Skip to main content

30 Carat Yellow Diamond

to
20
92
9
79
35
27
11
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
3
2
2
1
Sort By
18K 2-Tone Bracelet with 2.75 Carat of F VVS1 Brilliant Cut Diamonds and .30 Ct
By Harry Roa
Located in Sarasota, FL
Nautical Bracelet in 18k 2 tone with 2.75 carats of F VVS1 brilliant cut diamonds and .30 carat
Category

2010s American Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...

Laura Munder Mandarin Garnet Yellow Sapphire Yellow Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Munder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
sapphire leaves 19.09 carats total weight and (9) yellow diamonds .30 carats total weight. Posts fold down
Category

Early 2000s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Ye...

30 pointer .75 TCW Natural Diamond Princess Cut Halo Dainty Stud Earrings
Located in Jersey City, NJ
.60 Princess cut .15 round diamond Color G/H Quality VS1 Set in 14k white gold Gemstone: Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Lever Back Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New Orleans, LA
feature the following stones: 2 Fancy yellow diamonds = Pear shape, .96 carats total weight 30 Fancy
Category

2010s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

Ico the Bird Fine Jewelry 17.35 carat Amethyst Rose Cut Diamond Gold Earring
By Ico the Bird Fine Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
carats Rose Cut Diamonds 22k Yellow Gold
Category

2010s Indian Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 22k Gold

Seidengang .30 Carat Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Pin Pendant Necklace
By SeidenGang
Located in Stamford, CT
cabochon ruby, approx. .10cts 14 round diamonds, G VS approx. .20cts 18k yellow gold Stamped: 18k Hallmark
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

30 Carat Cabochon Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring Large size Colombian cabochon approximately 30 Carat Emerald and Diamond
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Peter Suchy .30 Carat Diamond Freshwater Pearl Yellow Gold Dangle Drop Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Tear drop shaped freshwater pearl and diamond dangle drop earrings in 14k yellow gold. Designed and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Emerald, Diamond Princess Yellow White Gold Stacking Band Rings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald, .30 carats Diamonds, .13 carats each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Old European Cut .30 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Old European Cut .30 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Size 6.25 Metal: 14k
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful vintage necklace featuring an old miner cut diamond weighing approximately .30cts, G
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Diamond Cross Necklace in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Gold Chain
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
eleven round brilliant diamonds set on this cross and a total diamond weight of .33 carat. The diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

.30 Carat Diamond Two Color Gold Rose Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
18k rose and yellow gold brooch featuring 8 single cut diamonds weighing approximately .30cts total
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

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

1940s Retro 30 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
luxurious, textured 18 karat yellow gold links delicately embrace 30 carats of soothing, rich, royal purple
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sunita Nahata 30 Carat Green Amethyst and Diamond Earring in 18Karat Yellow Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
amethyst, diamond and semi-precious gemstones earring in 18K yellow gold. Amethyst: 30.010 carat baguette
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA 30 Carat Fancy Yellow Radiant and White Diamond Ring in Platinum and 18K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely mind blowing 30.91 ct. fancy yellow VS2 radiant diamond with two good quality, white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Magnificent 30 Carat Diamond Ear Pendants, Signed David Webb
By David Webb
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
gold and appointed with an impressive 30 carats of round brilliant diamonds. The double link design is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified .30 Carat Sapphire Diamond Pearl Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond, pearl and sapphire butterfly pendant necklace. GIA certified natural no heat blue sapphire
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...

14 Karat Gold, 1 Carat Sapphire and .30 Carat Diamond Navette Statement Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 14 karat yellow gold, sapphire an diamond navette statement ring. This ring features a prong set
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Natural Diamonds Adjustable Ring 18 Karat Accordion Shank
Located in New York, NY
.30ct Round diamonds ring Adjustable wear Size 6-7. G- color Vs-2 clarity 5.6mm wide 5.7
Category

2010s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

30 Carat Kunzite and Diamond Ring Converts To A Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
ginormous, 30 carat blush pink Kunzite, this heirloom was custom made by a master jeweler for an Encino
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Delightful Antique 30 Carats Sapphires Diamond silver gold Bow Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This delightful antique 18k yellow gold and silver bow tie pin with original box features 41
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Natural Diamonds Intertwined Yin Yang Ring 14 Karat Vintage Update
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Intertwined Classic Yin-Yang Ring .30ct Natural Round diamonds ring. Diamonds: Vs-2
Category

20th Century American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine 30 ct. Kunzite, Diamond and 18K yellow Gold Large Vintage Ring, c. 1960.
Located in Aspen, CO
Fine Kunzite, diamond and 18K yellow gold large vintage ring. This fancy cut natural "bubble-gum
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1987 American Eagle $5 Coin Ring, 14k and 22k Yellow Gold Diamond Halo .30 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
(yellow and white) & 22k Gold (coin) Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: SI2 - I1 Color: I
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, 22k Gold

1980s 18K Gold Collar Necklace with 13 Carats of Diamonds and 30 White Pearls
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
striking interplay of luxury materials, featuring 13 carats of round brilliant diamonds in F-G color and VS
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Retro Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

1987 American Eagle $5 Coin Ring, 14k and 22 Karat Gold Diamond Halo .30 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
(yellow and white) & 22k Gold (coin) Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: SI2 - I1 Color: I
Category

20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .30 Carat
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .30 ct. twt. These sparkling stud earrings each
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Asch Grossbardt .30 Carat Diamond Multi Gem Stone Yellow Gold Earrings
By Asch Grossbardt
Located in Stamford, CT
Asch Grossbardt multi stone inlay and diamond earrings in 14k yellow gold. Full cut round diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold .30 Carat Diamond Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
cut diamonds ranging from 1 to 2 mm. Together they total .30 Carats of Diamonds. The post of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

