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Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
First patented by Van Cleef Arpels in 1933 this masterful skill seamlessly sets stones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A meticulous process first brought to fruition in 1933 by Van Cleef and Arpels. Each gemstone is initially selected for its perfectly matching color and then is cut and calibrated to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Burmese Ruby "Mystery Set" Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Classic ruby and diamond flower earrings. Five mystery set ruby flower petals centered with 5
Category

2010s Unknown Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

LEVIAN Mystery-Set sapphire Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
invisible set ( Mystery-set) weighing approx. 7.00 carats. These Levian earrings have Clip on Back with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Leaf Ear Clips
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful mystere set ruby "leaf" design ear clips, 228 french cut rubies set in invisible style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Mystery Set Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace is an exquisite piece of jewelry that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Ring by Van Cleef Arpels
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
Mystery set sapphire and diamond "double boule" ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Crossover design of
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond and ‘Mystery’ Set Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VVS clarity grade. The opposite side has 96 invisibly set sapphires with an approximate total weight
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Contemporary 8.70 Carats Ruby Diamond Mystery Set Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color with VS clarity - terminating as a pear shaped drop. With rubies mystery set fully around
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

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

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Caresse d Éole Fairy Clip. Traditional Mystery Set, Rubies
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. The Maison patented its Mystery Set in 1933. This masterpiece of fine jewelry can reveal the ultimate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An invisibly set, mystery ring with Rubies with diamonds on the side. Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery-Set Sapphire Ring with French Marks
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning and rare Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Invisible Set Sapphire Ring with French Marks. The
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery Set Ruby with Heart Shape Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set Ruby with Heart Shape Diamonds making a floral shape, made in 18
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond and Mystery Set Ruby Flower Earrings
Located in Flushing, NY
18K White Gold Diamond and Mystery Set Ruby Flower Earrings Marked: K18 750 D 0.23 ct R 3.00 ct
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Unique 18k White Gold Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Dual Cylinder Bar Cufflinks
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 240 Natural Genuine Sapphires - Claibre Cut - Mystery Set - Royal Blue Color Numerous
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

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

Rare FRED PARIS Mystery Ruby Diamond Set Leaf Pin Pendant, France 18kt
By Fred Paris
Located in Miami, FL
Captivating FRED Paris 18kt White Gold Ruby and Diamond Leaf Pin Brooch Elevate your jewelry
Category

1990s French Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

9 Carat Sapphires Pave Mystery Set White Gold Fashion Design Ring
Located in London, GB
This very nice ring is set with 35 French cut sapphires in a pave Mystery set. This technic was
Category

Vintage 1980s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery Set Rectangular Ruby and Diamond Pendant, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Mystery Set Rectangular Ruby and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold. Ruby Weight: 4.88 carats
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Elongated Hexagonal Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace, 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
An Elongated Hexagonal Mystery Set Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace made in 18K Yellow
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Octagonal Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An Octagonal Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Ruby Weight: 1.59 carats
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Ring. Featuring 126 calibré
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels 1969 Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
has 80 invisibly set sapphires with an approximate total weight of 17.75 carats, and 26 round
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Invisible Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Owl Pin or Pendant 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Burma Ruby And Diamond Owl Pin/ Pendant in 18 K White
Category

Early 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

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

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Bombe Dome Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Wide Ruby and Diamond Bombe Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Mystery Set Ruby & Diamond Bombe Dome Ring
Category

20th Century Unknown Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mystery Set Slope Pink Sapphire and Diamond Pendant, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Mystery Set Pink Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold. Pink Sapphire Weight: 4.13
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Square Mystery Set 9 Stone Sapphire Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 18K White
Located in New York, NY
A Square Mystery Set 9 Stone Sapphire Pendant with Diamonds made in 18K White Gold. Total Sapphire
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sabbadini 5.45 Carats Pave Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Mystery Set B
By Sabbadini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a stylized bee Eyes are round sapphire cabochon eyes while body is mystery
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches

Materials

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

Solid 18k White Gold Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Heart Cocktail Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Rubies - Calibre Cut - Mystery Invisible Set - Vivid Red
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Midcentury 1.32 Carats Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Mystery Set Vintage Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
VS clarity. Set in mystery style setting with white gold bezel surround and centering a white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Oliva 1.80 Carats Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Mystery Set Unisex Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
are channel set while square step diamonds are mystery set With round brilliant cut diamond accents
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels pair of Sapphire and Diamond Mystery-Set Earclips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Original VCA earrings of calibré-cut sapphires, bordered by baguette diamonds, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered N.Y.10511.
Category

Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Invisible Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Earring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Burma Ruby And Diamond Cocktail Earring in 18 K White
Category

Early 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Invisible Mystery Set Pink Sapphire Diamond Stud Earring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible Mystery Set Pink Sapphire & Diamond Stud Earring 14 Karat White Gold perfect pair made in
Category

2010s Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Pair of "Mystery Set" 50 Cr Ruby Diamond "Fleurettes" Ear Stud Earrings, 18KYG
Located in New York, NY
These stunning cocktail earrings feature an invisible or mystery set of princess cut Burma ruby and
Category

Early 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Invisibly Set Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
the company's own factory. The company produced Mystery Set jewelry for Van Cleef & Arpels from the
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Brooch by Schilling
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A ruby and diamond brooch in platinum, by the German jeweller Schilling. The rubies are mystery set
Category

Mid-20th Century German Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Sabbadini Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
By Sabbadini
Located in Miami, FL
design of bombé calibrated square-cut ruby petals (in invisible mystery setting which was originally
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Mystery Set Ruby Cufflinks And Studs
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless pair of square shaped Mystery-Set Ruby Cufflinks by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Invisible Mystery Set Sapphire Diamond Flower Brooch and Pendant
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
invisible mystery setting which was originally developed by Van Cleef and Arpels) all 14.10 ct and 24
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Invisible Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch and Pendant
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
. 17.30 grams. It features a floral design of bombé calibrated 220 natural rubies (in invisible mystery
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mystery Set 2.25 Carat Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Ring Size 6.25
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Mystery Set 2.25 Carat Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Ring is an extraordinary display of craftsmanship
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage LeCoultre Mystery Dial White Gold and Diamond set Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 LeCoultre "Mystery Dial" Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14k White Gold 2 piece case, 17 Jewel
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1.87ct Natural Red Ruby Diamond Mystery Set 18k White Gold Briolette Necklace
Located in Birmingham, GB
stunning shape pendant with beautiful mystery set rubies (a style of setting first developed by French fine
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Natural Blue Sapphire Invisible/Mystery Set Diamond 18 Karat Gold Yellow Ring
Located in New York, NY
Natural Blue Sapphire Invisible/Mystery Set & Diamond 18 Karat Gold Yellow Ring the stones are
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Pair of "Mystery Set" Ruby Diamond "Fleurettes" Ear Pendants Earrings, 18K
Located in New York, NY
Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Burma Ruby And Diamond Cocktail Earring in 18 K
Category

Early 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1980 s 5.50 CTW Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Mystery Set Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mystery style channels and centering a square of additional flush set sapphires Accented by trilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire

VAN CLEEF EN ARPELS Cadenas padlock Bracelet Watch– 18K Gold Mystery Set Rubies
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in San Diego, CA
with mystery-set square-cut rubies, a revolutionary technique patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933
Category

Mid-20th Century French Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Set Floral Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
Here's another fine example of VAN CLEEF & APRELS 'Mystery' Set. This 18k white gold flower pin
Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Set Ruby Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Rare mystery-set four row ruby platinum ring. Signed with serial numbers. Set on Platinum. Ring
Category

American Cocktail Rings

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Set Diamond Bangle
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lakewood, NJ
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mystery Set Diamond Bangle with ruby and emerald flower motif
Category

20th Century French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

RARE VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Ruby Set "Pavot" Pin
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gaze on this rare and stunning "Pavot" brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. "Mystery set" ruby petals
Category

Vintage 1960s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Mystery Set Ruby Earclips
Located in New York City, NY
A superb pair of Mystery- Set VanCleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ear clips. Signed with inventory
Category

American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Important Mystery-Set Ruby Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, NY
This fabulous flexible bracelet is mystery-set with diagonal lines of square-cut diamonds within a
Category

1990s French More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Paderzani Mystery Invisible Set Ruby and Diamond Earrings in Yellow 18K Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
A pair of Paderzani Mystery Invisible Set Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold, designed as a pair of
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Messika Mystery Set Diamond Gold Ring
By Messika
Located in Paris, FR
White gold ring designed as a flower with six petals on mystery-set princess cut diamonds. Diamonds
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

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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.