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Mystery Set Sapphire Platinum Cufflinks
Located in Simpsonville, SC
platinum, these cufflinks feature a captivating arrangement of blue sapphires, each stone meticulously set
Category

Late 20th Century Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, Platinum

Mystery Set Ruby, Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
MYSTERY set ruby, diamond and crystal brooch in 18k yellow gold. Equipped with double pin and
Category

Late 20th Century European Artist Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier "Mystery Set" Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Invisible Set Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold. The bracelet features 5 rows of mystery
Category

Late 20th Century French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Mystery Set Sapphire Cufflinks
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Invisible Set Sapphire Cufflinks A pair of mystery-set cufflinks by Van
Category

Late 20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Heart Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Mystery Set Ruby & Diamond Heart Earrings A pair of 18 karat white gold heart shaped earrings set
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery Set Frivole Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Cleef & Arpels Captures This Beautifully with Their Mystery Setting Featuring Blue and Yellow Sapphires
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery-Set Ruby Cufflinks And Shirt Studs
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold 5 pieces mystery-set ruby cufflinks, signed Van Cleef Arpels. circa the 1990s
Category

1990s American Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Bombe Cocktail Ring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular piece! Mystery set Rubies swirl with approximately 2 carats of diamonds in this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Sabbadini Large Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
By Sabaddini
Located in Miami, FL
calibrated step-cut high quality royal blue genuine sapphires petals (in invisible mystery setting which was
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch Mystery-Invisibly Set Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch This brooch has invisibly set ruby petals and round brilliant-cut
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire Mystery-Set Men s Cufflink and Dress Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and extremely rare set of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set cufflinks and dress
Category

Late 20th Century French Cufflinks

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery-Set Sapphire, Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery-Set Sapphire, Diamond Bracelet Platinum bracelet, with five row mystery
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery-Set Sapphire, Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery-Set Sapphire, Diamond Earrings A pair of platinum ear clips, set
Category

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

30 Carat Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
mesmerizing array of 700 impeccably invisibly set square cut rubies, each radiating with an intense crimson
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Platinum Crossover Ring Size 6
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Step into a realm of enchantment and elegance with the Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Platinum
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18k White Gold Sapphire Diamond Invisible Mystery Set Flower Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Sapphires - Square Step Cut & Calibre Cut - Mystery
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery-Set Sapphire Pont Neuf Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The elegant forward arch of the ring draws inspiration from the namesake, the Pont Neuf, which stands as the oldest surviving bridge spanning the Seine River. With its five iconic ar...
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery-Set Pink Sapphire Diamond 20.07cts 18K Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
a seamless mystery setting. The teardrop-shaped dangle is topped with a diamond-set cap and
Category

1990s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery-Set Ruby Pont Neuf Huggie Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Mystery Set represents a significant advancement in jewelry design, patented by Van Cleef
Category

1990s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Size 6
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Ring is an extraordinary piece of jewelry that
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Mystery-Set Pink Sapphire Diamond 45.80cts Wide 18K Gold Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
, precisely set in a multi-row pattern. Crafted in 18K white gold, the bracelet is adorned with round
Category

Vintage 1980s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Mystery-Set Ruby Platinum Dome Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Mystery-Set Ruby Platinum Dome Ring Original Platinum mystery-set dome
Category

Vintage 1960s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

A Van Cleef Arpels Invisibly-Set Mystery Ruby Diamond Platinum Bracelet
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
twentieth century. Great in demand by fine jewelry collectors, Van Cleef Arpels invisibly set jewels
Category

Vintage 1960s French Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Very Large Yellow Gold Mystery Set Ruby Fancy Yellow Diamond Flower Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Rubies - French Cut - Mystery Invisible Set - Deep Red Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier Diabolo Invisible Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Invisible Set Ruby Diabolo Ring by Cartier. With 12 round brilliant cut
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

18k White Gold Invisible Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Ruby - Square French Cut - Invisible Mystery Set - Vivid Deep
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Natural Ruby Mystery Set Flower Earrings with Diamonds in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Ruby Mystery Set Flower Earrings with Diamonds in 18k White Gold Ruby Mystery Set Earrings
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mouawad Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 6.75
By Mouawad
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Mouawad Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring, a breathtaking
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Amazing 18k Gold Sapphire Diamond Mystery Invisible Set Large Flower Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Mystery Set - Royal Blue Color (22) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and Mystery- Set Sapphire Ring of Bombé Design
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and 'Mystery- Set' Sapphire Ring Of bombé design, featuring a square
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Invisible Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Earring 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible or Mystery set blue Princess cut Sapphire And Diamond Cocktail Stud Earring in 18
Category

Early 20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Invisible Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Heart Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Heart Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold perfect Heart made
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

