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.40 Carat Diamond Butterfly Rose Gold Pendant
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
, yellow, or white gold. This piece is done in rose gold but we can produce this pendant in other colors n
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Delicate Blue Topaz Diamond Gold Butterfly Earrings
Located in TRYON, NC
These charming earrings are 14 kt white gold, .38 ct diamonds and blue topaz briolettes dangling
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Charming Pink Sapphire Emerald Gold Butterfly Link Bracelet
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
Set in 14 kt white gold, these emerald marquise (7.50cts) and pink sapphire (5.75 cts) butterflies
Category

1990s American Artisan Link Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Gold Butterfly Pendant Enhancer
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond Butterfly Pendant Enhancer in 14K Gold are rarely seen
Category

20th Century American Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Baby Asterope Butterfly Wing Earrings
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
solid 18k Yellow Gold with 14k Rose Gold tips and 10 white diamonds on each stud. 18k Yellow and 14k
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Lace Monarch Hinge Butterfly Earrings
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
stud. 14k Rose Gold, White Diamonds Handmade in Northern California Includes a handmade wooden box
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Lace Monarch Hinge Butterfly Earrings
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
stud. 14k Rose Gold, White Diamonds Handmade in Northern California Includes a handmade wooden box
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Aida Bergsen 14 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Butterfly Bracelet
Located in Istanbul, TR
Aida Bergsen’s Butterfly Bracelet is set in 14k rose gold with brilliant cut white diamonds and
Category

2010s Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

2.03 Ct Round Diamond Solitaire Stud Earring in 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.03 ct Round Diamond Solitaire Stud Earring in 14k White Gold These round diamond solitaire stud
Category

20th Century American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Splendid Emerald Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Karat gold and silver mount. The butterfly is a very wearable 2.50 wide x 2.00 inches high weighing in
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...

18 Karat Small Chocolate Albatross Butterfly Necklace
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
hinge at the center to allow movement of the wings, set in 18k White Gold, 18k Yellow Gold, 14k Rose
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

Frederic Sage Abalone and Diamond “Venus Butterfly” Pendant
By Frederic Sage
Located in New York, NY
Abalone and Diamond “Venus Butterfly” Pendant with attached chain. Total diamond weight is
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Multi Inlay Watercolor Buckeye Butterfly Wing Earrings
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
18k Yellow Gold with 18k White Gold and 14k Rose Gold inlay, with secure push closure backings
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Multi Inlay Diamond Pave Watercolor Buckeye Butterfly Earrings
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
18k Yellow Gold with 18k White Gold, 14k Rose Gold and 24k Yellow Gold inlay and White Diamond Pave
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...

18 Karat Shakudo Shibuichi Inlay Gloss Swallowtail Large Butterfly Necklace
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
the center to allow movement of the wings, set in 18k Yellow gold, 14k Rose gold, 18k White Palladium
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Palladium, Sterling Silver, Bronze, C...

14 Karat White Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 14k White Gold Condition: New Clasp: Butterfly Gemstone: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: 0.50
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings with Genuine Diamond 4RD/0.02 Carat and AAA+ Pearl
By Pearlyta
Located in Champlain, NY
information and dimensions: Style: Chandelier Metal: 14k White Gold Finish: High Polish Clasp: Butterfly Size
Category

2010s Canadian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 1...

Hexagon Moonstone Butterfly Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
hexagon moonstone sits in a rich 14K solid gold surrounded by natural white diamonds and four natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold

18 Karat Large Goliath Birdwing Butterfly Hinge Necklace
By James Banks
Located in Novato, CA
a hinge at the center to allow movement of the wings, set in 18k Yellow Gold, 14k Rose Gold, 18k
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

14K White Gold 0.16ct Diamond Butterfly Earrings
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
These charming butterfly earrings will instantly captivate. Each one features a textured 14K white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.16ct Diamond Butterfly Earrings
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
These charming butterfly earrings will instantly captivate. Each one features a textured 14K white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond Outline Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
14K white gold diamond butterfly pendant necklace. This butterfly necklace features a 14K white
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau Allsopp Bros. 14 Karat Multi-Tone Gold Butterfly Amethyst Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Art Nouveau Allsopp Bros. 14K Multi-tone Gold Butterfly Amethyst Ring c.1900 Two elegant white
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s 1.05 Carat Diamond and Cultured Pearl White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage pearl earrings have been crafted in 18k white gold with 14k white gold butterfly backs. The drop
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s 2.39 Carat Diamond and Platinum Stud Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of vintage 2.39 carat diamond and platinum, 18 karat and 14 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Marina J Pearl Earrings with Vintage White Enamel Butterfly and 14 k Yellow gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These earrings are perfect for a beautiful day out. A vintage butterfly (c.1950s) with fine white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold 0.30ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This sweet, sophisticated 14K white gold necklace is endlessly charming. A butterfly pendant sits
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

14K White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
a 20 chain on this exquisite necklace. The pendant is crafted from 14K White Gold and comes to life
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.60ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
necklace. Sparkling diamonds with a total weight of 0.60 carats adorn the 14K white gold setting and are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.61ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
of 0.61 carats allow this ring to reflect light along with your every movement. This pieces 14K white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

