Skip to main content

16 Ct Diamond

to
30
244
76
204
144
85
16
16
13
6
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
24
12
11
8
7
Sort By
MOISEIKIN 18K White Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Lotus Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
and expressing your pure heart. 18K WG Lotus Ring Ring Size #17.0mm Weight 3.87g 16 Diamonds 0.679
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Louis Vuitton Platinum LV Diamonds Pavé V Ring sz 53/ 6.5 rt $4650
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Louis Vuitton Platinum LV Diamonds Pavé V Ring Materials: Platinum 950, 16 diamonds, ~ 0.30 ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14k Yellow Gold Caterpillar Diamond Hinged Huggie Hoop Insect Earrings Baubou
Located in Long Island City, NY
to ensure maximum comfort. Logo engraved on back. - 14k yellow gold - 16 x 1.1mm diamond, 0.12 ct
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Multi-Stone 0.22 TCW Diamond White Gold Floral Omega Back Earrings
Located in New York, NY
) Diamonds Measurements: 16 mm Hallmark: 750 Item #:BR-1071-101323-05
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Snowflake Semi Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 18K Yellow Gold Australian Semi Black Opal, 1.11 ct ...
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold

Bright Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 18K Yellow Gold Australian Black Opal, 0.58 ct 16 White ...
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rosior Contemporary "Fruit Basket" Cocktail Ring Set with Muticolor Gemstones
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
with 1,76 ct; - 87 Pink Sapphires with 1,53 ct; - 40 Emeralds with 0,23 ct; - 16 Green Diamonds with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Em...

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: G-H. Diamond clarity: SI1-VS2. Ring Size: 6.5. Weight: 1.2 dwt
Category

20th Century Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Single Diamond Stud Earring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: G Diamond clarity: VS1 Size: 3 mm Weight: 0.3 dwt. / 0.5 gr
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Ring Size: 6
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Earring Jackets
Located in Washington Depot, CT
weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: G Diamond clarity: VS2 Size: 12 mm x 12 mm Weight: 0.9 dwt. / 1.5 gr
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K white gold. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: H-I Diamond clarity: SI1-I1
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch/Pin
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond clarity: VS1 Diamond color: G Size: 32 mm Weight: 5.2 dwt
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Washington Depot, CT
: 5 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: L Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Size
Category

20th Century Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Station Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Diamond color: I Size: 18 inches Weight
Category

20th Century Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow and White Gold and Diamond Geometric Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
beautifully detailed 18K yellow and white gold. Hinge back closures. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct
Category

20th Century More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond clarity: I1 Diamond color: I Ring Size: 6.25 Weight: 1.7
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Earrings, circa 1895
Located in Aspen, CO
, Etruscan revival "buttercups" that each center an approximately .16 ct diamond - almost .33 cts in total
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: I Diamond clarity: I1 Size: 6.5 Weight: 2.0 dwt
Category

Early 20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
earrings: RL-00013083 Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond clarity: I1 Diamond color: I
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
back closures. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond clarity: I1-I2 Diamond color: I
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings #19013
Located in Washington Depot, CT
weight: .13 ct. - .16 ct. Diamond clarity:  VS1 Diamond color: G Stamped: 750 Size: 12.4 mm x 7.7 mm
Category

20th Century Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
gold. Shank measures 2.5 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: I Diamond
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
measures 2 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: G Diamond clarity: VS1-VVS2
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Multi-gemstone

14 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
from an elegant white gold necklace. Approximate total diamond weight: .16 ct. Diamond color: J-K
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Black and White Diamond Dog Bone Charm #21341
Located in Washington Depot, CT
: .16 ct. Diamond color: H Diamond clarity: VS2 Approximate total black diamond weight: .50 ct
Category

20th Century Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Brilliant Stud Earrings Three Quarter Circle 1.20 ct 0.16 ct 16 x 15 mm
Located in Viena, Viena
surrounded by full cut diamonds total approx. 0.16 ct, W (white) / SI-P (small - distinct inclusions), total
Category

