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Graff 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This Graff ring is made out of 18K yellow gold and diamonds that total 0.41 carats. The ring weighs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This extravagant piece from Graff is beautifully made of luxuriously radiant 18K yellow gold and
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in Weston, MA
11.75 carats and 110 round diamonds weighing approximately 22.63 carats - 18K white gold - Signed Graff
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamonds Long Diamond and Yellow Gold Earrings
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
fabulous 18K yellow gold in these exceptional earrings from Graff. Included Items: Manufacturer's Box
Category

Late 20th Century British Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Diamond on Diamond Pendant White Gold Necklace
By Graff
Located in Feasterville, PA
The Graff Diamond on Diamond Pendant White Gold Necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Graff Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Tiara Band Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Give a distinctly prestigious tone to your look with this splendid ring, a Graff design marvelously
Category

20th Century Unknown Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Emerald and Diamond Gold Flower Cocktail Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This elegant 18K yellow gold ring by Graff features an exquisitely captivating style. The
Category

20th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Constellation Diamond Pave and Gold Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Designed in a gorgeously understated manner, this sublime 18K white gold necklace from Graff boasts
Category

20th Century British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond and Sapphire Heart Yellow Gold Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Perfect even for the most glamorous events, this vintage ring designed by Graff is made of classy
Category

20th Century Unknown More Rings

Materials

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

Graff Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This Graff ring is made of 18K yellow gold and weighs 9 grams, boasting band thickness of 2 mm and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

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

Graff Full Diamond Pave Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
A symbol of grace cast with luxurious style. This cross pendant necklace from Graff bursts with
Category

Late 20th Century British Necklace Enhancers

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Swan Diamond Set
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
xxxx 18K Gold, With original box and Graff paperwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Artist More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff Sapphire and Diamond Gold Floral Band Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
appealing sapphires amounting to 1.65 carats in this magnificent 18K yellow gold ring from Graff. Ring Top
Category

20th Century British Band Rings

Materials

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

Graff Yellow Gold Precious Gemstone Teddy Bear Brooch
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This adorable brooch from Graff Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind piece that is perfect for a serious
Category

Late 20th Century British Brooches

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Wide Gold and Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
This bangle bracelet features 23 round diamonds weighing approximately 2.05 carats signed Graff
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff Briolette Orange Sapphire Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Graff
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Graff necklace showcasing 57 orange sapphires totalling 43.15ct and diamonds appx
Category

Early 2000s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Graff Orange Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Graff
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Graff ring showcasing a 2.45ct cushion cut Orange Sapphire flanked by 1.53cts of the
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Graff Orange Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Graff
Located in Feasterville, PA
An incredible Graff ring showcasing a 2.45ct cushion cut Orange Sapphire flanked by 1.53cts of the
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Graff Ruby Sapphire Pave Diamonds Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
one cufflinks from Graff exude tasteful prestige with their astonishing blend of glistening diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century British Cufflinks

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Graff 18K White Gold 12.50 Ct Diamond Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Sleek, simple, and endlessly stylish, this necklace from Graff is perfect for any special occasion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Graff Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Producing a sight of spellbinding luxury and femininity, the fabulous 18K yellow gold is
Category

Late 20th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Graff White Gold Diamond Graffstar Limited Edition Wristwatch
By Graff
Located in Miami, FL
Exceedingly rare Graff Graffstar watch one of only 300 produced, stunningly crafted out of 18k
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff Ladies White Gold Gemstone FloralGraff Quartz Wristwatch
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
A total of 120 diamonds adorns the spellbinding shape of the 18K white gold case, creating a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff New Dawn 18K White Gold 2.15ct Diamond Earrings
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
-cut diamonds form rows in between trapezoid bezels.This pair of Graff 18K White Gold 2.15ct Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff 18 Karat Diamond Pave Heart Gold Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This gorgeous necklace is a Graff design that is presented with an 18K white gold chain onto which
Category

20th Century British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Graff 18K Yellow Gold 0.50 ct Diamond Swan Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This 18K Yellow Gold Graff necklace is simply exquisite. Suspended at the center of a textured
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Graff Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in New York City, NY
Very fine diamond and 18K white gold cross pendant necklace by Graff. It features high grade square
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff London Yellow Gold Dual Time Zone Quartz Wristwatch
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
18k yellow gold Dual Time Zone wristwatch by Graff London. Paired quartz movements each with
Category

