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18 Karat Gold Pelican Enamel Pin with Ruby Eye and Pave Diamond Fish
Located in New York, NY
Pelican in flight with green and blue enamel with a pave diamond fish present in the mouth
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

H.Ajoomal Earclips in Carved Ruby, Diamond Black Enamel in 18 Karat White Gold
By H.AJOOMAL FINE JEWELLERY
Located in Mumbai, IN
A dramatic pair of carved Ruby Ear clips With Diamonds & Black Enamel Accents. The design centers
Category

2010s Indian Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large China Girl Diamond, Ruby, Enamel 18 Karat Brooch Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
figurine with green and black enameled pants, diamond and dangle ruby jacket and black enameled shoes. The
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

19th Century Antique French Enamel Rubies Diamonds Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Madrid, ES
black enamel. The bangle bracelet it´s composed of 4 articulated pieces. This antique bangle bracelet
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Black Gold Ring with Black Diamonds in Sky Blue Enamel
By Nikos Koulis
Located in Athens, Attic
diamonds, a triangle white diamond in combination with rubies and black diamonds, creating the snake's form
Category

2010s Greek Contemporary More Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Enamel Ruby White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold White Gold Ring
By Dario Ferrara
Located in Marcianise, IT
. This Ring has 0.15 Carats of Ruby. This Ring has Black Enamel. This Ring is inspired by Art Deco. Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco More Rings

Materials

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

Frascarolo gold, diamonds and enamel panther brooch
By Frascarolo
Located in Roma, IT
A yellow gold, diamonds, ruby, red and black enamel brooch by italian Frascarolo.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Simon Harrison Coral Black Diamond Crystal And Enamel Chain Necklace
By Simon Harrison
Located in London, GB
-enamelling glistens as if just lifted from the seabed. The necklace is available in Black Diamond
Category

2010s Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Rhodium

Equisite Handmade Ruby and Black Onyx Dangle Earrings
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
Elegantly long and graceful hand wired black onyx and ruby bead earrings. The 18 kt hammered drop
Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Revival Ruby and Diamond Pin Pendant
Located in METAIRIE, LA
Diamonds ranking an F-G Color & VVS1-SI1 Clarity. Accented with Black Enameled detailing as well. This
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

ROBERTO COIN Diamond Gold Black Enamel Earrings
By Roberto Coin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are a great casual pair of brand new Roberto Coin diamond earrings. They retail for $4,800
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond

Roberto Coin 18 Karat Diamond and Enamel Scorpion Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Bradford, Ontario
collection and rendered in 18k gold with black enameling and diamonds on its head and claws to give it
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Friedrich Enamel Diamond Lady Penguin Brooch
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Charmingly designed as penguin "lady" in black and white enamel, 52 brillant-cut diamonds of 1.20
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970s Enamel Diamond Gold Terrier Dog Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat gold and enamel brooch of a terrier. He has a white enamel body, a black enamel nose
Category

Vintage 1970s English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

22.40 Carat Mozambique Ruby Drop and 3.08 Carat Diamond Baguette Cocktail Ring
Located in Mumbai, HM
This eye-catching Ruby and Diamond ring by ARAYA is designed with meticulously crafted black enamel
Category

2010s Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18kt gold earrings, Diamonds, engraved painted in miniature enamelled by hands
By Fratelli Piccini
Located in Firenze, FI
100% Made in Italy at the Fratelli Piccini atelier in Ponte Vecchio, Florence Each Fratelli Piccini jewelry piece is made meticulously by hand, therefore slight natural variations i...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold...

