toward the center. Each diamond is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Graduated Miracle-Set Diamond 3.01 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This luxurious 14K white gold Riviera necklace showcases an elegant, graduated row of round brilliant diamonds that increase in size toward a striking center focus. Each stone is cra...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Beauvince Graduated Tennis Riviera Necklace (12 ct Diamonds) in 18K White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A classic and elegant everyday or occasional wear with graduating diamond sizes, this Tennis Necklace is a timeless and versatile piece of jewelry. All our necklaces have two locks f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 8.90ct Ruby & 1.24ct Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary Riviera tennis necklace showcases 8.9 carats of rubies set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
17.87 Carats Natural Pear-Shaped Diamond 18K White Gold Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in Deira, AE
Pear-shaped natural diamonds set point-to-point form a graduated riviera along this 18K white gold necklace, growing largest at center front where two stones meet base to base. Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
14.50 CTW Natural Diamonds Riviera Tennis Necklace in 18K White Gold 16.5 Inches
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Diamond Total Carat Weight: 9.00 CTW Diamond Type: Natural Diamonds Style: Riviera / Tennis Necklace Diamond Type: Natural Round Brilliant Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: 14....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Tennis Necklace 20.85 Ct, G VS2 14K White Gold 4-Prong Riviera Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal: Solid 14K White Gold Diamond Weight: 20.85 Carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS2 Setting: Classic 4-Prong Riviera Length: 17.5 Inches Weigh...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mini-Riviera Tennis Necklace 1.62 Carats Graduated Diamonds in 14k White Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This beautiful mini-Riviera tennis necklace has graduated diamonds set on point that add grace and flair to your fine jewelry collection!
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,760Sale Price|40% Off
NWT $9, 600 Rare Gorgeous 18KT Fancy Emerald Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A Rare 18KT White Gold Emerald Riviera Necklace. Necklace is comprised of Finely Set Glittering Gorgeous Emeralds!!! The Emeralds are of Exquisite and Fine Quality. T.C.W. almost 5CT...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$160,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 40 Ct. Heart Shape Riviera Tennis Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Set with an heart shaped tennis necklace weighing 40 carats, all the bigger stones are GIA certified f/g color vs1/vs2 clarity excellent polish and symmetry none fluorescence
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Riviera Three Claws 20 Carat White Gold Tennis Line Necklace 18 Kt
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features substantial Diamond weight of 20 Carats in beautifully Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly excellent cut 18k white gold gr...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Riviera Three Claws 8.5 Carat White Gold Tennis Line Necklace 18 Kt
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features substantial Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Riviera Diamond Line Necklace 17". The necklace weighs 18.9 grams, measuring 17" long,...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fancy Link Diamond 0.88Carat Necklace 14K White Gold Beaded Chain Riviera Tennis
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This is a fabulous contemporary diamond tennis necklace design, sure to compliment any wardrobe! Each diamond is set with four prongs on a seat that makes it look like a bezel set di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Riviera Three Claws 18 Carat White Gold Tennis Line Necklace 18 Kt
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features substantial Diamond weight of 18 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly excellent cut. Each st...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
15.00 Carat Diamond Riviera Three Claws 18 Karat White Gold Tennis Line Necklace
Located in London, GB
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features total Diamond weight of 15.00 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white color G/H clarity S...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
15.00 Carat Diamond Riviera Three Claw 18 Karat Rose Gold Tennis Line Necklace
Located in London, GB
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features total Diamond weight of 15.00 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white color G/H clarity S...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Beauvince Graduated Riviera Tennis Necklace (25 ct EF VVS GIA Diamonds)in W Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A classic and elegant everyday or occasional wear with graduating diamond sizes, this Tennis Necklace is a timeless and versatile piece of jewelry. All our necklaces have two locks f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond 10 Carat Riviera Round 18 Karat Rose Gold Four Claw Line Tennis Necklace
Located in London, GB
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features substantial Diamond weight of 10.00 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white color G/H cla...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
24 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Line Riviera
Located in London, GB
This astonishing and mega Riviera Necklace highlights a whopping total Diamond weight of 24.52 Carat in perfectly graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white colour G and...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
24.80 Carat Diamond Line Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Tennis Riviera
Located in London, GB
This amazing and mega size Riviera Necklace has a whopping total Diamond weight of 24.80 Carat in perfectly graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white colour G and clari...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
27 Carat Diamond Line Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Tennis Riviera
Located in London, GB
This stunningly large and impressive Riviera Necklace highlights a whopping total Diamond weight of 27.25 Carat in perfectly graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Line Riviera
Located in London, GB
This amazing and large Riviera Necklace highlights a considerable total Diamond weight of 14 Carat in perfectly graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white colour G and c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10.45 Carat Diamond Line Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Riviera Tennis
Located in London, GB
This impressive and stunning Riviera Necklace features substantial total Diamond weight of 10.40 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white color G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
7.40 Carat Diamond Line Necklace 18 Karat White Gold 4 Claws Set Riviera Tennis
Located in London, GB
This stunning and impressive Riviera Necklace features substantial total Diamond weight of 7.40 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Brilliant Cut gems with a sparkly white color G ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18kt White Gold Graduated Riviera Tennis Necklace 16.35 cts 16.5"
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18k white gold graduated tennis riviera necklace 16.35 cts round diamonds.Color FG SI clarity.
Diamond, White Gold
Diana M. 14kt White Gold Graduated RIviera Tennis Necklace 20.00 cts prong
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Custom 14k white gold graduated tennis necklace 20.00 cts round brilliant diamonds 93 stones 0.21 each set in a 4 prong setting FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diana M.23.10 cts 3 Prong 18k White Gold Graduated Riviera Tennis Necklace
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18k white gold graduated tennis necklace 23.10 cts of round brilliant diamonds 89 stones 0.26 each set in a 3 prong setting FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. 18kt White Gold Graduated Riviera Tennis Necklace 17.00 cts 4 prong
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18k white gold graduated tennis necklace 17.00 cts of round brilliant diamonds set in a 4 prong setting 107 stones 0.16 each FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. 18kt White Gold Graduated Riviera Tennis Necklace 24.45 cts 3-prong
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold graduated tennis necklace featuring 24.45 cts of round brilliant diamons set in a 3 prong setting. Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
53 Carats Platinum Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Platinum diamond Riviera tennis necklace set with 78 round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 53.71 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K White Gold, 9 Carats, 5mm Center
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A true statement of refined luxury, this graduated Riviera-style diamond tennis necklace is masterfully handcrafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 9 carats of natural round brill...
Diamond, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
10 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bezel Gold Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite 10 ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Riviera Tennis Necklace, elegantly bezel set in luxurious 14K White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Chandelier Earrings 7.00 Carat Multi Strand Prong Set Earring
Located in Great Neck, NY
They can also be beautifully paired with a diamond Riviera or tennis necklace, creating a complete and timeless high jewelry ensemble.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.85 Carat Diamond Cluster Earrings Pear Marquise Oval Round 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
They pair beautifully with a diamond Riviera or tennis necklace, creating a classic and sophisticated high-jewelry ensemble.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.