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14K White Gold Black and White Diamond Hamsa Pendant #20751
Located in Washington Depot, CT
mix and black and white diamonds. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. (white: .30 ct., black
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .80 Carat
Located in Washington Depot, CT
each feature one round brilliant cut diamond (.40 ct.) set in a yellow gold six-prong setting. Screw
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Delicate Baguette Bangle Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, and delicate styles. 8 Round Diamonds = 0.24 ct 40 Baguette Diamonds = 1.18 ct 18KW = 9.70 g
Category

2010s American Bangles

Materials

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

Vintage Retro Platinum Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Diamond: Approximately .40 ct Color: H Clarity: VS2-SI1 Emerald: Approximately .40 cts Weight: 2.8
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Gold, Platinum, Colored Diamond and Gem-Set Stick-Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
One marquise-cut yellow diamond ap. .40 ct., 51 old European, single & rose-cut diamonds ap. 1.15
Category

Vintage 1980s British Retro Brooches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
condition. Item #R1997 Metal: Platinum Weight: 3.9 Grams  Size: 5 1/2 Center Diamond: Approximately .40
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Citrine and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: Metal: 18K yellow gold Gemstone: Citrine = 40 ct. Gemstone: Diamonds totaling 0.45 ct., H-I / VS-2 Circa
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Platinum Filigree Diamond and Sapphire Ring Size 7.5 #19532
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamond weight: .40 ct. - .50 ct. Diamond color: H-I Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 *Stone weights are
Category

20th Century Georgian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Small Pisa Baguette Stud Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ring: 40 Round Diamonds = 0.50 ct 31 Baguette Diamonds = 0.50 ct Length: 0.50 inches / Width: 0.50
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Small Pisa Baguette Stud Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamonds = 2.10 ct 40 Baguette Diamonds = 0.60 ct Length: 0.67 inches / Width: 0.67 inches Ring: 39
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Small Square Baguette Stud Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: 40 Round Diamonds = 0.47 ct 10 Baguette Diamonds = 0.42 ct Length: 0.40 inches / Width: 0.32 inches
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate 5.51 Carat Heart Colombian Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
by sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds weighing .40 ct G color VVS1. CONDITION: Excellent METAL
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Station Necklace #18952
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
round brilliant cut diamonds set in 14K white gold. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. - .50 ct
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring Size 9.5
Located in Washington Depot, CT
one pear shaped diamond (.40 ct.) surrounded by 48 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Medium Emerald Oval Huggy Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Length: 0.70 inches / Width: 0.40 inches Ring: 40 Round Diamonds = 0.35 ct 3 Emerald Stones = 2.30 ct
Category

2010s American Stud Earrings

Materials

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

14 Karat White Gold Diamonds By The Yard Necklace #18744
By Yard
Located in Washington Depot, CT
round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K white gold. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Art Deco Platinum 2.5 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Diamond Weight: .40 CT Total Diamond Weight: 2.90 CTW Ring Size: 7.25 Ring Weight: 4.6 grams Ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Ring Size 4.25-4.5 #22822
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 - .50 ct. Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Ring Size: 4.25
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Diamond and Blue Stones Ring Size 4.25-4.5 #22822
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 - .50 ct. Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Ring Size: 4.25
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian Old Mine Fancy Pink Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
: 4.8 Grams Size: 6 1/2 Center Diamond: .40 ct Old Cushion - GIA # 2181219885 Color: Fancy Faint Pink
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Old Mine Fancy Pink Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Weight: 4.8 Grams Size: 5 Center Diamond: .40 ct Old Cushion - GIA # 2181219885 Color: Fancy Faint
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Retro 18K Yellow Gold Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Diamond: Approximately .40 ct Color: H Clarity: VS2-SI1 Weight: 14.60 Grams
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Pearl 0.68 TCW Diamond White Gold Love Birds Heart Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 12.4 Grams Stone: Pearl (4-6 mm) & Approx 0.68 TCW (0.015-0.03 ct) Diamonds Measurements
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum Aquamarine and Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
: Platinum Weight: 3.4 Grams  Size: 6 1/2 Aquamarine: Approximately 2 ct Diamonds: Approximately .40 cts
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Diamond and Natural Fancy Cut Fine Sapphire Ring Hand Made in Platinum
Located in Aspen, CO
hand made, and a size 6.5 and can be altered. The center diamond is an estimated .40 ct fine white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco earrings with diamonds and sapphires, Western Europe, circa 194
Located in Chorzów, PL
weighing 0.25 ct and 40 diamonds in an old rose cut weighing 0.15 ct. Additionally, earrings studded with
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Ruby Demantoid Harem Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gold Diamond: Approximately .40 ct Color: I Clarity: SI1 Sapphire: Approximately .20 cts Ruby
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Amazing Rainbow Color Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 18K Yellow Gold Australian Boulder Opal, 1.38 ct Opal Size...
Category

