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 Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.25 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s

$1,626

French 1940s 3 Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Bangle Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

antique ring, it is set on its top with large platinum claws of 3 antique brilliant-cut diamonds. The one

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s 3 Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Bangle Ring

$7,660

Late Deco 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size: M 1/2

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Late Deco 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$7,330

Vintage 1940s 40.00 Carat Baguette Cut Diamond Line Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with 58 graduating Baguette cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 40.00 Carat Baguette Cut Diamond Line Bracelet

$175,000

Vintage 1940s 9.00 Carat Diamond Flower Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with two Old European cut center Diamonds weighing a total of

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 9.00 Carat Diamond Flower Earrings

$19,250

Late Deco 3.20ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Cut Carat Weight: 3.20 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: M

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Late Deco 3.20ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$6,342

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

formed of a bridge of rose- cut diamonds set on platinum, and adorned in the center of an antique

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

$9,814

Late Deco 3.20ct Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

Dating back to the 1940s, this Late Deco aquamarine & diamond cluster ring is a real beauty. The

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 3.20ct Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s

$7,001

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Geometric

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

$9,455

Vintage 1940s Sapphire and Diamond Heart Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with channel-set Sapphires weighing a total of approximately 6.00 carats

Category

Vintage 1940s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Sapphire and Diamond Heart Earrings

$11,250

1940s Oscar Heyman Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch

By Oscar Heyman

Located in New York, NY

A 1941 yellow sapphire, ruby, and diamond brooch designed as a naturalist floral spray, the central

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

Materials

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

1940s Oscar Heyman Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch

$25,000

Late Deco 2.90ct Diamond and Emerald Target Drop Earrings, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

platinum bar leads down to a pair of leaves decorated with a further two 0.025 carat diamonds with another

Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Deco 2.90ct Diamond and Emerald Target Drop Earrings, c.1940s

$9,472

Vintage 20.50 Carat Synthetic Spinel and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

This stunning 20.50 carat synthetic spinel is framed by 0.30 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 20.50 Carat Synthetic Spinel and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1940s

$4,035

Vintage 1940s 4.00 Carat Diamond Climber Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing approximately a

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 4.00 Carat Diamond Climber Earrings

$10,300

Vintage 1940s 3.80 Carat Diamond Floral Climber Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.80

Category

Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 3.80 Carat Diamond Floral Climber Earrings

$12,600

Late Deco 0.45ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

A deep blue sapphire is flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds in this classic 1940s three stone

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Late Deco 0.45ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone, c.1940s

$3,047

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Heart Shaped Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

, round brilliant diamonds. They are G in colour and VS1 in clarity with a combined weight of 2.00 carat

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Heart Shaped Ring, circa 1940s

$4,035

0.65 Carat Three-Stone Transitional Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Colour: I Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: M

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

0.65 Carat Three-Stone Transitional Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$1,894

1940s 1, 40 Carat Diamonds Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat rose gold, owl hallmark and platinum. Incredible tank ring, it features a large

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum,...

1940s 1, 40 Carat Diamonds Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring

$9,814

Vintage 1940s South Sea Pearl and Diamond Dangle Earrings

Located in New York, NY

, and Trillion cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.00 carats. Circa 1940s 2 x 5/8 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage 1940s South Sea Pearl and Diamond Dangle Earrings

$10,100

Late Art Deco 10.75 Carat Cat’s Eye Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds set in the platinum setting. A combination of 0.25 carat of baguette-cut diamonds and 0.30 carat

Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco 10.75 Carat Cat’s Eye Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$13,590

French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Clip-on Earrings

Located in Poitiers, FR

the jewel : 10,5 g approximately. Authentic antique jewelry - French work from the 1940s. Our opinion

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Clip-on Earrings

$4,907

Vintage 1940s 0.75 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with a Round Brilliant cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.75 carat

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 0.75 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

$6,950

1940s 1.87 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning vintage 1940s 1.87 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, platinum set floral cluster