1990s British Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Graff Diamond and Sapphire Earrings
By Graff
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold pair of diamond and sapphire earrings by Graff. The earrings comprise of an oval
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Constellation Emerald Cut Diamond and Gold Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Featuring an incredibly classy design, this gorgeous 18K white gold necklace from Graff exudes
Category

20th Century British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Yellow Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Drop Earrings
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Graff Diamonds is a premier brand that produces only the most exceptional jewelry designs. This
Category

20th Century British Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Graff 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 3.10 carat Diamond Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This Graff ring is made of 18K yellow gold and weighs 7.2 grams. It boasts band thickness of 3 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Graff 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Band Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Boasting the ever-enticing luxe combination of classy 18K yellow gold and resplendent diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Graff Diamond Cluster Floral Ring
By Graff
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond ring by Graff. The ring features a floral design made up of a cluster of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Radiant 18K yellow gold is neatly lined with resplendent diamonds weighing in total approximately
Category

Late 20th Century British Tennis Bracelets

Materials

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

Graff Diamond Set Bow Ring
By Graff
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond ring by Graff from the Bow collection. The ring features a bow design set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond Set Bow Ring
By Graff
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond ring by Graff from the Bow collection. The ring features a bow design set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond Set Duck Pendant
By Graff
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful diamond set duck pendant by Graff. The duck is set with a single ruby for the eye and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Diamond Butterfly Drop Earrings
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
, these spectacular Graff earrings would make a perfect addition to your jewelry collection. The pair is
Category

Late 20th Century British Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond Crucifix Pendant Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
glamorous twist in this fabulous 18K white gold necklace from Graff. Included Items: Manufacturer's Pouch
Category

Late 20th Century British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Halo Ruby Watch GHWGRMP
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This is the Graff Halo Ruby watch, reference number GHWGRMP. It is presented with a 36 mm 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond on Diamond Earrings
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
approximate total carat weight of 11-12ct. Signed Graff and Serial No. XXXX. 18K white gold Earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff Double Strand Pearls Necklace
By Graff
Located in Greenwich, CT
This Black grayish Tahitian Pearl necklace features a Graff Diamond clasp for a stunning and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Graff, Diamond on Diamond Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Impressive diamond on diamond ring by GRAFF. The ring has brilliant cut diamonds weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff Diamond Convertible Drop Earrings
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Graff diamond convertible drop earrings in 18k white gold. The earrings feature floral design top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Artist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Graff 18K White Gold 5.29 Ct Diamond Round Earrings
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Stylish swirls and a shimmering 18K White Gold setting come together to create a pair of earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Pink Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
By Graff
Located in New York City, NY
Fine pair of pink sapphire and diamond drop earrings by Graff, set in 18k white gold. Sapphire are
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Pink Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
By Graff
Located in New York City, NY
Fine pair of pink sapphire and diamond drop earrings by Graff, set in 18k white gold. Sapphires
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stunning Graff GIA Cert 3.60 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
By Graff
Located in Miami, FL
18k rose gold Graff engagement ring featuring a GIA graded 3.60ct round brilliant cut diamond, H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Graff Cushion Cut Yellow Diamond 18ct White Gold Chandelier Earrings
By Graff
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
with Graff Diamonds Box. Graff Cushion Cut Yellow Diamond 18ct White Gold Chandelier Earrings Brand
Category

Early 2000s Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Graff Lady s Yellow Gold, Diamond and Emerald Heart-Shaped Wristwatch
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Graff Lady's 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Emerald Heart-Shaped Wristwatch The Dial, Bezel, Top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Graff 18 Karat White Gold 1.10 Carat Diamond Cross Necklace
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This pretty Graff 18K White Gold 1.10 ct Diamond Cross Necklace is made crafted of 18K white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff 14k White Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Open Hoop Earrings
By Graff
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These Graff earrings from the 1990s are an elegant pair of open hoop crossover earrings, crafted in
Category

