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 Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Mid Century GIA 12.64 carat Ceylon sapphire diamond platinum ring

$30,000

Elegant French Platinum Diamond Vintage-Bracelet, circa 1950

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

Very elegant and smooth Vintage Diamond Bracelet in Platinum. Set with 32 larger and 120 smaller

Category

Vintage 1950s French Contemporary Retro Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Elegant French Platinum Diamond Vintage-Bracelet, circa 1950

$49,000

Vintage 1.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 0.92 carat (total) diamond and platinum cocktail ring with a

Category

Vintage 1950s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

$3,088

Diamond Platinum Two-Row Eternity Wedding Band Ring

Located in New York, NY

This elegant two-row eternity band is made in fine platinum and pave-set with an estimated 2.75

Category

Vintage 1950s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Platinum

Diamond Platinum Two-Row Eternity Wedding Band Ring

$5,250

Mid-Century 1.30 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum Vintage Halo Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Completed by grooved shank Stamped for platinum With serial number Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 4 and sizable

Category

Vintage 1950s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.30 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum Vintage Halo Ring

$2,925

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement

By Harry Winston

Located in New York, NY

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement Description: An

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement

$100,000

GIA 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid Century engagement ring showcases a beautifully proportioned old mine cut diamond whose soft warmth and antique faceting radiate a romantic, candlelit glow. Sleek baguette d...

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

$6,000

Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, Light Blue

Located in Wallkill, NY

Early lovely platinum star sapphire cabochon Diamond ring, Carats, about 13 carats - Cut, Cabochon

Category

Vintage 1950s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, Light Blue

$8,750

GIA 3.06 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

platinum, the design captures the sophisticated elegance of the 1950s—a period celebrated for its clean

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Platinum

GIA 3.06 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

$30,000

1950s French Cartier 7 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. Oval and domed, openwork, this incredible ring is claw-set

Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1950s French Cartier 7 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring

$95,753

Mid-Century Jade Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Halo Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

pierced striated gallery With geometric cathedral shoulders Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 5

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Jade, Platinum

Mid-Century Jade Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Halo Ring

$3,575

Vintage Art Deco 6.05 Carat Diamond and Platinum Bracelet Circa 1950

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1950's 6.05 carat diamond and platinum bracelet; part of

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco 6.05 Carat Diamond and Platinum Bracelet Circa 1950

$17,777

French 1950s 1.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Platinum ring. Magnificent antique solitaire in excellent condition, this engagement ring is

Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

French 1950s 1.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring

$18,073

Vintage Platinum Genuine Red Spinel And Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Perfectly crafted in vintage platinum, this stunning ring will last you a lifetime. The combination

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Genuine Red Spinel And Diamond Ring

$6,800

1950s Platinum Cocktail Ring w/ Emerald and Diamond

Located in Lexington, KY

This 1950s platinum cocktail ring features emeralds with diamonds and is absolutely beautiful. The

Category

Vintage 1950s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1950s Platinum Cocktail Ring w/ Emerald and Diamond

$2,150

Mid-Century 2.05 CTW Marquise Diamond Platinum Vintage Bow Fashion Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Flush set in a highly rendered platinum gallery with pierced floral motifs throughout Bar set and

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 2.05 CTW Marquise Diamond Platinum Vintage Bow Fashion Ring

$12,600

Estate Vintage 1950’s Platinum Large Ornate Diamond Brooch Pin 7.60cttw

Located in Winter Springs, FL

A gorgeous 1950’s brooch done in platinum and set with approximately 7.60cttw in G-I color Vs1-Si1

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Estate Vintage 1950’s Platinum Large Ornate Diamond Brooch Pin 7.60cttw

$13,500

1950s 2.92 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Watch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.96 carat diamond (total), platinum and 9

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

1950s 2.92 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Watch

$6,795

Mid-Century 0.62 CTW Diamond Platinum Ribbon Vintage Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

shoulders Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 4.5 mm and

Category

Vintage 1950s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 0.62 CTW Diamond Platinum Ribbon Vintage Band Ring

$1,850

Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

platinum Numbered with maker's mark for S. Korff & Sons Circa: 1950 Ring Size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

