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18 Karat Yellow Gold Tourmaline Nuggets Spinel Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
By Joon Han
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold. These unusual tourmaline nuggets are beautifully natural
Category

2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Ye...

David Webb Gold Nugget Bracelet Set
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
brilliant-cut diamonds, textured 18K gold, and platinum. Item is accompanied by the Certificate of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Men s Ring, 10k Nugget Texture
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

0.15ct Diamond Nugget Cross Pendant Necklace 14k 20k Yellow Gold 15.75"
Located in McLeansville, NC
Clarity - I1 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold (stamped), 20k Yellow Gold Nugget Design (XRF tested) Weight: 4.2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.33ctw Diamond Cluster Gold Nugget Ring 14k Yellow Gold Men s Size 12.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.33ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

70s Coral Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Jewelry Nugget
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage coral & diamond cocktail ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1980s Gold Coin Nugget Ladies Watch
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An unusual and curious vintage gold nugget style ladies' cocktail dress watch. A Liberty head coin
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

David Webb Platinum 18K Yellow Gold Textured Nugget Diamond Link Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
nuggets or "slopes" all throughout the length with pave set diamond stations in between. 8 inches long
Category

20th Century American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 70s Nugget Ring 24k Gold Diamond 14k Stacking Band Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage nugget & diamond ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (the gold
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold in Quartz Pendant Natural Nugget Diamond Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
. Gold in quartz measures 10mm x 6mm, accented with an estimated 0.05 carat diamond (estimated at H-I
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Red Coral and Diamond "Nugget" Ring in Platinum and Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-set round white diamonds in platinum, against a handsome "nugget" style band. Truly a one-of-a kind
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold

Vintage Retro Style Lapis Diamond Nugget Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold 126 grams
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning vintage retro style lapis and diamond nugget bracelet, 18k yellow gold. 30 cabochon lapis
Category

1990s Unknown Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Classic 14k Yellow Gold 0.30ctw Diamond Wide Nugget Texture Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nice White Color
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.20ctw Diamond Cluster Nugget Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 10.5 Men s
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.20ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

0.16ctw Diamond Nugget Ring 14k 24k Yellow Gold Size 10.25 Wedding Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
- H Clarity - SI2 - I1 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold (band), 24k Yellow Gold (nugget) Weight: 10.6 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Square Face Diamond Ring with Gold Nugget Shoulders in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 8.75 (resizing available for a fee) Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18k Gold 0.40ctw Diamond Pearl Nugget Textured Freeform Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Color - Fine Luster - 9.4mm each (approx.) (3) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Elvis Black Star Sapphire Gold Nugget Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
, Elvis Presley. Crafted from hammered 14K yellow gold, the impressive ring's highly sculptural form is
Category

20th Century American Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .35ctw Nugget Texture
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .35ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. 1.00 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond and Yellow Gold Nugget Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A beautiful Tiffany & Co. Diamond and 18k yellow gold bracelet. The bracelet contains 10 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Men s Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .33ct Nugget-Textured
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat: .33ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Ebel 18K Yellow Gold Covered Ladies Watch Nugget Finish With 3Ct Side Diamond
By Ebel
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
, made of mix material 18k gold, is adorned with approximately 3.0 carats of round white diamonds, graded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Uncut Green Crystal Diamond Large Heavy Freeform Nugget Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This bold statement piece is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and is set with a very unique, uncut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 14K Gold Large Lapis Diamond Nugget Freeform Work Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
This truly magnificent pair of lapis and diamond vintage statement earrings is crafted from solid
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Moonstone Nugget Pendant
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
This spectacular Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold* Moonstone Nugget Pendant, with its gold cap and bead, is
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Moonstone, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

.75 Carat Natural Diamonds Golden Nugget Cufflinks 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Golden Nugget Diamond Cufflinks .75ct Natural Diamonds, Rounds Full cut G-color Vs-2 clarity
Category

2010s American Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold Nugget Style 1.75ctw G-H SI Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
vertical rows of additional diamonds, creating striking symmetry. A polished white gold top enhances the
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

0.18ctw Diamond Cluster Men s Ring 10k Yellow White Gold Size 10.5 Nugget Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.18ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Ski Slope Nugget Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is an articulated yellow gold ski slope nugget bracelet by David Webb. Comes with the
Category

20th Century American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19.30 Carat Natural Amethyst Diamonds Nugget Cluster Ring 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Purple Nugget Class 16ct. Natural Amethyst ring Oval cut, Full cut Brilliant 20 X 15mm Clean
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Mediterranean Eden 18k Yellow Gold Nugget Lace Cord Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Yellow Gold Nugget Lace Necklace is offered in estate condition inclusive of a gift box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Sapphire Nugget Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
beads measuring from approximately 8 mm to 25mm, completed by a 18Kt white and diamond gold clasp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Black Star Sapphire Mens Nugget Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous black star sapphire mens ring in textured 14k solid gold. The ring's design is extremely
Category

1990s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Traditional Piaget Diamond Bezel Nugget Mesh 18 Karat Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
1 and are in the pattern of crisscross woven nugget and crafted in 18K Yellow gold with Piaget
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold

Vintage 1970s Opal Bracelet Nugget 14 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Retro Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed vintage opal bracelet (circa 1970s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Men s Gold Nugget Ring Vintage Rams Head Aries Sz 10 Estate Fine Jewelry 10k
Located in Torrance, CA
karat yellow gold (22k to 24k gold nuggets). One estimated 0.10 carat round brilliant cut diamond is
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Gold Clip-Back Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
incorporate gracefully scrolled lines of alternately positioned nugget textured gold and diamonds. These
Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Handsome Gold and diamond ring
Located in Seattle, WA
Gold, diamond and nugget ring
Category

