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 Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.60ct Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, c.1940s

$3,360

Art Deco diamond earrings, 1940s

Located in Chorzów, PL

Art Deco style diamond earrings made of 0.585 yellow gold and 0.950 platinum Earrings made in

Category

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco diamond earrings, 1940s

$2,273

Late Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

over set and have a total weight of 1.20 carats. The metal work is all in platinum. Gemstone: Diamond

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$6,337

Late Deco 0.91ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

expertly crafted in platinum showing off the diamonds perfectly. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Marquise

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 0.91ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$7,983

Late Deco Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Lily Brooch, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds, which are 8-cut diamonds, have a combined weight of 0.22 carat and have been set within platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Lily Brooch, circa 1940s

$3,538

Late Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

further little diamonds, combining to weigh 0.06 carat. The ring has been made in platinum. Gemstone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$11,933

Late Deco 1.18 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Dating to the 1940s, this classic diamond solitaire ring centres a sparkling stone weighing 1.18

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 1.18 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$11,439

Late Deco 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

has been claw set into platinum whilst the band is crafted from platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$4,855

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

A stunning 1940s ring, with a centre stone weighing 0.30 carat. The diamond has an estimated grade

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$3,538

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Centre Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: K

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$9,299

Late Deco 1.25ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

. Claw set into hand crafted platinum, the central diamond weighs 1.25 carat with the cluster totalling a

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 1.25ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$16,213

Late Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

: 0.75 Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: N

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$5,143

Late Art Deco 8.28ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco 8.28ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet, c.1940s

$23,455

Late Deco 1.05ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

A gorgeous 1940s ring, pleasingly presenting a trio of diamonds claw set in the centre. These three

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 1.05ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1940s

$6,337

Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Flower Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

A claw set amethyst is the centre to eight diamond ‘petals’ at the heart of this charming 1940s era

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Flower Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$2,222

1940s Diamond Cluster Floral Earrings

Located in Bethesda, MD

From the fabulous 1940s, a glamourous pair of diamond earrings ♦ Metal: Platinum ♦ Circa 1940s ♦ 7

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Diamond Cluster Floral Earrings

$15,500 / set

1940s tank pinky signet ring - platinum and 1.6 ct. old cut diamonds

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Tres tres chic. 1940s platinum scroll pinky ring topped with approx 1.6 ct of old cut diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond

1940s tank pinky signet ring - platinum and 1.6 ct. old cut diamonds

$3,850

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

classic of the 1940s. The diamonds are round brilliants and have a total weight of 0.52 carats. With an

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$4,032

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Flower Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

: BLUE + G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: Q

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Flower Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$3,394

Late Deco Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

geometric design is typical of the era and the metal is platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring, circa 1940s

$6,007

Vintage Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This vintage 1940s era five stone diamond ring is set horizontally with five old cut diamonds in a

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$1,453

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds and they weigh 0.02 carat each. The ring, dating to the 1940s, is of stunning quality. Gemstone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$12,262

Vintage 1.43 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

A 1.43 carat diamond shines in this vintage solitaire engagement ring. It is an H colour and VS

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.43 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$11,179

Late Deco 0.92 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

has been rub over set into platinum which highlights the whiteness of the diamond beautifully. Down

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.92 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$8,641

Late Art Deco 1.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

the classic solitaire engagement ring has been entirely crafted from platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco 1.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$16,377

Late Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: R

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$2,057

Late Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Emerald cut diamond has a weight of 0.95 carat, colour grading F and clarity VVS1, making it a highly sort

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$8,229

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.64 centre Colour: H Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$4,526

Vintage 1940s Emerald and Diamond Band Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with channel-set Baguette cut Emeralds weighing a total of approximately

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Emerald and Diamond Band Ring

$10,650

Late Art Deco 0.87ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

A splendid solitaire ring featuring a 0.87 carat transitional cut diamond set within platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco 0.87ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$6,830

Boucheron Retro Three-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

By Boucheron

Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE

A chic Boucheron Retro Rope Three-Stone Diamond Ring, ca. 1940s The ring has in the center an old

Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Boucheron Retro Three-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$14,000

