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Omega 18k White Gold Women s Manual Wind Watch with Diamond Bezel #484
By Omega
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Omega 18k White Gold Women's Manual Wind Watch with Diamond Bezel #484 Movement #484 Movement
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Geneve Diamond and 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Bracelet Cover Watch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 14K yellow and white gold flexible bangle vintage Geneve cover watch circa 1960's. It has
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Longines Ladies Mechanical Watch
By Longines
Located in New York, NY
Vintage petite round 14k whiite gold and diamond ladies' mechanical wristwatch with silk cord
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Mathey-Tissot DeNiro 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Unisex Wide Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
Mathey-Tissot 14k White Gold and Diamond Ladies Wide Bracelet Watch. It is vintage but looks like
Category

20th Century Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Dial 14 Karat White Gold Watch, 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 14kt White Gold Mystery Dial watch with Silver Satin Dial with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold 0.50 Carat G-SI2, circa 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous 14k white gold diamond engagement ring featuring approximate 0.50ct round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

ROLEX Lady s Platinum and Diamond Bracelet Watch Circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in New York City, NY
diamonds in a fancy design, snap on case back. Dial: Silvered with applied white gold baton indexes
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Zenith Ladies White Gold Diamond manual cocktail Wristwatch
By Zenith
Located in Colmar, FR
A Lady's Swiss diamond wristwatch, the 1960's vintage cocktail watch with manual Zenith movement
Category

Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Bulgari Vacheron Constantin Yellow Gold Diamond Tubogas Serpenti Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A highly unique and signature Bulgari design, this original 1960's Tubogas is a classic as it gets
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Ladies Yellow Gold Montreux Enamel Brooch Watch
Located in Metairie, LA
Ornate Early-20th Century 18k Gold Enamel Brooch Watch This Victorian Style, hand-crafted ladies
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Boucheron Paris Braided Gold Mechanical Bracelet Wristwatch
By Boucheron
Located in Paris, FR
diamonds and round blue sapphires, hiding a yellow gold watch. Mechanical movement. French assay marks for
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cuff Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Peter Lindeman Jade Rough Cut VS Diamond Bangle Bracelet Cuff
By Peter Lindeman
Located in Shaker Heights, OH
STUNNING Peter Lindeman Handmade 14k Gold Jade Rough and Brilliant Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cuff Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Mid Century Peter Lindeman 18 Karat Gold Pearl Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Peter Lindeman
Located in Shaker Heights, OH
Impressive mid century modern Peter Lindeman 18 karat gold cultured pearl semi-baroque diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Cuff Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

1960s Diamonds White Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's watch. Rectangular case in 18 karats white gold, eagle head hallmark set with 8 diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

1960 s Rolex Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Dress Watch with Original Box, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

1960 s Gruen Vintage Ladies Cocktail Watch - 14K White Gold Diamonds
By Gruen
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1960's GRUEN Vintage Ladies Cocktail Watch - 14K White Gold & Diamonds Beautiful Design - Approx. 1.5
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

1960s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Marvin Watch
By Marvin
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's watch in 18 karat white gold. The square-shaped dial is bordered all around with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

1960 s Rolex Vintage Ladies Dress Bracelet Watch - 14K White Gold Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1960's ROLEX Vintage Ladies Dress Bracelet Watch - 14K White Gold & Diamonds Classic Vintage Design
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

1960 s Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
with a 5.0 star rating. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold & Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Hamilton Lady s White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch circa 1960s
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual-wind movement, 14k white gold case with diamond bezel and lugs, 15mm x 40mm. Silvered dial
Category

Vintage 1960s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

ROLEX 1960 s 18K White Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
ROLEX 1960's 18K White Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1960 s Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 3468 Dress Watch - White Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1960's PATEK PHILIPPE Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 3468 Dress Watch - 18K White
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Omega 18kt White Gold and Diamond Cocktail Watch
By Omega
Located in Firenze, IT
Lady's watch in 18K white gold, bezel set with diamonds, cushion dial with signed anthracite
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960 s Rolex Ladies Dress Watch with Original Tag, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Dress Watch with Original Tag, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

French 1960s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lady s Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. The case is of round shape decorated in star
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Baume Mercier 60s 18K White Gold Watch w/ Diamonds
By Baume Mercier
Located in Gresham, OR
A gorgeous 1960s Baume & Mercier 18K white gold ladies watch with diamonds surrounding the face
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage White Gold Ladies Longines Diamond Cocktail Watch
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An unusual vintage ladies' Longines cocktail dress watch. The 18K white gold bracelet and oval dial
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960 s Chopard Vintage Coral Onyx Ladies 18k Gold Watch
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
This Elegant Vintage 1960s Chopard gold ladies' watch is crafted in 18k White gold. It Features a
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Coral, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Women s Watch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Length: 6.55 inches Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 26.6 grams Year
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton Ladies White Gold Diamond Bracelet Watch, Circa 1960
By Hamilton
Located in Towson, MD
One 14-karat white gold women's Hamilton mechanical watch, set with thirty-six (36) single-cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Chopard 18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Dress Watch 5161
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Chopard 18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Dress Watch 5161 The phrase “tasteful decadence” might
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vacheron Constantin Lady s White Gold, Diamond Bracelet Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Southampton, PA
Lady's 18k White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch by Vacheron & Constantin. Manual-wind movement
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Pagy Ladies White Gold Diamond Manual Wristwatch 1960s
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies 18k White Gold & Diamond Pagy Watch - Manual winding. 18k white gold case with beautiful
Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre 1960s Lady Diamond White Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Jager LeCoultre watch is fully made in 18kt white gold. The case is square and set
Category

Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Movado White and Yellow Gold Diamond Dangling Wristwatch, circa 1960s
By Movado
Located in Birmingham, AL
is made with an 18k white gold mesh design with an 18k yellow gold rope style design on the edges
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s Piaget Diamond 18K Gold Lapis Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
18K white gold, adorned with round brilliant diamonds totaling 2.40 carats. These near-colorless
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

LeCoultre White Gold 1960s Asymmetrical Diamond Dial Mechanical Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s LeCoultre Wrist Watch, 14K White Gold Asymmetrical 2 piece case measuring 34 X 17 M.M
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Longines 1960s Lady Diamond White Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Longines
Located in London, GB
A ravishing diamonds wristwatch made by Longines. This one is made in 18t white gold. The dial is
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Piaget Diamond Lapis Dial 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
Circa Late 1960’s designer Piaget ladies watch crafted in solid 18-karat white gold. Embellished
Category

Vintage 1960s Swazi Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond-set 18ct Yellow and White Gold Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Watch Bracelet
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
white gold links. The simplistic, paired-back design of the watch face wonderfully complements the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

BUCHERER gold ladies watch with diamonds
By Bucherer
Located in Chorzów, PL
Women's gold watch by the renowned Swiss brand Bucherer with diamonds. Origin: Switzerland, 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Piaget Diamond Sapphire Lapis 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
Circa Late 1960’s designer Piaget ladies watch crafted in solid 18-karat white gold. Embellished
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex for Kutchinsky Diamond Set 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An exceptional and rare diamond set Art Deco style 18 karat white gold cocktail watch by Rolex for
Category

Vintage 1960s British Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Gold and Diamond Omega Watch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Woman watch in 18 carat yellow gold and platinum, eagle and dog heads hallmarks. Rectangular in
Category

Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Omega Diamond White Gold Unisex Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Men's or ladies Omega diamond bezel mesh band wristwatch. Vintage 1960's Omega with a diamond bezel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1950s-1960s Hamilton Diamond Ladies Watch, 14k Gold 2 Year Warranty .62 Carat
By Hamilton
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Hamilton Era: 1950s - 1960s Materials: 14k White Gold (case); Black Fabric Cord (band); Stainless Steel
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

1960s Yellow Gold Diamonds Jewel Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's wristwatch in 14 karats yellow and white gold, shell hallmark. The bracelet of the watch is
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

PATEK PHILIPPE Lady s White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic and elegant, feminine and classy ladies watch created by Patek Philippe in the 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

David Webb Mid-20th Century Diamond Gold Watch Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An American Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold and platinum watch/bracelet with diamonds by David Webb
Category

Vintage 1960s American Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Longines Diamond White Gold Unisex Wristwach
By Longines
Located in Stamford, CT
Longines Vintage 1960's round wristwatch in a solid white gold case with factory diamond dial
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

60s-70s Modernist 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Mido Watch
By Mido
Located in Birmingham, AL
This 1960s-70s Modernist wristwatch is constructed in 18k yellow gold with a bark-like textured
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Ladies Eviana White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Eviana
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ladies watch Eviana. Rond 18 carat white gold case.. Set with 16 brilliant-cut diamonds - total
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Hamilton Lady s White Gold and Diamond Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual-wind movement. 14k white gold case with diamond bezel and lugs, 16mm x 38mm. Silvered dial
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe "Backwind" White Gold Men s Watch Ref. 3569
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe "Back Wind" White Gold Men's Watch Ref. 3569 - Self-winding. 18K White gold case
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Omega Deville Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Women watch Omega Deville. Square case in 18 carat white gold, set with 32 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Cartier Diamonds Platinum White Gold Lady Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
: 29,4gr Metal: 18kt white gold and platinum Stones: 50 diamonds • Cut: Round • Total carat weight
Category

Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches

Materials

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

1960s Vintage Omega Watch Rose Gold Filled Rose Gold Dial Leather Band
By Omega
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Omega watch 1960's Rose Gold Filled 35mm Dial Rose Gold Dial. Omega Rose Gold Watch 1960's
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Rose Gold

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1960s White Gold Diamond Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1960s white gold diamond watch for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. You can easily find a 4834 antique edition and 10 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect 1960s white gold diamond watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 1960s white gold diamond watch over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and mixed cut versions for sale. Most of our 1960s white gold diamond watch for sale are for women, but there are 807 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 1960s White Gold Diamond Watch?

The price for a 1960s white gold diamond watch starts at $246 and tops out at $275,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,694.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.