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TJD 0.25 Carat Natural Round Diamond White Gold Square Frame Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
beautifully set in prong & pave setting. The total diamond weight is 0.25 Carat. The diamonds are graded as H
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
baguette cut diamonds beautifully set in prong & pave setting. The total diamond weight is 0.50 Carat. The
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
baguette cut diamonds beautifully set in prong and pave setting. The total diamond weight is 0.50 Carat
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.20 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
beautifully set in prong & pave setting. The total diamond weight is 0.20 Carat. The diamonds are graded as H
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.75 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamond 14KT White Gold Bridal Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
in 14 Karat white gold and shines with 41 single cut and brilliant cut diamond in prong and pave
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.20 Carat Diamond and 1.22 Ct Blue Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
& brilliant cut diamonds and 1 oval blue sapphire set in prong & pave setting. We only use 100% natural and
Category

2010s Indian Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

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

TJD 0.20 Carat Diamond and 1.22 Ct Blue Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
& brilliant cut diamonds and 1 oval blue sapphire set in prong & pave setting. We only use 100% natural and
Category

2010s Indian Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

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

TJD 0.50 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
round diamonds beautifully set in prong & pave setting. The total diamond weight is 0.50 Carat. The
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 1.50 Carat Round Princess Cut Diamond 14K White Gold Stackable Bridal Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
119 round and 4 princess-cut diamond set in micro prong and pave and micro pave setting, shines in H-I
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Brilliant cut Diamond Cross over Band Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
91 brilliant cut natural diamonds in prong and pave setting. The total weight of diamonds 1.0 carat
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

TJD 0.75 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Halo Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
single cut and brilliant cut round diamonds in prong and pave setting and crafted in 14KT white gold. The
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 1.25 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Halo Twisted Shank Bridal Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
round brilliant-cut sparkling diamonds in secured prong and micro-pave settings. The diamonds are
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.18 Carat Round Diamond 14K White Gold Halo Pear Shape Cluster Fashion Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
prong, pressure and pave setting, dazzles in H-I color I2 clarity and a high polish finish complete the
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 0.08 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Oblique Style Engagement Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Round diamonds set in pave setting. We only use 100% natural and conflict free diamonds which sparkles
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 0.75 Carat Baguette and Round Diamond 14 Karat Gold Layered Criss Cross Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
and pave setting, We only use 100% natural and conflict free diamonds which sparkles in H-I color I1
Category

2010s Indian Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14KT Tri Color Gold Designer Wide Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
diamond set in Pave setting and shine in H-I color I2 clarity and a high polish finish complete the
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Round Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Halo Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
pave setting, We only use 100% natural and conflict free diamonds which sparkles in H-I color I2
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mini Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
carats of white pave diamonds. The earrings feature a classic 18-karat white gold pave setting and a
Category

2010s British Hoop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Mini Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Gold by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
white pave diamonds. The earrings feature a classic 18-karat yellow gold pave setting and a click post
Category

2010s British Hoop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings – High Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
white gold and stamped 750, featuring a refined pavé setting with 152 natural diamonds. The earrings
Category

2010s American Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.75 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Halo Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
round brilliant-cut sparkling diamonds in secured prong and micro-pave settings. The diamonds are
Category

2010s Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Twisted Shank Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
white diamonds set in secured prong and micro-pave settings. The diamonds are natural, not-treated and
Category

2010s Indian Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Fashion Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
9 Baguette cut White diamonds set in Prong and pave setting, H-I color I2 clarity in a beautiful
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Gleaming 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pave Ring w/1.09 ct - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
band created by a pave setting of meticulously set diamonds with a total weight of 0.38 carat. This
Category

2010s Israeli Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Ring with Brown Diamond Old Cut in 18Kt White Gold with Double Pave Shank
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
pave setting 0.75ct and the white ones 0.2ct. On the sides of the ring, white diamonds are set giving
Category

2010s Greek Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.35tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Asscher Cut Diamond Accent Half Moon Men s Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 10.9 Grams Main Stone
Category

2010s American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18K Gold and Round Pink Diamond Pave Set Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
a pave setting, adding just the right amount of sparkle to your wrist. The 18K yellow gold gives it
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika 0.34Cttw Thea Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Size 53 US 6.5
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
two triangular diamonds with a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting. Total diamond
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

R-CC100, 18k White Gold, One of a Kind Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Ring, Micro Pave setting, Diamonds H SI 116 Round Brilliant, 1.80 cwt. Metal: 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

3.14 Carat Pink Blue Sapphire Diamond Pave in 18K White Gold Parrot Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
-song with fine pavé setting across its body and tail. The piece features intricate undergallery detail
Category

