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Set in 18k Gold, 4.23 Carat Zambian Emerald and Marquise Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very chic Emerald & Diamonds Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & Marquise Diamonds. The weight
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

2.5 Carat Marquise Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 15X7 Marquise Cut Emerald And Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Size 8
Category

2010s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marquise and Pear Shaped Emerald and Diamond White Gold Drop Hoop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karats white gold diamond and emerald drop hoop earrings Two marquise-shaped emeralds
Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, 3.67 carats, Zambian Emerald Marquise Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald Cocktail / Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cuff Ring Marquise Diamond 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Emerald Wt :- 0.97 ct Ring Size :- 7 US & All size available
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Emerald Gemstone Cuff Ring Marquise Diamond 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
ct ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Emerald Wt :- 0.97 ct Ring Size :- 7 US & All size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Certified Marquise Diamond with Emerald and Sapphire Art Deco Style Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning halo ring sparkles in lustrous 18k white gold and features a marquise shaped diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1980s Diamond Emerald Platinum Round Marquise and Baguette Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Acquire this sophisticated and eye-catching Diamond Emerald Platinum Round Marquise and Baguette
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage Emerald Marquise Crystal Brooch 1940s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
. Emerald glass and white crystals cut in a marquise style are exquisitely layered to create a stylish three
Category

Vintage 1940s Brooches

Marquise Diamond Emerald 1.5 Inch Long Drop Earrings Weighing 2.95 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
with bezel set marquise shape diamond 1.5" long. Emerald weight 2.50 carats Marquise shape diamond
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive marquise shaped emerald ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Bypass Ring, 14k Marquise Cut .44ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Genuine Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat: .35ct Cut: Marquise Color
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

3.50ct Pear Shape Natural Emerald 0.45ct Marquise Shaped Diamond Pendant, 18K
Located in Houston, TX
3.50ct Pear shape natural emerald with a 0.45ct Marquise shaped diamond set in an 18K white gold
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Zambian Emerald Earrings Marquise Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.70 carats Zambian emerald and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Emerald Cocktail Ring Marquise Diamond Halo 4.75 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Emerald = 3.21
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

2.55 Carat Fine Blue Emerald Cut Aquamarine Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
clarity (VVS) and a superb emerald cut. A top grade Santa Maria aquamarine. Set in a modern 900 platinum
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Emerald, Marquise Platinum 2.60 Carat Band Ring D/E COLOR VS Clarity
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum Emerald & Marquise Brilliant Cut Halo Diamond Full Circle Eternity Wedding Band
Category

2010s Italian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Marquise Shape Red Corals, Emeralds Rose Gold and Silver Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
silver structure composed of 3.20 g of marquise shape red coral pieces, and rose gold and silver leaves
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Coral, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Rhinestone Waterfall Cocktail Brooch With Emerald Marquise Crystal, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 1.5" x 2" - Silver tone - Prong set clear crystal rhinestones - Emerald
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Brooches

Emerald and Diamond Oval Tennis Bracelet 25.00 carat 18k Marquise Victoria Style
Located in Great Neck, NY
bracelet set with 21.97 carats of Natural Zambian Emeralds. Each emerald is connected by a marquise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

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

1.31 Carat Oval Emerald, Marquise Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring In White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
A top-end green emerald weighing 1.31 carat, measuring 9.47 x 6.62 mm is a collector's dream. On
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.70 Carat Oval Emerald and Marquise Fancy Yellow Diamond Two-Tone Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ring showcases one oval cut 0.70 carat emerald in a rich yellow gold prong setting in
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
A cluster of faceted oval, marquise and pear-shaped Columbian emeralds within a ring of pave`-set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

8.20 Carat Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Gorgeous Marquise and Emerald cut Diamond Cocktail ring. The fabulous ring has been handmade in
Category

2010s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Wide Emerald Marquise and Round Cut Multiple Shape Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
Emerald, Marquise and Round cut diamonds set in a semi flexible 18k white gold mounting. Approximately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 2 Carat Marquise Diamond Platinum Long Navette Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
and emeralds in a most intriguing mosaic of gems. Even the under crown is detailed with filigree with
Category

2010s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

4.68 Carat Diamond 3 Layer Ring with Emerald, Marquise and Pear Shape Clusters
Located in Tustin, CA
. This ring has all the elements of what's popular now - emerald, pear and marquise shapes! Surrounding
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Butterfly Shaped Emerald Ruby Necklace
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Emerald & Ruby Stone Cut: Marquise & Round Metal Choice: 14K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruchi New York Drop Emerald Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Green Lagoon Collection Three strand flexible Emerald earrings set in 18K black rhodium gold. The
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Bulgari Diamond and Emerald Eyes Serpenti Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
round and marquise diamonds and pear-shaped emerald eyes, signed Bulgari. Diamond weighing approx. 19.95
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Semi eternity gold ring with opals, emeralds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Semi eternity gold ring with opals, emeralds. Mexican opal gold ring. Half eternity opal, emeralds
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