Category

Antique 1640s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s 1.87 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Ring

$10,494

Late Deco 3.00 Carat Peridot and Diamond Earrings, c.1940s

Located in London, GB

peridot gemstones. The two stones weigh 1.50 carat each and have been rub over set into platinum settings

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 3.00 Carat Peridot and Diamond Earrings, c.1940s

$5,683

1940s Tanzanite and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive vintage 1940s 18 karat white gold and platinum set, 0.98 carat diamond cocktail ring

Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, Diamond, Gold, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold

1940s Tanzanite and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring

$3,088

Vintage 1940s Retro 33.00 Carat Aquamarine Cocktail Ring with Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with a center elongated Cushion cut Aquamarine weighing approximately

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Retro 33.00 Carat Aquamarine Cocktail Ring with Diamonds

$9,250

Vintage 1940s 2.50 Carat Emerald 4.00 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18K white gold and platinum with an Oval cut Emerald weighing approximately 2.50

Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 2.50 Carat Emerald 4.00 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring

$14,650

Elegant bar golden brooch with rubies and diamonds, Spain, circa 1940s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

Beautiful golden bar brooch with elements of platinum, set with diamonds of a total weight of about

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold

Elegant bar golden brooch with rubies and diamonds, Spain, circa 1940s.

$1,184

Vintage 1940s 15.13 Carat Oval Cut Ceylon Sapphire Ring with Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum with an AGL certified, non-heat treated, Oval cut Sapphire weighing

Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 1940s 15.13 Carat Oval Cut Ceylon Sapphire Ring with Diamonds

$68,000

Late Art Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Three diamonds sparkle in this classic 1940s engagement ring. The centre diamond is 0.50 carat

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$3,637

EDR Certified 3.13ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

: Old Cushion Cut Colour: J Clarity: VS1 Certification: EDR #1712155271 Metal: Platinum Age: 1940s Size

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

EDR Certified 3.13ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s

$53,537

Vintage 2.50 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

Colour: G Clarity: VS-SI Age: 1940s Metal: Platinum Size: S

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 2.50 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band, circa 1940s

$4,694

Classical bar gold brooch with Old-European 0.80ct brilliant-cut diamonds, 1940s

Located in Chorzów, PL

Timeless elongated brooch made of 18-karat yellow gold (0.750 fineness) and platinum elements

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Classical bar gold brooch with Old-European 0.80ct brilliant-cut diamonds, 1940s

$2,633

French 1940s Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Button Design Asymmetrical Ring

Located in New York, NY

18k and platinum. Sapphire approx. 3.16 cts.; atw diamonds 1.50 ct. France Current size: 5 5/8" at

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum

French 1940s Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Button Design Asymmetrical Ring

$22,500

Circa 14K Yellow Gold and Plat 1940s Old European Diamond Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 3.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Top

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Circa 14K Yellow Gold and Plat 1940s Old European Diamond Ring

$1,500

1940s French Zircon Diamond Emerald and White Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

18 karat white gold, platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections

Category

Vintage 1940s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1940s French Zircon Diamond Emerald and White Gold Cocktail Ring

$3,363

Certified 7.10 Carat Sapphire 2.40 Carat Diamond Halo Ring c.1940s

Located in London, GB

, and the balance of the ring is comprised of platinum. This was typical of the 1940s era, as the

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Certified 7.10 Carat Sapphire 2.40 Carat Diamond Halo Ring c.1940s

$53,537

Art Deco gold ring with diamonds and emerald, circa 1930/1940s.

Located in Chorzów, PL

A unique ring made of 18-karat white gold (0.750 fineness) and platinum. The ring is decorated

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco gold ring with diamonds and emerald, circa 1930/1940s.

$4,787

French 1940s Multi Precious Stones 18 Karat Yellow Gold Painter s Palette Brooch

Located in Poitiers, FR

Brooch in 18 karat yellow and rose gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. An

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire,...

