1959 Platinum

1950 Pin

Eternity Rings

Transitional Cut Diamond

Vintage 1950 Earrings

Mid Century Wedding Ring

Camilla Dietz Bergeron

Vintage Platinum And Diamond Bracelets

Midcentury Modern Diamond Ring

Category

Vintage 1950s British Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.85ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s

$18,560

Vintage 2.75ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

platinum, whilst the band is in 18 carat white gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 2.75ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s

$10,641

Vintage 35.50 Carat Sapphire Citrine and Diamond Yellow Gold Spray Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set spray brooch; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 35.50 Carat Sapphire Citrine and Diamond Yellow Gold Spray Brooch

$9,555

Vintage 4.50ct Jade and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

has been made in platinum. Gemstone: Jade Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut, Marquise Cut Carat Weight: 4.50

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Platinum

Vintage 4.50ct Jade and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1950s

$9,651

Van Cleef Arpels, France Mid-Century Gold and Diamond Flower Clip Earrings

By Van Cleef Arpels

Located in New York, NY

wire petals and diamond cluster centers, in platinum and 18k. Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, #81115

Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels, France Mid-Century Gold and Diamond Flower Clip Earrings

$38,750

Oscar Heyman Marquise Diamond Estate Ring

By Oscar Heyman

Located in Chicago, IL

bottom, adding geometric sophistication and timeless sparkle. Expertly set in platinum, this piece

Category

Vintage 1950s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Marquise Diamond Estate Ring

$62,400 Sale Price

20% Off

Colombian emerald and diamond earrings, circa 1950

Located in London, GB

1.8cm in length. Marked platinum, tested white gold, marked 'GW', indistinct maker's mark, circa 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum

Colombian emerald and diamond earrings, circa 1950

$24,059

1950s Toi et Moi 1.50 Carat Total Pear and Baguette Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Santa Monica, CA

decorate the band's sides. A platinum setting to bring brightness to the natural diamonds, with 18K white

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1950s Toi et Moi 1.50 Carat Total Pear and Baguette Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

$11,112 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage 1.60ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

entirely crafted in platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Transitional Cut Carat Weight: 1.60 Colour: H

Category

Vintage 1950s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.60ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s

$15,260

Vintage 1950s Pearl Ruby and Diamond and Yellow Gold Sword Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive pearl, 0.22 carat ruby and 0.19 carat diamond, platinum and 18 karat yellow

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1950s Pearl Ruby and Diamond and Yellow Gold Sword Brooch

$2,742

Natural Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1950.

Located in London, GB

shank. Tested platinum, circa 1950, accompanied by Gemmological Certification Services report #5775-1682

Category

Vintage 1950s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Natural Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1950.

$297,788

Art Deco Two Row Diamond Loop Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Two Row Diamond Loop Earrings Description: These refined platinum earrings feature a

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Two Row Diamond Loop Earrings

$8,500

Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring with Round and Baguette Cut Diamonds, circa 1950

Located in London, GB

geometric backholing, the split openwork shoulders joining to form a solid D-shape shank. Tested platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring with Round and Baguette Cut Diamonds, circa 1950

$37,395

Vintage 6.00 Carat Diamond and Amethyst Drop Earrings, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

entirely in platinum and have been fitted with alpha backs for comfort and extra security. Gemstone

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 6.00 Carat Diamond and Amethyst Drop Earrings, c.1950s

$122,909

Mauboussin diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1940.

By Mauboussin

Located in London, GB

shoulders which taper down to a solid ridged flat shank with C-spring. Marked platinum, signed 'MAUBOUSSIN

Category

Vintage 1950s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mauboussin diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1940.

$147,794

Vintage 1.20ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

claws hold all three stones into a platinum collet. A band of 18 carat yellow gold completes the piece

Category

Vintage 1950s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.20ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1950s

$7,341

Vintage Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, circa 1950

Located in London, GB

through to a solid shank. Marked platinum, circa 1950, accompanied by Gemological Institute of America

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, circa 1950

$65,167

Dinh Van Diamond Pyramid Ring French 18K White Gold ~5.65ctw With Papers

By Jean Dinh Van

Located in Fairfield, CT

, forming a silhouette reminiscent of a pyramid. Set in 18k white gold with platinum accents, the ring’s

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Dinh Van Diamond Pyramid Ring French 18K White Gold ~5.65ctw With Papers

$58,000

Vintage 1.70 Carat Thai Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

gold and platinum set cluster ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.70 Carat Thai Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring

$10,929

Vintage 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

clarity from VS to SI and have been set into platinum. These vintage earrings feature 18 carat yellow gold

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1950s

$16,415

Mid-Century 1.08-Carat Blue Montana Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Located in Denver, CO

bordered by fine millegrain edging. Set in platinum.

