Estate 18K Gold 2.20ct Diamond Pavé Dome Ring Baguette Wide Band Sz 6.5
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully composed dome ring in 18 karat yellow gold, designed with a dense, luminous pavé of round brilliant cut diamonds framed by precise rows of baguette cut diamonds along t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate GIOVANE 18K Ruby Diamond Pave Clip Cocktail Huggie Earrings 12cttw
By Giovane
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An exceptionally well made pair of earrings by GIOVANE crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with approximately 6cttw in perfectly cut and matching G-H color Vs1-2 clarity round diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Heart Shaped Earrings Platinum Diamond Heart Cut Sapphire Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage earrings feature a heart-cut sapphire in a deep blue hue, set in a platinum heart-shaped frame. Each sapphire is surrounded by a round brilliant cut diamond cluster. Th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Estate 18K Verdi Gioielli Pavé Rose & Round Cut Diamond Dome Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A remarkable example of contemporary Italian craftsmanship, this substantial diamond ring by Verdi Gioielli is designed as a wide, multi-row bombé-style band entirely covered in diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Round Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 1.76 CT, Estate-Inspired Jewelry
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
A refined expression of timeless elegance, these diamond halo stud earrings are expertly crafted in luminous 18K white gold and designed to maximize brilliance from every angle. Each...
Diamond, White Gold
Estate 18K White Gold Heavy Pavé Diamond Puffed Heart Cocktail Ring Sz 6
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A bold and romantic estate piece, this 18K white gold ring features a puffed heart design fully pavé-set with approximately 1.86 carats of sparkling white diamonds. The raised, dime...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 18K Diamond Red Enamel Mother of Pearl Pave Fish Pendant Necklace
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautiful and playful pendant done in 18K white gold and inlaid with red enamel and mother of pearl as well as approximately 2.70cttw in G-I color Vs2-Si2 clarity round diamonds a...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Fine Estate 3 TCW Pave Diamond 14K Yellow, White Gold Pansy Ring
Located in New York, NY
Substantial, very fine quality 3 TCW Pave diamond, 14k yellow and white gold Pansy ring. In the language of flowers, Pansies, or Heartsease are rich in symbolism. The Pansy is a play...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Platinum Pave Diamond Oval Huggie Omega Back Clip Earrings G Vs+ 5.50cttw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully crafted pair of large Huggie earrings done in platinum and pave set with approximately 5.50cttw in G-H color and Vs1+ clarity round diamonds. These earrings have omega ...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate French 18K Pave Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring 7.50cttw G Vs Sz 7
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An exceptionally well-executed pavé dome ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and weighing 19.9 grams, bearing French hallmarks. The ring is set with approximately 7.50 carats tota...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Rose Gold Fancy Smoky Quartz Pavé Diamond Floral Heavy Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An impressive floral cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold, designed with sculptural precision and remarkable balance. Each petal is composed of a beautifully faceted fancy-cut...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Estate 14k Yellow Gold 2.65ct Round Pave Diamond Figure X Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous and very well made diamond bangle bracelet is crafted in solid 14k yellow and features a lovely figure X design set in sections with approximately 2.65 carats of very f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate PIPPO PEREZ 18K Pave Diamond Buckle Italian Cocktail Ring 6.96cttw G Vs
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A spectacular cocktail ring done by Italian designer Pippo Perez. It has been crafted in 18k white gold and meticulously pavé set with with approximately 6.96cttw in G-H color Vs1+ c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate French 18K Pave Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring 6.20cttw G Vs Size 7.25
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An exceptionally well-executed pavé dome ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and weighing 16.3 grams, bearing French hallmarks. The ring is set with approximately 5.20 carats total...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 18K White & Rose Gold Pavé Diamond Ruby Sapphire Feather Band Ring Sz 7.5
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A vibrant contemporary ring crafted in 18K white gold, accented with warm rose gold pavé sections that give the design a rich, dimensional contrast. The face of the ring is set with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Chopard Diamond Earrings Movable Day Night 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Jewelry
By Chopard
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of estate Chopard movable diamond earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold. Diamonds are pave set into the center and total an estimated 1 carat (estimated at F-G color and...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Red Coral Cabochon Cocktail Ring Sz 7.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A contemporary cocktail ring done in high polished 18K white gold and centered by a beautifully cut natural red coral cabochon surrounded by approximately 2ctw in H-J color Si1-2 cla...