2010s Italian Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco .85 Ct Diamond Wide Band 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 3 old mine cut diamonds totalling approx .55 Ct – 16 rose cut diamonds totalling
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Cluster Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
pcs. 0.90 ct. Diamond G color SI1 clarity 2 pcs. 0.21 ct.
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

10 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
brilliant cut diamonds (center: .16 ct.) set in beautifully detailed 10K white gold. Shank: 2 mm
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Pendant with Diamonds Bullet in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Pendant with Diamonds Bullet in 18K White Gold no chain included 16 Diamonds - 1.18 CT 18K White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Australian Black Opal Halo Diamond Stud Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Brightness: B4-B3 16 Diamond: 0.04 ct Metal Color: Golden Opal Color: Blue & Green Earring Size: 8 x 6 mm
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Margherita Burgener 18 Karat Gold Colorless and Black Diamond Onyx Cufflinks
By Margherita Burgener
Located in Valenza , IT
10.80 n. 38 white diamond ct 0.72 n.16 black diamonds ct 0,45 n. 2 onyx grams 3.80 Stamped 18Kt - 750
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

French Ring Two Sapphire Corundum Violet Pink Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
beautiful French fashion ring in 18 karat white gold, set with 16 sparkling pave diamonds (0.260 ct) F. This
Category

2010s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.5 Carat Emerald 1 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
diamonds are 16 and diamond weighs 1 ct. The bracelet is expertly crafted with 12.5 grams of 14 karat gold
Category

2010s Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold

18 K Rose Gold Dangle Earrings with Diamonds South Sea Pearls
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18 K rose Gold straight line dangle earrings featuring 16 brilliantcut Diamonds weighing 0.78 ct
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Classic Halo Australian Opal Diamonds Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
PRODUCT Solid 14k Yellow Gold Australian Crystal Opal, 0.18 ct 16 Diamonds: 0.25 ct 1.5mm Earrings Size
Category

2010s American Artist Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow and White Gold Elegant Diamond Openwork Ring in Florentine Finish
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Yellow and White Gold Elegant Diamond Openwork Ring in Florentine Finish 16 Diamonds - 0.17 CT
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Two-Tone 2.8 Carat Diamond Bracelet in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold, Estate
Located in New York, NY
-like movement. This makes for a very comfortable, wearable piece. 14K gold 16 Grams Diamond
Category

20th Century Unknown Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø8.75US/2.5gr
Located in SE
visible, measures ca. 5.5 mm x 4.75 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca.0.5 ct. 16 Diamonds, circa Ø 1.5 mm / 0,015 ct
Category

Vintage 1910s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Moiseikin 18k White Gold 1ct Sapphire Innovative Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
the maximum light. 18K Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring Gold 18K, Weight 3.75 g,Size 16.5 (mm), 16
Category

2010s Russian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pear Sapphire Ring, Lotus Ring with Sapphire, Certified Shri Lanka Sapphire Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
: 380976088 Surrounding stones - 16 diamonds 0.009x16=0.14 ct (G/VS), round brilliant cut.
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

16 Ct White Diamond Ring
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Stunning diamond ring. Item Attributes Metal Colour: White Weight: 6.42g Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Elegant Round Diamond 1.03 ct 18k White Gold Bracelet 16
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The elegant bracelet is a dazzling testament to luxurious craftsmanship. Radiant diamonds are
Category

2010s Modern Bracelets

Materials

White Gold

GIA White Gold Light Blue 0.61 ct Diamond 1.02 ct Diamond Ring
By HY JEWELLERY
Located in Knightsbridge, GB
[ 1 diamond ] Color: Natural Light blue Clarity: SI1 Total fancy pink diamond weight: 0.12 ct [ 16
Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Art Deco, Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, 16 Carats
Located in New York, NY
/> Sapphire-Approx. 16 ct Diamond- Approx. 3.50 ct
Category