LB Exclusive Platinum 2.28 Carat Diamond and Emerald Earrings
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
0.75” in length and 0.62” in width. The earrings are embellished with two emeralds that total 6.29
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Fine Cocktail Retro Style Colombian Emerald Ring 18K
Located in US
Retro style 4.75ct natural Colombian emerald pear, marquise, oval, brilliant cut, cluster cocktail
Category

2010s Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

5.55ct Lab Emerald Victorian Royale Solitaire Ring 14kt
Located in New York, NY
Prime Marquise Victorian Royale Green. 5.55ct. Lab Created Emerald Ring Emerald, Brilliant
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Deco Emerald Diamond Shuttle Ring 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
cut Emeralds total weight is 0.46 Carats. There are 16 round brilliant cut Diamonds of approximately
Category

Vintage 1930s Spanish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
10k yellow gold Emerald and diamond ring, containing 1 marquise shape cut weighing .20pts. and 2
Category

1990s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Enamel Yellow Gold Leopard Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Emerald Enamel Leopard Brooch Pin by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 emeralds in the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold, Enamel

14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
marquise cut emeralds weighing .65pts. This ring is a size 5.5 but we will size to fit for free.
Category

1990s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Emerald Crocodile Wood Cuff Bracelet
By AVGVSTA
Located in Milano, IT
. The animal’s majestic features are enriched with the eyes of the crocodile made of emeralds. The
Category

2010s Italian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Emerald and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K yellow gold Emerald: 50 marquise cut = 4.50cttw Diamond: 50 round cut = .50cttw Color
Category

20th Century Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14kt Gold Ring with Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Nice looking Ring crafted in 14k yellow Gold, featuring 25 Navette intense green Emeralds weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Hermes Giraffe Emerald Enamel Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Hermès
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Emerald Enamel Giraffe Band Ring by Hermes. With 1 marque shape emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold, Enamel

New Natural Green Emerald 925 Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
counted 36 Emeralds in this ring. The stones are all approximately 5.4 x 2.5mm in size. It is
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

Art Deco Platinum Natural 8.55 Carat Diamond Green Emerald Belly Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Art Deco Platinum Natural 8.55 Carat Diamond & Green Emerald Antique Belly Bracelet Metal
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Wishbone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous band holds five emeralds measuring approx 15pts each and in between there are pairs
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Genuine Emerald Flamingo Brooch Pin in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This Genuine Emerald Flamingo Brooch enhances your attire and is perfect for adding a touch of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

14 karat Solid Gold Ring with Natural Emerald and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
. 2.02 g. depends from size Central stones: Natural emerald Marquise cut, weight - approx 0.70 ct in
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Art Deco Emerald 1.04 ctw Diamond Platinum Shoulder Duster Earrings
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
beautifully matched natural emeralds gleaming among 1.04 carats total of brilliant, sparkling pave-set
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Mid-20th Century Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This stunning 1950s Platinum cocktail ring showcases a striking marquise-shaped emerald at its
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Emerald Circle Brooch 2.70 Grams
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
marquise-cut emerald gemstones. The pendant measures 24mm in diameter, and it weighs 2.70 grams.
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Hand Holding Emerald Bangle Bracelet #20012
Located in Washington Depot, CT
bracelet features a graceful hand holding a marquise cut emerald (6 mm x 4 mm) set in beautifully detailed
Category

20th Century Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Emerald Diamond Leaf Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
- Emerald Gemstone Shape - Marquise Gemstone size - 2.5 x 5 mm Gemstone pcs - 14 Gemstone Weight - 2.24 cts
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

No-Oil Russian Emerald Pink Spinel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning 18 Karat Gold Ring featuring 1.41 ct no-oil Russian Emerald and accented with Pink Spinel
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Spinel, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold Carved Pink Tourmaline Emerald Diamond Dangler Earrings
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
combination extremely unique. Emeralds are used in pear and marquise shape to depict the leaves. Made with the
Category

2010s Indian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

New Natural Emerald 925 Sterling Silver Pendant on Adjustable Sterling Chain
Located in Eagan, MN
The stones are natural and just a beautiful shade of green. I believe I counted 30 Emeralds in
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Colombian Emerald center weighing 7.93 Carats surrounded by GIA Certified Oval and Marquise shaped
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings with Vibrant Emeralds Sparkling Natural Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
emeralds totaling 1.85 carats, gracefully suspended between marquise-shaped designs adorned with pavé-set
Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

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Marquise Emerald For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate marquise emerald for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. You can easily find a 181 antique edition and 212 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a marquise emerald may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Creating a marquise emerald has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Georgios Collections Inc, LB Exclusive and OGI Ltd are consistently popular. A marquise cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also emerald cut and pear cut versions for sale. When shopping for a marquise emerald, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Marquise Emerald?

The price for a marquise emerald starts at $175 and tops out at $750,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,584.

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.