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Orange Diamond Ring 4.02 Ct cushion Cut with 6 Diamond with certificat ! NEW
Located in Denia, VC
This exceptional certified ring NEW ! composed of a superb fancy Deep orange diamond of 4.02 Ct
Category

2010s Italian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat YG/WG Diamond and Color Stones Brooch
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat YG/WG Diamond and color Stones Brooch 22 Diamonds 0.49 ct. 5 Sap.. orange 2.66 ct 97
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Montebello 18 Karat Yellow Gold "Bangalore" Ring Iolite Diamonds Brilliant
By Giancarlo Montebello
Located in Bari, IT
our Enrico Trizio 1868 jewelry. A very elegant yellow gold ring "Bangalore" with 2.02 ct Iolite and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Iolite, Yellow Gold

Blue Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in Florentine Crafted 18 kt Gold
By David Meelheim Designs
Located in Houston, TX
Handcrafted in Italy in an old world Florentine style, this exquisite blue green Tourmaline
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold

18 Karat Yelöow Gold Diamonds, Ruby, Emeralds Necklace
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat Yelow Gold Diamonds, Ruby, Emeralds Neclas Diamonds 1.50 ct. 1 Emerald Cab. 7.03 ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Different Size Variation Diamond Long Station 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Style: Variation Diamond Long Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Stones: 111 Different Size Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds, Tourmaline Pendant Necklace
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and tourmaline Pendant Necklace 40 Diamonds 1.00 ct. G-SI 12
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds, Peridot Pendant Necklace
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and Peridot Pendant Neclas 19 Diamonds 0.28 ct. 1 Peridot 1.96 ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds, Sapphire Pendant Necklace
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamonds , Sapphire Croce Pendant Neclas 17 Diamonds 0.42 ct. 1 Sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds, Topaz Pendant Necklace
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and Topaz Pendant Necklace 25 Diamonds 0.25 ct. G-SI 1 Topaz 17.46
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold and Multi Color Stones Bracelet
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold and multi color stones Bracelet 6 Aquamarine 1.91 ct. 6 Saphire 3.31 ct. 6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Bangles

Materials

Sapphire, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Whit...

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds, Topaz Pendant Necklace
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
, Germany. Although rooted in Germany, Gianni Lazzaro's style and design is more reminiscent of Italian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Peridot Ring
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Peridot Ring 50 Diamonds 1.02 Carat 2 Diamods Triangl 0.40 ct 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Versace Medusa Ruby Diamond Muse 2012 Collection Ring
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Company-Versace Style-Medusa Ruby Diamond Ring - Muse 2012 Collection Metal-18k Yellow Gold Size
Category

2010s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds , Sapphire croce Pendant Neclas
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamonds , Sapphire Croce Pendant Neclas 12 Diamonds 0.35 ct. 14 Sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond and Amethyst Dangle Earrings
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond and Amethyst Dangle Earrings 56 Diamonds coghniak 3.13 Carat 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and Aquamarine Pendant Neclas
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
, Germany. Although rooted in Germany, Gianni Lazzaro's style and design is more reminiscent of Italian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Coktail Ring 30 Diamonds 0.69 Carat 27 sappire 2.94
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamonds , Sapphire and Aquamarine Pendant Neclas
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
18 Karat White Gold Diamonds , Sapphire and Aquamarine Pendant Neclas 24 Diamonds 0.30 ct. 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire and Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
Lazzaro's style and design is more reminiscent of Italian luxury and craftsmanship. The exquisite pieces and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Diamonds and Tiger Eye Stone Dangle Earrings
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
750 Karat Rose Gold Diamons and tiger eye stoneDangle Earrings 40 Diamonds 0.27 ct braun 2 Tiger
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tiger s Eye, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Aquamarine Earrings
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
Beautiful 18 Karat white gold cocktail earrings with diamonds and Aquamarine .This Earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Robert Coin 18K Rose Gold, White Enamel, And Diamond Cobra Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Roberto Coin will elevate any style of wardrobe. or collection of any Snake & Serpent Jewellery. Stone
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Enamel

Pasqual Bruni Pink Sapphire Heart Pendant
By Pasqual Bruni
Located in Inverness, GB
Totally amazing Pasquale Bruni 18 ct white gold and sapphire heart pendant. The pendant is made of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pink Sapphire

3.70 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire 1.0 Carat Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
dates 1960 ca Italian origin Mounting has been beautifully hand crafted of substantial 18 KT white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Arts Crafts Rose Cut Diamonds Long Drop Earrings
Located in Rottedam, NL
graceful curved pattern, typical of Art Nouveau style in jewelry. The earrings are in a superb state with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

29.75 Carat Diamonds 18K Gold Carlo Illario e Fratelli Vintage 1980s Bracelet
Located in Berlin, Berlin
. 29.75 ct altogether, Top Wesselton/F-G, vvsi–si Gold 750/000, resp. 18 karat HALLMARKS Italian fineness
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian Revival Floral Diamond Ring, Antique Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
with an overall weight circa 0.55 CT; Ring Size: 18, 56 or US size 7.75 - can be resized; Ring Weight
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian George IV Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Large Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Oval Gold Ring, 18CT White Gold Sapphire Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
18 ct white gold and is a true eye-catcher! Classy, timeless and definitely an ultimate show
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Black Enamel and Pearl Gold Poison Ring, Antique Secret Compartment Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
collection! Hallmarks: 750, acid test shows 18 ct gold; Crown stone: agate signet 0.7 x 0.5 inch; Size: US 8
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

