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Black Red Enamel Snake Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning snake ring features 0.53 carat of white round diamonds, the body is covered with
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Enamel

Orange Quartz Pink Sapphire Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold black rhodium Diamond Details: Approximately 0.50ctw of round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Quartz, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White ...

Black Jade Pearl Diamond Gold Serpent Snake Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
; suspending a Black carved Jade Serpent Snake Pendant with a Micro-set Diamond bale hand crafted in 18k white
Category

1990s Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Enamel Snake Black Red Enamel Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Enamel Snake This stunning snake ring features 0.53 carat of white round diamonds, the body is
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Enamel

14 Karat Gold and Diamond Sydney Evans Bee, Key and Snake Charm Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
white and black diamonds and the snake contains white and black diamonds. The measurements for each are
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Theo Fennell Ruby and Diamond Skull and Snake Rhodium Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, England
An extremely striking ruby and diamond skull and snake ring by Theo Fennell, set in 18k white gold
Category

2010s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Diamond Abalone Mother-of-Pearl Yellow Gold Cobra Snake Ring
Located in Miami, FL
, highlighted by approximately 3cts of black and white diamonds and ruby eyes. The ring is a size 7 and can be
Category

20th Century American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bruno Crivelli 18 Karat Rose Gold Snake Ring with Ruby, Diamond and Amethyst
Located in New York, NY
set with 3.08 carats of rubies, 1.15 carats of white diamonds, .05 carats of black diamonds, and 2.62
Category

2010s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Double Snake Head Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 3.33 ctw of round brilliant white and black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Lydia Courteille Diamond Garnet Rhodium 18k Gold Snake Bangle
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Lydia Courteille diamond and garnet black rhodium 18 karat white gold snake bangle is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Egyptian Revival Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Gold

Jona Diamond Silver Gold Coil Snake Ring
By Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
18 Karat rose gold tail and head, two brilliant cut white diamonds eyes. Size US 7.3, can be sized to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century Enamel Diamond And Gold Double Snake Brooch, Circa 1920
Located in London, GB
lover's knot, with mouths agape, the bodies decorated with red, black and white cloisonné enamel, within
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

14 Karat Rose Gold Snake like Ring with Multicolored Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k rose gold snake like ring with multi colored diamonds (white, brown and black) and yellow topaz
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Enamel Diamond Gold Double Headed Snake Bangle Bracelet
Located in London, GB
-cut and rose-cut diamonds, with semi-transparent black and white enamel, set around the whole bangle
Category

2010s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

TOLIRO 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Enamel Snake Brooch
By Toliro
Located in New York, NY
Italy TOLIRO 18K yellow gold diamond ruby green black and white enamel snake brooch with pave-set
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold

Designer Roberto Coin Diamond Enamel Snake Scale Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Striking Designer Robert Coin Diamond and Black Enamel Snake Serpent Scale Ring. Hand crafted in 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Rings

Materials

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

GUCCI 2017 Ghost Collection “Foulard GG Diamond” Red Black White Square Scarf
By Gucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
GUCCI 2017 Ghost Collection “Foulard GG Diamond” Red Black White Square Scarf Brand
Category

2010s Italian Scarves

21st Century 1.5 Carat Cushion Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Heads Ring
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century 1.5 Carat Cushion Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Heads Ring Ring in 18 Karat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium

Antique Snake Pendant 14k Gold Enamel Gemstones
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the snake is decorated with an intricate enamel pattern in black and white. Small gemstones are set
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold

Bulgari Enamel Snake Bracelet Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat gold and enamel snake bracelet watch by Bulgari. The bracelet is designed with black
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Banded Agate Snake Pendant of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
displays natural striations of black and white, while the antique diamond flower adds a luminous focal
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Contemporary 40.24 CTW Citrine Multi-Gems 14K Gold Snake Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
black rhodium snakes Gold snakes are bead set throughout with round cut sapphires Weighing approximately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Boucheron 18K White Gold 0.32 Ct Diamond Serpent Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in Southampton, PA
sleek black cord measuring 24” long, you’ll find an 18K White Gold snake pendant that measures 1.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

French Antique Enamel Gold Snake Necklace with Gem-Set Head
Located in New York, NY
with green, black and white enamel decoration and a rose diamond head with ruby eyes, in 18k. France
Category

Antique 1840s French Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

4.46ct Diamond and 1.61Ct Emerald Cocktail Watch in Platinum Circa 1953
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
quincunx shaped links. The 1950s, 9k white gold snake link bracelet secures to the reverse with a
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Open Spiral Pendant Necklace in 14k Gold with Diamonds
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
pendant there are thirty two 1.2mm (1 pt) diamonds. On one I set black and white diamonds, for a little
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Bulgari Tubogas Bracelet with Movado Diamond Watch
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bulgari Tubogas bracelet. The face is grey blue, with the white metal baton indexes accented with black
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari 18 Karat Tri-Color Gold Serpenti Tubogas Diamond Bracelet Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, 18 kt rose gold crown set with a pink cabochon-cut rubellite, black opaline dial with guilloché
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Tubogas 18k Gold Diamond Necklace Retro French Vintage Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
as a clasp. The diamonds are set in platinum to emphasize their whiteness. This necklace carries
Category

Vintage 1950s French Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1990 Audemars Piguet Cobra Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ref. 5403BA
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Dubai, AE
, the 5403BA and features a very well retained matte gold diamond dial with Black print. This version
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gucci Ouroboros Gemstone 18k Yellow Gold Kingsnake Three Band Ring Size 6
By Gucci
Located in Simpsonville, SC
. Accentuating the serpent's form, white and black diamonds are strategically set, creating a striking contrast
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald White Diamond Black Diamond Snake Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald White Diamond Black Diamond Snake Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin J DAUPHIN Bangle Arm Cuff with
Category

