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Natural Zambian Emerald High Quality Diamond Bracelet in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
centerpiece is beautifully framed by a double halo of meticulously set diamonds, enhancing its luxurious
Category

2010s Indian Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Natural Zambian Emerald high quality diamond ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=4.22gm NW=3.71gm diamond fancy=0.49cts diamond baguette=0.24cts diamond round=0.32cts emerald
Category

2010s Indian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Solid Platinum High Quality 4.82ctw Opal Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
of Colors - 13.8x10mm / 4.21ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette & Round Brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Platinum 5.2ctw High Quality Pink Tourmaline Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Very Nice Pink Color - 11.1x8.9mm - 4.94ct (exact) (28) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Natural zambian Emerald high quality diamond ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=3.490gm NW=3.090gm diamond fancy =1.09cts emerald fancy =0.91cts FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc
Category

2010s Indian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

.25ct Diamonds Stripe Row High Shine Band Ring 18kt
Located in New York, NY
Shined Rows Wide Band Diamond Stripe .25ct. Natural round cut brilliant diamonds Vs-2 clarity H
Category

2010s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rosy Yellow Gold High Quality Green Tourmaline Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Prong Set - Very Nice Rich Green Color - Clean - Very High Quality - 9.2mm (approx.) (19) Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum High Quality 1.37ctw Emerald Cut Aquamarine Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 1.05ctw (exact) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Very Nice White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 14k White Gold GIA 13.70ctw High Quality Aquamarine Diamond Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Info ** (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Prong Set - VS1 Clarity - G Color - 0.70ct
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.39 Carat Diamond 3D Merkaba Star Drop Earrings in Platinum - Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, luminous rhythm. Chosen in F to G color and VVS2 to VS1 clarity, the diamonds deliver high jewelry fire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian gold diamond and ruby high karat snake bracelet bangle
Located in Austin, TX
An amazing antique Victorian era high karat yellow gold snake bracelet with ruby eyes and old cut
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Certified Type A Cluster Icy Jade Discs Diamond Earrings, High Translucency
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The earrings are set in 18k white gold and diamonds. There are 42 white diamonds totaling 0.30cts in
Category

2010s Hong Kong Drop Earrings

Materials

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

High Polish Italian Diamond 18K Yellow White Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Stylish High Polish Timeless diamond choker is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow and white gold
Category

1990s Italian Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Solid 14k Yellow Gold High Quality .50ctw Diamond Bypass Look Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Clarity - High Quality Diamonds - 0.50ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.05 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1930 s 4.57 Carat High Zircon and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 4.57 carat high zircon and 0.38 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Diamond, Zircon, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

10 Karat White Gold and Diamond High-Heeled Sandal Charm
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat White Gold and Diamond High Heeled Sandal Charm Put your dancing shoes on! This
Category

20th Century Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

High Lustrous South Sea Peacock Tone Pearl Diamond Strand Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This very high quality lustrous South Sea peacock pearl and diamond strand necklace, weighs 80
Category

Vintage 1980s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Diamond High Heel Shoe Pendant with Necklace
Located in Macau, MO
An elegant and very special high heel shoes pendant, set with brilliant diamonds weighing
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique 16.60 Carat High Zircon and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 16.60 carat high zircon and 0.06 carat diamond, platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, Platinum

White Gold 7.50ct High Quality Diamond Three-Row Tennis Bracelet, Heavyweight
Located in Great Neck, NY
tennis bracelet is a radiant celebration of diamond brilliance and design excellence.Handset prong
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

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

Vintage Platinum Carre Diamond Sapphire High Profile band Ring Size 4.5
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Carre Square Step Cut - Prong Set - G/H Color - VS1-VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco High Quality Zambian Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A beautiful Art & Deco High Quality Zambian Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring studeed in 18kt Yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold

High Quality Platinum 3.20ctw GIA Ruby Diamond Long Ballerina Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Diamonds - Marquise Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Color (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique 14K White Gold 0.67ct High Crown Old Euro Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique diamond ring is finely crafted in 14K white gold with a distinctive high crown setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Platinum 3.68ct High Quality Fire Orange Opal Diamond Dual Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
High Quality - 11.6x8.7mm - 2.60ct (exact) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 14 Baguette w/ 28 Round Brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Diamond Star Earrings High Polish Finish Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.8 Grams Diamond Count: 12
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Yellow Gold High Quality 3.24ctw Diamond Geometric Line Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (72) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Fiery - G-I Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

High Low Transitional Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum, circa 1940s
Located in Wailea, HI
Introducing our exquisite High Low Transitional Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum, a true gem from the
Category