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.08-Carat Blue Montana Sapphire and Diamond Ring

$6,400

Emerald-Cut Diamond (GIA D colour, IF Clarity) Flanked Solitaire Ring, c.1950

Located in London, GB

backholing, leading to smooth shoulders and flowing through to a solid D-shape shank, Marked platinum, circa

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Emerald-Cut Diamond (GIA D colour, IF Clarity) Flanked Solitaire Ring, c.1950

$59,392

Vintage Hollywood Red Carpet 130 Carats Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds are set at varying angles in near-invisible platinum, to emphasize the

Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hollywood Red Carpet 130 Carats Diamond Necklace

$775,000

1950s Vintage 3-Stone Square Sapphire Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Santa Monica, CA

baguette-cut diamonds. Crafted in platinum, this refined design exudes sophistication and timeless charm

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1950s Vintage 3-Stone Square Sapphire Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

$6,000

1950s, Sapphire Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1950s, Sapphire Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

$3,093

Vintage 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

stone has been given a J in colour and SI1 in clarity and is claw set into platinum. Down each shoulder

Category

Vintage 1950s British Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s

$19,550

Natural Unenhanced Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in London, GB

finger and flanked by split shoulders flowing down to a solid ridged split shank. Marked platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Natural Unenhanced Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring

$38,632

Diamond Cluster Ring by Boucheron Paris, circa 1950s

By Boucheron

Located in London, GB

ridged shoulders to a solid tapered D-shape shank. Marked platinum, signed 'BOUCHERON PARIS', French

Category

Vintage 1950s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Cluster Ring by Boucheron Paris, circa 1950s

$45,369

Vintage 0.35 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1950s

Located in London, GB

brilliant cut, and is an excellent F colour and VS2 clarity. The diamond is set in a platinum illusion

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.35 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1950s

$1,581

Vintage French Sapphire Single Stone Ring

Located in London, GB

the sleekness of platinum accents. The band showcases a bold, sculptural form which enhances the

Category

Vintage 1950s Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage French Sapphire Single Stone Ring

$6,351

Oscar Heyman Brothers Diamond Bracelet

By Oscar Heyman

Located in London, GB

platinum, maker's mark for Oscar Heyman, numbered '81132', circa 1958, accompanied by certificate of

Category

Vintage 1950s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Oscar Heyman Brothers Diamond Bracelet

$89,089

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Halo Earrings, circa 1950s

Located in London, GB

platinum, however do not have a backs. We can supply butterfly backs in platinum. Gemstone: Ruby Stone

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Halo Earrings, circa 1950s

$4,701

HARRY WINSTON Diamond and Emerald Ear Clips

By Harry Winston

Located in New York, NY

Pear-Shaped Emeralds Suspended from Detachable Day-Night Diamond Stone on Stone Motif Approximate Emerald Weight - 4.88 CTS and 5.48 CTS Approximate Diamond Weight - 25.00 CTS

Category

Vintage 1950s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

HARRY WINSTON Diamond and Emerald Ear Clips

$600,000

5.59 Cts Unenhanced Colour Change Ceylon Sapphire Ring circa 1950

Located in London, GB

, flowing down to a solid D-shape shank. Marked platinum, circa 1950, accompanied by Gemmological

Category

Vintage 1950s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

5.59 Cts Unenhanced Colour Change Ceylon Sapphire Ring circa 1950

$48,669

Vintage Moonstone and 18 Carat White Gold Stud Earrings

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

Set in the exquisitely engraved 18ct white gold earring back are two gorgeous sugarloaf moonstones. They have a lovely blue hue and are wonderfully glossy. These studs are screw back...

Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Moonstone, Platinum

Vintage Moonstone and 18 Carat White Gold Stud Earrings

$1,168

Mid-Century 14K White Gold Diamond Pendant / Brooch

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

substantial yet gracefully balanced, making a striking statement on any attire and attached to a platinum open

Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Mid-Century 14K White Gold Diamond Pendant / Brooch

$17,000

Vintage Retro 14K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Flush Set Engagement Ring - GIA

Located in Great Neck, NY

gorgeous Retro old cut diamond flush set engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold with a platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Retro 14K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Flush Set Engagement Ring - GIA

$18,950

Vintage 1950s 3.00 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 2.25 Carat Diamonds Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum with an Oval cut Burma origin Ruby weighing

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1950s 3.00 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 2.25 Carat Diamonds Ring

$43,000

33.93 Carat Natural Cabochon Cut Emerald and 15 Carat Diamond Flower Brooch

Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL

This stunning platinum brooch features a natural cabochon cut emerald weighing 33.93 carats set in

