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Delicate Victorian Fleur de Lis Ring
Located in New York, NY
Delicate Victorian Ring with fleur de lis motif shoulders, set with tiny rose diamonds in silver
Category

Antique 1870s American High Victorian More Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Adorna Lux - Canary Yellow Diamond Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
unparalleled craftsmanship. Designed by minimalist artist Vera of AdornA Lux High Jewelers, these earrings
Category

2010s American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

14k Gold

Sciacca Coral Victorian Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
"burned" by the very high temperatures reached. The color of the necklace is an intense orange and is
Category

Antique 1890s Italian High Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , 1...

Vintage Multi-Gemstone and Yellow Gold Cart Brooch by Alabaster and Wilson
By Alabaster and Wilson
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
in Birmingham. This producer of high quality gold and diamond jewelry remains as one of the longest
Category

Vintage 1960s British Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Ruby, Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, 9k Gold, Rose Gold,...

LEGACY 75 Carat GIA Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut DiamondsHeritage Creation
Located in Mumbai, IN
natural diamonds of impeccable pedigree. Composed entirely of cushion-cut diamonds, this high jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Adorna Lux - Enchanting evil eye earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
harm. Designed by minimalist artist Vera at AdornA Lux High Jewelers, these earrings exemplify the
Category

2010s American Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Adorna Lux - Enchanting evil eye earrings
Adorna Lux - Enchanting evil eye earrings
$3,142 Sale Price / item
20% Off
FAWAZ GRUOSI Sculptural Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 3.76 Ctw Pink Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
-Italian jewelry designer specialized in black diamonds and high end jewelry. He was the founder of De
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Purple Sapphire, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

KOENIG Turquoise Earrings
Located in St. Moritz, CH
Diamond Earrings * Minimalist High Jewelry * Recycled Platinum Jewelry * Designer Ear Clips * Conflict
Category

2010s Swiss Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, Platinum

Mid-19th Century Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
A mid-19th Century diamond brooch, designed as a miniature corsage ornament, with entwined scrolled
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Victorian opal and diamond flower brooch, with a central old brilliant-cut diamond in a silver
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Victorian Garnet, Diamond and Green Enamel Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian garnet, diamond and green enamel brooch pendant, the central oval cabochon garnet
Category

Antique 1850s British High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Garnet, Diamond and Pearl Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Victorian garnet, diamond and pearl bracelet with a central cabochon-cut garnet measuring 18.5 x
Category

Antique 1860s British High Victorian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Half Hoop Ring
Located in London, GB
An emerald and diamond five-stone Victorian style ring, the three old octagonal-cut emeralds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Mid-Victorian Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A magnificent mid-Victorian natural peal, emerald and diamond pendant, to the centre a natural
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Victorian Bird Brooch
Located in London, GB
gold closed-back settings, holding a pearl-set acorn motif with rose-cut diamond cap from its beak
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

14 Karat Yellow Gold High Polished Link Bracelet 34.1 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold bracelet 16 links weighing 34.1 grams. Can be shortened. More link bracelets available. Email for more pictures and styles!
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold High Polished Oval Link Bracelet 20.43 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold bracelet 17 oval high polished links weighing 20.43 grams. Can be shortened
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered High Polished Oval Link Bracelet 46.1 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow gold bracelet featuring 11 oval links in a high polish and hammered finish weighing
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Textured High Polish Swirl Link Bracelet 30.6 Grams 7.5"
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow Gold swirl bracelet featuring 4 rows of textured & high polished links weighing
Category

2010s Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1990s High Polish Gold and Diamond Reversible Necklace
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Very flexible high polish disk necklace with a single disk set with 45 round diamonds weighing
Category

1990s American Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

Brute High Jewelry Trillion Cut Diamond Ring
By BARE Fine Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
Signature 2.3ct Black Diamond BRUTE Ring surrounding a 2.1ct Trillion cut White Diamond. The
Category

2010s Belgian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Van der Veken High Jewelry Brooche
Located in Antwerpen, BE
by Gould and made by Van der Veken, an Antwerp, Belgium-based High Jewelry house founded in 1952
Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

41.39Ct. Diamond Necklace, High Jewelry White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Imagine if you took handfuls of diamonds and threw them around your neck. 41.39Ct. Diamond High
Category

2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

12.30Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Earrings
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

10.49Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Earrings
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Quartz, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

Exquisite Diamond Bracelet- Luxury high jewelry statement piece
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
A total 23 motif are used with a integrated 8.15 carat diamonds which means it gives a look of 35
Category

2010s Thai Artisan Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18.60Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

52.30Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

9.80CT Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Earrings
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

7.05Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Earrings
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

14.40Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

23.30Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14K Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

22.60Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

27.95Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

83.65Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Copper

Artful 6.50 Carat Diamond Necklace of High End Jewellery
Located in Napoli, IT
incredible charm this fantastic Diamond collier has Sober elegance of mother nature inspiration in a delicate
Category

Early 2000s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

High jewelry earrings, Vincent Michel
Located in Lausanne, CH
brilliant-cut diamonds (superior quality DEF/IF-VVS), and two natural drop-cut diamonds (2x 0.31ct/each) of
Category

2010s Swiss Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

15.60Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper

High Jewelry ring, "LEMAN LAKE" swissmade
Located in Lausanne, CH
diamonds quality EF/VVS. This unique piece is crafted in the workshop of Joaillerie Vincent Michel
Category

2010s European Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold

21.44Ct Cody Stone High Jewelry 14k Gold Natural Diamond Necklace
By Loren Breckenridge
Located in Appleton, WI
in the early 1900s for its high precious metals content which exhausted the supply. The intricate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Copper, 22k Gold, White G...

