Diamond Maltese Cross
2010s American Georgian Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
English Brooches
English Brooches
Italian Cuff Bracelets
Garnet, Sapphire, Diamond
Vintage 1970s Italian Brooches
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
2010s American Artisan Necklace Enhancers
Multi-gemstone, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k...
American Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 15k Gold
American Cuff Bracelets
Late 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown More Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian More Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold
20th Century Italian Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Brooches
Citrine, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Retro Brooches
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century More Objets d Art and Vertu
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Renaissance Revival Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Bangles
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold
2010s American Modern Dangle Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Etruscan Revival Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s American Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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Diamond Maltese Cross For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Diamond Maltese Cross?
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a Maltese cross symbolizes is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Some first responders wear the cross to represent their willingness to die to protect others. The cross may also represent the Sovereign Military Order of Malta or serve as a general symbol of protection. You'll find a variety of Maltese cross jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.