AnaKatarina Elements Earth Pendant in 18k Gold, Malachite, Ruby, and Diamond
By AnaKatarina
Located in Dedham, MA
18k Yellow Gold, Malachite, .008ct Ruby, .031ct Diamonds, Black Enamel, and 18" Paper Clip Chain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Malachite, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

1970s 18ct Gold, Diamond Ruby Jaguar Bangle
Located in Malahide, IE
bangle adorned with ruby eyes, diamond snout and black enamel spots - ROAR! The contrast between the
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

AnaKatarina 18k Gold, Ruby, Diamond Bee Stud Earrings
By AnaKatarina
Located in Dedham, MA
18k Yellow Gold, 018ct Rubies, .062ct Diamonds, and Black Enamel Designer’s Note The Four
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Enamel, Rubi and Diamond Eagle Brooch
Located in SEVILLA, ES
Eagle brooch made in 18 k yellow gold with black and white enamel. The eye is a ruby ​​and has two
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond

5.30 Carat Diamond, Ruby, Pearl Gold Tassel Necklace
Located in Calabasas, CA
composed of alternating pearls, ruby beads and gold cylindrical sections covered with black enamel. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

14k White Gold 1.10ct Four Peaks Amethyst, Diamond and Enamel Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
weighing 1.10cts. The band is then accented with diamonds (0.18cttw) and rubies and painted with stark
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Dimos 18k White Gold Rubies Cross
Located in Athens, GR
cuts of stones. The outer frame host black enamel and the bezel is set with four 0.07 carats brilliant
Category

2010s Greek Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, White Gold, Enamel

Manjrie Ruby Pearl Coral Sapphire Diamond Garnet Gold Artisan Hook Earrings
By Manjrie
Located in Singapore, Singapore
Sapphire Diamond Turquoise Gold Artisan Enamel Bracelet". For details checkout the picture in slider and
Category

2010s Indian Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Crystal, Diamond, Garnet, Black Pearl, Ruby, Other, 18k Gold

Enamel Dragon Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold flexible dragon spiral cuff bracelet. Body is enameled in green, white and black
Category

1990s Clamper Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

French Enamel Multi Gem Locket
Located in New York, NY
French Heart & Anchor Shaped Locket Featuring Rubies, Diamonds & Sapphires. Reverse Features Black
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold

Glitter Glam Sterling Silver Enameled Round Hoops
By Alison Nagasue AKN Design
Located in Rutherford, NJ
, May Emerald, June Black Pearl, July Ruby, August Peridot, September Blue Sapphire, October Opal
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Russian Antique Brooch Mandoline or Domra with Enamel, 1910s
Located in Antwerp, BE
draping strap over to the body embellished with a diamond rim and blue enamelled inlay frills. Besides the
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Gold

Roberto Coin Zebra collection bangle. Two Tone 18k yellow white gold enamel
By Roberto Coin
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Striking Designer Robert Coin Diamond and Black Enamel Zebra collection bangle. Hand crafted in 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bangles

Materials

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

Roberto Coin Zebra collection Earrings Two Tone 18k Yellow White gold enamel
By Roberto Coin
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Striking Designer Robert Coin Diamond and Black Enamel Zebra collection Earrings. Hand crafted in 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Antique Garnet and Diamond Snake Pendant Brooch, 1830s
Located in Antwerp, BE
cut diamonds and with a total of 86 rose cut diamonds set in foil. While the ruby-eyed snake wraps
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Rose G...

Venyx 18 Karat Gold Diamond Sapphire Colored Stone Rainbow Tiger Ray Ring
By Venyx World
Located in London, GB
delivery time of 4-6 weeks) 18k Yellow Gold approx. 9.88gr, Black Rhodium, 18 Diamonds 0.06ct, 1 Pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

ROBERTO COIN Diamond Gold Cobra Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
like a snake. It has (literally) hundreds of diamonds, plus black enamel and white gold, plus the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rare Art Deco tutti frutti brooch
Located in Kortrijk, BE
four engraved ruby leaves. The diamond flower pot is decorated with black enamel. Mounted in platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Victorian agate cameo pendant in 18k gold
Located in PARIS, FR
cut diamonds, as well as eight rubies (including a red stone) frame the cameo on a curved black enamel
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

The Toff Bulldog Pin by Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York , NY
Churchillian British Bulldog with enameled wing collar, black bow tie and diamond monocle, ruby eyes.
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Renaissance Gold Marriage Ring with Table-Cut Rock Crystal
Located in Chicago, IL
black enamel Weight 4.09 g; circumference: 54.82 mm.; US size US 7 1/4; UK size 0 1/2 The gold hoop
Category

