1940s Platinum Diamond Jewelry

2 Carat French Cut Diamond Band

Marquise Earrings Platinum

1940 Cocktail Ring In Platinum

French Tank Rings

1940s Platinum Engagement Ring

18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Ring

Art Deco Ring 1940

1940s Diamond And Sapphire Ring

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940S Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ear Clips Earrings

$7,900

Art Deco platinum ring with emeralds, onyxes and diamonds, 1940s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

Extravagant Art Deco ring set with emeralds, onyxes and diamonds. The geometric form of an octagon

Category

Mid-20th Century Hungarian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum

Art Deco platinum ring with emeralds, onyxes and diamonds, 1940s.

$6,342

Bailey Banks Biddle 1940s 4.08 Carat Asscher Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

By Bailey, Banks Biddle

Located in Philadelphia, PA

for Bailey, Banks, & Biddle and numbered Tested as platinum Circa 1940 Ring Size: 6 & sizable Top

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Bailey Banks Biddle 1940s 4.08 Carat Asscher Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

$57,500

Pair of 1940s Vintage Platinum and 3.50 Carat Diamond Clip Earrings with Scrolls

Located in Miami, FL

A pair of vintage mid-century Platinum and Diamond clip bow-style earrings from the late 1940s

Category

Mid-20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pair of 1940s Vintage Platinum and 3.50 Carat Diamond Clip Earrings with Scrolls

$7,750 / set

1940s Art Deco Pearl and 1.55 carat Diamond and Platinum Necklace

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning vintage 1940's Art Deco single pearl and 1.55 carat diamond, platinum necklace; part of

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

1940s Art Deco Pearl and 1.55 carat Diamond and Platinum Necklace

$6,234

Circa 1940s, Art Deco Platinum Diamond Multi Color Three Row

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1940s Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: .0 grams (All

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Chain Bracelets

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Circa 1940s, Art Deco Platinum Diamond Multi Color Three Row

$10,500

18ct Gold and Platinum Stamped 3 Stone Emerald Diamond 1940s Crossover Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Emerald & Diamond Crossover Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1940s Makers Mark F

Category

Mid-20th Century English Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

18ct Gold and Platinum Stamped 3 Stone Emerald Diamond 1940s Crossover Ring

$1,049

Vintage 1940s 2.47 Carat Opal and 5.34 Carat Diamond Platinum Pendant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning vintage 2.47 carat opal, 5.34 carat diamond and platinum pendant with 18 karat white

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 2.47 Carat Opal and 5.34 Carat Diamond Platinum Pendant

$25,574

1940s Enamel Diamond Gold Platinum Cat on the Moon Earrings

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Retro three-color gold earrings in the form of a crescent moon with pavé diamond

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1940s Enamel Diamond Gold Platinum Cat on the Moon Earrings

$11,500

1940s French 3.62 Carat Citrine and 1.23 Carat Diamond, Platinum Dress Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

platinum; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections This stunning, fine and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Platinum

1940s French 3.62 Carat Citrine and 1.23 Carat Diamond, Platinum Dress Ring

$3,563

Retro 18K Gold, Diamond and Ruby Bracelet, Circa 1940- 50’s

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

- 18 karat yellow & rose gold, platinum - 0.54 carat of round brilliant cut diamonds - 2.16 carats

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro 18K Gold, Diamond and Ruby Bracelet, Circa 1940- 50’s

$13,950

Late Deco 4.00ct Diamond Brooch, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Brilliant Colour: F – G Clarity: VS Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 4.00ct Diamond Brooch, c.1940s

$9,629

Late Deco 2.20ct Diamond Flower Brooch, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Weight: 2.20 Colour: G-H Clarity: VS Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 2.20ct Diamond Flower Brooch, c.1940s

$4,526

1940s 3.63 Carat Diamond and Platinum White Gold Clip-On Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning pair of vintage 3.63 carat diamond and platinum, 18 karat white gold clip on drop

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

1940s 3.63 Carat Diamond and Platinum White Gold Clip-On Earrings

$4,451

1940s Diamond and Platinum Day-to-Night Earrings with Removable Fringe Pendants

Located in New York, NY

platinum. Atw 6.50 ct. round, baguette and single cut diamonds. 5.5 cm long, tops alone 3 cm Custom

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Diamond and Platinum Day-to-Night Earrings with Removable Fringe Pendants

$19,950

1940s Cartier Garnet Gold Platinum Tree Motif Clip

By Cartier

Located in Aspen, CO

this time just after the war. There are 12 round white diamonds set in platinum. Prong set are 4 pink