Category

Vintage 1950s Greek Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

33.93 Carat Natural Cabochon Cut Emerald and 15 Carat Diamond Flower Brooch

$70,000

Vintage 1950s 6.21 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with an AGL certified, Ceylon origin, Oval cut

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1950s 6.21 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring

$29,000

Retro 1950s Emerald and Diamond Ring

Located in Litchfield, CT

Circa 1950s, platinum. The brilliant green emerald in this gorgeous platinum ring is complemented

Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Retro 1950s Emerald and Diamond Ring

$1,450

Natural 1.10 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Crossover Ballerina Ring

Located in London, GB

Emerald and diamond crossover ballerina ring, circa 1950. A platinum and iridium ring diagonally

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Natural 1.10 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Crossover Ballerina Ring

$35,058

Sapphire and Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, Circa 1950, English

Located in London, GB

platinum, circa 1950, accompanied by SSEF report#137485.

Category

Vintage 1950s English Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Sapphire and Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, Circa 1950, English

$74,240

Vintage 4.85 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1950s

Located in London, GB

A substantial aquamarine is claw set in a platinum collet, surrounded by a halo of round brilliant

Category

Vintage 1950s Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 4.85 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1950s

$9,321

Art Deco Style Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1950s

Located in London, GB

all made of platinum and the centre setting work is finished with a mille-grain edge. Gemstone: Ruby

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1950s

$4,701

Gorgeous Vintage Tiffany Co. Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

ruby is elegantly set in platinum, flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds weighing approximately 0.32

Category

Vintage 1950s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Gorgeous Vintage Tiffany Co. Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring

$76,000 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

rubies weigh 0.25 carat each, for a total of 1.50 carat. Each stone has been claw set into a platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring, c.1950s

$4,701

Art Deco Diamond Négligée Necklace

Located in London, GB

Fastening: Bolt Ring Tested As: Platinum Period: Circa. 1950 Box: Plain Gift Box

Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Négligée Necklace

$3,230

Cartier, Paris Diamond Clip and Emerald Bead Necklace

By Cartier

Located in Riverdale, NY

Striking Cartier, Paris Diamond Clip and Emerald Bead Necklace from the 1950's. A pair of detachable leaf form clips are the stations to which the graduated emerald beads are strung....

Category

Vintage 1950s French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Cartier, Paris Diamond Clip and Emerald Bead Necklace

$135,000

Vintage 3.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

platinum and features an unusual closed basketwork. Gemstone: Sapphire Carat Weight: 3.70 Stone Shape

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 3.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s

$14,600

Vintage 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

set into a platinum collet. Down each shoulder are two small eight cut diamonds, also set into

Category

Vintage 1950s British Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s

$1,897

Mid-Century Ruby and Diamond Bow Dress Ring

Located in London, GB

diamonds, creating a stunning contrast. The ring was crafted from a blend of 18ct gold and platinum during

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Mid-Century Ruby and Diamond Bow Dress Ring

$15,810

Art Deco 3.41 Carat GIA No Heat Burma Ruby Ring Mounted by Cartier

By Cartier

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

platinum was commissioned by a prominent San Francisco family whilst in Paris 75 years ago. A treasured

Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco 3.41 Carat GIA No Heat Burma Ruby Ring Mounted by Cartier

$150,000

Sugar loaf cabochon sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1950.

Located in London, GB

flowing through to a solid ridged shank. Tested platinum, engraved to interior '17.3.50', circa 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s English Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Sugar loaf cabochon sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1950.

$14,023

Vintage Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1950

Located in London, GB

. Tested platinum, circa 1950, accompanied by Gemmological Certification Services report #79197-91. Please

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1950

$48,669

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels necklace in white gold with emerald and ruby beads, showcasing a carved emerald pendant, the clasp enriched with diamonds. Signed and numbered V.C.A New York , cir...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Link Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Necklace

$88,000

GIA graded unheated Blue Star Sapphire, weighing 27 cts Diamond Ring, c 1950.

Located in Aspen, CO

weight is 1.50 cts. This vintage platinum ring is well made with an unusual fan like design on the shank

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum

GIA graded unheated Blue Star Sapphire, weighing 27 cts Diamond Ring, c 1950.

$9,900

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1959 Platinum For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of 1959 platinum you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of 1959 platinum from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing choice in our collection of 1959 platinum — no matter the origin — is easy, but Cartier, Van Cleef Arpels and Tiffany Co. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 baguette cut and emerald cut alternatives. When shopping for an object in our assortment of 1959 platinum, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 1959 Platinum?

The price for a piece of 1959 platinum starts at $312 and tops out at $750,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $9,728.

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.