Diamond, Coral, White Gold, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Rose White Gold Pave Diamond Ball Bypass Cocktail Ring F Vs+
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A spectacularly well-made bypass ring done in 18K rose gold with the ball itself being white gold. The diamond setting is impeccable and the overall craftsmanship is exquisite. All d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pave Diamond 3 Ball Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage 3 Pave Diamond Gold Ball Drop Earrings. Pave Hand set with 1.20tcw Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds. Exquisitely Hand crafted in 18K White Gold. Measuring appro...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vhernier Eclisse 18k gold ring with pavé diamonds
By Vhernier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18K gold and diamonds. Diamonds 100, ct. 1,17. Diamond quality DEF, IF to VVS New Rest of Boutique Stock.- Ring weight 25.55gr Ring Size 17 Europe Serial number 259515 In...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Pave Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Domed Wide Band Ring 3.90ctw Sz 6
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautiful slightly domed wide pave diamond band done in 18K white gold set with approximately 3.90ctw in G-J color Vs2-Si1 clarity round diamonds as well as natural rubies, sapphir...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Estate Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This dazzling estate ring showcases a princess-cut diamond weighing 0.48 carats, I color and VS clarity, complemented with pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamonds (on three sides) tota...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Gwennie Tam Three Sisters Pave Diamond Earrings 3 Ball Orb 18 Karat Gold Estate
By Gwennie Tam
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of estate Gwennie Tam diamond orb earrings, crafted in 18k white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds are pave set into round orbs (3 per earring) and total 2.87 carats ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pave 280 Diamond and Gold Link Line Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Pave Diamond and Gold Polished Link Line Bracelet. Securely Pave Hand set with 280 Diamonds, weighing approx. 4.00tcw. Hand crafted in 14K Y...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Ball Dome Omega Back Huggie Earrings 5.60cttw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A gorgeous pair of contemporary dome shaped huggie earrings done in 18K rose gold and pave set with approximately 5.60cttw in H-I color Si1-2 clarity round diamonds. These stunning e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Estate Diamond Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A blooming flower brooch, complete with petals, stem and leaves. This cute estate brooch features 2.18 carats of colorless round brilliant cut diamonds pave set in an 18K rose gold....
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
4.2 Carat Pave Diamonds Unisex Cocktail Ring 34 Grams 14 Karat White Gold Estate
Located in New York, NY
4.2 Carat Pave Diamonds Cocktail 34 Grams 14 K White Gold Ring Estate Unisex This is a Pear shape cocktail ring from our premium wedding collection. approximately 4.2 carat of r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.11ct Diamond Ring 2 Bands in One 14k Rose Gold Ring Sz 5.75 Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary diamond ring crafted in 14k rose & white gold. Diamonds total an estimated 1.11 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). Pave set diamonds ad...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Pavé Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings with Detachable Yellow & White Diamond Dangles
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
You will love these dainty diamond hoop earrings! Set in polished white gold, the tiny huggie hoops are embellished on the front half with glittering natural diamonds, while a yellow...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Round Brilliant Cut Pave Diamond Dome Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Pave Diamond 13.0mm Dome Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering securely Hand set Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, weighing approx. 4.85tcw; G-H color and SI clarity. Hand ...
Diamond, Platinum
Pave Diamond Wings Design Vintage Drop Gold Earrings Vintage
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Stylish Pave Diamond Gold Vintage Dangle Drop Earrings. Hand set Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.00tcw. Hand crafted Wing design in 14K White Gold. Post system. Measur...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Black and White Diamond Pave White Gold Drop Loop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Vintage Black and White Diamond Pave Gold Drop Loop Earrings. Pave Hand set with .90tcw Black and White Diamonds. Exquisitely Hand crafted i...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
9 Carat Pave Diamonds VS Quality E Color Cocktail 18 Kt White Gold Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
9 Carat Pave Diamonds VS Quality E Color Cocktail 18 Kt White Gold Ring Estate Amazing shine and design cocktail ring. 9 Carat Diamonds VS quality E color Cocktail 18 K Gold Rin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Signature Roberto Coin Primavera Designer Pave Diamond Gold Flexible Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Signature Roberto Coin Designer Primavera Pave Diamond Gold Flexible Bracelet. From Roberto Coin's Signature Iconic Primavera collection, this Exquisite Bangle Bra...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pave Diamond Twisted Design Platinum 900 European Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Pave Vintage Diamond Twisted European Shank Platinum Ring. Hand set with securely nestled Round Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.58tcw. Hand crafted Pla...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Tsavorite Diamond Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant estate leaf brooch stands on its own. With 3.19 carats of true green round cut tsavorite in an 18K black rhodium setting. The rib of this lovely leaf is studded with 1.0...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