French 1940s Multi Precious Stones 18 Karat Yellow Gold Painter s Palette Brooch

$13,525

1940 s Platinum Emerald Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

jewelry from the 1940's. Size 6

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1940 s Platinum Emerald Diamond Ring

$18,000

Wide 1940 s Platinum and Diamond Bracelet

Located in Southampton, NY

This architecturally styled bracelet represents the height of forties glamour. Rows of platinum-set

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Wide 1940 s Platinum and Diamond Bracelet

$85,000

1940s Violin Key Diamond Platinum Brooch

Located in Frankfurt, DE

Exceptionally handcrafted piece made from 950/- platinum, designed as a stylised violin key or

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Violin Key Diamond Platinum Brooch

$4,800

1940s Retro Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Carmel, CA

An extraordinary diamond ring crafted circa 1940s. This beautiful piece features a .70 carat center

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Retro Diamond Platinum Ring

$10,250

1940 s Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

One 0.70 carat sapphire set in a platinum mounting and accented with 0.50 carat total of diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

1940 s Sapphire and Diamond Ring

$1,650

1940s Ruby and Diamond Platinum Brooch

Located in Yardley, PA

A spectacular ruby and diamond brooch, created circa 1940s, featuring 82 round, faceted rubies

Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1940s Ruby and Diamond Platinum Brooch

$12,500

1940s 1.58 Carat Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Frederick, MD

"·Item: 14K 1.58 Ct Diamond Engagement Ring Size 6.75 ·Era: Vintage / 1940s ·Composition

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s 1.58 Carat Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring

$4,995

Platinum and Diamond Clips, 1940s

Located in New York, NY

Each clip decorated with brilliant and single-cut diamonds, baguettes and a triangular diamond.

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum and Diamond Clips, 1940s

$11,000

1940s Retro Diamond and Platinum Ring

Located in Carmel, CA

, and 1.30 total carats of accent baguette diamonds. This piece was crafted in platinum circa 1940 and

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Retro Diamond and Platinum Ring

$25,200

1940s Diamond Platinum Gold Tassel Necklace

Located in Madrid, ES

This Necklace has a beautiful double asymmetric tassels. Made of platinum and 18 kts. Gold with

Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1940s Diamond Platinum Gold Tassel Necklace

$11,969

1940s Diamond and Platinum Filagree Ring

Located in San Francisco, CA

diamond. Milligrain finishes off the open line work. *platinum *ring size 8 *.95 ct. center

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

1940s Diamond and Platinum Filagree Ring

$6,500

1940s Diamond Platinum Starburst Ring

Located in Sydney CBD, AU

Antique Platinum Diamond Starburst Dinner ring ala 1940s cocktail parties, picture - Marilyn

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Diamond Platinum Starburst Ring

$4,400

1940s Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in New York, NY

sapphire diamond cocktail ring centering a prong set, oval sapphire cabochon measuring approx

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1940s Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

$7,800

Vintage Diamond Platinum Wedding Band 0.09 Carat, circa 1940s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Platinum partial diamond eternity band set with 6 bead set diamonds approximately 0.09 carat total

Category

Vintage 1940s American Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Platinum Wedding Band 0.09 Carat, circa 1940s

$950

Vintage Platinum Diamond Three-Row Band, circa 1940s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Antique platinum diamond band set with three rows of white & shining old European cut diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Diamond Three-Row Band, circa 1940s

$3,100

1940 s Art Deco Diamond Ring

Located in Jacksonville, FL

European cut diamond. VS1-J 0.30cttw pave` diamonds Platinum 1920’s Sizable

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940 s Art Deco Diamond Ring

$6,400

Antique Platinum, Pearl and Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1940s

Located in Bologna, IT

the 1940s. MATERIALS Platinum and a round cut diamonds RING SIZE 7 US (resizable)

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Platinum, Pearl and Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1940s

$3,291

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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.