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 Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 40.00 Carat Diamond Bracelet

$105,000

Art Deco 1940s Retro Platinum 14K Rose Gold 1.2tgw Ruby and Diamond Tank Ring

Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB

An Art Deco diamond, ruby, platinum, and rose gold ring, comprising one large old European cut

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1940s Retro Platinum 14K Rose Gold 1.2tgw Ruby and Diamond Tank Ring

$2,503 Sale Price

20% Off

Late Deco 0.70ct Diamond Solitaire ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

a square platinum collet. A further three 0.01 carat diamonds have been set in platinum down each

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.70ct Diamond Solitaire ring, c.1940s

$4,365

Vintage 1940s 30.73 Carat Diamond Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with 5 GIA certified Emerald cut Diamonds at the center weighing a total

Category

Vintage 1940s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 30.73 Carat Diamond Bracelet

$135,000

1940s Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have a fabulous diamond cluster ring taken from the 1940s. At the centre of this ring's

Category

Vintage 1940s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

$11,325

Late Deco Diamond Full Eternity Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Colour: F Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: R 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Full Eternity Ring, circa 1940s

$6,012

Late Deco 1.80ct Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

This stunning Flower brooch was crafted in the 1940s and features vibrant rubies and diamonds to

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 1.80ct Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch, c.1940s

$7,344

Late Deco 0.52ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

platinum, a hallmark of the era. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Eight Cut Carat Weight: 0.52 Colour: F

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 0.52ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1940s

$2,718

Vintage 1940s 5.15 Carat Diamond Line Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with 32 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of

Category

Vintage 1940s Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 5.15 Carat Diamond Line Bracelet

$12,400

Vintage 1940s 15.00 Carat Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with Pear-Shaped and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 15.00 Carat Diamond Flower Brooch Pendant

$39,000

1940s Platinum Double Row Baguette and Transitional Round Wedding Band

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Platinum Double Row Baguette and Transitional Round Wedding Band

$1,250

Late Deco Diamond and Pink Sapphire Piglet Brooch, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

its body has been made in platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Carat Weight: 1.00 Stone Shape: Round

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond and Pink Sapphire Piglet Brooch, c.1940s

$5,189

Late Deco 0.76ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: J 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 0.76ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1940s

$2,718

1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Bridge Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

- Work from the 1940's. Our opinion : A tank diamond ring well in its period. Specialized in antique and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Bridge Tank Ring

$5,386

1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Platinium Gold Retro Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

. Our opinion : the antique jewelry of the 1940s presents architectural lines, this antique diamond ring

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Platinium Gold Retro Ring

$6,822

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Diamond Ruby Double Clips

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k rose gold and platinum with Round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold Diamond Ruby Double Clips

$10,250

Late Deco 1.01ct Diamond and Onyx Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Dating back to the 1940's is this exquisite platinum and diamond ring featuring a halo of prominent

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Late Deco 1.01ct Diamond and Onyx Ring, c.1940s

$15,237

Late Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

centre. Claw set into platinum, the central stone is flanked by two 0.05ct marquise cut diamonds, set on

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$7,165

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

platinum, whilst the shank has been made in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$1,976

1940s Retro Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

charming diamond tank ring. Specialized in antique and creation jewelry since 1975, we deliver all our

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1940s Retro Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

$2,513

Vintage 1940s 6.68 Carat Diamond Domed Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with an antique Marquise cut Diamond weighing 1.68 carat, and Round

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 6.68 Carat Diamond Domed Ring

$15,550

French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum, dog head hallmark. Magnificent tank ring, it has in the

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

$6,463

Vintage 1940s 5.50 Carat Diamond Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5.50

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 5.50 Carat Diamond Earrings

$11,300

Late Deco 4.00ct Diamond Bombé Earrings, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Crafted in France in the 1940s these Bombé style earrings are truly beautiful. Grain set diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 4.00ct Diamond Bombé Earrings, c.1940s

$10,707

Late Deco Diamond Three-Stone with Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds and all the stones have been expertly set within platinum. The gallery and shank have been made in

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Three-Stone with Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1940s

$6,506

Late Deco 2.60ct Diamond and Emerald Target Earrings, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

: Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Late Deco 2.60ct Diamond and Emerald Target Earrings, c.1940s

$6,506

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

1940s. The diamond is held by six claws within a hand made platinum collet. The tapered shoulders and

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$1,894

Late Art Deco 1.08ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

A beautiful 1.08 carat, emerald cut diamond is on display in this 1940s solitaire. Claw set in

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco 1.08ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, c.1940s

$8,442

French 1940s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Knot Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

with platinum claws. On either side of the ring, 2x2 rose-cut diamonds are set in platinum. Weight of

