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22k Gold, Pave Diamond, Ear Wire Hoop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Paris & Lily, one-of-a-kind , 22K gold, handmade, half-round, pave diamond hoop earrings on 18K
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Antique 2.23ct Diamond and Platinum Spray Brooch, circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 2.23 carat diamond and platinum lily of the valley brooch; part of our diverse
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Buccellati Macri 18 Karat White Gold Bracelet with Diamonds
By Buccellati
Located in Amsterdam, NL
detailed with cutouts and diamonds to resemble lilies, which were regarded as a symbol of sublime love by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Baroque Revival Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Buccellati macri ring classic 18 karat yellow gold diamonds
By Buccellati
Located in Amsterdam, NL
effect. It’s detailed with cut-outs and diamonds to resemble lilies, which were regarded as a symbol of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Revival Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late 20th Century White Gold Diamonds and Rubies Fashion Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
diamond lily with a pistil of rubies. All is mounted in 18 white gold. The origin of this ring goes back
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Buccellati Macri Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Buccellati
Located in Amsterdam, NL
-cut diamonds set in small 18 karat white gold star-shaped rosettes. This 15 mm wide cuff bracelet is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Revival Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century 1 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Lever Back Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique cushion-cut diamond, set with lily flower claws. The clasp system is from the back. Total weight
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

The Lilly Signature GIA Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This delicate halo diamond and ruby engagement ring featuring a certified 0.07 carat lily cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 18 Carat Gold Ring with a Diamond Fleur De l ys and Green Enamel Ivy
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring with a French lily set with old cut diamonds, the shank is decorated with ivy
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Fleur-De-Lis Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Art Deco-style Fleur-De-Lis ring features a central sapphire, symbolizing a lily, surrounded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold

Asprey "Lily" Diamond and White Gold Pendant
By Asprey International Limited
Located in San Francisco, CA
The 18k white gold pendant by Asprey is designed as a double Calla Lily, the stamens set with 24
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

The Lily Ring Diamond Cocktail Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
The Lily Ring is an enchanting creation that embodies both elegance and artistry. At its heart lies
Category

20th Century Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Dalben Lily of the Valley Diamond Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design lily of the valley ring with 19 Rose cut white Diamond weighing 0,90carats mounted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Estate Lily Shaped Diamond Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
diamond sourrounded by four oval cut sapphires, all enclosed by sparkling round huit-huit cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Lily Blossom Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. lily blossom 18 karat yellow gold diamond earrings, 12 round brilliant diamonds
Category

Early 2000s More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Jade Diamond Gold Lily of the Valley Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
realistically modeled as a stalk of lily of the valley, set with carved moonstone flowers each suspending a
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jade Diamond Gold Lily of the Valley Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
The brooch realistically modeled as a stalk of lily of the valley, set with carved moonstone
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Harry Winston Lily Cluster Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum chain, containing 37 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds totaling .20 Carat. Unworn and comes in the
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Harry Winston Lily Cluster Collection Diamond Platinum Stud Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in Miami, FL
These Harry Winston stud earring s from the Lily Cluster Collection combines contemporary elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Ambrosi 18 Karat Gold Diamond Calla Lily Brooch with Yellow Diamonds Center
By Ambrosi
Located in New York, NY
A calla lily-motif in brilliant white diamond pavé with natural fancy yellow diamond center; set in
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

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

Harry Winston Lily Cluster Platinum Diamond Bracelet Retail $5, 200
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston Lily Cluster diamond bracelet finely crafted in Platinum with a lobster claw closure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Paris Lily Nantucket Lightship Basket Cuff with Gold and Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
of the weaving with a modern esthetic by adding gold and diamond caps. Natural cain & rattan cuff
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique French Diamond and Gold Lily of the Valley Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A French Antique 18 karat gold bangle bracelet with diamonds. The bangle bracelet has 7 old mine
Category

Antique 1890s French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Midcentury Carved Nephrite Crystal Diamond Gold Lily of the Valley Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14k gold lily of the valley brooch, set in 14k gold, decorated with carved nephrite
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Amethyst Pearl 14K Gold Antique Swagged Calla Lily Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
calla lily with a pierced whiplash foliate surround Glossed with transparent basse-taille enamel over
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Link Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Paris Lily, 22k Gold, Diamond Hoop Earrings with Removable Pearl Pendants
Located in Montclair, NJ
Paris & Lily, handmade, one-of-a-kind, 22K gold, diamond hoop earrings with removable gold, diamond
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold

Realistic 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Three Dimensional Lily Flower Brooch Pin
Located in Tustin, CA
Beautiful hand made 18 karat yellow and white gold three dimensional estate lily flower brooch is a
Category

20th Century American Artisan Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Paris Lily Nantucket Lightship Basket Cuff with Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
tradition with a modern esthetic by adding gold and diamonds. Thin natural cain & rattan cuff with 10K
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Paris Lily Nantucket Lightship Basket Cuff with Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
tradition with a modern esthetic by adding gold and diamonds. Thin natural cain & rattan cuff with 10K
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Paris Lily Nantucket Lightship Basket Cuff with White Gold and Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
tradition with a modern esthetic by adding gold and diamonds. Thin black cain & rattan cuff with 14K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Carved Nephrite Lily of the Valley Diamonds White Gold Pin Brooch, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Exquisite floral brooch. Carved hyaline Quartz, Nephrite and Diamond. Lily of the valley is such a
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Nouvelle Bacue 18 Karat Yellow/White Gold, Diamond Enamel Calla Lily Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow/White Gold Nouvell Bacue Enamel and Diamond Calla Lily Ring Size 8- This elegant
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Enamel