Diamond orange Ring cushion Cut with 2 Diamond with certificat ! NEW
Located in Denia, VC
This exceptional certified ring NEW ! composed of a superb fancy Deep orange diamond of 0.8 Ct
Category

2010s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Orange Diamond Ring cushion Cut with 2 Diamond with certificat ! NEW
Located in Denia, VC
This exceptional certified ring NEW ! composed of a superb fancy Deep orange diamond of 0.8 Ct
Category

2010s Italian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Roberto Coin Eyeglass Chain White Gold 1.48 Carat Round Diamond Chain Necklace
By Roberto Coin
Located in Columbia, MO
) 1.48 ctw Style Chain Fastening Lobster Length (inches) 18 in Metal Purity 18k Stone 1 Information
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Carved Coral Urns Black Onyx Diamond Ear Drops
Located in Napoli, IT
TCW rated as G VS Chic and appealing timeless style –Italian Origin – wearable at any occasion day
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Electra Earrings, Turquoise, Rubies, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Jenny Dee
Located in Geneva, CH
family; each star sister has a jewelry “style” assigned in a ring, earring or a pendant. As the galaxy
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

JD Electra Spherical Single Ear Chain, Turquoise, Rubies, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Jenny Dee
Located in Geneva, CH
family; each star sister has a jewelry “style” assigned in a ring, earring or a pendant. As the galaxy
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 9 Motif Frivole Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef and Arpel Collection: Frivole Style: Flower Necklace Metal Type: Yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Aquamarine and Turquoise Dangle Earrings
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
style and design is more reminiscent of Italian luxury and craftsmanship. The exquisite pieces and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Dangle Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold

Roberto Coin Three Diamond in 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Miami, FL
ct Total Item Weight (g): 4.77 Ring Diameter: 22.58 mm Band Width: 3.12 mm Hallmark: Italy 750
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Superb 18.20 Carat Hearth Amethyst .50 Carat Diamond F/VVS One Off Italian Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Unique! This beautiful modern ring possess great style and quality in all senses Italian origin
Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Skull Cameo, 1.42 Carat Diamond Ring in Oxidized Sterling Silver, 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Skull Cameo carved in Italy with 1.42 ct of Champagne Diamond Ring set in Oxidized Sterling Silver
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Doves 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Necklace with Emerald-Cut Malachite and Diamonds
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
18" Italian Handmade Link Chain with lobster claw, and adjster at 16". Malachite is stone of balance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Malachite, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Doves 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Necklace with Cabochon Pink Opal and Diamonds
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Dahlia Collection Necklace, with square, cabochon-cut Pink Opal, a halo of diamonds, on an 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Stunning 1970 Natural Sapphire G VVS Diamond Rare Band Ring 15.8 Grams
Located in Napoli, IT
the Italian masters of that era The ring holds 8 round brilliant cut Diamonds for 1.20 Ct F/G VVS
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Exquisite Natural Coral 2.70 Carat Diamond Earrings Split into Four Pairs
Located in Napoli, IT
sparkle Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold Made to have fun playing with your style depending on your
Category

Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.60 Diamond Rose Gold Platinum Dress Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
stunning ring from that period masterfully hand crafted of solid 18 KT rose gold and Platinum Italian
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond White Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Berlin, DE
Italy, circa 1975. Typically art deco style design with 390 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 2.20 Carat Old Cut Diamonds Stunning Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold - stamped Italian origin The most traditional in cluster rub
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Bulgari Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring GIA Cert 5.00 Carat
By Bulgari
Located in Lakewood, NJ
A very fine 5.04 ct marquise shaped diamond crimp set in a 18 karat yellow gold signet style
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgian Revival Bague Au Firmament Blue Enamel and Diamond Ring, Cocktail Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
1775, the expert London enameller, Jusen, perfected a distinctly English style of enameling on jewelry
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Orange Diamond Ring cushion Cut with 2 Diamond with certificat ! NEW
Located in Denia, VC
This exceptional certified ring NEW ! composed of a superb fancy Deep orange diamond of 0.8 Ct
Category

2010s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Spectacular 2.65 Carat G H VVS VS Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Luxury Geometries Contemporary high end jewellery is ever fan and desired by most of the ladies
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Roberto Coin Pois Moi Yellow Gold 0.27 Carat Round Diamond Band Ladies Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Columbia, MO
Type Diamond Stone Shape Round Stone Color G/H Clarity SI1-SI2 Count 18 Stone Weight 0.27 ct Roberto
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

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18 Ct Italian Style Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of 18 ct italian style jewelry you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and white gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of 18 ct italian style jewelry from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing choice in our collection of 18 ct italian style jewelry — no matter the origin — is easy, but Cynthia Scott, Gianni Lazzaro and Annellino Fine Jewellery each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Take a look at an object in our assortment of 18 ct italian style jewelry featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and oval cut cut versions available here, too. Finding an option in this array of 18 ct italian style jewelry for sale for women should be easy, but there are 96 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 18 Ct Italian Style Jewelry?

On average, a piece of 18 ct italian style jewelry at 1stDibs sells for $5,400, while they’re typically $212 on the low end and $88,080 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.