Skip to main content

Gold Cameo And Diamond Pendant

to
31
251
118
197
122
85
70
55
37
35
32
20
17
16
14
10
10
10
8
8
7
7
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
42
9
9
8
5
Sort By
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant #22566
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant- This exquisite cameo features a lovely lady
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch Pendant #22313
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch Pendant- This elegant cameo features a lovely lady
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant #21403
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo/Brooch Pendant- This stunning cameo features a lovely lady
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant #17514
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant- This lovely 14K white gold cameo features a
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Gold Cameo Brooch Diamond Pendant
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large lovely Carved Cameo Pin and Pendant. Depicting a lovely lady with a wonderful diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Degue Art Deco Pair of Pendants Chandeliers, 1920
By David Gueron Degue
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
. Pair of French Art Deco Pendant Chandeliers by Degué, from the 1920s. This stunning pair of French Art
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Bronze

14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant #15700
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant- This elegant cameo brooch features a lovely
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch or Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant- This stunning cameo features a
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

10 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cameo Pendant or Brooch
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat White Gold and Diamond Cameo Pendant/Brooch- This elegant cameo features a lovely
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cameo, Garnets, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Vintage Brooch/Pendant
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Vintage brooch/pendant in 9k rose gold and silver structure, mounted with a big cameo finely carved
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Cameo, Topazs, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Brooch/Pendant.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Brooch/Pendant in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central cameo surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch or Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pendant- This elegant cameo features a
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cameo 14 Karat White Gold Brooch Diamond Pendant
Located in Wallkill, NY
lovely 14k White Gold Carved Cameo Pin and Pendant. Depicting a lovely lady with a wonderful
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cameo Coral Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Brooch And Pendant
Located in Marcianise, IT
Antique brooch and pendant 14 karat yellow and white gold created entirely by hand with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Pin/Pendant #17696
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Brooch/Pin/Pendant This gorgeous cameo brooch and pendant is
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cameo, Blue and Yellow Topazes, Diamonds, 9 Karat Gold and Silver Pendant/Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Marvelous pendant/brooch in 9k rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central finely carved
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian Era 14KT Yellow Gold Cameo Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This estate Victorian Era 14KT yellow gold cameo diamond brooch pendant is a timeless piece that
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cameo Diamond 18 Karat Gold Soul Mate Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18 Karat gold, this beautiful pendant necklace features 25.35 carats cameo, blue sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Cameo Coral Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
testament to the timeless beauty of hand-carved craftsmanship. The pendant features a striking cameo of
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Shell Cameo White Gold Brooch Pendant w/ Diamond
Located in Wallkill, NY
Portrait Cameo set in 14K White gold with a diamond necklace, simply stunning! It has a stunning
Category

Vintage 1910s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Cameo Brooch/ Pendant
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K white gold Cameo brooch/pendant. It depicts an octagonal shaped orange shell cameo
Category

20th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Handcraft Cameo Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Coral Diamonds Brooch and Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 karat white gold brooch and pendant necklace. Handmade by our craftsmen
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cameo, Peridot, Diamonds, Rubies, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Pendant/Brooch
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Diamonds 0.3 ct Rubies 1 ct Peridot 13.7 ct Cameo 4.8 g 40mm Total weight 24.6 g Pendant Dimension 6cm x
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage Coral Diamond And South Sea Pearls Cameo Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage artistical large engraved cameo Bacchus pendant and brooch in 18k gold and 24 brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Cameo 14 Karat White Gold Brooch Diamond Pendant
Located in Wallkill, NY
lovely 14k White Gold Carved Cameo Pin . Depicting a lovely lady with a wonderful diamond necklace
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique 12K White Gold Filigree Frame Diamond Cameo Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable cameo brooch is crafted in 12k gold, forming an elegant openwork frame with
Category

Early 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Cameo Brooch and Pendant Woman Profile with Diamond Necklace
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat White Gold Cameo Brooch and Pendant Woman Profile With Diamond Necklace 17.1 grams total
Category

2010s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat White Gold Cameo Brooch and Pendant Woman Profile with Diamond Necklace
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat White Gold Cameo Brooch and Pendant Woman Profile With Diamond Necklace 11.8 grams total
Category

2010s Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Diamond Accent Portrait Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Elegant antique cameo brooch pendant crafted in 14K yellow gold and centered with a finely hand
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Cameo Brooch/Pendant #22301
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Cameo Brooch/Pendant- Exquisitely carved and timelessly elegant, this vintage
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 14 Karat Cameo Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exquisite Art Deco 14K white gold cameo diamond pendant brooch showcases timeless elegance and
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

French 19th Century Natural Pearls Diamonds Onyx Cameo Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
of scrolls centered of a flower, which hung in pendants a cameo on onyx two layers representing the
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III More Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Trio of Antique Carved Shell Cameo Brooch Pin Pendants w Gold Diamonds Accents
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
as a pendant for a necklace. Within the trio, each figure wears her own authentic diamond pendant
Category

