$7,622Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese 14kt. gold large men's dragon ring set with diamond and pearl
Located in Braintree, GB
A bold statement of power and heritage, this vintage Chinese men’s ring is masterfully crafted in 14kt yellow gold and features an intricately detailed dragon wrapped around the band...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Convertible Pearl and Diamond Drop Stud Earrings Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of convertible pearl and diamond earrings set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl, Diamond and Black Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Diamond 0.42 carat and Black Diamond 0.15 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 24.51 grams "We first op...
Black Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
286 Akoya Pearls Strand Necklace and Bracelet Set 18 Karat Gold/ Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
286 Akoya Pearls Strand Necklace + Bracelet Set 18 Karat Yellow and White gold Gold/ Diamond Clasp 6-7 mm Pearls Two diamond clasp, diamonds approximately 0.3 ct Very Unique Desi...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Citrine, Pearl, and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
A contemporary cruciform pendant in 18ct yellow gold with cultured pearls, diamond-set rondels and a round-cut citrine stone.
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl, Yellow Diamond and Diamond Brooch/Pendant set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Yellow Diamond 2.44 carats and Diamond 0.40 carat Brooch/Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 4.0 cm Length: 7.0 cm Total Weight: 11....
Yellow Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Pearl and Diamond Horseshoe Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Pearl and Diamond Horseshoe Brooch Horseshoe pin set with 9 pearls and 8 antique diamonds, accented by 8 smaller round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver
$2,280Sale Price / set|40% Off
Amethyst Stalactite and Black Pearl Stud Earrings and Pendant Necklace Set
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Unique, one-of-a-kind Amethyst Stalactite slice, Black Pearl and Diamond 14k yellow gold stud earrings and pendant necklace set.
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Black Pearl, Go...
Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Cedar Grove, NJ
Crafted with alternating sections of mother-of-pearl and pavé-set diamonds, the pendant sparkles with every movement, catching the light from every angle.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Jade Pearl Diamond Fu Symbol Pendant and Earring Set
Located in New York, NY
The combination of jade, pearls, and subtle diamond accents creates a refined balance of softness and sophistication.
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$12,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat White Gold, 31.5 Inches
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning two-piece necklace set features a luxurious strand of South Sea pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in rich 18k white gold.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Designer Slice Blue Sapphire Ring with Diamond and Pearls Set in Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Slice Blue Sapphire Ring with Diamond and Pearls set in Gold and silver is stunning and can be worn for any ocassion. 18kt gold:1.44gms Diamond:0.86cts Silver:4.38gms Sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
South Sea Pearl with Brown Diamond and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Brown Diamond 0.83 carat with Diamond 1.12 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 11.64 grams "...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Onyx Diamond Square Pendant and Earrings Jewelry Set in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A refined expression of timeless elegance. Lustrous pearls take center stage, beautifully contrasted by bold onyx and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22.00 Carat Diamond South Sea Pearl 18K Gold Flower Earrings and Pin Set
Located in New York, NY
The pin is 10.50 Carats in Diamonds E/F VVS The pin weighs 22.5 Grams The pin pearl is 13.8 MM South Sea The pin is 1.75" Wide The set cannot be broken up.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Go...
Amethyst with Diamond and Pearl Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Amethyst 69.95 carats with Diamond 2.11 carats and Pearl Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 7.4 cm Total Weight: 33.17 grams "We first opened door...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Erté Folies Diamond Onyx Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace and Earrings Set
By Erté
Located in Southampton, PA
14k yellow gold, diamond, mother of pearl, black onyx, necklace and earrings set from Erte titled "Folies."
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Bezel Set Diamond and Akoya Pearl Milgrain Station Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your fine jewelry collection with this stunning Akoya pearl and diamond station bracelet, exquisitely crafted in 18 karat white gold. A timeless design, this bracelet feature...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl with Brown Diamond and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with Brown Diamond 2.31 carats and Diamond 1.25 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.7 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 19.93 grams Sou...
Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
White Pearl and Diamond Geometric Floral Cluster Pendant Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A fabulous little pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl with Diamond and Black Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with Diamond 0.12 carat and Black Diamond 1.23 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 20.58 grams...
Black Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl, Emerald and Brown Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pearl, Emerald 4.27 carats and Brown Diamond 4.33 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 3.5 cm Total Weight: 31.23 grams "We first opened doo...
Brown Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elegant gold ring by Claude Wesel, set with a diamond and a Tahiti pearl
Located in Bruxelles, BE
18ct gold, diamond (0,07ct), Tahiti pearl Model # 4267 1985 12,7 gr Size 56 CLAUDE WESEL (Belgium, 1942 -2014) studied at Maredsous Abbey School and in Brussels’ La Cambre visual a...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pearl, Pink Sapphire 3.0 carats and Diamond 0.13 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 13.82 grams Pearl: 13mm "...
Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Conch Pearl and Diamond Necklace, circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Conch pearl and diamond necklace. Set with an oval natural conch pearl, approximately 7.3 x 9.0 mm, suspended from five round old cut diamonds in open back grain and rubover settings...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Yoko London Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This scintillating ring by Yoko London showcases a rich Golden South Sea pearl and diamonds. The sumptuous tones of the rare Golden South Sea pearl add an unrivalled touch of eleganc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold...
Antique Certified Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Certified Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring A ring set with 3 natural pearls, accented by round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique cross pendant with diamonds and pearls
Located in Milano, MI
Antique cross pendant with old cut and rose cut diamonds, and pearls, set in 9 ct gold. From the early 1900s period c.a.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold
Baroque Pearl with Diamond and Ruby Frog Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Keshi Pearl with Diamond 0.05 carat and Ruby 0.01 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 4.36 grams "We ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
South Sea Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Ruby 2.43 carats and Diamond 0.57 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 3.0 cm Length: 3.4 cm Total Weight: 8.28 grams "We...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby
Natural pearl and diamond necklace, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Natural pearl and diamond necklace. Set with one hundred and twenty one natural saltwater pearls, measurements ranging from approximately 1.6mm to 6.7mm, clasp set with three round o...