Late Art Deco 2.00 Carat Diamond Knot Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This lovely platinum knot ring is studded with 2.00 carat of diamonds. The 24 diamonds are

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco 2.00 Carat Diamond Knot Ring, circa 1940s

$3,909

Vintage 2.80 Carat Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

surround the opal. The diamonds are F colour and VS2 clarity. The gems and the platinum setting were

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Vintage 2.80 Carat Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$8,641

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Colour: F Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: J 1/2 / 5 1/4

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$1,275

Late Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.60 Centre Colour: H Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$3,868

1940s Tiffany Co. Ruby Diamond Platinum Parrot on gold stickpin

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Toronto, ON

Tiffany Platinum Ruby and Diamond Parrot on gold stickpin, C.1940. The stickpin depicting a parrot

Category

20th Century More Jewelry

1940s Tiffany Co. Ruby Diamond Platinum Parrot on gold stickpin

$2,500

0.60 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Solitaire with Set Shoulders, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This vintage engagement ring presents a 0.60 carat transitional cut diamond in an elegant 1940s era

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

0.60 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Solitaire with Set Shoulders, circa 1940s

$3,394

Late Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

made of platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 1.02 Centre Colour: F

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$11,275

EDR Certified 1.19 Carat Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Dating from the 1940s, this platinum and diamond engagement ring showcases an EDR certified old cut

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

EDR Certified 1.19 Carat Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$8,826

Late Art Deco 1.40 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

: Emerald Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 1.40 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: L

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Late Art Deco 1.40 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$5,829

French 1940s Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

rose-cut diamonds set on platinum. Weight of the emerald : about 0.20 carat. Height : 13.6 mm

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold

French 1940s Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Ring

$3,949

Late Deco Transitional Cut Diamond Double Halo Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds match in quality, showing the craftsmanship of this piece. The piece is all made in platinum and

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco Transitional Cut Diamond Double Halo Ring, circa 1940s

$9,629

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

: 1.30 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: P 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$5,184

Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

match in colour and clarity as well and are all set within platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$9,629

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This stunning sapphire and diamond cluster ring dates to the 1940s. The centre sapphire is a

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$6,995

Late Deco Diamond Three-Stone Twist Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

A delicate three stone twist ring dating back to the 1940s. The three diamonds in the centre have a

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Three-Stone Twist Ring, circa 1940s

$1,303

1940s French chandelier diamond detachable earrings

Located in London, GB

This beautiful example of Art Deco platinum and diamond chandelier earrings can be worn in two

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s French chandelier diamond detachable earrings

$19,000

1940s French Gold and Diamond Stylized Leaf Brooch

Located in New York, NY

diamonds and set with a central old European diamond, in platinum and 18k. France. Atw: 1.85cts

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1940s French Gold and Diamond Stylized Leaf Brooch

$14,500

Late Deco 4.65ct Diamond and Ruby French Flower Brooch, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Weight: 4.65 Colour: F – G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 4.65ct Diamond and Ruby French Flower Brooch, c.1940s

$8,970

Vintage 0.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This lovely vintage engagement ring has a 0.50 carat blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$3,538

Late Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Emerald cut diamond has a weight of 0.95 carat, colour grading F and clarity VVS1, making it a highly sort

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, c.1940s

$8,641

Gold bombe ring with 1.00 ct old-cut diamonds, 1940s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

weight of 0.60 ct. Total weight of diamonds: 1.00 ct. Origin: Western Europe, 1930s-1940s. Very good

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Gold bombe ring with 1.00 ct old-cut diamonds, 1940s.

$3,590

Late Deco 0.81 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: M 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.81 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$5,184

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: I 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s

$3,045

Late Deco 0.74 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: N

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.74 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$4,855

1940s Gold and Diamond Omega Watch

By Omega

Located in Poitiers, FR

Woman watch in 18 carat yellow gold and platinum, eagle and dog heads hallmarks. Rectangular in

Category

Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches

Materials

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

1940s Gold and Diamond Omega Watch

$7,539

Late Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

. It s a hand cut diamond, supported on either shoulder by horizontally set baguette diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$10,945

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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.