18 Karat Yellow Gold Lily Brooch, Carved Rubelite, Tourmaline and Diamonds
By Roberto Casarin
Located in New York, NY
diamonds. The brooch measures 2.50" x 2" Total Diamond weight 2.45 carats Signed Cellini 18 K Italy
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Nina Zhou Lily of the Valley 3.26ctw Moonstone Peridot Diamond Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
Inspired by the graceful arch of lily of the valley stems, these earrings blend botanical form with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dalben Drop Shape Rose Cut Diamond Lily of the Valley Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben drop shape rose cut Diamond Ring mounted in 18 kt white gold with 4 flower shape milligrana
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Lily Calla Gold Ring, 14 Karat Gold Ring with Garnet and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lily calla gold ring. 14 kt gold ring with Garnet and diamonds. Pear Garnet gold ring. Flower gold
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold

14 Kt Gold Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds, Lily Calla Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt gold ring with sapphire and diamonds. Lily calla gold ring. Weight: 1.50 g. Size:17 mm. (EU
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Calla Lily Earrings Citrine Diamond Estate Jewelry 14 Karat Yellow Gold Flowers
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of estate calla lily citrine & diamond earrings, crafted in 14 karat yellow
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Ring with Peridot and Diamonds, Lily Calla Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with peridot and diamonds. Lily calla gold ring. August birthstone Weight: 2.10
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Snake Lily Pad Ring Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds. The snake is depicted circling the Lily Pad with the snake's coiled body extending down to
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gennady Osmerkin Diamond Pearl Earrings Lily Flower 18 Karat Gold Modern Art
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning pair of Diamond and Pearl Lily Flower motif Earrings by the acclaimed master
Category

20th Century American Modernist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Fei Liu Diamond Pearl Pendant 9 Karat White Gold Lily Valley Pendant Necklace
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, GB
Description: Lily of the Valley double pendant with freshwater pearl and brilliant white diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

Lily Pad Art Nouveau Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Pendant Charm 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
gold. The pendant is set with an antique rose cut diamond. The lily pad has superb detail in its form
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Enamel

Fei Liu Pearl Diamond 9 Karat White Gold Lily of the Valley Pendant Necklace
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, GB
Description: Lily of the Valley pendant with 6mm freshwater pearl and 0.031ct white diamonds, set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

Diamond White and Red 18 Karat Gold Lily of the Valley Pearl Pendant Necklace
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
This graceful lily of the valley pendant with its chain is set on the petals with ct 0.42 white
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Gold-Mounted Nephrite Lily of the Valley Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
diamonds weighing approx. 2ct simulating buds, issuing from a diamond-set petal, the reverse mounted with a
Category

20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

Antique 1880s Lily of the Valley Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold lily of the valley old mine cut diamond brooch with 5 dangling old mine cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Pendant in the Shape of a French Bourbon Lily, 750 White Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
ca. 0,09 ct - Numerous diamonds, faceted, total approx. 0.66 ct - dimensions: 1,9 x 1,7 cm - Weight
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Peter Suchy 1.27 Carat Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Lily cut diamond dangle earrings. 2 lily cut diamonds with 2 round accent diamonds set in platinum
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Enamel Diamond Gold Arum Flowers Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
blue at the edges, the pistils are of diamonds. One lily is larger than the other; they meet at the top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Buccellati Yellow Gold Macri Cuff Bracelet Wide with Diamonds
By Buccellati
Located in Amsterdam, NL
technique called 'Rigato' for a silky effect. It's detailed with cutouts and diamonds to resemble lilies
Category

2010s Italian Baroque Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond

Kieselstein-Cord Unusual Gemstone Diamond Gold Bracelet and Earrings Set
Located in Aspen, CO
lily pad has 46 diamonds in .50 cts. They weigh 25.37 grams. The bracelet is a jeweled garden with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline

Vintage 14k White Yellow Gold 14.85ctw GIA Emerald Cut Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
white gold calla lily flowers. The diamonds weigh an approximate total of 0.30 carats and are fine
Category

1990s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Fabergé Lion Egg, 18k gold, 16 Diamonds 0.198ct, Jasper, Purple Enamel, Nr. 2/75
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
opening button is in the shape of a royal heraldic lily set with diamonds. The enamel is a rich purple red
Category

Early 2000s German Art Deco Models and Miniatures

Materials

Diamond, Jasper, 18k Gold

Asprey Lily White Gold and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Asprey
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Asprey pendant designed as a double calla lily set with an estimated 0.25 carats of round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond platinum Lily Flower Brooch
Located in Greenwich, CT
Diamond lily flower brooch, accented by approximately 9.00 total carats of pavé-set circular-cut
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Sapphire Diamond Calla Lily Bracelet
Located in Calabasas, CA
centering 2 silver calli lilies bead-set with pink sapphires, yellow diamond pistils and green enamel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

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Lily Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate lily diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a lily diamond from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Creating a lily diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Fei Liu, Harry Winston and Moira are consistently popular. 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 brilliant cut and rose cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a lily diamond, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Lily Diamond?

Prices for a lily diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $215 and can go as high as $107,570, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,495.

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.