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Antique French Ruby and Diamond Set Gold Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
, .30 carats total weight rose-cut diamonds HALLMARKS: French eagle head for 18k and 18 STOCK NUMBER
Category

Antique 1890s French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Art Deco Diamond Gold Pendant and Chain
Located in Litchfield, CT
: .75 carat total weight H color SI1-2 clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: Eagles head for 18k and makers
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French 1920s Diamond Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earrings in platinum and 18 karat white gold, dog's head and eagle's head
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

1925s French Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold, eagle's head hallmark. This beautiful diamond ring with hexagonal
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Retro French Made Diamond Flower Ring Circa 1940s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
though faint this ring is hallmarked with the French owl and eagle marks. Diamond: One old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Mixed Metal

French 1960s Retro White Gold 0.60 Carat G.VVS Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold eagle head hallmarks. This splendid diamond ring is set with a modern
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Superb 3.15 Carat Art Deco Diamond Ring GIA
Located in Litchfield, CT
VS1 clarity diamond HALLMARKS: French eagle head for 18k and dog head for platinum CERTIFICATES
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

O. J. Perrin of Paris Diamond Set Gold Bracelet
Located in Litchfield, CT
diamonds HALLMARKS: eagle head for 18k, goldsmith's mark and OJ Perrin mark, all rubbed STOCK NUMBER
Category

Vintage 1960s French More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Oval Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
stone held by double eagle claw prongs. The diamond is certified as H color, SI1 clarity. Flanking the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified Oval Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
stone held by platinum double eagle claw prongs. The diamond was certified as H color, SI1 clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.40Ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Studs 18 Karat White Gold Earrings
Located in London, GB
These diamond studs are set in 18kt white gold and marked with the French eagle’s head. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Diamonds Leather Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold Flamor Ladies Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique lady's watch of the brand Flamor. Round case in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

1910s Antique Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold guarantee mark (eagle's head). This sapphire and diamond ring is supplied with an independent
Category

Vintage 1910s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modern 1.20 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This dazzling diamond ring incorporates the
Category

20th Century French Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1980s French 4.51 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. The clasp is hallmarked with the French hallmark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This vintage diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1910s French 1.67 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 1.67 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold bar style brooch; part of our
Category

Vintage 1910s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Retro Old Mine 2 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
diamond weighing around 1.80ct. It is marked with the French eagle’s head. The diamond is set in platinum
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

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

Antique 18ct Gold French Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
band, hallmarked with the French eagles head on the back. Diamond weight approx 0.50cts Face of the
Category

Early 20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage French 1.15 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
exterior of the shank is hallmarked with the French eagle's head. This vintage diamond cluster ring is
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French Diamond and Yellow Gold Mythological Brooch, Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 0.07 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold griffin brooch; part of
Category

Vintage 1940s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1930s Antique French Diamond and Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(eagle's head). These antique 1930s diamond earrings are supplied with two independent diamond grading
Category

Mid-20th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Eighteen Karat Gold Vintage French Enameled Diamond Shirt Studs
Located in New York, NY
yellow gold shirt studs with enamel center, white gold surround, and small bezel set diamonds Stamped
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cufflinks

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Diamonds Chrysoprase Ruby Sapphire Scarecrow Pin Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
: Very Good Stones: Chrysoprase, Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire, Diamonds Hallmarks: French – Eagle’s head
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

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

Gothic Revival Diamond and Enamel Gold Heart Pendant, French, 1870
Located in Litchfield, CT
WEIGHT: 11.6 grams STONES: 1.0 carats of H-I color, SI1 clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: French eagle
Category

Antique 1870s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

MELLERIO Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Multi Gemstone Diamond Tremblant Flower Brooch
By Mellerio Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. The brooch is marked with signature, numbers and French eagle hallmarks. The stones are diamond
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Yellow Gold

1940s French 1.02 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage French 1.02 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring
Category

Vintage 1940s French Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

32nd Degree Scottish Rite Diamond Ring, 14k Gold Masonic Yod Enamel Round .40ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
-headed eagle bearing a radiant diamond on its chest. The number 32 and a Yod symbol flank the majestic
Category

20th Century Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1860s Victorian Cufflinks in 14 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Hicksville, NY
Antique Victorian Eagle Cufflinks - 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds, Sapphires Features: Chain Link
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French 11.12 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold, Platinum Set Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
for 18ct gold (eagle's head). The feature diamond portion and line style settings have been
Category