1990s English Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff Diamond Yellow Gold Tennis Bracelet, Asscher Cut 5.80 Carat
By Graff
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
0.4 x 0.4 cm). Weight 17.9 grams. Stamped with Graff maker's mark, hallmark for 18 karat gold, serial
Category

20th Century British Tennis Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graff White and Pink Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Featuring an exceptionally classy design that is beautifully presented in luxe 18K yellow gold and
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

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

Graff Constellation Diamond Rectangle Cushion White Gold Push Back Earrings
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
These exceptional 18K white gold earrings from Graff embody the very essence of refined luxury with
Category

Late 20th Century English Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff Bombé White and Pink Diamond Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
presented by Graff is expertly crafted from luxurious 18K yellow gold and lavishly decorated with lustrous
Category

20th Century Dome Rings

Materials

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

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Graff Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of graff gold 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, 18k gold and white gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 133 vintage or 283 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect item from our selection of graff gold among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of graff gold from Graff, Graff London and Bucherer — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at an object in our assortment of graff gold featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. 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 mixed cut and pear cut alternatives. Finding an option in this array of graff gold for sale for women should be easy, but there are 98 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Graff Gold?

On average, a piece of graff gold at 1stDibs sells for $24,099, while they’re typically $360 on the low end and $495,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Graff for sale on 1stDibs

The British jeweler Sir Laurence Graff (b. 1938) became utterly mesmerized by diamonds when he undertook his first apprenticeship at age 15 in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district. It wasn't long before he established his now-celebrated eponymous brand, which produces engagement rings, necklaces, rings, earrings, stand-alone jewels, watches and more — all entirely in-house.

Graff had enrolled in classes at Central School of Arts and Crafts, and while he initially showed promise and was highly regarded, the shop owner, Mr. Schindler — who had his apprentice scrubbing floors and toilets — soon changed his tune, deeming him subpar. Undeterred, Graff learned to repair rings and designed small jewels at a humble workbench in his bedroom. He opened a 24-hour ring-repair service with a business partner and, in 1960, founded his luxury house. Two retail locations followed in London in 1962. Graff would go on to become one of the finest diamantaires in the world and was appointed an OBE in 2013 by Queen Elizabeth for his services to the jewelry industry.

Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. He also purchased the 302.37-carat Graff Lesedi La Rona, which, at the time, was the largest diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA certified the diamond — then the second-largest gem-quality rough diamond on record — as being of highest color and highest clarity. Lucara Diamond Corporation workers discovered the 1,109-carat rough diamond in 2015 at the Karowe mine in Botswana, and after Graff purchased the diamond in 2017, his gemologists and craftsmen spent more than 18 months polishing its final facets.

While many jewels, such as the Graff Lesedi La Rona, remain in Graff’s collection, he does sell extremely high-quality stand-alone jewels. Gems in his showrooms can reportedly fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Although these stones are perhaps slightly out of the budget of a typical Graff jewelry client, the house does work with more reasonably priced, but no less exceptional gems for its collections.

Naturally, diamonds feature prominently in Graff jewelry, which is known for being more avant-garde than traditional, although Graff does create classic engagement rings, too. The jeweler’s ready-to-wear collections integrate naturalistic motifs like butterflies, bows and sunbursts, as well as striking silhouettes like the crisscrossed Kiss, the clustered Threads and the swirling Inspired by Twombly line, which pays homage to the work of American painter and sculptor Cy Twombly. And while diamonds are the main focus for Graff, his jewelry occasionally features other precious and semiprecious stones.

Browse Graff watches, rings, earrings and other accessories on 1stDibs.

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 Graff
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
    Yes, many jewelry lovers believe that Graff is worth it. Graff is known for handling some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Windsor Yellows, the Paragon, the Lesotho Promise and the Wittelsbach-Graff. Naturally, diamonds are featured prominently in Graff jewelry, which is known for being more avant-garde, although Graff creates classic pieces, too. The jeweler’s ready-to-wear collections integrate motifs like butterflies, bows and sunbursts, as well as striking silhouettes like the crisscrossed Kiss, the clustered Threads and the swirling Inspired by Twombly line, which pays homage to the work of American painter and sculptor Cy Twombly. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Graff jewelry is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Graff jewelry and other jewelry on 1stDibs.