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Platinum

1940s Cartier Garnet Gold Platinum Tree Motif Clip

$9,800

Retro 3.29 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1940s

Located in Philadelphia, PA

diamond accents weighing approximately 0.45 carat total, H/I color and VS clarity Tested as platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Retro 3.29 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1940s

$27,250

1940s-1945 Retro Style with Antique and Single-Cut Diamonds Platinum Ring

Located in MADRID, ES

Step back in time with this retro-style ring from the 1940s-1945 period, crafted in platinum 950

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s-1945 Retro Style with Antique and Single-Cut Diamonds Platinum Ring

$3,051

French, 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum Two Stone Diamond Ring Circa 1940s Retro

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

French Retro 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum & Two Stone Diamond Ring Circa 1940s Here is your chance to

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

French, 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum Two Stone Diamond Ring Circa 1940s Retro

$4,900

1940s Art Deco 1.48 Carat Antique Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

center diamond. Metal Type: Platinum Size: 7 Weight: 5.3g Center Diamond Carat Weight: 1.48

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

1940s Art Deco 1.48 Carat Antique Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

$15,000

1940s French 1.66 Carat Sapphire and 1.60 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

(Socrates' head). This impressive 1940's dress ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report

Category

Vintage 1940s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1940s French 1.66 Carat Sapphire and 1.60 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring

$9,389

1940s Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pocket Watch for Bailey Banks Biddle

By Bailey, Banks Biddle

Located in Chicago, IL

. Silver Satin center dial and a Black outer ring with Raised Platinum and Diamond set Roman Numerals. The

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pocket Watch for Bailey Banks Biddle

$2,495

1940s Retro Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring

Located in Birmingham, AL

This gorgeous ring centers 2 vibrant blue sapphires (1.84ctw) set in a 1940s platinum and diamond

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum

1940s Retro Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring

$5,835

1940s Straight Line Baguette Diamond Necklace 36.00 Carat

Located in Wailea, HI

1940's Straight Line Baguette Diamond Necklace 36.00 carats One Hundred and Seventy Two Baguette

Category

Mid-20th Century More Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

1940s Straight Line Baguette Diamond Necklace 36.00 Carat

$98,500

Retro 18 Karat rose Gold Platinum Gas Pipe Necklace with Diamonds, 1940s

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

A fine Retro 18 K rose Gold and Platinum diamond gas pipe necklace dating circa from 1940. This

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Retro 18 Karat rose Gold Platinum Gas Pipe Necklace with Diamonds, 1940s

$9,850

René Boivin Double Clip Diamond and Gold Bangle, 1940s

By René Boivin

Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE

A very versatile double clip diamond and yellow gold bangle by René Boivin, ca. 1940s. It is in 18k

Category

Vintage 1940s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

René Boivin Double Clip Diamond and Gold Bangle, 1940s

$100,000

1940s Boucheron Paris Diamond Gold Buckle Bracelet

By Boucheron

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Fun yet elegant buckle bracelet created by Boucheron, Paris in the 1940's. Made of 18k rose gold

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold

1940s Boucheron Paris Diamond Gold Buckle Bracelet

$24,900

Vintage Diamond Drop Pendant and Chain, 1940s

Located in London, GB

another rub over set diamond. All the settings are made of platinum and are handcrafted. The pendant comes

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Drop Pendant and Chain, 1940s

$3,429

1940 s Retro Wide Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Gold Jarretière Buckle Link Bracelet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

emerald cut diamonds set throughout Weighing approximately 2.89 carats total, G/H color with VS to SI

Category

Vintage 1940s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

1940 s Retro Wide Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Gold Jarretière Buckle Link Bracelet

$13,775

Felger Inc. 1940s Retro Moonstone Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

slight blue adularescence Flanked by platinum scallop detail with millegrain, bead set with round

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Felger Inc. 1940s Retro Moonstone Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Ring

$2,400

Vintage Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

18 carat yellow gold and platinum, which allows the diamond to truly shine as well. Gemstone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$2,386

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

compliments the claw set centre stone. The stones are beautifully set in a platinum band, which brings the

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$7,921

Retro 12.08 Carat Zircon Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat White Gold Ring, 1940s

Located in Philadelphia, PA

smokey orange color Bezel set in platinum and flanked by prong set single cut diamonds weighing

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Zircon, 14k Gold, Platinum

Retro 12.08 Carat Zircon Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat White Gold Ring, 1940s

$4,300

1940s GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in London, GB

Set in platinum during the 1940s, this timeless engagement ring features a stunning 2.01 carat