Antique 1880s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Gents Solitaire Signet Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
the outer shank with the French mark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This antique gents diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Three Stone Diamond 9 Carat GIA Certified Emerald Cut Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
beautifully cut and gracefully eagle prong set heart shape diamonds that are fiery and bring out the sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Modern 1.51 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful sapphire-diamond ring featuring a deep
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique French 11.12 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
clasps with the French hallmarks for 18ct gold (eagle's head). The feature diamond portion and line
Category

Antique 1880s Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

0.57Ct Diamond Natural Pearl, 18k Rose Gold, Silver Set Brooch - Antique
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive natural pearl and 0.57 carat diamond brooch in 18 karat rose gold; part of
Category

Antique 1890s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Art Deco 15.59 Carat Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
for 18k gold (eagle's head). This emerald and diamond dress ring is supplied with an independent
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco GIA Certified 2.41 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
in a platinum setting in between four eagle claw prongs. The center diamond has a straight baguette
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.54 Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum Set Twist Ring - Antique
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
of the shank is clearly hallmarked with the French eagle's head. This fine diamond twist ring is
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

French Art Deco 0.60 Carat 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, eagle head hallmark. This solitaire diamond is set with a brilliant
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

French 1950s Gold Owl and Bird Brooch
Located in Litchfield, CT
grams STONES: .12 carats total weight of G color, VS clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: French Eagle heads
Category

Vintage 1950s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Snake Rose Cut Cabochon Ruby Garnet Yellow Gold Silver Bangle Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Rose Cut Diamonds Hallmarks: French – Eagle’s head and Charencon Dimensions: Bracelet width: 9.57mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bangles

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scarecrow Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
: Chrysoprase, Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire, Diamonds Hallmarks: French- eagle's head Signature: Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum 18K Yellow Gold Liberty Head Coin Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
with an eagle, accented by round diamonds, suspended from a curb link chain. Chain length 24½ inches
Category

20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Parisian 18k Gold Fantasy Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
-carat total weight of G color, VS clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: French Eagle Head for 18k, 750 for 18k
Category

Early 2000s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Gold Spinning Cherub Brooch, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
other's tail, each set with a gemstone in it's head, one ruby, one emerald, one sapphire and one diamond
Category

Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Vintage 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Ring, 14K Gold and Platinum Masonic Dia .42ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
-headed eagle displaying a radiant diamond solitaire. The ring’s shoulders showcase inverted triangles set
Category

20th Century Unknown Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French 1960s 18 Karat Rose Gold Saint Therese Medal Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Medal in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. This diamond-shaped medallion with cut sides
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French 20th Century Natural Pearl 18 Karat Rose Green Gold Collar Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat rose and green gold, eagle head hallmark. Diamond shape, this beautiful brooch
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French 1900s 18 Karat Yellow Rose Green Gold Rose Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow, rose and green gold, eagle head hallmark. Diamond-shaped, openwork
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold

Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Double Headed Eagle Diamond Coin Key Pendant
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double-Headed Eagle Diamond Coin Pendant is all handmade
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Classical Greek Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Antique Russian Imperial Eagle Diamond Enamel Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
eagle embellished with nineteen old rose cut diamonds and one old mine cut diamond. The eagle is
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau Signet Rings

Diamond Gold Eagle Cufflinks
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Soaring above the competition with your new cufflinks. Creating the eagle motif are diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Rose Diamond Eagle Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Antique eagle lapel brooch set in platinum topped gold with rose diamonds and enamel. Small but
Category

Vintage 1910s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Rosenthal Diamond Gold Platinum Eagle Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Houston, TX
Yellow gold pin marked on the back "HR 18K Plat #114". Made by Rosenthal depicts an eagle in
Category

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Beautiful Two-Tone Eagle Brooch Accent Diamond
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning and Majestic! 18 karat two tone with an accent diamond, this Eagle brooch is sure to
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900 Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eagle Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circular pendant with a highly rendered scene with a slightly stippled finish Depicting an eagle
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

14k Gold Victorian Eagle on Shield with Diamond Pendant
Located in Venice, CA
star. The texture of the eagle’s feathers reflect the light, as the diamond draws in the eye with a pop
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.