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French 19th Century Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 karat Yellow Gold Star Pendant Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
enameled star adorned with antique cushion-cut diamonds and fine half-pearls, all held in place by silver
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1932 Art Deco Nordic Pendant Onyx Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.6gr
Located in SE
Pendant in 18K White Gold with the setting of Black onyx accented with Diamonds. There are ten
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Breguet hands, with beveled glass signed Tiffany & Co. Case: Rectangular in 18kt and enamel with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, S...

Oval Opal Multi Gemstone Antique Style Angel Wings 18K White Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
with French cut blue sapphire, vibrant green hue emerald and shimmering diamonds, trimmed by black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

EGYPTIAN REVIVAL 1920 Italian Art Deco Mesh Bracelet In 18Kt Gold With Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
An Egyptian revival ring. This is a magnificent antique mesh bracelet created in Italy in the
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Egyptian Revival Link Bracelets

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Turquoise, White Diamond, Gold, ...

14 Karat Lorgnette Folding Eyeglasses with Gold, Diamond and Seed Pearls Lariat
Located in Tustin, CA
gold, flat, double twist lariat, decorated with 24 seed pearls, old mine cut diamond and black enamel
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Natural Pearl

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Right Facing Lady Chalcedony Cameo Large Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
chalcedony cameo depicting a right facing lady. The frame is adorned with seed pearls and black enamel
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Chalcedony, Gold, Enamel

David Webb Double Leopard Bangle Bracelet in 18K Gold
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
David Webb double leopard bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold with black enamel spots and emerald
Category

Late 20th Century American Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Verger Freres 1901 Spaulding Co Edwardian Watch-Pendant Guilloche 18Kt Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
damage to the gold or the enamel. All diamonds are the original from the stated period. This piece has
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb "Twilight" Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
18K gold, diamonds, baroque pearls and enamel. It is designed as a double hinged cuff with three white
Category

Mid-20th Century Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Marcus Co. 1910 Edwardian Bangle Bracelet In Platinum With 3.16 Ctw In Diamond
By Marcus Co.
Located in Miami, FL
-jour enamel pieces in the Art Nouveau style and the diamond jewelry they produced in the 1920s and 30s
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

David Webb New York Bombe Rock Quartz Bracelet Cuff Platinum 5.28 Cts Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
and editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, was often seen with a David Webb black-and-white enamel zebra
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Platinum

Antique Austrian Set Neckalce + Earrings Citrines Pearls Silver 18K Gold/ 27.7gr
Located in SE
, natural Citrines and Seed Pearls Décorations are accented with black Enamels. The Citrine stones in this
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Renaissance Revival Link Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Citrine, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique French Pendant Locket Micromosaic natural stones solid 18K Gold / 9.2 g
Located in SE
Antique French Pendant/Locket in solid 18K Yellow Gold with micro-mosaic Cross ornaments on both
Category

Antique 1890s French Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

1786 -1567 BC Hyksos Scarabs Egyptian Revival Necklace 18K Gold /37.5cm/51gr
Located in SE
applies to pieces with enamel, pearls, opals, and delicate filigree but even diamonds can chip or stones
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Revival Beaded Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Imperial Russian S. M Egornov Egg Pendant Chalcedony 56 Gold 14K / 2.1 g
Located in SE
Gold, Silver, and Enamels. Length of the egg including the hanger 21mm / or without 17 mm x Ø 10 mm at
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, 14k Gold

CHAUMET Anneau watch
By Chaumet
Located in PARIS, FR
CHAUMET Anneau watch 18k yellow gold ring with diamonds. Condition: very good condition. Movement
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1930s Italian Venetian Bonbonniere Bonbon Box solid 830 Silver / 200 gr
Located in SE
used condition. Minor / insignificant scratches only, some natural black patina on metal
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Rococo Centerpieces and Tazzas