2010s American Artist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold

Art-Deco styl long Onyx Diamond Earrings 18 K Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18 k white gold onyx 0,78 ct diamonds 40 mm long 10,15 gram
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Stud Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

1860s Spanish Elizabethan Renaissance Necklace, Earrings, Ring Jewelry Set
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
which one is 36ct 4 esm: total 64,80 ct Diamonds: 40 + 25 + 14: 5,00 ct. Total silver weight 122.9grams
Category

Antique 1860s Spanish Neoclassical More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Silver, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .40 Carat Twt
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings .40 ct. twt.- These sparkling stud earrings each
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Adler Geneva Ruby Diamond set: Necklace, Earrings, Ring Bracelet
By Adler
Located in Antwerp, BE
Adler Geneva Ruby & Diamond set: Necklace,Earrings,Ring & Bracelet 17 Ct Rubies & 35 to 40 Ct
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Platinum Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Washington Depot, CT
cut diamonds set in classic platinum. Shank measures 2 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct
Category

20th Century Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Marquis Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamonds set in classic platinum. Shank measures 1 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow gold. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Push back closures. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: G (white) Diamond
Category

20th Century More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
stunning yellow gold necklace. Spring ring closure. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
brilliant cut diamonds on a classic 14K white gold necklace. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Monogram reads ""JC to BFP 5/14/60"" Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: G-H
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Push back closures. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: G Diamond clarity
Category

20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings #15527
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond clarity: VS2 Diamond color: H Size: 5.8 mm Stamped: 14K
Category

20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: G Diamond clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 5 Weight: 2.2
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Two Tone Gold and Diamond Earrings #15234
Located in Washington Depot, CT
closures. Total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: VS1-VS2 Size: 18 mm x 13 mm
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

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

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Wedding Band Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: G Diamond clarity: VS1 Ring Size: 6.25-6.5 Weight
Category

20th Century Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: I1-I2 Diamond clarity: J-L Size: 21 mm x 14 mm Weight: 0.6 dwt
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
gold. Shank measures 2 mm. Approximate total diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: J Diamond
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamond weight: .40 ct. Diamond color: H-I Diamond clarity: SI1-I1 Ring Size: 7.5 Weight: 1.6 dwt
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold

Vintage Platinum Milgrain Diamond Band Ring Size 6 #21572
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. 19mm x 7.5 mm x 4.4 mm Shank: 2.0 mm Approximate total diamond weight: .35 - .40 ct. Diamond color
Category

20th Century Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

40 Ct Colombian Emerald 35 Ct Diamond Bridal Princess Necklace Platinum Estate
Located in New York, NY
, F-G color, VS1, VS2 clarity. Platinum 120 Grams Emerald: 40 ct. Origin : Colombia Color: Deep
Category

Antique Early 1900s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Old Vintage 40 Ct Black Oval Onyx with Natural Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Shape: Round Old Cut 2: Natural Stone: Black Onyx Natural Stone Weight: 40 Ct. Clarity Grade
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Deco .40 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum 18 KT Stud
Located in Napoli, IT
Gorgeous Art Deco period Diamond studs holding .40 Ct of of old mine cut Diamonds Each Diamond is
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco .40 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Studs Earrings Plat/Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
butterflies fasteners for secure wear Set with a couple of .40 Ct TCW old mine Diamonds individually hand cut
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco .40 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum 18 KT gold Stud Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
mine cut Diamonds of .40 Ct for both excellent rating of G VVS/VS – bright white full of sparkle
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 9 mm. Pearl .40 Ct Old Diamond Screw Back 18 Kt Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
diameter – 2 old European cut diamonds totaling approx .40 Ct (G-.VVS/SI) Measures: 15 x 9 mm. (h. x w
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

5 Oval Emeralds 3 Carat 3 Ct Diamonds 18 Karat Gold 40 Grams Bangle /Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
5 Oval Emeralds total 3 Carat & 3 Ct Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold 40 Grams Bangle /Bracelet It
Category

1990s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold

Retro 10.00 Ct Aquamarine Diamond 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
color making the focal point of the ring – connected to a plain wide band .40 Ct of brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.10 Ct Cushion Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
antique cut Approx 1.10 Ct Diamond TCW with (larger .40 Ct – H/I VVS/SI) Diamonds set in a lovely rub over
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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40 Ct Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 40 ct diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 64 antique edition and 52 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a 40 ct diamond may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing 40 ct diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but LB Exclusive, Sarosi By Timeless Gems and Bulgari each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and cushion cut versions for sale. Most of our 40 ct diamond for sale are for women, but there are 29 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 40 Ct Diamond?

The price for a 40 ct diamond starts at $144 and tops out at $109,500 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,551.

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 40 Ct Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The number of diamonds in a 10-carat tennis bracelet varies. A carat rating for a tennis bracelet refers to the total weight of all of the diamonds in the piece. As a result, a bracelet may have 20, 5-carat diamonds; 10, 1-carat diamonds or another number of diamonds of a different weight. You'll find a variety of diamond tennis bracelets on 1stDibs.