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LB Exclusive 18K Yellow and Rose Gold 0.85 Ct Diamond and Ruby Cross Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
carats of princess-cut diamonds and 1.00 carats of princess-cut rubies, set in an alternating
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond and Ruby Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
total of 0.50 carats of diamonds. The necklace weighs 3.4 grams and boasts a 15” chain and a cross
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1.81 Carat Vivid Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant in 18 Karat Gold
By Diamond Town
Located in New York, NY
This stunning cross pendant features five pear shaped rubies (total weight 1.81 carats), around a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Petite Ruby and Diamond Cross
By H H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Petite Ruby and Diamond Cross- Only ten millimeters long this beautiful piece makes a big statement
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Asymmetrical Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cross
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamonds and rubies. The cross measures 1.25 inches including the length added by the bale and 1 inch wide
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Renato Cipullo Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
By Renato Cipullo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Renato Cipullo Ruby and Diamond cross pendant set with rubies and single-cut diamonds, mounted in
Category

20th Century Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Diamond

Ruby and Diamond French Cross Pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
This ornate French cross pendant joins pearls, rubies, and diamonds to absolute perfection. Four
Category

20th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Cross-over Ring
By Marshall
Located in New York, NY
Sumptuous Asher cut Diamond - weighing approximately 1.25cts surrounded by fancy cut Rubies
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.15 carat ruby and 0.85 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold 'cross' pendant
Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Faux Ruby Diamond Bishop s Cross
Located in Culver City, CA
Ruby and diamond cross medallion, Italy, circa 1940. Comes fitted within original felt-lined
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Religious Items

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Metal

Cartier Vizantija Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Large Gold Cross Brooch Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vizantija Large Cross Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Pendant Brooch by Cartier
Category

20th Century French More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Belle Époque Antique Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Christ’s Blood shed on the Cross. The rubies are accented by two old mine cut diamonds. Estimated total
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby

18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat White Gold Cross Pendant Featuring 24 Round Rubies Totaling Exactly 0.78 Carats & 5
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and White Diamond Cross Brooch Pendant in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful ruby round and white diamond round brooch/pendant. Handmade in platinum. Good quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold cross pendant set with seventeen (17) 2mm round rubies and four (4
Category

20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic cross pendant necklace in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with rubies
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
and silver structure studded with rubies surrounded by diamonds. The silver chain is included. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant- This lovely pendant features one
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This necklace is crafted from 14K yellow gold and set with rubies and with a 0.01ct diamond stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Sapphire, Emeralds, Rubies, Diamonds, Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklalace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
surrounded by rubies and diamonds in the central part; all around, diamonds and emeralds. This pendant was
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

0.30 Ct Oval Rubies and 0.12 Ct Round Brilliant on a Suggestive 18k Gold Cross
Located in Crema, Cremona
A cross shape pendant made of 18K yellow gold with rubies and diamonds on a very suggestive
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Baroque More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Addison, TX
14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant The byzantine style cross pendant features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Byzantine Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond cross pendant. This pendant features alternating
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Rose Cut Diamonds, Ruby and Blue Enamel Cross Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring rose cut diamonds set in silver with ruby detail snake shaped animal
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Enamel

Double Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Cross Over Handmade Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Double pear shaped diamond and ruby ring crafted in platinum with micro pave diamonds on the shank
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond and Burma Rubies Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
rubies with a total carat weight of 1.32 cts that makeup this cross. These rubies glow under black light
Category

2010s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Set Gold Cross Pendant, French, Late 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
A faceted rubies and old cut diamond set gold cross pendant. French, late 18th century. Dimensions
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

.60 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Criss-Cross Gold Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond cross over band ring. 24 square cut rubies with 66 round diamonds in a 14k yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Verdura Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet with Ruby Emerald and Diamonds
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Verdure Maltese Cross Cuff with Diamonds Cabochon Rubys and emerald center with 12 round
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold

14K Rose Gold Madeira Citrine, Ruby, White and Chocolate Dia Maltese Cross Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K rose gold Diamond: 16 round brilliant cut = 0.20cttw Color: G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This necklace is crafted from 14K white gold and set with rubies and with a 0.01ct diamond stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cross Pendant Locket, circa 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
. 1860s. The cross is studded with fine old cut diamonds and it is encircled with rosecut diamonds, enamel
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