30 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
What a statement! This ring features a stunning 30 carat emerald cut aquamarine with diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow White Gold .30 Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings Omega Backs
Located in Eagan, MN
has 5 brilliant cut diamonds, totalling 10 diamonds equalling .30 Carats.. The stones are each 2 mm
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Circle Fine Art .30 Carat Diamond Onyx Yellow Gold Dancer Letter A Brooch
By Circle Fine Art
Located in Stamford, CT
single cut diamonds, H VS approx. .10cts 14k yellow gold Stamped: 14k CFA Hallmark: Erte 22.5 grams Top
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Set KLM 14k Yellow White Gold .30 Carat Diamond Pave Pendant Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
". The setting is both White and Yellow gold and it is on a fabulous 14k Yellow Chain made by Michael
Category

2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

14K White Yellow Gold .30 Carat 4-Stone Diamond Pendant Necklace 18"
Located in Eagan, MN
. The largest diamond is 3 mm round and all 4 diamonds total .30 carats and are all nice and bright
Category

2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Longines Panther .30 Carat Diamond 18k Gold Ladies Wristwatch
By Longines
Located in Stamford, CT
Ladies solid 18k gold Longines Quartz watch. White Roman Numeral dial with a diamond bezel of 40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Total Weight Ruby Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
: Natural Ruby Shape: Antique Cushion Carat Weight: .30 carat, total weight. Color: Reddish Pink Side Stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard .30 Carat Heart Shape Happy Diamond Gold Stud Earrings
By Chopard
Located in Stamford, CT
Chopard happy Diamond heart earrings in 18k yellow gold with floating Diamonds. Original earring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Natural Diamond Tear Drop Earrings 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Golden Tear Drop Earrings. .30cts of natural round diamonds: I-color, Si-1 clarity. 14kt
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

22 Karat American Liberty .30 Carat Diamonds Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Fine gold Coin Earrings. 22kt American Liberty Coins .30ct Natural Round diamonds H
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.30 Carat Natural Diamonds Lion Earrings 18 Karat 3D
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Lion Earrings .30ct. Round cut natural diamonds H-color Vs-2 clarity. 22.2 grams. 18kt
Category

20th Century American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ladies Concord Swiss Quartz .30 Carat Diamonds Watch
By Concord Watch
Located in New York, NY
diamonds G-color Vs-2 clarity Working Order. 14kt Three Strand Band 7.25 inch Wearable Length
Category

20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiered Circumference Beaded .30 Carat Diamond Dangle Earrings 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Handmade Beaded Diamond Earrings Flexible & High Shine Patterns .30ct Natural Round
Category

2010s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signed Lugano 30 Carat Mixed and Round Brilliant Colored Diamond Cuff Bracelet
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signed Lugano Cuff Bracelet with 30.00 carats of mixed and round brilliant cut colored diamonds in
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gol...

30 Carat Aquamarine Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring 18 Karat Gold Antique Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
We are so delighted to have this extraordinary 30 Carat antique natural Aquamarine Rose Cut Diamond
Category

20th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

JBD 14K YGold VS2 Diamond Pendant .30 Carat w 14K YG Chain 18.5
Located in Eagan, MN
. It has a diamond accent with is 4.28 mm and the Clarity is VS2 and the color is G. It is .30 carats
Category

2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Finest Quality 30 Carat Burmese Ruby and D Color Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Tustin, CA
Very opulent, ladies estate 18 karat white gold, 30 carat Burmese ruby and diamond necklace
Category

20th Century American Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Fabulous Pair of Baroque South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
) colorless diamonds, weigh approximately 1.45 carats, and thirty (30) yellow diamonds weigh approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roberto Coin Natural .30 Carat Diamond Ring Yellow Gold 18 Karat
By Roberto Coin
Located in Daytona Beach, FL
Roberto Coin Natural .30 TCW Diamond Ring Yellow Gold 18K Era: Modern Designer: Roberto Coin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

29.40 Carat Rose Cut Yellow Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Butani
Located in Hong Kong, Kowloon
. Composition: 18K Yellow Gold 70 Rose Cut Pear Yellow Diamonds: 19.33 carats 30 Rose Cut Oval Yellow Diamonds
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring 3 gold 18 carats decorated with 30 brilliant round diamonds of 0.72 carats
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Ring 3 gold (yellow, pink and white) 18 carats decorated with 30 brilliant round cut diamonds of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

12 Carat Yellow Sapphire Emerald Cut Three-Stone Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
brilliant diamonds. The center sapphire has over .30 carats of fancy yellow diamonds and VS clarity. The
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold...

Impressive Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
30 Carat Yellow Sapphire and square cut diamonds mounted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "30 Carat Yellow Diamond", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

30 Carat Yellow Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 30 carat yellow diamond you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, 14k gold and white gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 2305 vintage or 2886 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect 30 carat yellow diamond 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. Finding an appealing 30 carat yellow diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but GLEAMIRE, David Morris and Cartier 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 brilliant cut and oval cut alternatives. Most of our 30 carat yellow diamond for sale are for women, but there are 1634 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 30 Carat Yellow Diamond?

Prices for a 30 carat yellow diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $1,200,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,428.

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.  

Questions About 30 Carat Yellow Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A 1-carat yellow diamond can cost anywhere from $6,500 to $8,500 depending on its quality. At roughly $3,500 per carat, a fancy light-yellow diamond is a good buy. The next level up is fancy yellow diamonds, which cost between $4,500 and $5,000 per carat. Shop a range of yellow diamond jewelry on 1stDibs today.