Skip to main content

18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin

to
47
196
89
290
159
63
50
30
23
23
18
16
13
12
11
11
10
9
7
5
5
5
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
178
20
14
10
4
Sort By
Art Nouveau Butterfly Pendant Brooch 30 OMC Diamonds Ruby Enamel 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Butterfly is 18 Karat Gold. It is set with 30 gorgeous Old Mine Cut Diamonds. These diamonds are just
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow White Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Amazing butterfly brooch with pave set with Diamonds and ruby cabochon . Handmade 18k Yellow and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow White Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Amazing butterfly brooch with pave set with Diamonds and ruby cabochon . Handmade 18k Yellow and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Tsavorite Diamond Rhodium Gold Butterfly Pin
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat black rhodiumed white gold butterfly pin consisting of 204 round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium

Hammerman Brothers Diamond Opal Butterfly Pin Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Hammerman Brothers Diamond Opal Butterfly Pin in 18K Yellow Gold. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Category

2010s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Pin
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
This playful and beautiful butterfly pin is the perfect piece to welcome spring and summer. The pin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1910 Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Butterfly Pin
Located in New York, NY
Gold backed Silver, set with European-cut diamonds and cabochon Ruby eyes
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

French 1930s Diamond Butterfly Pin
Located in New York, NY
The polished 18kt yellow gold pin realistically designed as a butterfly, with delicate pierced
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Paris Craft House Tsavorite Diamond Butterfly Brooch Pin in Titanium 18K Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
- Green Garnet/0.93ct - Titanium - 18K Yellow Gold Designed and crafted at PARIS Craft House.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Titanium, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Buccellati Natural Color Diamond Butterfly Pin
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Two tone 18 karat yellow and rose gold butterfly pin set with full cut colorless and canary diamond
Category

20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Contemporary White Gold Butterfly Pin
Located in Bedford, NY
Unique contemporary 18k white gold butterfly shaped pin consisting of numerous pink and yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Butterfly Pin in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Antique butterfly pin in 18k gold. It weighs1.41 gms. The butterfly wing has tiny diamonds on them
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Jeweled Butterfly Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18k gold and silver emerald, diamond and ruby encrusted pin with an opal center.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Opal, Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Sorab Roshi Shell Butterfly Pin
By Sorab Roshi
Located in Greenwich, CT
An 18 karat gold tessellate cone Shell butterfly Pin decorated with pave green and white diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

French Multi-Gem Butterfly Pin
Located in Paris, FR
Large 18kt yellow gold butterfly brooch announcing the spring, set in a fresh harmony with rounds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Jean Vitau Multi Gem Butterfly Pin
Located in Spartanburg, SC
18K multi gem butterfly pin containing Tsavorite, Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire.
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond 18 Karat Butterfly Pin / Slide Pendant
Located in METAIRIE, LA
Doubling as a pin OR a slide pendant, this 18KT White Gold Butterfly consists of focal Kashmir Blue
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Turn of the Century Butterfly Pin
Located in NY, NY
diamonds in a beautifully made 18KG butterfly brooch.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

18k White Gold 10.30ct Sapphire Butterfly Brooch w/ 1.15ct Diamond Ruby
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
in 18k White Gold Gross Weight: 31.6 grams Dimensions: 1-7/8" x 2-7/16" Overall Condition: Very Good
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Multi Gem Butterfly Pin in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat white gold butterfly pin featuring 4 oval amethyst stones weighing approximately 2.40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Bellevue, WA
-tone solid 18k gold. The body is pave set with genuine diamonds and this brooch is of the highest
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

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

Turquoise Ruby Diamond Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Brisbane, AU
A handmade 18 karat yellow gold brooch, with a hinged white gold pin and roller slide. It is claw
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pin with 0.31 Carat Diamonds
By JT Jewellery Theatre
Located in Kowloon City District, HK
- 9 Round Diamonds - 0.31 ct, D-F/ VVS2-VS1 - 18K White Gold - Weight: 4.03 g This Pin is made in
Category

Early 2000s Hong Kong Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pin with 0.47 Carat Diamonds
By JT Jewellery Theatre
Located in Kowloon City District, HK
- 10 Round Diamonds - 0.47 ct, D-F/ VVS1-VVS2 - 18K White Gold - Weight: 5.22 g This Pin is made
Category

Early 2000s Hong Kong Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pin with 0.47 Carat Diamonds
By JT Jewellery Theatre
Located in Hong Kong, HK
- 10 Round Diamonds - 0.47 ct, D-F/ VVS1-VVS2 - 18K White Gold - Weight: 5.22 g This Pin is made
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Pin with 0.31 Carat Diamonds
By JT Jewellery Theatre
Located in Hong Kong, HK
- 9 Round Diamonds - 0,31 ct, D-F/ VVS2-VS1 - 18K White Gold - Weight: 4,03 g This Pin is made in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Jean Vitau 18k Blue Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Butterfly
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
beauty of this profile butterfly pin. The multi colored piece has .67 carats of Diamonds, 1.80 carats of
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Pair Of Enamel Diamond Butterfly Brooches
Located in Bedford, NY
A pair of beautifully detailed contemporary enamel and diamond 18k yellow gold butterfly design
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Ruby Sapphire Opal Moonstone Butterfly Brooch
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
considered.   DIMENSIONS - 41mm W x 24mm W   MATERIALS - 18ct gold/ silver/ diamond/ sapphire/ ruby/ opal
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Marlene Stowe Butterfly Brooches
By Marlene Stowe
Located in New York, NY
“Marlene Stowe” Set of two 18k yellow gold and platinum butterfly pin designed pins. Small
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sapphire, Diamond, and Gold Brooch 8.5 carat set in 18k White Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A lively butterfly brooch. Includes pin-stem and catch mechanism on the reverse. Diamond weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond Butterfly 18 Carat Silver Brooch, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This delightful Victorian 18ct Gold and Silver butterfly brooch is adorned with Rubies and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian Butterfly in Flight Brooch
Located in London, GB
Mounted with 37 Rose Diamonds, 7 Rubies, 5 Sapphires and 4 Emeralds all in unmarked 18k Gold, the
Category