1990s Modern Brooches

Materials

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

0.75 Carat Round Cut Emerald and Diamond Halfway Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
micro pave setting made with 14karat white gold. A versatile piece that can be worn as a fashionable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.60 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
diamonds. Accent diamonds are set in a micro pave setting all around the center stone and halfway on the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

TJD 0.25 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bubble Cluster Circular Pendant
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
pendant is crafted from 14 karat white gold and features 78 Round diamonds set in pave setting, H-I color
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.10 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crown stud earrings
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
cut round diamonds in pave setting. We only use natural, 100% conflict free diamonds which shines in H
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Ct 6.80 Diamonds and White Gold Snake Cocktail Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
An impressive 18 Kt white gold and Diamonds snake ring. A very fine pave setting for ct 6.80 of G
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

2.45ct Round Cut Diamond Right Hand Ring in 14K White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is adorned with a pave setting of brilliant round cut diamonds, creating a seamless surface where the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

5.15ct Three-Sided Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliant cut diamonds, it showcases colorless, high-grade stones in a minimal eternal micro pavé setting. A
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.00ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Three-Sided Eternity Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds. The unique eternal micro pavé setting style ensures minimal metal visibility, enhancing the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.45ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
cut diamonds, the micro-pavé setting sparkles beautifully. The diamonds extend slightly past halfway
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Certified Pave Set Diamond Cluster Pendant in 18k Solid Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
of shimmering diamonds. Crafted in radiant 18K yellow gold, the intricate pave setting enhances the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Fancy Yellow Diamond Earrings Pave Diamond Earrings 18kt Yellow Gold Omega
Located in Jupiter, FL
Fancy yellow diamond earrings, made with excellent craftsmanship. The pave setting makes the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

HRD Certified White Gold Dome Ring with 2.55ct Pavé Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
2.55 carats. Pavé setting involves closely placing small diamonds together, allowing them to seamlessly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Leaf Earring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
Silver-tone White diamonds Leaf design Pavé setting Silver finish This comes as a single earring
Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Multi Row Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
cut and brilliant cut natural diamonds in prong & pave setting. The total diamond weight of these
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.40 Carat Natural Round Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
ring features shimmering brilliant cut diamonds and single cut diamonds in prong and pave setting
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.23 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Two Tone Gold Bridal Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
ring features shimmering brilliant cut diamonds and single cut diamonds in prong and pave setting
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
beautiful ring features shimmering brilliant cut and single cut diamonds in prong and pave setting. Crafted
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamond White Gold Five Stone Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
single cut round diamond beautifully set in prong & pave setting. The total diamond weight is 0.50 Carat
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
crafted in 14 Karat white gold and shines with 13 single cut and brilliant cut diamond in prong and pave
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

J. Birnbach 1.00 Carat Total 18K White Gold Diamond Pave Wedding Band
Located in New York, NY
total carat weight of round brilliant diamonds - 18K white gold - Triple-row pavé setting - Italian-made
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 2.39 Carat Oval Diamond Ring with pavé D Color Flawless Clarity
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
from detectable nitrogen impurities. Enhancing the central diamond, a delicate pavé setting adds a
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Angara GIA Certified Natural Opal Oval Solitaire Ring 14K Solid Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
its mesmerizing color-play. Glimmering diamonds adorn the shoulders in U pave settings and complete
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

No-Oil Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring, SSEF Gübelin AGL Certified
Located in New York, NY
and are complemented by F+ brilliant-cut diamonds in a refined French pavé setting. An intricately
Category

2010s American Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Pave Diamond Cuban Link Necklace in 18k
By Chiampesan
Located in Wailea, HI
brilliance that captures the essence of Italian glamour. The intricate pave setting, a hallmark of
Category

Late 20th Century Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.20ct Diamond large chunky eternity circle round shaped pendant necklace in 18c
Located in London, GB
. Chunky 18k yellow gold chain necklace round diamond pave setting large floating diamond necklace with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cushion Shape Double Halo Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
lined diamonds set in prong and pave setting. The diamond are natural, not treated and shimmers in G-H
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.75 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Dome Fashion Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
76 baguette diamond set in channel and pave setting, shine in H-I color I2 clarity and a high polish
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

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Pave Settings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of pave settings for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and 18k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 4 vintage examples as well as 30 contemporary versions. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Modern and Contemporary are consistently popular styles when it comes to pave settings. FERRUCCI, Concierge Diamonds Inc. and Antinori Fine Jewels each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 30, are particularly popular. A selection of round cut, cushion cut and emerald cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of pave settings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Pave Settings?

Prices for pave settings start at $250 and top out at $195,892 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,175.

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.