LB Exclusive 14 Karat Gold 0.01 Carat Diamond and Ruby Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
with rubies and a 0.01 ct diamond stone. Offered in brand new condition, this jewelry piece includes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Huge 18 K White Gold Cross Pendant Pavé Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Rubies weighing 5.52 ct and 108 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 1.20 ct. It measures 5.9 cm in length
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby Diamonds and Gold Cross Pendant Charm
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Elegant cross Pendant made of marquise shaped rubies and a princess cut diamond in its center
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Rare 18th century ruby and diamond cross.
Located in Aspen, CO
Very early table and rose cut diamonds and rubies are set in closed back 18K gold. This cross is
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Georgian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Alternating Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
cross design. Rubies weigh 0.34 carats total; diamonds weigh 0.08 carats total. Made in 18 karat white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Estate
Located in Miami, FL
60 twinkling Diamonds. An exquisite piece of luxury like no other! Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cross
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Renaissance Ruby Diamond Cross Pendant c1580
Located in Chicago, IL
An Exceptionally Rare Ruby, Diamond and Gold Cross Pendant Renaissance, circa 1580 The
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold 4 baguette rubies weighing .60pts. and 1 round full cut diamond weighing .09pts. on
Category

Early 2000s American Artisan Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Synthetic Ruby Diamond Cross Pendant, 10k Yellow Gold Heart Faith .64ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 10k Gold as stamped (yellow and white) Stone Information: Synthetic Ruby
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
with diamonds and rubies. The pendant will come with a silver chain plated in rose gold or a rubber
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant- This lovely cross features one marquis ruby
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k rose and white gold ruby and diamond cross, containing 15 round rubies of gem qualiey weighing
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

White Gold Ruby Diamond Cross Necklace
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a White Gold Ruby Diamond Cross Necklace. It depicts a 585 white gold chain necklace
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Azurmalachite, Ruby and Diamond Maltese Cross Brooch
By David Webb
Located in Weston, MA
surrounding a central cabochon ruby highlighted by round diamonds in a radiating design. - Approximately 2.63
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
party. Ruby use 3.05 ct, Diamond 0.05 ct G VS ,the setting made in 18k White gold. This pendant is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Georgian Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Georgian Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant. This very pretty pendant from the Georgian period
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Unknown Georgian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This necklace is crafted from 14K yellow gold and set with rubies and with a 0.01ct diamond stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Diamonds, Rubies, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Vintage cross pendant in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure studded with diamonds and intense
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Topazs, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Cross Pendant Necklace.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
silver structure mounted with central topazs surrounded by diamonds and rubies. The silver chain is
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Leon Mege Greek Orthodox Cross with Rubies and Diamonds in Platinum
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
Channel-set buffed top rubies and white diamonds adorn the bespoke Greek Orthodox Cross. 24 square
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Diamonds, Rubies, Pearl, 9 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Cross Pendant
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
handmade by Italian master goldsmiths Diamonds 0.17 ct Rubies 1.38 ct Pearl 0.10 g Total weight 4.7 g cross
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18K White Gold Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Cross Enhancer Pendant #19490
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat White Gold Multicolored Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Cross Enhancer Pendant JAGi Certified
Category

20th Century Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
" Pendant Measurements: 1" x 0.60" ​ Diamond Count: 12 ​ ​Diamond Color: H ​ ​Diamond Clarity: SI ​ ​Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring, Maltese Cross, 15 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
the centre with Rose cut diamond chips in an unusual design of a Maltese Cross with a single Ruby
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Georgios Collection 18 Karat Gold Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Cross
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
work and a beautiful mat finish. It features Diamonds total weight of 0,10 Carats, and Rubies, Emeralds
Category

2010s Greek Byzantine Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18...

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Diamond And Ruby Cross For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact diamond and ruby cross you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 32 vintage editions and 53 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a diamond and ruby cross from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing diamond and ruby cross — no matter the origin — is easy, but Georgios Collections Inc, LB Exclusive and Azza Fahmy each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and cabochon versions for sale. Finding a diamond and ruby cross for sale for women should be easy, but there are 39 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Diamond And Ruby Cross?

The price for a diamond and ruby cross starts at $175 and tops out at $92,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,699.

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 Diamond And Ruby Cross
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    While rubies, one of the most expensive gemstones, are worth about $20,000 per carat, diamonds are worth between $2,500 and $18,000 per carat. Diamonds are a bit less rare than rubies.

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