Skip to main content

Art Deco Old Mine Cut

to
209
2,199
2,680
1,389
619
478
4,105
806
533
379
296
6
95
3,961
295
43
165
1,410
761
96
43
10
9
10
11
2
2,726
1,609
41
2091
536
157
147
100
to
9
1
31
27
19
13
9
3,773
48
43
23
18
13
9
3
1
1
4,372
4
2,656
1,600
Sort By
1939 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum Ø 3US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Blue. Twelve Diamonds of old European cut Ø 1,75 mm / 0,025 ct each, total weight of diamonds here ca
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique French Ch. Fontana Cie Diamond Tiara Necklace Silver Upon Gold, c 1880
Located in London, GB
, alternating with knife edge drops, topped with rose-cut diamonds in arrow head shaped grain settings, with old
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold

OEC Engagement Ring (Approx. 2.00-Carats) Halo, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
lovers of vintage luxury alike. Carat Weight: Approx. 2.00-Carat Stone Cut: Old European Cut, Old Mine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

14K White Gold Diamond Lace Spray Pin Pendant
Located in Queens, NY
repair. 1 7/8" x 1 1/4" approx.; depth: 7.0mm approx.; 45 diamonds old European, old mine, single cut
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Rose Diamond Ruby Dragonfly Insect Necklace Art Nouveau 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Art Nouveau - Art Deco Rose Cut and Old MIne Cut Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18K White Gold Diamond Double C Pendant
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. Reflecting Cartier's timeless elegance and Art Deco-inspired design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1932 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS6.75 /3.8gr
Located in SE
stones bezel set. Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 4.5 mm x 2.7 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct , color
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Sapphire and diamond cluster earrings. A matching pair of earrings, each set with an oval old cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Three Color Gold Diamond Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
This ornate Art Deco era floral motif bracelet was made in Romania in the late 1920s – early 1930s
Category

Vintage 1920s Link Bracelets

Materials

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

1944 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1958 Halo Ring natural 0.7ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø9.5US/3.7gr
Located in SE
stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and
Category

Vintage 1950s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

1920 Antique Ring Rubellite Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.8 gr.
Located in SE
. Crown with stones measures 14 mm x 5 mm x 3.5 mm deep. Rubellites of old European cut. Two larger
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold

Antique German Ring natural 5ct. Star Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS7.5/ 3gr
Located in SE
. Diamonds of old european cut Ø 1.75mm / 0.025 ct each, color ca. J.K / Si,P Band is made of solid Yellow
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique German Ring natural 0.8 ctw Diamonds solid 14 Gold Ø 6.75 US / 2gr
Located in SE
Crown is 4 mm deep. Two old european cut Diamonds Ø 2 x 3.75 x 2.4 mm / 0.25 ct each + one Ø 3.5 mm x
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6 / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
natural Emerald stone emerald cut 3.25 mm x 2.75 mm / ca.0.15 ct accented two diamonds of old diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique German Ring natural 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Platinum ØUS 5.5 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, not hallmarked. Metal of crown tested solid
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique German Ring 0.4 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold Platinum US 7.75 / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
wide x 4.5 mm deep Central old European cut Diamond Ø 2.75mm x 2 mm deep / ca.0.12 ct + four rose
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Natural Pearl Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
a row of old cut diamonds on either side. The ring has beautiful engraving work on the cup of the
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

Antique European Earrings natural Emeralds solid 18K Gold / 4.51 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold

1925 Men Lord Ring 0.5ct Diamond 0.8ctw Sapphires solid 18K Gold ØUS10 / 8.3 gr
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.75 mm x
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 0.8ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.25/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
/ ca. 0.8 ct. Four natural old European cut Diamonds : two Ø 3 mm x 1.7 mm deep / ca. 0.15 ct each
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique German Ring natural 0.3ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Ø US6.5 / 1.5gr
Located in SE
set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4 mm x 1.6 mm deep / ca 0.3 ct, color ca. F,G /VS. The stone has
Category

Vintage 1910s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Saltwater Pearl Engagement Ring (Approx. 21.40-Chows), Diamond Halo, 18K Yellow
Located in New York, NY
Stone Cut: Old Mine Cut Jewelry Type: Cocktail Jewelry Style: Diamond-Halo Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring natural Tourmaline Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø5.5 /3g
Located in SE
cut Ø 4.mm / ca. 0.25ct. each. / ca. 0.5ctw total. 12 old diamond cut Diamonds : two ca. Ø2 mm
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

1940 Ring 0.1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold ØUS 5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Gold featuring natural old European diamond cut Diamond Ø 2.75 mm x 2 mm deep / ca 0.1 ct , color ca. G
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1971 Soviet Georgian Earrings 1ctw. Daimonds solid 14K Rose Gold Silver / 8.85gr
Located in SE
has 42 natural Diamond stones / or 84 Diamonds total on both , all of old Diamond cut of gradual
Category