Early 20th Century American Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Tennis Bracelet 10.81 ct 18Kt White Gold 28 white diamonds high carat
Located in München, DE
A luxurious bracelet adorned with 28 natural white diamonds in brilliant cut, approx. 10.81 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Platinum GIA High Quality 2ctw Colombian Emerald w/ Diamond Flared Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Octagonal Step Cut - Prong Set - High Quality - Very
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage Platinum High Quality 4.35ctw Opal Diamond Halo Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
/ Amazing Play of Green, Blue & Yellow Color - 12.1x10mm / 2.33ct (approx.) (15) Natural Genuine Diamonds
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 14k White Gold 0.30ctw High Quality Diamond Detailed Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (7) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum GIA High Quality 9.91ctw Sapphire Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) (66) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant & Marquise Cut - Prong Set - G-I Color - VS2-SI2 w
Category

20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

High Quality 6.38Ct Sapphire Diamond Geometric Dangle Earrings 14k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
diamonds weighing 1.37 carats. The stones are prong-set in 14k white gold, creating a refined Art Deco
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

10 carat Emerald Cabochon and Diamond High Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
10 Carat Emerald Cabochon High Dome Diamond Cocktail Ring Emerald Cabochon and Diamond High Dome
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Dome Rings

Materials

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

High Quality VS Diamonds Dangle Earrings Made in 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with our breathtaking Illusional Diamonds Dangle Earrings. Crafted in 18k white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural 4.00cts High Quality Emerald 2.79cts Diamond Earring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
within a halo of sparkling BAGUETTE diamonds. The warm glow of gold enhances the gemstone’s soft, ocean
Category

2010s Indian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

High Dome Oval Emerald Cab Engagement Ring with Diamonds and Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
High dome oval emerald cab ring with diamonds and gold. Emerald cabochones traditionally adorned
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Solid Yellow Gold Diamond 3 Natural High Karat Nuggets Design Bar Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.06ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 10k Yellow Gold Frame w/ High Karat Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Round Diamond Solitaire Ring . Petite 0.17ct Diamond Engagement Ring. High
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
: Yellow Style: Minimalist Petite engagement ring. High Quality Round Diamond solitaire high prong set
Category

Early 2000s Solitaire Rings

Unique Platinum High Quality 1.48ctw Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Super High Quality - Vivid Fiery Reddish Orange Color - 9.7x6.1 mm - 1.18ct (exact) (12) Natural Genuine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Intricate High Quality Men s ring made with 4.52CTW of Earth Mined Diamonds
Located in Webster, NY
Intricate 14k yellow gold high quality men's ring encrusted with 4.52CTW of Earth Mined Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Natural Zambian Emerald high quality caboshan diamond ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=8.62gm NW=7.77gm diamond baguette=0.30cts diamond round =1.48cts emerald cab =2.47cts FOLLOW
Category

2010s Indian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

2.90ctw Diamond High Dome Ring 18k White Gold Size 7 Cocktail Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gem: Natural Diamonds - 2.90 Total Carats - 0.70 Total Carats, Baguette Cut, H - I Color, VS2
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

High Dome Cabochon Emerald Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a powerful, prong-set, high-domed circular cabochon emerald, measuring
Category

Mid-20th Century Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Platinum High Quality 3.13ctw Opal Diamond Floral Ballerina Design Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
/ Excellent Play of Colors - 10.6x8.4mm / 2.29ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Marquise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Fire Opal, Platinum

Platinum High Quality 1.19ctw Square Step Cut Sapphire Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 0.92ctw (exact) (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Step Cut - Bezel Set - G Color - VS2 Clarity
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

18K Rose Gold Diamond Band Ring 0.33 Carats with High Polish
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K Rose Gold Ring with 11 Round Diamonds 0.33 carats. Finger size is 5.75, can be sized up to 2
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Statement High Quality 18K White Gold Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet - 10.73ct.
Located in San Francisco, CA
each diamond. There are a total of 37 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, totaling approximately 10.73ct, of
Category

1990s American Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Platinum High Quality 2.56ctw Sapphire Diamond Stack Look Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (20) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Step Cut - Channel Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

15.38 Carat High Zircon 1.10 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Earrings Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive pair of vintage 15.38 carat high zircon and 1.10 carat diamond, 14
Category

Vintage 1940s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, White Gold

Elegant 18k Yellow Gold High Quality 1ct Round Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
/VS2 Clarity - High Quality - 0.30ctw (approx.) (56) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fancy Shaped Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with High Polish
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K yellow gold ring with fancy shaped diamonds weighing 0.58 carats total. - Finger size 6.5, can
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signed Giovane Aquamarine 8.20 Ct Diamond High End Necklace
By Giovane
Located in Napoli, IT
Luxury Connection The house of Giovane has forged its name with exquisite jewelry crafted in one of
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

18k Yellow Gold 2.01ctw High Quality Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
& Channel Set- Very Nice Royal Blue Color - 1.64ct (exact) (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum High Quality 1.12ctw Alternating Ruby Diamond Low Profile Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Color - 0.70ctw (approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Shared Prong Set - F/G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Signed Art Deco High Domed 5 Carat Opal And Diamond Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
cocktail ring is signed with makers marks from legacy jeweler, Traub. Featuring a stunning 5 carat, high
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

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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.