Skip to main content

5 Carat Diamond Art Deco

to
495
3,099
1,867
1,366
1,429
842
5,062
777
1,108
533
438
2
26
3,106
2,105
12
92
916
814
76
43
24
18
40
22
1
3,886
1,342
21
1007
845
530
330
230
to
10
406
284
111
41
35
4,543
60
41
28
24
17
7
5
3
2
1
1
1
5,222
27
3,762
856
Sort By
Blue Sapphire and diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant and eye-catching, this Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Emerald Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Snake Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total weight: 12.45 g. (approx. total weight) Size: US 3 - 8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Ruby Emerald Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Vintage Clown Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds bead set on feet Weighing approximately 0.03 carat total - eye clean and bright Completed by jump
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Style Diamond Red Pink Ruby Cushion Shape Halo 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
the Art Deco era! The setting features center 0.58 carats old cut diamond with rich red natural rubies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Expertly hand fabricated in yellow gold in classic Art Deco style, a lively green marquise shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Openwork Jewelry Set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this stunning Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Octagonal Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Art Deco-style engagement ring combines the fiery allure of a ruby with the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Green Emerald and Black Onyx Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
A marvelous design of symmetry along with accents of vibrant color make this Art Deco inspired
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Round Diamond Ruby Fancy Cut Halo Stud 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
These Art-Deco stud earrings are completely spectacular! The vibrant color stone is specialty cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Target Pendant in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace timeless elegance with this exquisite Art Deco-style target pendant, featuring a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
constructed Art Deco style dinner ring. The gemstone is surrounded by round diamonds and French cut sapphires
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tanzanite and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
vintage inspired jewelry. Ring Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold (White Top Diamond Part
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

White Enamel 14 Karat Rose Gold Art Deco Style Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A white enamel bangle bracelet handmade in 14K rose gold & set in 1.95 carats of sparkling diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Three Stone Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
would make a lovely engagement ring. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K White Gold Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Onyx and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
combination of rich emerald green, black onyx, and sparkling diamonds captures the elegance of Art Deco style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Oval Shape Cabochon Red Garnet Diamond Art Deco Style Halo 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
of 1.70 carats that is highlighted by icy white round cut diamonds and French cut garnets trim. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal and Diamond Art Deco Style Enamel Halo Ring in 9K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
combination of opal and diamonds invokes a sense of luxury while remaining a unique representation of art deco
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Diamond Blue Sapphire Halo Set Art Deco Style Three Stone 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
superlative and utterly impressive Art Deco style dinner ring. The scintillating trio are outline by blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Square Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
18K white gold. The bold, geometric Art Deco design creates a striking contrast between the deep red
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Red Ruby Blue Sapphire Halo Set 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
and sapphire target ring, made in the style of Art Deco ring. Ring Information Style: Art Deco Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Early Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18K White Gold Antique Foliate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.52 carat - J/K color with VS2
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Fleur-De-Lis Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Size: 4 x 3, 5 x 4 mm. Number: 4 Weight: 1.17 Carat (approx.) Gemstones II Type: Diamond Shape: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Meghna Jewels Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold Art Deco Style Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
sapphire and 4.17 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A lovely Art Deco inspired half eternity band ring! The band is meticulously design with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 2.0 Carat Round 5 Stone 18 Karat White Gold Wedding Anniversary Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
embedded beautifully with 5 round-cut diamonds in prong setting. Diamonds are graded G-H Color, SI1-2
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Halo Set Diamond with Emerald Blue Sapphire 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
diamond with emerald and sapphire halo. Ring Information Style: Art Deco Weight: 4.40 g. (approx. total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco No Heat Ruby Jade Onyx Diamond Platinum Vintage Tutti Frutti Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
set old European and single cut diamonds throughout Weighing approximately 1.44 carats total - G/H
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 5.07 Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Art Deco Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1920's Art Deco filigree sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. Platinum pendant necklace
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 18K White and Yellow Gold, Blue Enamel, and Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This is a gorgeous 18k white and yellow gold ring, made in Italy in the Art Deco period. The shape
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Blue Topaz Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Pendant in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
, delicately linked by more radiant diamonds. Pendant Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Jade, Diamond and Pearl Disk Pendant
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Diamonds: 2.40 total carats. Large center diamond .80 ct. I1 clarity with J color. Eight smaller
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Oval Shape White Opal Ruby Halo and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Information Style: Art-deco Total weight: 3.50 g. (approx. total weight) Ring size: US 3-8 available Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