Antique 1820s British Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold and 0.21 Carat Diamond Eye Chandelier Earrings
By Azza Fahmy
Located in London, GB
18 Karat Matte and Polished Yellow Gold, and 0.21 carat pave-set Diamond Eye Earrings, created
Category

2010s Egyptian Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Organic Texture Diamond Disc Earrings Handmade by Disa Allsopp
By Disa Allsopp
Located in London, GB
18k yellow gold organic texture disc earrings with two 0.03ct white diamonds. These handmade
Category

2010s British Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Baguette-Cut and Pavé-Set Diamond Lotus Chandelier Earrings
By Azza Fahmy
Located in London, GB
18 Karat Gold, Baguette-cut Diamond and pave-set Diamond Lotus Chandelier Earrings. The radiant
Category

2010s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Rebecca Koven Gold Shell Ring
By Rebecca Koven
Located in Fifth Avenue, NY
An 18kt yellow gold shell ring. The shell is set with 12 round brilliant cut diamonds and has an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 8.00 Carat Natural Aquamarine 1.20 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
all day long Simple yet effective design hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold, tested Set with
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Natural Not Nucleated Pearl Rose Cut Diamond Long Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
gross weight Posts have been altered at some point with a gold pin and butterfly fasteners for pierced
Category

Antique Early 1800s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Jona Tsavorite White Diamond 18k White Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch
By Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18k white gold butterfly brooch, set with 0.32carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

A Jade Diamond Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin
Located in Austin, TX
ornaments and mounted in gold. The wingtips with 22 pave set round cut diamonds. The body and antenna also
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Vintage Fred Paris Butterfly Brooch Pin 18k Gold Coral Diamond
By Fred Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Fred Paris butterfly brooch from the 1970s is crafted from 18k gold and features a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Tremblant Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Montreal, QC
white gold; marked on back: 750 (European standard for 18k) total weight of pin: 13gm. Outstanding in
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Belle Epoque Sapphire Demantoid Ruby Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Butterfly Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as butterfly centering a round cut vivid blue sapphire weighing 0.30 carats Old Mine cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Opal Diamond Emerald Caterpillar Butterfly Pin Brooch Ring Set
Located in Montclair, NJ
Set Details: Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 27.47 Grams Condition: Vintage. Original
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18k Gold Large Colorful Plique Jour Enamel Diamond Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning vintage brooch features a large butterfly design crafted in solid 18k yellow and
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Diamond Enamel Butterfly Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting a Vintage Diamond 18K Gold Enamel Butterfly brooch pin decorated wings with colored
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Round Tahitian Pearl Round Diamond Butterfly Pendant Brooch Pin 18K White Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 18K White Gold Center Stone Details: 1 Round Tahitian South Sea Pearl at 2.26 Carats
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stunning Sapphire Diamond Gold Tremblant Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Montreal, QC
antennae set with brilliant-cut diamonds, eyes set with pink cabochon sapphires. Handmade in 18k white gold
Category

1990s Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Butterfly Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Vintage butterfly pin celebrates the beauty and marvel of nature, with spectacularly
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Yellow Gold Black Opal Butterfly Pin
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold pin depicting a butterfly on a branch. One wing is a six (6) carat black opal
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Estate 2.26 TCW Diamond White Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 9.3 Grams Stone: Approx 2.26 TCW (0.0067-0.11 Ct) G/I VS-SI Diamonds Measurements: 31.4 x
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi Diamond and Sapphire Butterfly Pin
Located in Southampton, PA
This pin is unique and playful. This butterfly shaped pin is made of 18K yellow gold and is set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Butterfly Pin Brooch Gold Gemstones Enamel 18k Estate Jewelry Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A colorful butterfly pin brooch made of 18k gold, featuring various gemstones, and accented with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches

Materials

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

18K Yellow Gold Red, Blue, and White Enameled Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a mesmerizing piece of artistry, this exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch Pin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1950s Designer Butterfly Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful designer vintage butterfly pin brooch is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, It
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Emerald and Diamond Butterfly Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 24 round brilliant cut = 0.24cttw Color
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k gold diamond butterfly pin you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 18k gold diamond butterfly pin from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A 18k gold diamond butterfly pin from Van Cleef Arpels, Tiffany Co. and Alberto — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. 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 brilliant cut and mixed cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 18k gold diamond butterfly pin, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 18k Gold Diamond Butterfly Pin?

On average, a 18k gold diamond butterfly pin at 1stDibs sells for $6,684, while they’re typically $395 on the low end and $135,000 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.