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Platinum
White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Brooch set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A gracious convertible brooch/ pendant South Sea drop pearl with diamond accent set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade with Diamond and Fresh Water Pearl Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Jade 6.31 carats with Diamond 0.07 carat and Fresh Water Pearl Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 3.9 cm Total Weight: 11.05 grams Fresh Water Pearl: 9...
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Ladies Gold Ring Set with 20 Diamonds and Pearl, by Wempe
By Wempe
Located in Berlin, DE
18 Karat Ladies Gold Ring set with 20 Diamonds and Pearl, by WEMPE. Unique piece of jewelry from the traditional Jewelry Wempe.
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bvlgari Mother of Pearl and diamond pendant
By Bulgari
Located in Addlestone, GB
Bvlgari Bvlgari mother of pearl and diamond pendant. Beautiful elegant pendant set in rose gold, inlayed with mother of pearl and a single diamond.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1.68 Carat White Diamond And White Pearl Three Piece Pendant Set In 18K Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous white round brilliant diamond weighing 1.68 carat with VS clarity and GH color and white south sea pearls three piece pendant set includes a diamond pendant suspended ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
18K Gold Earings set with Diamonds and Natural Pearls in a Vine Leaf Design
By William Ruser
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
An elegant mid-century earings, created by renowned Beverly Hills jewelry designer William Ruser. Material: 18K yellow gold and Platinum Stones: Round Diamonds Weight: Approx. 1.2 ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Round Tahitian Pearls (13mm) and bezel set Diamonds (0.60 total carat weight, SI1 clarity, G-H color) are suspended from solid 14k white gold textured cable chain and white gold Fren...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany and Co Pearl and Diamond necklace/Brooch With Earrings.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold, Platinum,Cultured Pearl and Diamond Convertible Earclips and Necklace Set.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
18k White Gold 15mm Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A polished collar detail provides a clean transition between the pearl and the diamond-set bail, reinforcing the pendant’s thoughtful proportions.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
ASBA Collection South Sea Pearl and Diamond Stud Earring Set in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Gatos, CA
ASBA Collection South Sea Pearl and Diamond Stud Earring set in 14K White Gold Additional Information: 2 Round Diamond=0.09 ct t.w.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 14k Gold
12mm South Sea Pearl 4.26 Carat Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Ring and Earring Set
Located in Miami, FL
A complete three-piece south sea pearl and diamond suite in 18K two-tone yellow and white gold, featuring a matched ring and earring pair — each piece showcasing a 12mm south sea pea...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vourakis Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Trio Set
By Vourakis
Located in New York, NY
A 1970s Vourakis Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Set of Necklace, Bracelet and Ring crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl with Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with Diamond 1.58 carats and Yellow Sapphire 0.77 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 13.07 grams "We fir...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
7.41 carat Finest Diamond-Cut Rainbow Moonstone Solitaire Ring, Talkative 2025
By Talkative
Located in Dallas, TX
Her work highlights rare gemstones such as opals, pearls, and diamonds, set in high-karat gold with bold, sculptural forms that balance elegance and individuality.
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Ruby 2.79 carats and Diamond 3.40 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 4.3 cm Total Weight: 40.4 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl with Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with Ruby 8.0 carats and Diamond 1.30 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.6 cm Length: 2.6 cm Total Weight: 24.46 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl, Diamond and Ruby Bird Pendant set in 14K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Diamond 0.53 carat and Ruby 0.04 carat Pendant set in 14K White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 3.3 cm Length: 5.2 cm Total Weight: 12.00 grams "We firs...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Diamond and Pearl Crescent Moon Necklace
Located in London, GB
This antique pendant features 15 round faceted old cut diamonds which have been set in a 15ct gold crescent moon motif with a diamond and pearl set flower striking through the centre.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural pearl and diamond necklace, French, circa 1915.
Located in London, GB
Natural pearl and diamond necklace. Set to bottom with a drop shape natural freshwater pearl in a closed back half-drilled setting, approximately 5.5-5.5mm x 7.6mm, further set with ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Black and White Pearl Toi et Moi Ring Set with White Diamonds 18kt Yellow Gold
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
There's an understated elegance to this 'Toi et Moi' ring. Two Japanese pearls have been set in 18kt Yellow Gold by our fifth generation goldsmith. cts of White VVS-F Diamonds have b...
White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,400 / set
Retro Gold Earrings with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Darnestown, MD
The round 14 karat gold earrings are studded with pearls and diamonds. The diamonds are set in a five point star, popular in the 1940's.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique pearl and diamond bow brooch, circa 1905.
Located in London, GB
Antique pearl and diamond bow brooch. Set with a central round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 0.25 carats, leading out to a triple row of fifty four...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1800's Natural Pearl and Diamond Pin
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Natural pearl and old mine cut diamond brooch set in silver topped gold.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate
14 Karat Coral, Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Coral, Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 5.75- This lovely ring features two oval coral stones, three pearls and one round brilliant cut diamond set in beautifully de...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Demantoid garnet, diamond and pearl brooch, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Demantoid garnet, diamond and pearl brooch. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural demantoid garnet in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.40 carats...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire 2.14 carats and Diamond 0.23 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 2 cm Length: 2.2 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 11.28 grams "We first...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 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.