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Modern Diamond Gold 3-Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platiniul, dog and eagle heads hallmarks. This diamond ring is
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Diamond Earrings in 18 Carat White Gold 4 Carats of Diamonds Knot Pattern
Located in Paris, FR
. These white gold earrings are entirely set with diamonds. Eagle's head hallmark. Gross weight: 10g
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Retro diamond ring, it has the shape of a dome
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modern Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Garter Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This lovely diamond garter ring is composed of 5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 1930s Diamond and Ruby White Gold Regimental Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
head of the eagle are embellished with a total of twenty-eight pavé set Dutch cut diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold

Antique French Garnet and Diamond Bangle
Located in Litchfield, CT
stunning garnet cabochon bordered by rose-cut diamonds set in oh-so-French fleur-de-lis! Beautifully
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage French Gold Ruby Diamond Flower Stick Pin
Located in New York, NY
A vintage French gold stick pin. Flower finial set with round-cut rubies and diamonds. Eagle gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

1920s Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.50 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster style cocktail ring; part
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage French 1.76 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1.76 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1960s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Art Nouveau French 18 kt Gold Bracelet with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Gold & Platinum Stones: Natural Pearls & Natural Diamonds Stamped: French eagle head hallmark
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

French 1960s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Dressed with diamonds all over its ring, the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Ruby diamond second hand ring, its shuttle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage French 1940s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1940s French 0.72 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1940s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond

Vintage 1.84 Carat Diamond White Gold Full Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(eagle's head) This impressive diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s French 0.63 Ct Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
guarantee mark (eagle's head). This antique 1930s diamond solitaire is supplied with an independent diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Modern Diamonds with Claws 18 Karat White Gold Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Ring in diamonds, this second- hand jewel is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

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

French, 20th Century Rose Cut Diamonds Daisy Shaped Lever Back Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earrings in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful antique diamond
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

0.93 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace - Antique Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold mark (eagle's head) and the antique diamond drop necklace has been independently tested using
Category

Vintage 1920s European Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Antique 0.73ct Diamond and Ruby 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
hallmarked with the French maker's mark and the 18k gold mark (eagle's head). This diamond snake ring in
Category

Vintage 1910s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Floral Bow Brooch Circa 1950
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
this yellow gold ribbon bow brooch. Hallmark with the French Eagle (18k) and Dog (Platinum). Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

1950s Vintage French 1.20 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
one end, and is hallmarked with the French mark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This vintage diamond
Category

Vintage 1950s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Diamond and Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1980s 0.69 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Intricate Gold, Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Sword Brooches
Located in Stamford, CT
applied to the sword hilts and bodies of the brooches. The larger 4 7/8 inch sword has a diamond set eagle
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 15k Gold

French 4.10 Carat Diamond Full Eternity Band in White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(eagle's head). This full diamond eternity ring has been independently tested using state of the art
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Vintage 0.18 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with the French maker's mark and the 18k gold fineness mark (eagle's head). This fan shaped diamond
Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage French 1.38 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
the French 18k gold fineness mark (eagle's head). This stunning vintage diamond ring is supplied with
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

French 1.88 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1980s 1.88 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1980s French Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Moonstone, Ruby and Diamond Bracelet 18k c1870s France
Located in Litchfield, CT
, .75 carats total weight of ruby, and .60 carats total weight of diamonds HALLMARKS: French eagle
Category

Antique 1870s French Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

French 19th Century Rose- Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. This antique diamond ring can be worn on either
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

2.37 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold French Crossover Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
hallmarked with the French hallmark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This impressive vintage diamond crossover
Category

Vintage 1980s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Triple-Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold (≈0.90 ct/ea)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
“Eagle’s Head” hallmark Diamonds: 6 total (3 per earring), brilliant cut, approx. 0.90 ct per earring
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

New Belle Epoque Spirit Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Swirl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog head hallmark, and 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Elegant diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 6.68 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Necklace Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage French 6.68 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold and platinum set Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Solitaire Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
scintillating. The solitaire baguette cut diamond in eagle prong box setting in rose gold is perfect. The thin
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s French 1.26 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage French 1.26 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1980s 0.35 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
maker's mark and the mark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This vintage diamond solitaire engagement ring is
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Antique French 1.48 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(eagle's head). This impressive antique diamond engagement ring is supplied with an independent diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modern Toi et Moi Pear Shape Diamonds Ring, 18kt White Gold, France
Located in London, GB
: 10 brilliant cut diamonds Hallmarks: French, eagle’s head Comments: This nice Toi et Moi ring is
Category