$357Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Estate Style Opal Center Butterfly Brooch Pendant with Sapphires and Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant 12.2 carats opal, blue sapphire, glass filled ruby and diamond butterfly brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a graceful Victorian Revival inspir...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Estate 18K Two Tone Pavé Diamond South Sea Pearl Huggie Clip-On Earrings 4.25ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Contemporary ear clips done in 18K white and yellow gold centered with 14.80mm & 14.90mm cream colored south sea pearls surrounded by approximately 4.25ctw in round cut F-G color...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Red Carpet Pave Diamond Double Ball Gold Statement Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Show Stopper Double Ball Pave Diamond Stud Earrings. These Stylish Earrings feature a total of 378 Refracted Brilliant Cut diamonds with an approx. 11.25 total cara...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin Martellato Iconic Designer Pave Diamond Gold 18mm Band Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! From Roberto Coin's Signature Iconic Martellato collection. This Exquisite 18mm Band Ring is Hand crafted in Hammered 18K Yellow Gold. Centering a station of Hand s...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Halo of Pave Diamonds and Brushed Bean Stations Gold Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Halo of Pave Diamonds Brushed Gold Bracelet Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Halo of Pave Diamond and Brushed Gold Bracelet. Alternating Stations Hand set ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.00 Carat Checkerboard Green Tourmaline and Pave Diamond Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Green Tourmaline and Pave Diamond Gold Solitaire Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering 3 Carat Round Checkerboard Green Tourmaline. Surrounded by Pave Diamonds, weighing...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in 18kt white gold, this estate necklace features a large cross embellished with pave round white diamonds totaling approximately 1.92 carats, D color, VS clarity. The chain ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Green Quartz 18 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings with Pave of Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Green Quartz Multifaceted 18 Karat Rose Gold Dangle Earrings with pave of diamonds Pair of earrings weight total gold 2.5gr pave of 56 diamonds total 0,21ct Green Quartz are 4,00ct e...
Diamond, Quartz, Rose Gold, Gold
Estate 18K White Rose Gold Pave Disk Drop Earrings 8.50ctw G Vs
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Sculptural Elegance in Two-Tone Gold – Diamond Disc Earrings A bold yet refined expression of modern luxury, these striking earrings layer warmth and brilliance in perfect harmony....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Blue Topaz Multifaceted 18k Gold Dangle Earrings with Pavé of Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
IRAMA PRADERA the creative director of design and estate department has a "Multinational Management degree for Wharton Business School" at the University of Pennsylvania and a "Diam...
Diamond, Topaz, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$25,205 / set
Oval Shape Pavé of Diamonds Earrings
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Oval shape Pavé of diamonds earrings 918 Diamonds total 15.20ct.
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
Green Grass Quartz 18k Gold Dangle Earrings with Pave of Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
IRAMA PRADERA the creative director of design and estate department has a "Multinational Management degree for Wharton Business School" at the University of Pennsylvania and a "Diam...
Diamond, Quartz, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate DAVID YURMAN Sterling Silver Amethyst Ring With Diamonds size 7
Located in New York, NY
An estate David Yurman Amethyst ring with diamond accents.
Diamond, Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Vintage Statement Gold Links and Pave Brilliant Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Polished Open Links Ring and alternating Rectangular Open Links, Hand set with Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.22tcw. Hand crafted in 14K W...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
7.50 Carat Rectangular Step Cut Tanzanite Cocktail Ring with Pavé Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 10 Absolutely magnificent tanzanite and diamond ring. The brilliant blue stone against the bright white diamonds really catches the viewers eye while the sizeable stone f...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Paper Flowers Ring in Platinum with Pave Diamonds Petals by Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 Tiffany & Co. wows us once again with this absolutely incredible diamond cluster ring from the Tiffany & Co. 'Paper Flowers' collection. Substantial in both size and sp...
Diamond, Platinum
Round Brilliant Pavé Diamond Teardrop Lariat Necklace with Ball Chain 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The juxtaposition of the pave diamond droplet and the lustrous round diamonds creates a harmonious blend of texture and shimmer.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aaron Basha Multicolor Enamel Ladybug Station Bracelet with Pave Diamond Flowers
By Aaron Basha
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in the whimsical beauty of this delightful Aaron Basha ladybug bracelet. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this bracelet is full of personality and charm. Each l...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Puffed Ridged Swirl Motif Cocktail Ring with Pavé Diamonds 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Diamond Color: G–H Diamond Clarity: VS–SI Diamond Stone Count: 119 Ring Size: 6 Ring Band Width: 3.5mm Total Weight: 15.1 Grams Stamped: 14K Estate Condition: Very good; Professional...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi-Row Pavé Diamond Band Ring with Oval Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond in 14K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 Radiate brilliance and elegance with this breathtaking multi-row pavé diamond band ring. Crafted in polished 14 karat white gold, its shimmering rows of diamonds form a...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
Blue Lago Topaz Multifaceted 18k Gold Dangle Earrings with Pavé of Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
IRAMA PRADERA the creative director of design and estate department has a "Multinational Management degree for Wharton Business School" at the University of Pennsylvania and a "Diam...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k 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.