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Knot Ring

$4,548

Vintage 1940s Retro Aquamarine, Ruby Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.00 carats. Circa 1940s 16 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro Aquamarine, Ruby Diamond Necklace

$22,500

Late Deco 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

. The old cut sapphire is claw set into platinum and surrounded by a cluster of round brilliant diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$5,683

Late Deco 1.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

brilliant diamonds total 0.50 carat. The ring is crafted from platinum with elegant heart shaped basketwork

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Late Deco 1.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$10,295

Vintage 1940s Retro 40.00 Carat Aquamarine Brooch with Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

carats and Single cut Diamonds. Circa 1940s 1 7/8 x 1 7/8 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro 40.00 Carat Aquamarine Brooch with Diamonds

$10,500

Vintage 0.75 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: M

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.75 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$3,047

Late Deco 3.30ct Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Weight: 3.30 Colour: F Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Deco 3.30ct Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1940s

$7,165

Vintage 1940s Retro Coral and Diamonds Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum with a Coral and Single cut Diamonds weighing

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro Coral and Diamonds Ring

$3,100

Late Deco 0.45 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Colour: E Clarity: SI2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: N

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.45 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$2,718

Late Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

transitional cut diamond has a colour of G and clarity of SI1 and is set within platinum claws. Elegantly

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Late Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$3,541

Late Deco 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

clarity of VS1. Rub over set within an illusion platinum collet the diamond is flanked by two small eight

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s

$2,059

French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

- French work from the 1940s. Our opinion : A truly original setting for this tank diamond ring that will

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Tank Ring

$11,011

Claudino de Oliveira Art Deco Golden Pearl Old Cut Diamond Necklace 1940s

Located in Lisbon, PT

Claudino de Oliveira Art Deco Golden Pearl and Diamond Lavalier Necklace in Platinum, Portugal

Category

Vintage 1940s Portuguese Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Claudino de Oliveira Art Deco Golden Pearl Old Cut Diamond Necklace 1940s

$26,930

French 1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark, and platinum, dog head hallmark. Voluminous tank

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

$9,096

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold, Emerald Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with an Emerald weighing approximately 0.60 carat as

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold, Emerald Diamond Ring

$3,980

French 1940s Asymmetrical Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

; Free resize, please contact us. Authentic antique jewelry - French work from the 1940s. Our opinion

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Asymmetrical Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Ring

$4,907

Late Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Twist Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

: 0.60 Colour: I Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: L 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Twist Ring, c.1940s

$3,541

Vintage 1940s 4.50 Carat Diamond Ribbon Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 4.50

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 4.50 Carat Diamond Ribbon Earrings

$6,500

Late Deco 1.20ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

delicately claw set. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 1.20 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Late Deco 1.20ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1940s

$7,989

Plat, Star Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1940s 18.40 Carat in Sapphires

Located in Wailea, HI

Plat. Star Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet Circa 1940's 18.40 carats in Sapphires Five Cabochon Star

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Link Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Plat, Star Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1940s 18.40 Carat in Sapphires

$14,850

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold and 6.00 Carat Diamond Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k rose gold and platinum with Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamond weighing

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold and 6.00 Carat Diamond Brooch

$17,500

Vintage 2.15ct Aquamarine and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds match in quality at G in colour and VS2 in clarity. Each gem has been claw set into platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 2.15ct Aquamarine and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1940s

$5,683

1940s French Set of Diamond and Burma No Heat Ruby Necklace and Earrings

Located in New York, NY

1940's French Diamond and Ruby Necklace and Earrings Set The necklace has approximately 75ct of

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1940s French Set of Diamond and Burma No Heat Ruby Necklace and Earrings

$240,000

Late Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Earrings, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Total Age: 1940s Metal: Platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Late Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Earrings, c.1940s

$4,859

Late Art Deco 0.40ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds claw set into platinum. The centre stone weighs 0.40 carats, with the surrounding diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco 0.40ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$3,363

French 1940s Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

antique jewel - French work from the 1940's. Our opinion : An antique tank ring characteristic of its

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

$4,668

Vintage 1940s Retro Aquamarine Pendant Necklace with Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 2.00 carats. Circa 1940s Pendant: 1 1/2 x 1 3/8

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro Aquamarine Pendant Necklace with Diamonds

$33,000

34.15ct Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

This gorgeous aquamarine and diamond ring of epic proportions was exquisitely handcrafted in

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

34.15ct Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, c.1940s

$20,756

Art Deco 0.25 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This ring dates to the 1940s but has strong influences from the Victorian era. The classic and

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.25 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$1,626

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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.