4 Carat Cushion Cut Old European Diamond
Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1890s European Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 1890s Cluster Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Cluster Rings
Emerald, Diamond
Early 20th Century Russian Edwardian Drop Earrings
Diamond
Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1890s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Bangles
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1910s French Belle Époque More Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1880s British Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Antique 1890s French Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Dangle Earrings
Pearl, Sapphire, White Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver
Diamond
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
American More Rings
Diamond
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Enamel
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4 Carat Cushion Cut Old European Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 4 Carat Cushion Cut Old European Diamond?
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.
Read More
This Absinthe-Hued Peridot Cocktail Ring Is Positively Intoxicating
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.