Akillis High Jewelry Python Necklace 18 Karat White Gold White Diamonds
By Akillis
Located in Neuilly sur Seine, FR
18K White Gold AKILLIS High Jewellery Python 1 range Necklace set with white diamonds High
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Akillis Tattoo High Jewellery Necklace Black Gold White and Black Diamonds
By Akillis
Located in Neuilly sur Seine, FR
Black gold AKILLIS TATTOO High Jewellery Necklace set with white and black diamonds Diamonds (cts
Category

2010s French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Floral Invisible Set Diamond Earrings in 18KT Gold – Elegant High Jewellery Desi
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
and sparkle, each element reflects the craftsmanship and customisation we offer as a high jewellery
Category

2010s Thai Artisan Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Necklace High Jewelry, swiss made Vincent Michel
Located in Lausanne, CH
Swiss Jewellery Championship, also recommended by the Homo Faber Guide in 2022. Vincent Michel jewelry
Category

2010s Swiss Artist Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

STATEMENT Paris High Jewelry Diamonds Ring with Tsavorite Center Stone 1.61Carat
Located in PARIS, FR
silver its letters of jewellery nobility, by creating a very limited series of high jewellery rings with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

STATEMENT Paris - High Jewelry Diamonds Ring with Tanzanite Center Stone 3.52ct
Located in PARIS, FR
silver its letters of jewellery nobility, by creating a very limited series of high jewellery rings with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver

18 Carat White Gold, Pendant Necklace, Diamonds, Blue Sapphire, High Jewellery
Located in Ascoli Piceno, Marche
A unique and elegant pendant necklace. Diamonds embellish and give luster to the splendid central
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Akillis High Jewelry Python Three Ranges Bracelet 18 Karat Gold White Diamonds
By Akillis
Located in Neuilly sur Seine, FR
18K White Gold AKILLIS High Jewellery Python 3 ranges Bracelet set with white diamonds Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

High Jewelry Diamond Necklace 24.71 Carat 34, 30 Gr. 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Understated elegance and radiant grace; This eternity diamond necklace is a timeless piece of high
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Akillis High Jewellery Python 3 Ranges Necklace 18 Karat Gold White Diamonds
By Akillis
Located in Neuilly sur Seine, FR
18K White Gold AKILLIS High Jewellery Python 3 ranges Necklace set with white diamonds Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari Bvlgari High Jewelry Diamond and Coral Heart 18 Karat Gold Pendant
By Bulgari
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Bulgari Heart Pendant, likely from a Bulgari high jewelry collection in the 1970s or 1980s
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

70 Carat Diamond High-Jewelry Cuban Link Necklace, 500 Gram White Gold
Located in New York, NY
As seen on some of the world's most celebrities, our 70-carat white diamond Cuban link necklace is
Category

2010s American Artisan Link Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier High Jewelry 1895 Wedding Band Diamond Ring, 3.01 Carat, E VVS2
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier heart-shaped diamond. PT950 Shape and Cutting Style: Heart Brilliant Measurements: 9.50 x
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

High Jewelry swiss made. Unique piece. Combian Emerald
Located in Lausanne, CH
A unique piece of fine jewelry, in 750 white gold set with a 2.51cts (Minor) oval Colombian emerald
Category

2010s Swiss Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Akillis High Jewelry Python Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Half-Set White Diamonds
By Akillis
Located in Neuilly sur Seine, FR
18K White Gold AKILLIS High Jewellery Python 1 range Necklace half-set with white diamonds HIgh
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Akillis High Jewelry Python Three Ranges Necklace 18 Karat Gold White Diamonds
By Akillis
Located in Neuilly sur Seine, FR
18K White Gold AKILLIS High Jewellery Python 3 ranges Necklace set with white diamonds Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pear-Shaped Diamonds High Jewelry Necklace 24.71 Carat 34, 30 Gr. 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Understated elegance and radiant grace; This eternity diamond necklace is a timeless piece of high
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

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High Diamond Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate high diamond jewellery for your needs in our varied inventory. 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 261 vintage or 128 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a high diamond jewellery 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. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic high diamond jewellery over the years, but those made by Cartier, Chopard and Antinori Fine Jewels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old mine cut and brilliant cut versions for sale. Finding a high diamond jewellery for sale for women should be easy, but there are 160 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a High Diamond Jewellery?

The price for a high diamond jewellery starts at $164 and tops out at $474,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,446.

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.