$2,550

Platinum Vintage Jade Ring with Ornate Open Work

Located in Hicksville, NY

Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5 grams Jade

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, Platinum

Platinum Vintage Jade Ring with Ornate Open Work

$1,500

Mid-Century 0.85 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

bright Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 8 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 5.5 mm and

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 0.85 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

$4,500

Vintage Ruby, Diamond and Platinum Crossover Ring, Circa 1950

Located in London, GB

0.43ct, mounted in platinum, circa 1950. Finger size UK H / USA 3 ¾.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Ruby, Diamond and Platinum Crossover Ring, Circa 1950

$19,218

French GIA 3.54 carat Burma no heat ruby diamond platinum ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

mid-century French jewelry. Crafted in platinum, the ring carries exceptional weight and elegance

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

French GIA 3.54 carat Burma no heat ruby diamond platinum ring

$105,000

Mid Century GIA 5.07 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid Century platinum ring showcases a breathtaking 5.07 carat diamond framed by elegant

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century GIA 5.07 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum ring

$50,000

Mid Century GIA 3.32 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid Century platinum ring showcases a 3.32 carat GIA diamond flanked by bright accent stones

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century GIA 3.32 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum ring

$27,500

Mid Century 1.67 carat platinum 3 stone double band ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

. Crafted in platinum, the ring’s substantial profile and enduring craftsmanship reflect the elegance and

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 1.67 carat platinum 3 stone double band ring

$8,500

Mid-Century 1.35 CTW Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Double Horseshoe Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Eye clean and bright - bar set Completed by grooved shank Tested as platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 4

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.35 CTW Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Double Horseshoe Ring

$3,350

David Webb Platinum Diamond Earrings 14 Carats of Brilliance

By David Webb

Located in Chicago, IL

David Webb Platinum Diamond Earrings – 14.38 Carats of Brilliance Timeless Glamour, Unmistakable

Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

David Webb Platinum Diamond Earrings 14 Carats of Brilliance

$100,000 Sale Price

20% Off

Mid-Century 4.03 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Three Stone Engagement Ring GIA

Located in Philadelphia, PA

finish Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 4 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 13.2 mm and

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 4.03 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Three Stone Engagement Ring GIA

$75,000

Mid-Century 1.36 CTW Transitional Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

approximately 0.30 carat total - G/H color with VS clarity Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 5 1/2

Category

Vintage 1950s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.36 CTW Transitional Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

$9,230

Vintage Round Brilliant Diamond Geometric Ring (Approx. 0.10-Carats), Platinum

Located in New York, NY

This vintage ring, handcrafted in platinum circa 1950, centers a sparkling round brilliant cut

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Round Brilliant Diamond Geometric Ring (Approx. 0.10-Carats), Platinum

$2,600

Retro Estate Platinum Old Cut Marquise Diamond Scalloped Engagement Ring - GIA

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Retro Estate Platinum Old Cut Marquise Diamond Scalloped Engagement Ring - GIA. This

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Retro Estate Platinum Old Cut Marquise Diamond Scalloped Engagement Ring - GIA

$25,750

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold Platinum Double Sided Cufflinks

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Stamford, CT

Solid square design Platinum cushion shape double sided Tiffany & Co cufflinks with full cut

Category

Vintage 1950s Cufflinks

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold Platinum Double Sided Cufflinks

$3,015

Vintage 5.11Ct Colombian Emerald and 3.32 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections. This magnificent, stunning, fine

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage 5.11Ct Colombian Emerald and 3.32 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

$41,114

Cartier 3.27 carat Solitaire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

shank. Tested platinum, signed 'Cartier Paris', numbered '6248', French, circa 1950, HRD report no

Category

Vintage 1950s French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier 3.27 carat Solitaire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

$288,281

Mauboussin Paris 4.24 carat old European cut diamond platinum ring

By Mauboussin

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This exceptional Mauboussin Paris platinum ring centers a dazzling 4.24 carat old European cut

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mauboussin Paris 4.24 carat old European cut diamond platinum ring

$90,000

Retro 1950-1955 Diamond and Pearl Platinum Earrings

Located in MADRID, ES

These retro-style earrings from the 1950-1955 era are crafted in platinum 950 and feature diamonds

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Retro 1950-1955 Diamond and Pearl Platinum Earrings