1990s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1909 US Indian Head $5 Gold Coin Pendant Necklace, 18k Gold with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
1909 US Indian Head $5 Gold Coin Pendant Necklace - 14K Gold with Diamonds Authentic 1909 Indian
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold 1.46 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
/chakra with the combination of solitaire full-cut marquise and round diamonds in the eagle prong setting
Category

2010s Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Kt Gold 1.7 Ct Loupe Clean Diamonds Amethyst Ring with French Hallmarks
Located in Antwerp, BE
Amazing 18 Kt Gold Diamond & Amethyst Ring with French Hallmarks Looks like it is comes from a
Category

20th Century French Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

2.50ct White Diamond Ring set in 18ct Yellow Gold Eternity Band
Located in Brisbane, AU
diamonds 5 = 2.50ct of diamonds Sharp eagle claws Scolloped side profile Tapered band 18ct yellow gold
Category

2010s Australian Artisan Bridal Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

1908 Liberty Fine Gold Coin 2.00 Carat Diamonds Cuban Link Necklace Huge
Located in New York, NY
$20 1908 Liberty Fine Gold Coin & Cuban wide link Necklace Coin in B- condition. Flying eagle on
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

18 Karat White Gold 2.51 Carat Diamond Dangle Earrings Statement
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
combination of solitaire rose cut pear and round diamonds in the eagle prong setting, layered one over another
Category

2010s Indian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.06ct Cushion Brilliant E color VS1 clarity GIA Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamond, eagle claw prong setting, hidden halo, and pave accents on the shank culminate in a piece that is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat Gold 8.69 Carat Yellow and White Diamond Drop Cocktail Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
and rose cut round yellow diamonds in the eagle prong setting, layered one over the other slightly
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

1950s French 2.06 Carat Diamond and Emerald White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
French mark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This diamond and emerald cocktail ring is supplied with an
Category

Vintage 1950s French Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat White Gold 6.41 Carat Diamond Drop Flower Statement Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
diamonds in the eagle 2-prong setting, layered one over the other slightly angled to highlight and show
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Marquise-Shaped 18K Gold Ring with 0.70 ct Old-Mine Diamond 18 Old mine
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Yellow Gold (750‰), French “Head of Eagle” hallmark Center Diamond: Old-mine cut, bezel-set, approx
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Ring Ruby 6.8 Carat in 18 Carat White Gold Triangle Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
0.45 carat each, that is 9.90 carat of diamonds Eagle Head Hallmark, French work
Category

Early 2000s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ring Ruby Sapphire circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
, 18 diamonds Eagle's Head hallmark for 18-carat gold. Master's mark. French work from the 50's FR Size
Category

Vintage 1950s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18ct White Gold 1940’s French Emerald Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
with the French eagles head on the back. Diamonds estimated F Colour & VVS Clarity. The front of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold 3.37 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Stud Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
in yellow gold eagle prong setting and diamonds in white gold setting is perfect to wear for regular
Category

2010s Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

18 Karat White Gold 2.36 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Cluster Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
diamonds set in eagle prongs in white gold both surrounded by micro pave set cluster of diamonds give the
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Three Stone GIA 2.77 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
cut diamond is set in a 18K Yellow Gold setting in between four double eagle claw prongs. The center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels VCA Jester Diamond Coral Enamel Clip Brooch Yellow Gold Cased
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Cie; serial number “51.658”; French hallmark “eagle’s head” for 18kt gold. Diamonds: 6 stones; round
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

I Love You More Today Than Yesterday Pendant
Located in Litchfield, CT
total weight of diamonds HALLMARKS: French eagle head for 18k and maker's mark STOCK NUMBER: 27677
Category

Vintage 1920s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

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Eagle Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact eagle diamond you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 18k gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for an eagle diamond may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 carat and 1 carat versions are of considerable interest. Creating an eagle diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Carrera y Carrera, Gems Paradise and Unbranded are consistently popular. 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 and old european cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an eagle diamond, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Eagle Diamond?

Prices for an eagle diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $825,839, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,672.

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.