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14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Hamilton Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous one-of-a-kind 14 karat yellow and white gold custom watch by Hamilton has 18
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Wittnauer 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cocktail Watch
By Wittnauer
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Gorgeous Vintage Wittnauer 14 Karat white gold and six Diamond Ladie`s cocktail watch. The watch
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ladies 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Baume Mercier Watch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Kent, CT
Pretty Baume & Mercier quartz ladies 14k gold watch with 4 small round diamonds on the face. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique 14 Karat Gold, Diamond and Saphire Fob Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This lovely watch is in good working condition. Visible signs of ageing and wear with a bit of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Watch Vicence, Italy
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
Vicence & Italy Red Leather Band Diamond= 0.02ct DIAL DIAMETER= 26mm
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Elgin 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful antique Elgin pocket watch circa 1895 is a true collectible. The hunting case has an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Hamilton Diamond and 14 Karat White Gold Dress Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage Hamilton diamond watch. This 14 karat white gold retro Hamilton watch is circa 1950
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Vintage Bracelet Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Hamilton 14 karat yellow gold and diamond vintage bracelet watch. The polished and flexible mesh
Category

20th Century American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Lady s 14 Karat Fancy Diamond Omega Dress Watch
By Omega
Located in METAIRIE, LA
Vintage Circa 1970 Constructed completely of 14KT Yellow Gold Clasp signed: 14K (Also
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Concord Ladies Diamond Mesh Watch, Quartz Movement, Retro
By Concord Watch
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Ladies Diamond mesh Concord watch. The movement is quartz. The metal is 14 karat. Retro style
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Longines Ladies Mechanical Watch
By Longines
Located in New York, NY
Vintage petite round 14k whiite gold and diamond ladies' mechanical wristwatch with silk cord
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Baume Mercier 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Baume & Mercier 14 karat yellow gold diamond watch. The mother of pearl dial has diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Geneve Diamond and 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Bracelet Cover Watch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 14K yellow and white gold flexible bangle vintage Geneve cover watch circa 1960's. It has
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Mathey-Tissot DeNiro 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Unisex Wide Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
Mathey-Tissot 14k White Gold and Diamond Ladies Wide Bracelet Watch. It is vintage but looks like
Category

20th Century Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Gold and Diamonds Red Enamel Mechanical Ladies Fob or Brooch Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique 28mm diameter hand winding gold and diamond ladies brooch watch is in good
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Gold

Art Deco Blue Enamel and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Floral Lady Watch Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
This 14K bi-colour gold watch suspending as a pendant from a matching brooch is enhanced into an
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hamilton Watch Top Hat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Gold Woven Band Mechanical
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Sought-after Top Hat Hamilton wrist watch with a rectangular case embellished with diamonds on the
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Austern Paul Diamond Tank Watch Mother of Pearl Dial 14 Karat White Gold Leather
Located in Melbourne, FL
A charming 14 karat white gold ladies tank watch. The watch has .45 carat total weight of round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Plymouth Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Platinum and 14 Karat Gold Women s Watch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art deco, circa 1930's Plymouth watch with platinum case and 14K white gold adjustable mesh
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum

Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
mm Case Thickness 9 mm Dial Color Yellow Gold Dial Markers Diamond markers Crystal Sapphire Crown
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Vintage Longines Rectangular-Shaped 14 Karat White Gold Watch, 1950
By Longines
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950 Vintage Longines 14k White Gold watch with Silver Dial with Applied Framed Diamond Dot and Bar
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Retro 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Bracelet Wristwatch
Located in Calabasas, CA
Lady's Retro 14k gold bracelet watch accented by 30 round diamonds, approximately .50 carats, and
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Rolex Bezel 4.50 Carat VVS Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
14k yellow gold 36mm diamond bezel Carat weigh total: 4.50 carats Clarity: VVS Round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Dial 14 Karat White Gold Watch, 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 14kt White Gold Mystery Dial watch with Silver Satin Dial with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Movado 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Whit Black Strap
By Movado
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
Movado 14K White Gold Diamond= 0.15 ct total Width Mechanism Black Leather Dial= 17mm
Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Rolex Mid-Size Datejust Steel and 18 Karat Gold Pink MOP Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
) Rolex 18 Karat White Gold Fluted Bezel. CASE Genuine Rolex Stainless Steel Case with Stainless Steel
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady Datejust Watch 79173 Steel - 18K Gold Index Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
watch manufacture). RETURN POLICY All watches sold by us comes with our 14 days return policy. All
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

A gentleman s 1950 s Hamilton 14 karat Gold and Diamonds automatic wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Paris, FR
A gentleman's circa 1950's Hamilton in solid 14 karat yellow Gold and 6 Diamonds automatic
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Benrus 14 Karat R/G Retro Wristwatch
By Benrus
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Benrus 14kt Rose Gold Retro Wristwatch with Bracelet Strap. Ruby= 4 Faceted Diamond= 2 Single Cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold 0.50 Carat G-SI2, circa 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous 14k white gold diamond engagement ring featuring approximate 0.50ct round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Lady DateJust Champagne String Dial-Steel and 18k Gold Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Fixed Bead-Set Bezel with Genuine Round Diamonds. (This Bezel Is Not Made By Rolex). CASE (Body
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel

Pre-Owned Lucien Picard Ruby and Diamond Vintage Watch 1940 S 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Estate diamond & ruby Lucien Picard vintage timepiece in 14 karat yellow gold. Mechanical 17 jewel
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust White Roman Dial Steel and 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
) Rolex 18 Karat White Gold Fluted Bezel. CASE Genuine Rolex Stainless Steel Case with Stainless Steel
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Chopard Les Classique White Gold and Diamond Bezel Bangle Bracelet Ladies Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Karat White Gold Case & Bracelet Bezel set with 46 Diamonds (2.28 Carats) White Dial Case Dimensions
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Chopard Les Classique White Gold Diamond Bezel White Dial Bracelet Ladies Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Karat White Gold Case & Bracelet Bezel set with 46 Diamonds (2.28 Carats) White Dial Roman Numeral
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Chopard Happy Sport Square White Gold Pave Diamond Watch 28/3577 Brand New
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Karat White Gold Case & Buckle (134.7gr) Bezel Set with 44 Baguette Diamonds (4.40 Carats) Pave
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Pre-Owned Lady s Baume Mercier Classic Vintage Diamond Mesh Watch 14KY .60ctw
By Baume Mercier
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
​Pre-Owned Lady's Baume & Mercier Classic Vintage Diamond Mesh Watch. The watch is designed in 14
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Diamond Ruby Rose Gold Platinum Geometric Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Lombard, IL
Wonderful Retro Circa 1940 diamond ruby rose gold and platinum geometric style lady's wristwatch
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust 79173 Steel - 18K Gold Silver Index Diamond Bezel Wat
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
watch manufacture). RETURN POLICY All watches sold by us comes with our 14 days return policy. All
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Retro Bulova 1.75 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Wristwatch, circa 1960
By Bulova
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Circa 1960, Retro Bulova 1.75 Carets Diamond & 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Wrist Watch features a
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cover Watch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extravagant cover watch bracelet is 14 karat yellow gold with 12 round diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Retro 14 Karat Rose and Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Pocket Watch Brooch
Located in San Diego, CA
Retro 14k rose and yellow gold ruby and diamond Geneva pocket watch square link brooch. The watch
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, 14k Gold

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Hamilton Timepiece
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K white gold lady's Hamilton watch 17 jewel manual wind watch with black cord strap and 20 single
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Geneve Timepiece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gold bark style bracelet with hidden box style clasp and safety chain. This pristine watch is
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Jules Jurgenson Timeiece
By Jules Jurgensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Jules Jurgenson 14k yellow gold watch has 1.00 carat total diamond weight and a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Juvenia Timepiece
By Juvenia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Juvenia cover watch has a bark finish bracelet and is decorated with 4 marquise shape opals
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Tennnis Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
bangle is a perfect look to wear alone or with your watch. 18kt Yellow Gold Dimensions: 7" diameter
Category

2010s American Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Genève Timepiece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 14K yellow gold 7 row rounded brick pattern Geneve watch has 24 brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14-Karat White Gold Earrings “Eyes” with Diamonds and Blue Sapphires
Located in Kaunas, LT
More than just a piece of jewelry. These special 14-karat white gold earrings with 0.08-carat
Category

2010s Lithuanian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Geneva Hidden Timepiece
By Geneva
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ladies 14 karat yellow gold cover watch by Geneva. This one of a kind watch has 7 single cut
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Mismatch Dangle Earrings with Uncut Diamonds and Emerald
By Manjrie
Located in Singapore, SG
Diamonds), set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold. Quietly watch your friends turn the very same shade of green. Type
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Mismatch Link Bracelet with Uncut Diamonds and Emerald
By Manjrie
Located in Singapore, SG
Diamonds (Uncut Diamonds), is set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold. Quietly watch your friends turn the very same
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies 14 Karat White gold Wittnauer Timepiece
By Wittnauer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K white gold 17 jewel Swiss movement Wittnauer watch with 44 single cut diamonds, 8 round
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Bulova Timepiece
By Bulova
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Dainty 14K white gold vintage Bulova is a 17 jewel manual wind watch. It is circa 1958 with
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold 1940s Small Wristwatch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ladies 14k White Gold Hamilton small wrist watch. White dial, black grosgrain strap with 50 small
Category

20th Century American Art Deco More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Rainbow Moonstone, Aquamarine Diamond Earrings
Located in QLD , AU
Gemstones - two central cabochon moonstones with a total weight of 7.25cts. 14 Diamonds = 1.49cts (G colour
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow White Gold Diamond Engagement Bridal Baguette Ring 1.10 Carat
By Hana Or
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gold: 14 Karat Yellow & White Gold Weight: 6.60gr. Center Diamond: 0.70 ct. Colour: H clarity: SI
Category

2010s Belgian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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14 Karat Gold Diamond Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 14 karat gold diamond watch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 248 vintage or 174 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect 14 karat gold diamond watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing 14 karat gold diamond watch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Rolex, LB Exclusive and Incogem each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also emerald cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our 14 karat gold diamond watch for sale are for women, but there are 170 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 14 Karat Gold Diamond Watch?

On average, a 14 karat gold diamond watch at 1stDibs sells for $2,200, while they’re typically $135 on the low end and $25,597 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.