20th Century American Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

A chic pair of platinum, diamond and yellow gold earrings.
Located in New York, NY
. Circa 1970’s. Designed as wings embellished with gold nuggets and diamonds. With a total of (108) one
Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Chaumet 18K Yellow Gold 0.40ct Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring CH28-012524
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, PA
measure 18mm x 16mm.This Chaumet 18K Yellow Gold 0.40ct Diamond Halo Gold Nugget Cocktail Ring is offered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Baume Mercier Yellow Gold Nugget Diamond Wristwatch
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Striking Gents Diamond And Gold Nugget Baume & Mercier watch. Metal Type: 14 Kt Yellow Gold Metal
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Two-Tone Diamond Nugget Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Nugget Diamond Ring. The retro look with a smattering of diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Gold Nugget Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold set across the chain. Every other nugget is set with round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Nugget Diamond Bracelet, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Gold Nugget Link Chain Bracelet
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This retro, 1985, 14k yellow gold nugget bracelet dripping with diamonds matches everything! It is
Category

Vintage 1980s American Artisan Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Diamond Nugget Dangle Earrings
Located in Lake Worth, FL
18K Gold Diamond Natural Nugget Drop Earrings Tested for 18K yellow gold, natural and irregular
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 3 Diamond Gold Nugget Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Stylish Triple Diamond Cluster Nugget 12.5mm Gold Band Ring. Securely Hand set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Turquoise Diamond Nugget Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage cocktail ring is crafted in 14k nugget yellow gold and set with an oval
Category

Vintage 1960s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Open Nugget Scattered Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Stylish and finelly detailed open Nugget Gold Diamond Band Ring. Securely Hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chic Nugget Textured Yellow Gold Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
This alluring vintage bracelet of unmatched feminine grace is crafted in 18 karat yellow nugget
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Artisan Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Green Enamel Diamond Yellow Nugget Gold Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
yellow gold, inlaid with green enamel petals and completed round brilliant G-H VS1-VS2 diamonds centers
Category

Vintage 1960s American Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

18K Gold Nugget Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A beautifully designed 18 karat gold nugget ring with 6 white diamonds totaling to 1.2 carat and 6
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Gold Nugget Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gold Nugget Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, 1970s. ABOUT THIS ITEM: R-DJ1030F Are you
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Roberto Coin Nugget Diamond Drop Earrings
By Roberto Coin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
finish nuggets dangling below with a white gold curved strip over the top of the nugget and a long oval
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

VIntage 14 Karat Gold Men s "Nugget" Bracelet and Diamond "Louvrex" Watch
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
VIntage 14 Karat Gold Men's "Nugget" Bracelet and Diamond "Louvrex" Watch Diamonds: 50 round full
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Opal Diamond Ring Vintage Nugget Men s 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond nugget ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Inlaid
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

.40 Carat Diamond Nugget Men s Ring 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Mens nugget form diamond ring. .40ct round diamond K-color Si-1 clarity 18kt. yellow gold
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Mens Diamond Solitaire ring. Heavy Diamond prong set into gold nugget
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Very unique Men's ring/band. Diamond solitaire with gold nugget filigree band on the side. Condition
Category

Early 2000s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Gold

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Gold Nugget Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the gold nugget diamond you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 61 vintage or 38 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a gold nugget 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. Finding an appealing gold nugget diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but Cynthia Scott, David Webb and Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also mixed cut and oval cut versions for sale. When shopping for a gold nugget diamond, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Gold Nugget Diamond?

Prices for a gold nugget diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $288 and can go as high as $58,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,588.

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.  

Questions About Gold Nugget Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Gold nuggets tend to be between 85% to 95% pure gold. The gold is extracted and melted down to create pure gold. Some gold is melted and molded to look like organic nuggets for a unique touch. Shop a collection of gold accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Gold nugget rings became popular during the time of the California gold rush during the mid 19th century. At the time, people associated the rings with wealth, power and good fortune. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of gold nugget rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The best way to ensure a gold nugget’s authenticity is to buy it directly from a reputable source with authenticity cards and documents. Authentic gold will have a softer touch to it. If you’re unsure, consult with your local jeweler or certified appraiser. On 1stDibs, you’ll find expertly vetted gold nugget jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, while gold nuggets can be melted down and crafted into pure gold, gold nuggets in their raw form are not deemed to be “jewelry-grade.” While actual gold nuggets aren’t crafted into jewelry pieces, gold is often molded to mimic an organic shape similar to that of a nugget. Shop a selection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Whether white gold or yellow gold is better for diamond earrings is a matter of personal preference. Due to its cool color, white gold will blend in with diamonds and keep the eye focused on the gemstones. Yellow gold will add warm color to earrings and make a bold contrast with the diamonds. Explore a large collection of diamond earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    To tell if gold diamond earrings are real, you can perform a couple of tests. For the diamonds, try the breath test. Blow onto the gemstone and see how long it takes for the condensation to disappear. On a genuine diamond, the fog will clear up quickly, while it will tend to linger on rhinestones and crystals. Real gold tends to be heavy, so earrings made out of it will sink in water. Because authenticating earrings with the naked eye can be difficult, you may want to ask a professional jeweler, appraiser or experienced dealer for assistance. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of gold diamond earrings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Whether diamond studs are better in white or yellow gold depends on your preferences. Yellow gold makes an appealing contrast with clear diamonds and brings warmth to earrings. On the other hand, white gold's cooler appearance can allow the diamonds to take center stage. Choose the variety that you like best. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of diamond stud earrings.