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Vintage Circa 1940s Old Cut Diamond London Bridge Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
in 18 carat gold, her five old cut diamonds sparkle with the intensity of a love that time cannot
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1940s Old Cut Diamond Duo Ring 18 Carat Yellow White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
we have a sweet and abiding classic. The Dove Ring Gem Details The two Old European Cut diamonds are
Category

20th Century Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Art Deco Ring 1930s Old European Cut Diamond 0.85 Ct Yellow Gold 18K Pt
Located in Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana
Beautiful Art Deco Ring 1930s flower format made in Yellow gold 18 Karat and seen in Platinum
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

3.06 Carat Old European Cut Diamonds Gold Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum and 18 karat yellow gold vintage style drop earrings consisting of 1 Old European cut
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

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

5.65 Carats Old European Cut Diamonds Gold Drop Earrings
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum and 18 karat yellow gold antique style drop earrings consisting of 2 old European cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Style 0.10ct Old Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
mark. 1 Old cut diamond 0.10 carats 1 Ruby in pomegranate tag 0.04 carats 18k yellow gold & platinum
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

15.58 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Silver Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Sterling silver on 18 karat yellow gold vintage style drop earrings consisting of 2 Old European
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Old European cut Diamonds Silver Gold Crescent Pendant
Located in Houston, TX
ct. of Old European cut diamonds Hangs from an 18" (46 cm) vintage 9 ct. gold watch chain
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver

Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring Square Setting Old Cuts 18 Karat Gold Platinum
Located in Preston, Lancashire
This striking Art Deco diamond ring made in 18 karat yellow gold with platinum setting features a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Midcentury 1.09 Carat Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Solitaire Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A vibrant old European cut diamond in the most glorious and intricate of settings. The diamond is
Category

Mid-20th Century British Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Ring in 18k Gold, Old-Cut-Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
French Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 karat white gold platinum. In the center, 4 old-cut and 2
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Certified 0.53 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring Set in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
By DesignsOnDiamonds
Located in Chislehurst, Kent
This beautiful Old Cut* 0.53ct Diamond in set in a very classic but very sought after four claw
Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Bespoke 5-Stone Ring Set with 1.30 Carat Old Cut Diamonds in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Chislehurst, Kent
recently been handmade with scroll work on the gallery in 18 Yellow Gold. The centre Old Cut diamond being
Category

2010s Unknown Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Edwardian Diamond Cross Pendant 18 Yellow Gold
Located in Joelton, TN
old European cut diamonds bezel set. The center Diamond is approx .15 ct with the remaining 4 diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A navette shaped ring in 18k yellow gold that features 1.50cts of old cut diamonds.
Category

20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pear and Old Cut Triple Aquamarine Drop Chandelier Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
with your purchase. Do you have questions regarding any diamond purchase? We are always happy to
Category

Early 2000s British Early Victorian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

.45 Carat Old European Diamond and Montana Sapphire Toi et Moi Gold Ring
By Baker Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
and sapphire toi et moi ring when he proposed in 1796. • .45ct Old European cut diamond (K VS1
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Twist Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1910
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
, 18ct Yellow Gold STONES: Old European cut Diamonds (0.80ct in total) CLARITY: VS1 clarity - H colour
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian European Cut Diamond Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Middleton, WI
fitting, but we’d be happy to remove it upon request. There are 18 sparkling Old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold 1 Carat of Old Cut Diamond Dated 1875
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
: 18ct Yellow Gold STONES: Old European cut Diamond (approx. 1ct total) CLARITY: VS – I colour AGE
Category

Antique 1870s British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat Two-Tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring
By J Rossi
Located in Mansfield, OH
Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat 2 tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond fashion ring. This unique creation is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Yellow 18 Karat Gold Eagle Brooch and Diamonds
Located in SEVILLA, ES
18k yellow gold eagle brooch. It has diamonds on the wings and a 0.15 carat old cut diamond on the
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Moonstone, Old Cut Diamond and Tahitian Pearl Chandelier Earrings
By Baker Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
pearls for added distinction. • moonstone • Old European cut diamonds, weighing .69cttw • measure 54mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1900
Located in West Hollywood, CA
with 3 untested old cut rubies alternating with 2 old european cut diamonds. Center ruby is 0.25
Category

20th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
An antique 18k diamond marquise shape cluster ring consisting of 15 old cut diamonds pave set in
Category

Antique Early 1900s Australian Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique European Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Filigree Mount Ring - Size 6 1/4
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
setting in 18 karat white Gold with rose and yellow Gold trim. The Diamond is an average grade of SI(2)-H
Category

Early 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Bracelet Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Old gold and diamond cuff bracelet. second half of the 19th century. in yellow and pink gold 750
Category

20th Century French More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Flower Stickpin
Located in Munich, DE
orchids and two scrolls. In the middle there is a round old European cut diamond of circa 0.25 carat set
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.35 Carats Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Lion Signet Ring
Located in Paris, FR
orginal signet ring with a lion figure, its jaw enclosing an old cut diamond. Estimated diamond
Category