Vintage 1970s Georgian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

1942 Finish Ring 0.35 ctw. Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Silver ØUS 9.5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Old Finish Ring with 3 old European cut Diamonds, band in solid 14K Rose Gold with White Gold / or
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Moonstone Seed Pearl Sautoir Necklace 16.5”
Located in Winter Springs, FL
approximately 1.25cttw in F-G Vs1-2 clarity original old mine cut diamonds and finished with an approximately
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1920 Anna s Ring natural 0.5 ct Ruby solid 18K Gold US6.25 / 1.35gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant Art- Deco period, engraved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with bezel set oval
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

1958 Ring Amethyst Seed Pearls 18K Yellow Gold Ø 5.25 US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1927 Men Lord Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.5/ 6g
Located in SE
color old diamond cut Ø 4mm x 2 mm deep / about 0.5ct. Two old diamond cut natural Diamonds Ø 4 mm x
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Diamond and Ruby Bead Tassle Necklace by Tiffany Co.
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and old mine cut diamonds totaling an impressive 20.32 carats with I-J-K color and VS-1 to SI-1
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique German Earrings natural 1.2 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver / 3.6 gr
Located in SE
hooks. All Diamonds are naturals of old European cut. Larger stones Ø 4.25 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca. 0.4
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, hallmarked 18K . Metal is solid 18K White Gold
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Earrings 0.2ctw Diamonds Pearls solid 18K Gold /1.5 gr
Located in SE
stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and
Category

Vintage 1950s European Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring 0.55 Diamonds solid 14K Gold 4.25US/ 2gr
Located in SE
Silver or White Gold set with 11 old diamond cut Diamonds. No hallmarks. Larger stone in the center Ø
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique German Toi et Moi Snake Ring Blue Sapphire solid 14K Gold Ø4.25 US/0.9gr
Located in SE
many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique German Ring Diamonds Sapphires solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 1.1gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930 Russian Earrings Rubies 3.3 ctw Ural Demantoid solid 14K Rose Gold / 5.4 gr
Located in SE
called horse - tail inclusions typical for Russian stones mined in Ural mountains - all of old European
Category

Vintage 1930s Russian Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1989 Soviet Union Russian Earrings Diamonds solid 14K Gold / 5.95 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1980s Russian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Diamond 1 ctw Zircone solid 18K Gold Ø 6.75US / 4.6gr
Located in SE
, period : ca.1920s -1940s. Hallmarked 18K. Crown's is 13.5 mm long x 6 mm deep. Old diamond cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold

1930 Ring natural 1.5 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique German Ring natural 0.65ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Silver Ø US6.5 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
Silver holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca 0.65 ct, color ca. G,H
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold

Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Alliance Ring natural 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø8.25US
Located in SE
Fine Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1929 Nordic Ring natural 0.8ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS7.25 / 2.95 g
Located in SE
9 natural old diamond cut Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K & maker's, Stockholm, year combination
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1946 Anna s Ring 0.21 ct Diamond solid 23K Gold Platinum Ø US 6.5 / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
Fine Ring with old European diamond cut diamond Ø 3.5 mm / ca. 0.21 ct / color ca. F,G / VVS
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum

1949 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6 / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
natural old European and rose cut Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K . Made in 1949 (combination Y8) All
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring with twisted solid 18K Gold band and Clover leaf crown decorated with natural
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Danish Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire 1.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.25/7gr
Located in SE
old European cut Diamonds. This ring originates from DK, hand-made ca. 1920s -1930s. Not hallmarked
Category

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS 8.75 / 2.56gr
Located in SE
Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut : Ø 6mm / ca. 1.25 ct , color is medium Blue , demonstrates
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1931 Nordic Ring 0.5ct. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US8.5 / 2.76gr
Located in SE
with a total of 19 Diamonds. The largest stone is an old European diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.5 mm x 2.7
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

1930 Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS8.25 /5.3gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

1918 Antique Halo Ring solid 18KGold 0.9ct Sapphire 0.8ct Diamonds Ø 6US/ 2.4gr
Located in SE
cut Diamonds in White Gold or Silver settings. Natural Sapphire of old European diamond cut Ø 5.5 mm x
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

1920 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.75 US /2 gr
Located in SE
104 years old Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 old European cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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

Art Deco Old Mine Cut For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the art deco old mine cut you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold. You can easily find a 312 antique edition and 44 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect art deco old mine cut among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Creating an art deco old mine cut has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Antinori Fine Jewels, JR Diam and RAREVER are consistently popular. See these pages for an old mine cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cushion cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. Finding an art deco old mine cut for sale for women should be easy, but there are 48 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Art Deco Old Mine Cut?

The price for an art deco old mine cut starts at $325 and tops out at $338,338 with these rings, on average, selling for $6,873.

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.