46.00 carat sapphire and 11.93 carat natural diamond necklace
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
carats 2 oval cuts (8mm x 6mm) - 6.00 carats Diamonds: Type: Natural Diamonds Shape & Cut: Round
Category

2010s Israeli Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Hexagon Swiss Blue Topaz Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Set 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
carat of round brilliant cut diamonds in a grain set and meticulously. Ring Information Style: Art Deco
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cushion Shape London Blue Topaz Onyx Emerald Diamond Art Deco White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
A striking and intriguing jewel, indeed. This bold and colorful Art Deco style ring highlights a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Aquamarine Diamond and Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A beautiful Art Deco style engagement ring is set with a round aquamarine and adorn with diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
, sophisticated look. With its Art Deco-inspired design, this ring is perfect for those who appreciate timeless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Shield Shape Omega Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
collection. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 18K White Gold Width: 12 mm. Length: 22 mm. Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Early Art Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Antique Bird Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a perched bird within a circular frame Bead set throughout with rose cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

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

Art Deco Single Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Channel Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring seven single cut diamonds channel set to front Weighing approximately 0.21 carat total
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 2.02 Carat Sapphire and 2.78 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive Art Deco antique sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in yellow gold with a platinum setting
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Emerald Cut Peridot Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Radiate vibrant elegance with this breathtaking Art Deco-style halo ring, where bold design meets
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Double Halo Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
understand pizazz to your lobes. The center 5 mm. weighing approx. 1.00 carat (each) emerald in this chic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Blue Topaz Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Pendant in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
, delicately linked by more radiant diamonds. Pendant Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940s 2.66 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1940s Art Deco 2.66 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
engagement ring. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 18K White Gold Total weight: 5.16 g. (approx. total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 1.16 Cart Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade Art Deco 1920s emerald cut sapphire and diamond platinum engagement ring. Set with a
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Black Starr Frost 1925 Art Deco Platinum Ring And 3.55 Ctw Sapphires Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring designed by Black, Starr & Frost. Beautiful antique ring, created in America
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Oval Shape Blue Topaz Ruby Diamond Halo Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
highlight for ladies who favor extraordinary jewels. 14K White Gold. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k 18k European .20ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Art Deco Metal Content
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Tassel Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
set with 93.19 carats blue sapphire, 3.05 carats black onyx and 2.29 carats of glittering diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.40 carat - I color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Oval Opal Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Halo 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
unusual combination of gemstones makes this ring a very special fine. Ring Information Style: Art-deco
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

London Blue Topaz Diamond and Black Onyx Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
frame. 14K White Gold. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Total weight: 6.00 g. (approx. total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Amwaj 18 Karat White Gold Choker with 5 Drops Diamonds
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Designed for mixing, matching and stacking, this contemporary classis 5 drops diamond choker
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring Art Deco Style Vintage Platinum Rare Early 20th C
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned vintage/antique Art Deco style opal and diamond cocktail ring, likely made in the early
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby Diamond Halo Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1920 s
Located in Chatham, CA
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby and Diamond halo ring - featuring a milgrain set Emerald cut lab
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "5 Carat Diamond Art Deco", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

5 Carat Diamond Art Deco For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 5 carat diamond art deco you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect 5 carat diamond art deco 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. A 5 carat diamond art deco from Diamonds Mine, Luigi Ferrara and Royaal Stones Ltd — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. 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 old european cut and oval cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 5 carat diamond art deco, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 5 Carat Diamond Art Deco?

On average, a 5 carat diamond art deco at 1stDibs sells for $6,610, while they’re typically $250 on the low end and $850,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

A Close Look at Art Deco Jewelry

Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.

The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.

However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)

While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.

Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.

A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.

Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other 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.