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

3.80ct Vintage French Mystery Set Blue Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Vintage French Made Blue Sapphire & Diamond Mystery Set 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning and
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18k Yellow Gold Mystery Invisible Set 12.73ctw Sapphire Diamond Bombe Ring Band
Located in Montclair, NJ
Set - Royal Blue Color - 11.82ctw (exact) (28) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Square Mystery Set Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Square Mystery Set Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds in18K Yellow Gold. Sapphire Weight
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Diamond Cluster and Ruby Pendant Mystery-Set Ear Clips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
pendants, elegantly set with vibrant calibré-cut rubies that catch the light beautifully. Topping off the
Category

Vintage 1960s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Estate Diamond Sapphire 18K Gold Mystery Set Clip-On Statement Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
brilliance. Complementing this lustrous display are 4.56 carats of meticulously mystery-set square-cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Pair of Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips, France
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
the Bellflower. The design cleverly mimics the form of the flower, showcasing a stunning Mystery
Category

1990s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18k White Gold 4.09ctw Invisible Mystery Set Ruby Diamond East West Saddle Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (28) Natural Genuine Rubies - Calibre Custom Cut - Invisible Mystery Set - Seep
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery Set™ Ruby Half Hoop Earrings Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set™ Ruby Half Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold. A notable pair of half
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Gorgeous 18k Gold Mystery Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Floral Clip On Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Rubies - Calibre Square Cut - Mystery Invisible Set - Vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Cartier Diabolo Diamond Mystery Invisible Set Ruby K18 Yellow Gold Ring US 6.5
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item No.: 30490605 ■Brand: Cartier ■Name: Diabolo Diamond Invisible Set Ruby Ring ■Material: 12P
Category

1990s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

South Sea and Freshwater Pearl Necklaces with Mystery and Diamond-Set Clasps
Located in New York, NY
, in white, yellow, pink, and lavender tones, with two mystery clasps and an 18k gold and pavé diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Pendant Earrings
By Amyn The Jeweler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Pendant Earrings in White Gold. Designed by Amyn The Jeweler
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Chatila Mystery Set Blue Sapphire and Diamond Leaf Brooch
By Chatila
Located in London, GB
Chatila 18 carat white gold mystery set blue sapphire brooch with a diamond border and 3 teardrop
Category

2010s Swiss Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Bombe design ring set with an emerald cut diamond weighing approximately 3.35ct, framed by calibre
Category

American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Mystery Invisible set Blue sapphire diamonds on a butterfly ring
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Spread your wings & fly. Its a perfect quote for this Natural blue sapphire Butterfly ring. Each stone is cut & grooved to perfection to give this exquisite look. The diamonds in ...
Category

2010s Thai Arts and Crafts Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Mystery Set Sapphire Estate Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 18K White Gold • Finger Size: 7 • Gram Weight: 12.3 • Diamond Cut: Round • Diamond Carat Weight: 0.25 CT • Gemstone: Sapphire • Gemstone Color: Blue • Gemstone Cut: Prince...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Band Rings

18 Karat White Gold Mystery Set Sapphire Estate Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 18K White Gold • Finger Size: 7 • Gram Weight: 12.3 • Diamond Cut: Round • Diamond Carat Weight: 0.25 CT • Gemstone: Sapphire • Gemstone Color: Blue • Gemstone Cut: Prince...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald Gold Diamond Mystery Set
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful mystery parure comprised of earrings, bracelet and ring in 18kt yellow gold with 44
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Cartier Mystery Set Sapphire Platinum Cufflinks 3 Studs Set
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Mystery Set Sapphire Platinum Cufflinks and 3 Studs Set, a testament to the brand's legacy of luxury and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Mystery-Set Sapphire Diamond Gold Frog Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
mystery set across its body. The mystery setting allows the stones to be set side by side from one another
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Materials

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

Mystery-Set Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mystery-Set Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Brooch Designed as a flower set with round diamonds, the
Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire

VAN CLEEF ARPELS "Mystery" Set Ring
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold ring set with square -cut rubies in mystery setting, flank with square-cut diamonds
Category

French Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby

Ruby Diamond Mystery-Set Gold Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
adorned with a total of 408 mystery-set genuine French square-cut rubies weighing approx. 82.96 cts and
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Gold Fairy Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Adorable! Diamond fairy sitting on a invisible set ruby globe. Fairy's face is a single pear shape
Category

2010s Unknown Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

VCA Sapphire and Diamond Mystery Set Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An invisibly set sapphire and diamond ring (size 7.5) made by Van Cleef and Arpels.
Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

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Mystery Set Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate mystery set jewellery for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum. Our collection of these items for sale includes 74 vintage editions and 15 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a mystery set jewellery may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th 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 mystery set jewellery over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, Oscar Heyman and Sabaddini are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A mystery set jewellery of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 59, is particularly 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 square cut and princess cut alternatives. Most of our mystery set jewellery for sale are for women, but there are 35 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Mystery Set Jewellery?

The price for a mystery set jewellery starts at $1,760 and tops out at $750,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $24,999.

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.