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

1974 Soviet Union Russian Greek revival Pendant Quartz Cameo / 10.3 gr
Located in SE
toned Gold. Stone is lab made Black Quartz / artificial Onyx ( Mohs 7 ) . Cameo is cast with great
Category

Vintage 1970s Russian Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, 14k Gold

Antique Austrian Set natural 12 ctw. Emerald Seed Pearls Gilt Silver / 55.7gr
Located in SE
River Pearls accented with Black Enamel. All parts of this set were hand made on the territories of
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Renaissance Revival Link Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

1916 Neo Classical Empire Bonbonniere Bonbon solid Gilt 830 Silver / 280 gr
Located in SE
condition for such an old thing. Minor/insignificant scratches only,minor wear to gilding and natural black
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Neoclassical Centerpieces and Tazzas

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Antique Austrian Necklace Amethyst Pearls Gilt Silver / 42cm/25gr
Located in SE
School. The necklace is 42 cm long closed. Metal parts made of Gilt 830 grade Silver accented with Black
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Amethyst, Silver

Antique Austrian Bracelet + Brooch 50ctw Turquoise Pearls Gilt Silver 18cm 52gr
Located in SE
decorated with natural Turquoise stones, Seed pearls and accented with black Enamel. Hand made circa 1900s
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Renaissance Revival Link Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Silver

Georgian Blue Enamel and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian blue enamel and diamond ring, the oval blue enamel set to the centre with an oval rose
Category

Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

A Georgian Bague au Firmament blue enamel and diamond ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian Bague au Firmament blue enamel and diamond ring, the oval blue enamel set to the centre
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Bridal Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Silver

Fine Cartier Enamel and Gold Lorgnette
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A fine Cartier enamel and gold lorgnette, the lorgnette consisting of two circular lenses each
Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Deco More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel pendant-necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel, pearl and diamond pendant-necklace, the heart-shaped locket
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold, 18k Gold

1950s Retro Enamel Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Parrot Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
whose body is pierced and enamelled blue and red. The bird is resting on a black enamelled gold branch
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Retro Brooches

Materials

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

for Shaira Gold Black Onyx and Pink Opal Round Beads Rubies Black Diamonds Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
in white Gold, Diamonds and Enamels. We always put particular attention on the details of the antique
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamond and Enamel 18-Kt Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
(approx 0.70ct) mounted alongside top-quality diamonds (0.50ct) and jet black enamel set in 18kt gold
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Black Enamel Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare 18K Rose Gold Ring is inlay-ed with black French enameling and has 20 pave-set Diamonds
Category

2010s American Georgian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vibrant Gold Ring with Diamonds and Black Enamel
By Katerina Marmagioli
Located in Nea Aghialos Magnesias, GR
100% Recycled 14 K White Gold Diamonds Enamel Ring size: on order In the arts, maximalism, a
Category

2010s European Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Groovy Gold Ring with Diamonds and Black Enamel
By Katerina Marmagioli
Located in Nea Aghialos Magnesias, GR
100% Recycled 14 K White Gold Diamonds Enamel Ring size: on order In the arts, maximalism, a
Category

2010s European Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Lace Gold Ring with Diamonds and Black Enamel
By Katerina Marmagioli
Located in Nea Aghialos Magnesias, GR
100% Recycled 14 K White Gold Diamonds Enamel Size: 30.40 mm/1.33 inches Ring size: on order
Category

2010s European Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Lace Gold Ring with Diamonds and Black Enamel
By Katerina Marmagioli
Located in Nea Aghialos Magnesias, GR
14K gold diamond ring with a classic black colour accent, the perfect gift for yourself or a loved
Category

2010s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

18k White Gold Ring and Black Enamel Ring with Diamonds
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This 18k white gold men's ring features a sleek strip of black enamel running down the center
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Enamel

Black Enamel Oval Center Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare 18K Rose Gold Ring is inlay-ed with black French enameling and has 0.23cts of Diamonds
Category

