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Georgian Emerald Diamond Pearl Ring 18 Carat, circa 1800
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
it the most highly prized of all gems.  Old cut Diamonds are known to dance by candle light. They
Category

Antique Early 1800s Unknown Georgian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage .85 Carat Colombian Emerald .60 Carat G VVS Diamond Sheer Quality Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
baguette cut diamonds totalling approx .60 Ct (G/VVS) UK size: N 3/4 US size: 7 Measures: head is 9 mm. x
Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 0.60 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18 Carat Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
colour, enclosed within a diamond set halo of 10 brilliant cut diamonds punctuated at the 3 o'clock and 9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

9 Carat Rose Gold and Silver Blue Sapphire and Emerald Cluster Ring circa 1960s
Located in Hamilton, AU
millimetres. The centre emerald cut emerald measures 4.50x3.75 millimetres. Ring Size N (Australia and UK
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Art Deco Design 18 Carat Gold Emerald and 1 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
. SIZE ; T UK, 9 1/2 US Designed with an emerald cut emerald to the centre in yellow gold bezel setting
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Emerald Bracelet 18 Carat Gold, circa 1920
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A stunning Art Deco bracelet C. 1920, featuring a fabulous front gallery with an old cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1950s Bright Green Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
in 18 carat gold, her vibrant emerald heart beats at the center of a shimmering diamond court. They
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Captivating Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Teaneck, NJ
This is a stunning emerald and diamond ring. The emerald is 10.39 carat emerald-cut emerald; rich
Category

Vintage 1980s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Vintage 1970s Certified 3.9 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
in its centre. The gemstone is cut in the classic step cut, also known as emerald cut, and shows an
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Cut Diamond White Gold Double Halo Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Columbia, MO
gold 1 carats total diamond weight 1/2 carat emerald cut center diamond - H/SI1 quality Finger size 9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Alex Kou Invisible Setting 2.5 Carat Emerald White Diamond Look Illusion Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
the ring 9 pie cut diamonds look illusion 2.5 carat emerald cut white diamond Around the central
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Necklace with 18 carat yellow gold pendant with diamonds, rubies and emerald
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Necklace with 18 carat yellow gold pendant decorated with 6 rose cut diamonds of 0.03 carats each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Round Diamond and Deep Blue Sapphire Men s Vintage Ring in 9 Carat Rose Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
with a deep blue emerald cut sapphire flanked by two smaller sapphires and round brilliant diamonds. We
Category

20th Century Australian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Round Diamond and Deep Blue Sapphire Men s Vintage Ring in 9 Carat Rose Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
with a deep blue emerald cut sapphire flanked by two smaller sapphires and round brilliant diamonds. We
Category

20th Century Australian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Carat Gold Ruby Emerald and Diamond Full Eternity Day Night Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
central band of princess cut rubies to one half and emeralds the other. There are two hinged sections with
Category

20th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Luke Stockley Art Deco 9 Carat Gold Amethyst and Diamond Panel Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
gold piece. ​Designed with an emerald cut amethyst in bezel setting with round cut diamonds surrounding
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold

14K Emerald Diamond Pendant Necklace Yellow Gold Oval Faceted Emerald
Located in Holtsville, NY
captivating oval faceted emerald and sparkling diamond accents. Crafted with precision and finesse, this
Category

2010s American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary 18 Carat White Gold Natural Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Hamilton, AU
setting holding one darling round cut emerald flanked by two glistening Old European Cut diamonds, circa
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

CARTIER Diamond and Emerald Gold Dolphin Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
small pavé-set diamond (approx 1.00 carat) dolphin. The circular-cut emerald eyes are mounted in 18k
Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

0.30 Carat Natural Pear Emerald Solid Gold Ring with 34 Microset Bright Diamonds
Located in Kiara, AU
with bright microset diamonds set in solid 9K yellow gold. The 0.30 carat natural pear cut emerald is
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, 9k Gold

Antique Edwardian Emerald Diamond Round Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Mine cut Diamonds - total carat weight 0.70ct RING SIZE 9 US MEASUREMENTS Head: 11.5 x 11.0mm - Width
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond, Emerald and Gold Dome Ring
Located in Madison area, WI
totaling approximately .30 carats; 9 cushion- and rectangular-cut emeralds A lovely style, this eye
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Lavender Jade, Emerald, Diamond and Gold Neckalce
Located in Dallas, TX
-shaped, cabochon emeralds totaling 10.50 carats. The necklace is accented with 36 round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This very beautiful band ring features approx. 1 tcw (total carat weight) of dazzling diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Colombian Muzo Mine Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
old-mine (Muzo) Emerald weighing 3.35 carats. The gem is wreathed by twelve sparkling old mine-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Emerald Foliate Brooch
Located in Danvers, MA
So elegant, this incredibly fiery old cut diamond and emerald brooch dates to the late 20’s to 1930
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 18 Karat Gold Emerald Diamond Ring, US Size 7.5
Located in Preston, Lancashire
This marquise emerald and diamond dress ring is made in 18 karat yellow gold. The central emerald
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rectangular Buff Top Onyx Vintage Men s Signet Ring in 9 Yellow Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Skillfully forged in 9 carat yellow gold, this debonair men's signet ring sports a high polish flat
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

7 Carat Diamonds and 4.60 Carat Colombian Antique Belle Époque Necklace
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
of maker. The emerald is certified Colombia, moderate Oil. The diamonds weights at least 7 carats
Category