14K Yellow and White Gold Butterfly Anklet #16470
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow and White Gold Butterfly Anklet This beautiful 14K yellow gold anklet features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Butterfly Stud Earrings
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
brand new 14K White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Butterfly Stud Earrings comes with a gift box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Butterfly Stud Earrings
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
brand new 14K White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Butterfly Stud Earrings comes with a gift box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This 14K White Gold necklace will continually capture your imagination. The 15 chain features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 3.73ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
breathtaking necklace. This incredibly charming accessory is crafted from 14K White Gold and comes complete
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rope Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Pave 0.40ctw Diamond Butterfly Pendant Adjustable Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold Natural Pave 0.40ctw Diamond Butterfly Pendant Adjustable Necklace This stunning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Lb Exclusive 14k White Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This charming LB Exclusive 18K White Gold 0.75ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace features a white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond Butterfly Earrings ER28227
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
crafted from 14K white gold and measures 0.75 round together, they come to life thanks to sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Estate Butterfly Diamond Citrine Cluster Dome Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
14K White Gold Dome Ring with 6.00ctw Citrines & Diamond Butterfly Accents – 0.30ctw Vibrant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.08 ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
charming addition to any jewelry collection. Sleek and simple, this understated piece features a 14K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Gorgeous Large Natural Diamond Cluster Butterfly Ring 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
mesmerizing fusion of delicate beauty and sophistication. Crafted in shimmering 14K white gold, this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.30 Ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
features a trio of butterflies perched atop a 2mm wide band. A 3mm top height makes this a wearable piece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.30 Ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
features a trio of butterflies perched atop a 2mm wide band. A 3mm top height makes this a wearable piece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.65ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A breathtaking butterfly pendant makes a statement on this 14K white gold necklace thanks to the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14k White Gold Unique Vintage 0.75 Carat Total Diamond Butterfly Ring
Located in Houston, TX
, combining elegance with whimsical charm. Crafted in 14K white gold, it features approximately 0.75 carats of
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Le Vian Turquoise and Diamond Butterfly Ring White Gold, 14k Gold Cabochon .18ct
By Le Vian
Located in Greensboro, NC
saturated color and sparkling shine, this 14k white gold ring showcases a butterfly design adorned with four
Category

20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold

Butterfly Diamond Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These elegant butterfly earrings are crafted from high-quality 14k yellow gold and feature
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White and Yellow Gold 0.65ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
white gold. It holds a butterfly-shaped pendant in 14K yellow gold, embellished with a beautiful mix of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

White Gold Diamond Bracelet, 14k Round Brilliant Cut 1.40 Carat Butterfly Link
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: I2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Marina J. Vintage Butterfly on Woven Iolite Beaded Necklace with 14k White Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This intricate vintage butterfly brooch is attached to an iolite and 14 k white gold beaded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Iolite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver

14k White Gold Multi Color Natural Gemstone Diamond Pave Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent brooch that is crafted in solid 14k white gold featuring a beautiful
Category

1990s Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Dark Blue Enamel Diamond Butterfly Wrap Ring 14K White Gold Modern Fashion
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K White Gold 0.15 Carats Total Weight of Round Brilliant White Diamonds Color: H-I / Clarity
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Trendy Red Enamel Diamond Butterfly Wrap Ring 14K White Gold Modern Fashion
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K White Gold 0.15 Carats Total Weight of Round Brilliant White Diamonds Color: H-I / Clarity
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.09 Ct Diamond Butterfly Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This 14K White Gold pendant necklace is ideal for everyday wear. Incredibly charming, the butterfly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Round White Diamond Butterfly Heart Modern Fashion Charm Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K Yellow Gold 0.45 Carats Total Weight of Round Brilliant White Diamonds Color: H-I / Clarity
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

LeVian 14K Rose Gold Amethyst Peridot White Topaz Smoky Quartz Butterfly Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
LeVian 14K Rose Gold Amethyst Peridot White Topaz Smoky Quartz Butterfly Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Butterfly Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamond: round brilliant diamonds= 0.38cttw Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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14k White Gold Butterfly For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 14k white gold butterfly you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 14k gold and white gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 358 vintage or 1041 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect 14k white gold butterfly among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A 14k white gold butterfly from Suzy Levian, Pearlyta and James Banks — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a 14k white gold butterfly featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes baguette cut and brilliant cut alternatives. When shopping for a 14k white gold butterfly, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 14k White Gold Butterfly?

Prices for a 14k white gold butterfly can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $50 and can go as high as $60,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,298.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Questions About 14k White Gold Butterfly
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    The difference between 14K and 18K white gold stud earrings comes down to the content of the precious metal alloy. Stud earrings made of 14-karat white gold are 58.3% gold and 41.7% base metal, while 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. As a result, 14-karat white gold tends to be stronger and more resistant to scratching, and 18-karat gold will have a more noticeable warm-glowing yellow tinge. On 1stDibs, shop a range of white gold stud earrings.