Antique 16th Century European Renaissance Solitaire Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold

Diamond, Ruby and Black Enamel Tiger Pin Brooch Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By E. Wolfe Company
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond, ruby and black enamel tiger pin brooch set in 18k yellow and white gold. This
Category

2010s British Modern Brooches

Materials

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

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby and Black Enamel Snake Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a snake with black enamel diamonds and rubies eyes. Size 7 Weight: 18,30gr.
Category

20th Century Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat White Gold Diamond, Ruby and Black Enamel Cigar Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: round brilliant cut = 1.06cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Cartier Panther 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Enamel Choker Necklace Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sides of a stylized belt buckle. The heads are accented with diamonds, rubies and black enamel. The
Category

Vintage 1960s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Double Headed Tiger Hinged Bangle in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond, ruby and black enamel double headed tiger bangle set in 18k yellow gold
Category

2010s British Modern Bangles

Materials

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

Cartier Panther Gold Buckle Choker Necklace Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sliding panther heads on the sides of a stylized belt buckle. The heads are accented with diamonds, rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Panther Gold Buckle Choker Necklace Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sliding panther heads on the sides of a stylized belt buckle. The heads are accented with diamonds, rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Frascarolo Black Enamel, Diamond and Ruby Jaguar Pendant Brooch
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Frascarolo Jaguar Pendant and Brooch in black enamel on 18k gold, with lapis lazuli and diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Cartier Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Black Enamel
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier ring with rubies, diamonds and black enamel 12.7 g 22.7 x 22 x 11 4.3 x 8.6 mm
Category

1990s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Pinstripe Strength Burma Ruby Octagon Diamond and Black Enamel Band Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
diamonds and black enamel. With its bold and sturdy feel, this collection symbolizes strength and power
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Enamel

18K Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Cheetah Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
with black and white enamel detailing, set with single cut diamonds for whiskers and ruby eyes. A
Category

1990s Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond and Enamel Strawberry Bracelet
By Moira
Located in London, GB
A Moira strawberry bracelet, with alternating black enamel outlined plaques, with ruby and diamond
Category

2010s British Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

18K Frascarolo Modele Depose Enamel, Diamond and Ruby Bracelet
By Frascarolo
Located in Kingston, NY
with round brilliant cut diamonds, pear shaped rubies and white and black enamel. It measures 7.25"L
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Enamel

Vintage 1980s Marina B Aquamarine, Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Earrings
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with black enamel over 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Aquamarines, Sugarloaf Rubies
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Gold Enamel Ruby Diamond Leopard Head Bracelet
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow and white gold, enamel, ruby and diamond bracelet. The yellow gold bracelet
Category

Vintage 1970s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Cartier Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Ying Yang Charm
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique 18k white gold Cartier diamond and ruby charm. The charm comprises of the iconic yin yang
Category

Early 2000s Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Asprey Gold Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Woodpecker Brooch
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Mayfair, London, London
with blue, green, black and red enamel. The eyes have a cabochon cut ruby and round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Black Enamel Ruby Diamond Platinum Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Platinum ring with black enamel separating natural bright red Rubies and old mine brilliant cut
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

David Webb Gold Pegasus Black Enamel Ruby Eyes Diamond Pin Pendant Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
1970s, presenting 2.4 cts of brilliant-cut diamonds, black enamel ornaments, and ruby eyes, on 18kt
Category

20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel

White Black Diamond Ruby Chalcedony Enamel Yellow Gold Lever-Back "Owl" Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
of White Modern Round Cut Diamonds. These Earrings have 0.04 Carats of Black Modern Round Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow...

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Diamond Ruby And Black Enamel For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact diamond ruby and black enamel you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Enamel, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. You’re likely to find the perfect diamond ruby and black enamel 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. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic diamond ruby and black enamel over the years, but those made by Goshwara, Cartier and David Webb are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also hexagon cut cut and octagon cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our diamond ruby and black enamel for sale are for women, but there are 4 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Diamond Ruby And Black Enamel?

Prices for a diamond ruby and black enamel can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $700 and can go as high as $48,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,630.

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.