Early 20th Century More Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Gorgeous Diamonds Band Ring
Located in Sežana, SI
. 1,75 (I color, VS clarity). Two rows of 16 brilliant cut diamonds, ct. 1,00 total. A central row of 8
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

M.Gerard Diamonds Gold Earclips
Located in Paris, FR
diamonds. As always with M.Gerard, the quality of diamonds is the best. There is around 16 ct of diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Certified Fancy Pink Diamond Earrings, 2.43 Carat
By HY JEWELLERY
Located in Knightsbridge, GB
[ 2 diamonds ] Color: Faint pink Clarity: SI2 Total marquise cut white diamond weight: 1.26 ct [ 16
Category

2010s British Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage White Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, White Opal Diamond Ring, 1960s
Located in Rottedam, NL
. Hallmarks: 750 for 18k gold; Diamonds: 16 diamonds of 0.05 ct each, total 0.8 ct; The opal measures 7x5 mm
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold

Narrow Platinum and Rose Gold Diamond Band
By Zoltan David
Located in Austin, TX
Diamonds totaling .16 ct. of DEF color, Internally Flawless to VVS clarity Ideal cuts. 4.3 mm wide. Size
Category

2010s American Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum

Mandarin Garnet Diamond Rose Gold Coronaria Ring Necklace Cuff Bracelet Brooch
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
carat weight: 16 ct. Black Diamonds: 48 stones, total carat weight: 6 ct. Ruby: 1 stone, total carat
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold...

GRS Certified Vivid Red Mozambique Ruby Diamond Earrings, 14.96 Carat
By HY JEWELLERY
Located in Knightsbridge, GB
: 6.46 ct [ 2 stones ] Color: Vivid red Total pear cut diamond weight: 6.60 ct [ 16 diamonds ] Color: E
Category

2010s British Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond Riviere platinum necklace
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Riviere diamond necklace. Exceptional quality finely crafted diamonds (16 ct ) with
17" Diamond by the Yard, 7.68 cttw, Avg .48 pt, Rose Gold
By ML Brown, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
A simple yet elegant rose gold chain necklace with 16 diamonds, weighing 7.68 ct.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

White Gold Lady s Watch, Omega 1964 Set with Diamonds
By Omega
Located in Heerlen, NL
.... Set with 16 swiss cut Diamonds = 0.48 ct. VSI/G and 12 Briljant Cut Diamonds = 0.60 ct VS/G lenght
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Ring 0.91 Carat SI1 Cushion Shape Ring
Located in Kowloon, HK
SIDE STONE DETAILS ➛ Side Yellow diamonds - 16 pcs- 0.15 ct ➛ Side white diamonds - 114 pcs - 0.273
Category

2010s Asian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "16 Ct Diamond", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

16 Ct Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 16 ct diamond 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, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 68 vintage editions and 161 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect 16 ct diamond 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. Creating a 16 ct diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by LB Exclusive, Cellini and Kabana are consistently popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a 16 ct diamond for sale for women should be easy, but there are 55 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 16 Ct Diamond?

On average, a 16 ct diamond at 1stDibs sells for $6,210, while they’re typically $274 on the low end and $1,800,000 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.  

Questions About 16 Ct Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    There is no set number of diamonds on a 16-inch tennis necklace. The number of diamonds that make up a tennis chain often depends on the size of the gemstones. Generally, the larger the diamonds are, the fewer there are on a tennis necklace. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of tennis necklaces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The number of diamonds in a 10-carat tennis bracelet varies. A carat rating for a tennis bracelet refers to the total weight of all of the diamonds in the piece. As a result, a bracelet may have 20, 5-carat diamonds; 10, 1-carat diamonds or another number of diamonds of a different weight. You'll find a variety of diamond tennis bracelets on 1stDibs.