2010s American Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

David Webb Black White Enamel Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold and platinum ring by David Webb, with white & black enamel, and approx. 0.50cts in H/VS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Black Enamel Cobble Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare 18K Rose Gold Ring is inlay-ed with black French enameling and has 24 pave-set Diamonds
Category

2010s American Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Black Enamel Round Center Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare 18K Rose Gold Ring is inlay-ed with black French enameling and a center Rose-cut Diamond
Category

2010s American Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Black Enamel Oval Center Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
rare black enameled ring back to the consumer in this limited presentation.
Category

2010s American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver

1900s Black Enamel Turquoise Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
C.1900-1910. A magnificent black enamel ring with a turquoise cabochon surrounded by tiny rose cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold

Victorian Black Enamel Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
black enamel and an old mine cut diamond at its center. The ring is 14k yellow gold, and the diamond is
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Bold Black Enamel Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous 18K, black enamel and diamond ring. Size 7, but could be carefully resized by a skilled
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Nikos Koulis Feeling Black Enamel, Diamonds and Yellow Gold Ring
By Nikos Koulis
Located in Jackson, WY
elegant style. This ring features a baguette and trillion white diamonds and black enamel set in 18K
Category

2010s Greek Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

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

14K Yellow Gold Ring Black Enamel Square
By Isabel Alexander
Located in Reston, VA
Unique ring with an art-deco vibe featuring diamonds all around the enamel adorned square and the
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Black Enamel Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
setting. It is 18K with navette shaped black enamel across the top.
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Halo 1.75 Carat Opal Black Enamel White Gold Ring
By BOON
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal: 1.75ct. Diamond: 0.54ct. Metal: 18K Gold, 12.16 g Ring size: 52.5 Please let us know should
Category

2010s Thai Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, White Gold

18 Karat Black Gold Ring with Black Diamonds in Sky Blue Enamel
By Nikos Koulis
Located in Athens, Attic
surprising colours and elaborate details. The snake snapped ring features black gold with with paved black
Category

2010s Greek Contemporary More Rings

Materials

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

Enamel Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This custom made ring is set in 18k yellow gold. It holds thirty eight, round, single cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Bee Black Enamel Rose Cut Diamonds Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Ring
By Fabio Ferrara
Located in Marcianise, IT
Diamonds. This Ring has Black Enamel. This Ring is inspired by Art Nouveau. Size ITA: 16 - Size USA: 8
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Yellow and Black Diamond Enamel Ladybug Gold Statement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, APAC - East Asia
purity. An 18k gold ladybug sits center stage, its body made up of red enamel with yellow and black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Andreoli Diamond Sapphire Black Enamel 18 Karat Gold and Silver Bypass Ring
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Diamond Sapphire Black Enamel 18 Karat Gold and Silver Bypass Ring This ring features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Diamond and Enamel Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
& Black Enamel. The three band design has one band of pave diamonds all weighing 0.50 carat. Yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Emerald Illusion Fashion Ring with Black Enamel in 18 Karat Gold
Located in BANGKOK, TH
Diamond Fashion Enamel Ring, with an emerald illusion set on black enamel with 18Kt Gold. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Andreoli Black Enamel Peridot Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring Silver 18 Karat Gold
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Black Enamel Peridot Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring Silver 18 Karat Gold This Andreoli ring
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Enamel

David Webb Diamond Enamel Gold Platinum Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Of bombé design, the alternating black enamel plaque, with circular-cut diamond detail, centering
Category

Late 20th Century North American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Enamel

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Gold Black Enamel Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact gold black enamel diamond ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. 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 gold black enamel diamond ring 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. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A gold black enamel diamond ring from David Webb, Exquisite Color Kraft Pvt Ltd and Mousson Atelier — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. 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 cabochon and rose cut alternatives. Finding a gold black enamel diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 52 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Gold Black Enamel Diamond Ring?

Prices for a gold black enamel diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $319,341, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,925.

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.