Early 20th Century French Romantic Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

17th Century Table Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Antwerp, BE
: Christianity Theme: Cross Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: 23 old table rose cut diamonds. These table
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Spanish Baroque Brooches

Materials

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

Ring Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Ring in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). set with an old european cut diamond. of a total
Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Ring Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Retro ring set with diamonds. in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats) and platinum. 1 old cut
Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Boat Shape Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Ring
Located in Preston, Lancashire
- Weight: 2.8 grams - Metal: 18 karat yellow gold - Diamond information: 0.30 carats tcw, VVS2 - G/H - Date
Category

Vintage 1910s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Antique .15 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Griffin Brooch
Located in Antwerp, BE
with a center old European cut diamond .15 carat (color and clarity grade: G/H, si/i). Dimensions: 1.59
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Diamond ring. in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). set with 21 diamonds. old cut. about
Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

French Antique Opal 1.71 Carat Old European Diamond Gold Combined Ring Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
of their different colours at once. Diamond(s): - One old European cut diamond with an estimated
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ring Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Ring set with 7 old cut diamonds. in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). central diamond. of a
Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Platinum and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
4.10 X 4.28 X 2.86mm, Colour G, Clarity SI1. It is surrounded by 6 Old European Single Cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Romantic More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Heart Ring, 1930s
Located in Sydney, NSW
An Art Deco heart motif ring featuring a round old European cut diamond set in a heart shape mount
Category

Vintage 1930s Australian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 6.25 Carat old Mine Cut Diamond Rare Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
large Diamond head set throughout with large amount of old mine cut Diamonds of rare good quality for
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold and Diamond Men s Ring, 1950s
Located in Bologna, IT
decorated with a central 0.50ct (circa) old European cut diamond, set in a gold square; it has also pretty
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Drop Earrings Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Earrings in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). each set with an old cut diamond. about 0.20
Category

20th Century French Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Chain Necklace Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
with 18 diamonds old-cut estimated G/SI. of which 9 approximately 0.10 ct each one. 4 around 0.05 ct
Category

20th Century French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Drop Earrings Yellow Gold Diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of earrings in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats) tested. 6 antique cut diamonds. about
Category

20th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

4.3 Carat Carre Antique Cut Amethyst Ringpart 18 Karat Gold, 41 H&A Cut Diamonds
By Puck Eigenmann
Located in Den Haag, Zuid Holland
entourage of 41 Heart & Arrow cut diamonds 0.17ct F VVS. Weight 6 grams white gold The amethyst is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Antique .25 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
A 19th century Victorian coiled snake ring in 18 karat yellow gold set with 1 old European cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1940 1.20 Carat Diamond 18 Carat Yellow White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE, IT
Antique (circa 1940), elegant, 1.20 carat old European cut diamond 18 carat yellow and white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum, Sapphire Cabochon Diamonds Drop Earrings
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
: 18 karat gold, platinum. Art Deco, circa 1930. Condition: Good. Old european cut diamonds. Cabochon
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Art Deco .50 Carat Diamond Antique Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cartier
Located in Tampa, FL
. European cut diamond. This brooch is of incredible high quality from the well known maker Cartier
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Hallmarked 18 Carat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Carved Hoop Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
European cut Diamonds, totalling over half a carat with colour G, clarity SI1. Finger size K but careful re
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Bracelet Art Deco 1930s Diamond Yellow Gold 18 Karat and Platinum
Located in Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana
Beautiful Art Deco bracelet 1930s made of yellow gold with views in platinum, centerpiece openwork
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Ring .20 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco
Located in Tampa, FL
A stunning Art Deco 18k yellow gold Antique engagement ring featuring a .20ct. apx. European cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue topaz diamond ring in 18 karat yellow gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Blue topaz diamond ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Antique ring with a large rectangular-cut ice blue
Category

Antique 1880s European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond 1.20 Carats Bar Brooch Set in Silver 18 Carats Yellow Gold
Located in Marcianise, CE, IT
Antique, elegant, Italian bar brooch in 18 carats yellow gold (weight 8,40 grams) with old European
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Kashmir Earrings
By Niquesa
Located in London, GB
of Kashmir teardrop stud earrings. - 18 karat Yellow Gold - 0.75 carat White Diamond 1.5cm Long
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5 High Level Diamond Engagement/Wedding/Dress Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
5 Old European Cut graduated Diamonds make up this very pretty, probably late Victorian Ring. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cushla Whiting Esther 1.11 Carat Old Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cushla Whiting
Located in Melbourne, AU
carat old European Cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones along the band so that the finger appears
Category

2010s Australian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Old European Cut Diamond 18 Yellow Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact piece of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 232 vintage or 277 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold 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. Creating a choice in our collection of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Single Stone, Luigi Ferrara and Malpani Jewels are consistently popular. See these pages for an old european cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also rose cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for an object in our assortment of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is an Old European Cut Diamond 18 Yellow Gold?

On average, a piece of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold at 1stDibs sells for $9,948, while they’re typically $425 on the low end and $130,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.