Antique Late 19th Century North American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

14K White Gold, Cameo and Diamond Brooch, c1920 s
Located in valatie, NY
. Hanging from her neck is a .15 carat old mine-cut diamond set in a 14k white gold filigreed frame
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant and Pin, 2.9 Grams
Located in San Diego, CA
10kt Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant and Pin, 2.9 Grams, 20mm X 15 mm in Size With a reputation for
Category

20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Esemco 10K Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Ring Size 5.5 #23863
By Esemco
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Ring Size 5.5 This elegant cameo ring features a lovely lady in
Category

20th Century Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Filigree Three Color Shell Cameo in 14K White Gold Diamond Pin Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a breathtaking 1920s carved three-color shell cameo in a 14k white gold pin pendant. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Cameo, with Rose Cut Diamonds and Natural Pearls, Pin/Pendant, c. 1890.
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique pin/pendant centering a cameo which is accented with rose cut diamonds and natural pearls
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Hardstone and 4.88 Carat Diamond Cameo Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
enabling it to be worn as a pendant. This antique cameo brooch with diamonds has been independently tested
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Coral, Pearls, Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Cameo, Rose Gold and Silver Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Retrò necklace composed by a pendant in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique French Cameo Brooch or Pendant in Yellow Gold, circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French 18 karat yellow gold cameo brooch / pendant; part of our
Category

Antique 1880s French Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Carved Mother of Pearl Cameo Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Discover the timeless beauty of this vintage carved mother of pearl cameo brooch pendant. Crafted
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Ring Size 7.5 #22487
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Cameo Ring Size 7.5 A timeless nod to classical elegance, this vintage
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Two-tone Agate Cameo Surrounded by Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Firenze, IT
designed to be worn both as a brooch and as a pendant, thanks to a small gold buttonhole at the back. On
Category

Antique 1860s Italian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

French 1860 Neo Classic Pendant Brooch in 18Kt Gold with Diamonds Natural Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
piece, is a pendant and a brooch that has been crafted with neo classic patterns in solid yellow gold of
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical More Jewelry

Materials

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

Antique Shell Cameo White Gold with Diamond Brooch Greek Goddess Artemis
Located in Chesterland, OH
carving. The cameo is mounted in a 14-karat white gold frame, set with 8 natural diamonds, with the
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

High Relief Georgian Diamond Amethyst Cameo Brooch
Located in Winter Springs, FL
the early 1700’s and the early 1800’s, this brooch has been hand made in silver and 18K yellow gold
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Georgian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

14 Karat Cameo Brooch White and Yellow Gold Frame Victorian Pin
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large lovely 14K gold Carved Cameo Pin and Pendant housed in a square White and yellow gold frame
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Cut Diamond Hardstone Cameo Goddess Woman Brooch Platinum Gold Art Nouveau
Located in New York, NY
Cut Diamonds set in Platinum atop 14 Karat Gold. The Art Nouveau cameo artisans created some of the
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 14kt Yellow Solid Gold Cameo Pin/Pendant, White Natural Pearls 12.7 gr
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 14kt Yellow Solid Gold Cameo Pin/Pendant, 3.5mm Small White Natural Pearls, 37mm X 31mm
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Shell Cameo Brooch 20.2g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage hand-carved shell cameo brooch/Pendant with thick 14k yellow gold bezel. The bezel tests
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold Cameo w/ Diamond, Vintage Filigree Carved Shell Brooch Pin
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k Gold Carved Cameo Shell Brooch and Pendant. Xlarge in size. 1.8mm diamond in the necklace
Category

Early 2000s Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Carved White Pink Shell Cameo Brooch w/ Diamond Frame
Located in Montclair, NJ
designed yellow gold frame around the cameo is beautifully detailed and features textured flower work and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

12K Yellow Gold Antique Shell Cameo 15.5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
is a small diamond in the cameo necklace. The cameo can also be worn as a pendant by attaching a
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Art Deco 10 Karat Tri-Tone Cameo Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Art Deco 10 Karat Tri-Tone Yellow, Rose, and White Gold Cameo Diamond Ring. The navette-shaped ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in Long Island City, NY
amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the
Category

20th Century French Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...

Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Hand Carved Roman Soldier Cameo Gold Cufflinks
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of hand-carved mother of pearl cameo bar cufflinks. Set in 18kt Gold, the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gold Cameo And Diamond Pendant", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Gold Cameo And Diamond Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact gold cameo and diamond pendant you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, White Gold and 14k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 39 vintage editions and 7 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect gold cameo and diamond pendant 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. Finding an appealing gold cameo and diamond pendant — no matter the origin — is easy, but Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L, Rosior and SCALA GIOIELLI each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and pear cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a gold cameo and diamond pendant, 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 Gold Cameo And Diamond Pendant?

On average, a gold cameo and diamond pendant at 1stDibs sells for $1,356, while they’re typically $229 on the low end and $19,888 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.  

Read More

This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.