2010s American Egyptian Revival Bangles

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, Gold Plate, Brass

Emerald White Diamond Black Diamond Snake Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald White Diamond Black Diamond Snake Bangle Bracelet J Dauphin J DAUPHIN Bangle Arm Cuff with
Category

2010s American Egyptian Revival Bangles

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Gold Plate, Brass

Snake Bangle Bracelet Emerald White Diamond Black Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Bangle Bracelet Emerald White Diamond Black Diamond J Dauphin J DAUPHIN Bangle Arm Cuff with
Category

2010s American Egyptian Revival Bangles

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Gold Plate, Brass

Black Diamond Snake Ring Statement
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Snake Ring Statement J DAUPHIN "Unconscious" Serpens from the sea bronze ring Us
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Bronze

Vintage Emerald Diamond and Ruby Black Snake Bangle Bracelet
Located in Dallas, TX
Just one look and the craftsmanship of this snake speaks for itself. From the scale pattern in the
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Bangles

Materials

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

Jona Black Enamel White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flexible Coil Snake Ring
By Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
Jona Diamond Snake Ring, hand crafted in Italy, in 18 Karat yellow gold, designed as a serpent, the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Miiori Ruby Diamond Gold Snake Pendant Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
snake-shaped pendant set with a black, brown, and white diamond pave. Lastly, two glittering rubies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Snake Ring Black Diamond Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Black Diamond Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin J DAUPHIN " Reflection of an
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

Donald Baechler Diamond Snake (Donald Baechler prints)
By Donald Baechler
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Donald Baechler, Diamond Snake, 2007 Cooler than cool, Baechler's Diamond Snake 2007 was inspired
Category

1980s Pop Art Figurative Prints

Materials

Photogravure

Sunita Nahata Black Onyx 0.56ct. Snake Lariat Necklace in 18KWG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata Fine Design presents an exclusive and one of a kind black onyx & diamond snake scale
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

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

Black Diamond Victorian Style Snake Ring Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Victorian Style Snake Ring Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin J DAUPHIN " Reflection of
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver

Boucheron Diamond Snake Trouble 18 Karat White Gold Large Pendant Necklace
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
A Boucheron diamond snake 'Trouble' 18 karat white gold Large Pendant Necklace, circa 2005 This
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large Snake Ring Estate Diamond Black Onyx Chalcedony 18 Karat Gold 7 Serpent
Located in Torrance, CA
Large snake ring set with black onyx, white chalcedony and diamonds crafted in 18 karat white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

ART DECO 1925 Fabulous Snake Ring In Platinum And 6.47 Ctw Diamonds Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
great selection of forty-seven earth mined natural gemstones, such; white colorless diamonds, Colombian
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Snake Ring Diamond Ruby Onyx Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds and ruby features 0.80 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian Diamonds and White Gold Bracelet
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This is an antique Edwardian brilliant cut diamond snake chain bracelet. The beautiful bracelet
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Fine Jewelry Sleek Black Diamond Serpent 18 Karat White Gold Statement Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
The Victorian era brought snake jewellery into the limelight after Prince Albert proposed to Queen
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Petra Class Raw and Brilliant White Diamond Handmade Gold Pendant Necklace
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
-cut white diamond. The gemstones are set vertically in the artist's signature-finished 22k yellow gold
Category

2010s American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow ...

Jona Gold Silver Coil Snake Ring
By Jona
Located in Torino, Piedmont
18 Karat rose gold tail and head, two brilliant cut white diamonds eyes. Size US 7.3, can be sized to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Snake Choker Necklace Ruby Sapphire in Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
delivery Made to order in gold with silver chain and with white/ black diamonds, rubies, emeralds.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Sterling Silver

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Dangle Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
and Ring Available) Can be made in either Rose, Yellow or White 18 K gold. Black Diamond 450 RND 3,5
Category

2010s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tahitian Pearl 14 Karat Gold Diamond Y Necklace Baguette and Round Brilliant
Located in San Diego, CA
Tahitian Pearl 14kt White Gold Diamond Y Necklace with Baguette and Round Brilliant Diamonds Fine
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Alexis NY Diamond Emerald Enamel Serpent Necklace in 18K and Sterling
Located in New York, NY
and sheen. The diamonds on head are set in 18K white gold, pavé set with brilliant-cut diamonds and
Category

2010s American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Combined listing: Cartier Diamond Necklace, Cartier Brooche, Diamond Skull Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
beautiful round cut rubies. A white gold pavé set diamond snake then entangles itself around the skull
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Donald Baechler Starfish 1999 (Donald Baechler prints)
By Donald Baechler
Located in NEW YORK, NY
of flowers as well as numerous faux-naïf black-and-white flower paintings. Baechler is often
Category

1990s Pop Art Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Vintage Serpent Enameled 18k Reticulated Cuff Bracelet
Located in MIAMI, FL
and in the theme of a serpent. This snake is extremely well made as it shows detail at every angle
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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Black And White Diamond Snake For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact black and white diamond snake you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic black and white diamond snake over the years, but those made by Mousson Atelier, Fratelli Piccini and Mark Broumand are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any black and white diamond snake from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 19 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. 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 brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our black and white diamond snake for sale are for women, but there are 14 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Black And White Diamond Snake?

On average, a black and white diamond snake at 1stDibs sells for $7,731, while they’re typically $595 on the low end and $23,000 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.  

Questions About Black And White Diamond Snake
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    White, or colorless, diamonds are generally the most valuable diamond variety. Black diamonds are certainly more rare than white ones, but the latter is generally more expensive.