Antique Early 1900s Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Fine Brazilian Emerald Diamond Ring with American Gem Lab Report
Located in Dallas, TX
, October 9, 2014. Treatment: Traditional, Minor, Stability - very good Two oval diamonds .65 carat total
Category

2010s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Blue Grey Spinel Contemporary Stud Style Earrings in 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Crafted in 9 carat yellow gold, these alluring contemporary stud style earrings each feature a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Spinel, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Platinum 3.65 Carat Diamond 10 Carat Sapphire Dome Ladies Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Dallas, TX
Circa 1970s Oscar Heyman platinum dome ring staring a 3.65 carats emerald cut diamond (K color SI1
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

9.5 Carat Morganite Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring
Located in Mill Valley, CA
, displaying a delightful peachy-pink hue that enchants the beholder. With an impressive emerald cut and a
Category

2010s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Kahn Illusion Emerald Shape 18 Karat Diamond Jacket Earring-Double Halo Effect
By KAHN JEWELRY
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
9 pcs of white diamond forming the shape of a 3 ct Emerald look Diamond. A total 0.82 carat/ 18
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Kahn Illusion Emerald Shape 18 Karat White Diamond Jacket Ring, 2 Way
By KAHN JEWELRY
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
18k gold , 9 pcs of white diamond forming the shape of a 3 ct Emerald Diamond. A total 1 carat/ 9
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Emerald and Diamond Claw Set Half Eternity Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
ring. Diamond Details: Cut: Modern Brilliant Cut Carat: 0.10ct total Ruby Details: Cut: Round Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

KAHN Illusion Emerald shape 18k White Diamond Jacket Earring
By KAHN JEWELRY
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
9 pcs of white diamond forming the shape of a 3 ct Emerald Diamond. A total 1.93 carat/ 18 pieces
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

14 Karat White Gold 2.61 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Gainesville, FL
, measures 4mm in width and weighs 11.7 grams. It features (9) .25ct emerald cut aquamarines and (36) .01ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.50 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
individually rubover and milgrain set, with the four diamonds at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock set slightly higher
Category

Late 20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Breathtaking 6.42 Carat GIA Cert Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
accenting baguettes and emerald cuts weighing 2.00ct. apx. T.W. of VS2-SI1 clarity and H color. This
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1920s Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
head setting. Designed with a single emerald cut blue sapphire to centre with tiny diamond to each side
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Platinum and Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
Platinum and diamond band ring, channel-set with 17 emerald-cut diamonds weighing approximately
Category

20th Century Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1970s Multistone Diamond Sapphire Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
emerald Measuring 4.1mm x 3.5mm 2 x trap cut emeralds Measuring 3.0mm x 3.1mm 9 x brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold

1.28 Carat Natural Pear Morganite Halo Microset Diamond Ring Solid Rose Gold
Located in Kiara, AU
halo of 29 micro pave set sparkling brilliant cut G colour VS clarity diamonds weighing a total of 12
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Morganite, 9k Gold

Diamond bracelet
Located in London, GB
9 carats; and 100 brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 13 carats. The
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Style Contemporary 9.00ct Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
gallery. A lovely ring with a beautiful colour. Diamond Details: Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Carat: 0.35ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Berlin: 3.16ct Gypsy Set Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Minka Jewels
Located in London, GB
, emerald-cut 3.16 carat sapphire (untreated), and tapered baguette Diamonds. Sapphires are part of the
Category

2010s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

1950s Retro Diamond Rose de France 18k White Gold Fashion Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
. Emerald Rose de France cut. Total approximate weight of the diamonds: 0.14 carat. Approximate weight of
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Magnificent TIFFANY COMPANY Aquamarine and Diamond Suite
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Exquisite platinum collar style necklace consisting of 9 emerald cut aquamarines having a total
Category

American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

In the Mood - Changeable Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Wimberley, TX
, a few old single cut diamonds - in all an estimated total diamond weight of .32 carats. The handmade
Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Company Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
exceptional platinum ring is set with an 8.00 carat square emerald-cut sapphire of an extraordinary vibrant
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Omega Yellow Gold Gem Set Free Form Bracelet Wristwatch circa 1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sapphires Sapphire Total Carat Weight: 3.50 carats Emeralds 9 Baguette Cut Emeralds Emerald
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Gay FrèRes Bracelet White GoldDiamond
By Gay Freres
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage bracelet in white gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). set with 9 brillant cut diamonds. about
Category

20th Century French Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Retro tourmaline gold ring in 18 karat yellow gold
Located in PARIS, FR
adorned with two rows of platinum set with twelve single-cut diamonds. Retro ring, circa 1950, England
Category

Vintage 1950s British Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Bunny Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in San Francisco, CA
: 3 Single Cut Diamonds Carat Weight: 0.04 carat Color: F Clarity: VS Total Diamond Carat
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Clown Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels. The pendant has 9 round-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of
Category

French Necklace Enhancers

Sugar Loaf Onyx Ring in 18 Karat White Gold, Pre-Owned Wedding Ring
Located in PARIS, FR
: 11.8 mm x 16.7 mm x 9 mm Onyx dimensions : 5.13 x 7 x 3.53 mm Estimated diamond weight : 0.44 carat
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Gold

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9 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 9 carat emerald cut diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 764 vintage or 932 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect 9 carat emerald cut 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. 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 9 carat emerald cut diamond from Luigi Ferrara, Unbranded and VR Jewels — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. An emerald cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. Most of our 9 carat emerald cut diamond for sale are for women, but there are 516 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 9 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond?

On average, a 9 carat emerald cut diamond at 1stDibs sells for $3,577, while they’re typically $110 on the low end and $1,160,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.