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

$28,393

Art Deco 3.78 Carat Sapphire and 4.21 Carat Diamond Platinum Earrings, 1940s

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive pair of 3.78 carat sapphire and 4.21 carat diamond, platinum and 18

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 3.78 Carat Sapphire and 4.21 Carat Diamond Platinum Earrings, 1940s

$10,904

Late Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

1940s, has been made in platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.80

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$6,748

Retro 2.07 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1940s

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering in a square form head is a transitional cut diamond weighing 1.71 carats, E color with

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Retro 2.07 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1940s

$21,750

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

wonderfully set in the platinum mount using claws. Graduating down on either shoulder, there are grain set

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$6,103

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: N

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$14,861

1940s Diamond Leaf Earrings

Located in Bethesda, MD

From the 1940s a pair of diamond leaf earrings. The earring are clip back and post an easily added

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Diamond Leaf Earrings

$13,400

1940s Portuguese Diamond Gold Dress Clips

Located in New York, NY

clips are set with approx. 3.00 ct. tw. rose cut and single cut diamonds in 18K and platinum. Portugal.

Category

Vintage 1940s Portuguese Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1940s Portuguese Diamond Gold Dress Clips

$11,500

1940s 1.23 Carat Ruby 1.25 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Set Three Stone Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive 1.23 carat ruby and 1.25 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set three

Category

20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

1940s 1.23 Carat Ruby 1.25 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Set Three Stone Ring

$7,166

French Old Cut Diamond Aeronautic Turbogas Bracelet Brooch, ca. 1940s

Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE

A transformable old cut diamond turbogas bracelet & brooch, ca. 1940s . The dynamic centre part of

Category

Vintage 1940s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

French Old Cut Diamond Aeronautic Turbogas Bracelet Brooch, ca. 1940s

$25,000

Vintage Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

, which is high spec for this age. The ring dates to the 1940s and the diamonds are held within collets

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$6,337

Late Deco Diamond and Ruby Flower Brooch, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This original 1940s brooch, with box, is a beautifully made design with a collection of diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond and Ruby Flower Brooch, circa 1940s

$5,678

Late Deco 4.60ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

This endearing Late Deco butterfly diamond necklace dates back to c.1940s. Forming the body of the

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 4.60ct Diamond Butterfly Necklace, c.1940s

$9,629

Retro 1940s Green Tourmaline Diamond Gold Bracelet

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

fit an up to 7" wrist. Very fine workmanship, the diamonds and green tourmalines are set in platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Tourmaline, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Retro 1940s Green Tourmaline Diamond Gold Bracelet

$21,900

Late Deco 1.51 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

refined. The shank is made of platinum, and there are grain set, eight cut diamonds in the shoulders. The

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 1.51 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$18,174

Art Deco Style Oval Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

ring is to be admired. It is all made of platinum, and is the ideal engagement ring. Gemstone: Diamond

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Style Oval Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$7,406

Late Deco 11.90 Carat Diamond Bracelet, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

-H Clarity: VS-SI Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 11.90 Carat Diamond Bracelet, c.1940s

$20,986

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Weight: 1.76 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: L

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$7,653

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

platinum, the shining diamond weighs 0.15 carat and is G in colour, VS in clarity. The exquisite detailing

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$816

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

yellow gold band, however it dates to approximately the 1940s. The diamond is estimated as F in colour

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$1,131

Vintage Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

millegrain detailing adds a period touch to its original platinum setting. Gemstone: Diamond, Ruby Stone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$4,300

Vintage Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

platinum, which highlights their beauty. There are also little diamonds set within the shoulders which adds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$37,034

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Dress Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

work is all made in platinum, whilst the shank is actually in 18 carat white gold. Gemstone: Diamond

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Dress Ring, circa 1940s

$3,045

Emerald and Diamond Floral Earclips, Allen Jones, 1940s

Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE

Lovely emerald and diamond earclips by British jeweller Allen Jones, ca. 1940s. The emeralds are

Category

Vintage 1940s British Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emerald and Diamond Floral Earclips, Allen Jones, 1940s

$12,000

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1940s Platinum Diamond Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate piece of 1940s platinum diamond jewelry for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold. 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 1940s platinum diamond 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. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic choice in our collection of 1940s platinum diamond jewelry over the years, but those made by Tiffany Co., Cartier and Van Cleef Arpels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. 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 old european cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our 1940s platinum diamond jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 547 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 1940s Platinum Diamond Jewelry?

The price for a piece of 1940s platinum diamond jewelry starts at $333 and tops out at $750,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $7,658.

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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.

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