$2,776 Sale Price

20% Off

Platinum and White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

A striking mid-century sapphire and diamond ring finely crafted in platinum and 18K white gold. The

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

Platinum and White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring

$12,500

1950s Bvlgari Burma no heat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Necklace – SSEF Certified

Located in Roma, RM

An extraordinary and highly important Bvlgari necklace dating to the 1950s, crafted in platinum and

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1950s Bvlgari Burma no heat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Necklace – SSEF Certified

$1,000,000

Vintage 1950s Old European Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Santa Monica, CA

0.50ct old European cut center diamond, accented by six sparkling full-cut round diamonds in a platinum

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1950s Old European Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

$8,780

Mid-Century 1.41 CTW French Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

platinum Circa: 1950 Ring Size: 7 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 8.5 mm and sits 4.5 mm high Total

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.41 CTW French Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Band Ring

$4,200

Mid-Century 1.58 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 7.0 mm and sits 6.8

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.58 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

$21,550

Vintage 3.57 Carat Madagascan Sapphire 2.37 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning vintage 1950s 3.57 carat Madagascan sapphire and 2.37 carat diamond, platinum cocktail

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 3.57 Carat Madagascan Sapphire 2.37 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

$9,540

Vintage 2.28 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring, circa 1950

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1950's 2.28 carat diamond and platinum full eternity ring

Category

Vintage 1950s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 2.28 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring, circa 1950

$6,795

Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Platinum Shield Shaped Ring

Located in London, GB

A sapphire and diamond cluster shield shaped platinum ring This unusual cluster ring is set with a

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Platinum Shield Shaped Ring

$8,167

Vintage 1950’s Platinum Diamond Flower Bouquet Pin 9.40ct

Located in Boston, MA

Vintage 1950’s Platinum Diamond Flower Bouquet Pin 9.70ct - The pin contains 5 fancy kite shape

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1950’s Platinum Diamond Flower Bouquet Pin 9.40ct

$21,000

Antique and Vintage 4.74 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This stunning, fine and impressive vintage diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in platinum. The

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique and Vintage 4.74 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

$34,250

Mid-Century Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Buckle Cocktail Ring AGL

Located in Philadelphia, PA

approximately 0.94 carat total H/I color with VS2 clarity Tested as platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 6 3/4 and

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Mid-Century Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Buckle Cocktail Ring AGL

$50,400

Vintage Tiffany Co. Pocket Watch Pendant Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A rare vintage Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Revival pocket watch made in platinum and accentuated with

Category

Vintage 1950s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Tiffany Co. Pocket Watch Pendant Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry

$14,500

Vintage 22.71 Carat Pink Tourmaline and 0.32 Carat Diamond Pendant in Platinum

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

, platinum pendant; part of our pear cut jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage

Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Vintage 22.71 Carat Pink Tourmaline and 0.32 Carat Diamond Pendant in Platinum

$4,736

0.65 carat Columbian emerald and diamond platinum engagement ring.

Located in London, GB

A 0.65 carat Columbian emerald and diamond platinum engagement ring. This beautiful emerald and

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

0.65 carat Columbian emerald and diamond platinum engagement ring.

$9,609 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage Diamond Platinum Linear Drop Earrings, circa 1950 s

Located in London, GB

These stunning platinum drop earrings feature two round brilliant cut diamonds, one on the stud and

Category

Vintage 1950s British Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Platinum Linear Drop Earrings, circa 1950 s

$7,275

Vintage 2.55ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Engagement Ring, circa 1950

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1950s 2.55 carat diamond and platinum full eternity ring

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 2.55ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Engagement Ring, circa 1950

$6,795

Cartier Mid-Century 5.40 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

By Cartier

Located in Philadelphia, PA

carat total, D color with VS1 clarity Completed by high polished shank Stamped PLAT for platinum Circa

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Mid-Century 5.40 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

$310,000

Circa 1950 s Emerald and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum

Located in New York, NY

emeralds and .75 carats of round brilliant diamonds set in platinum Size 6.5

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Circa 1950 s Emerald and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum

$14,650

Mid-Century 4.12 CTW Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

Located in Philadelphia, PA

carat total Well-matched to center Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 6 1/4 and sizable

Category

Vintage 1950s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 4.12 CTW Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

$74,900

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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.