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TJD 0.12 Carat round Diamond and 9X7 mm Oval Morganite 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
1 Oval cut morganite set in prong and pave setting. Diamonds are graded H-I Color, I2 Clarity. This
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Bridal Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
on shank with 29 round diamond studded in prong and pave setting. 18 karat Yellow Gold the diamond
Category

2010s Indian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

TJD 0.50 Carat Baguette Round 14KT Yellow Gold Multi Row Designer Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
pave setting is valuable addition to any jewelry collection.
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k 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

0.20tcw Natural Diamond Open Crescent Moon Adjustable Cable Chain Necklace 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
brilliant round cut diamonds. Pave set within a 14K gold setting, attached to an adjustable 14-18 inch cable
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Treble Clef Inspired Hoop Diamond Earrings 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
These sparkling hoop earrings feature 0.35-carat diamonds in the pave setting. Experience the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Angara GIA Certified Natural Cushion Orange Zircon Ring with Diamond in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. It is illuminated by halo diamonds, secured in a U-pave setting. Two bezel-set accents adorn the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Baguette and Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
stone and 0.75 ct of double diamond frame and split shank lined diamonds in channel, prong and pave
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond double side large hoop earrings 18k yellow gold
Located in London, GB
approximately 40mm Hallmarked Oval shaped double side diamond pave setting diamond hoops earrings in 18k yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Rose and White Gold Double Band Ring with Pavé Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
creates this elegant crossover band ring, designed to captivate and inspire. The pavé setting sparkles
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 6.44 Carats Total Round Cut Diamond Weaving Dangle Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
total, set with an intertwined design on a pavé setting. Finely made with 18K yellow gold. Perfect for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pasquale Bruni Pensiero D’Africa Sapphire Garnet and Topaz Crocodile Ring
By Pasquale Bruni
Located in New York, NY
masterpiece showcases a mesmerizing crocodile design, its body adorned with a luxurious pavé setting of
Category

2010s Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Garnet, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Round Cut Diamond "M" Letter Initial Pendant 14K Yellow Gold 1.24Cttw
Located in New York, NY
. Crafted in lustrous 14k yellow gold. It showcases round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting. Total
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Round Cut Diamond "A" Letter Initial Pendant 14K White Gold 0.78Cttw
Located in New York, NY
. Crafted in lustrous 14k white gold. It showcases round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting. Total
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Messika 1.15Cttw Liz Baguette And Round Cut Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Size 6.5
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
sparkling baguette cut and round cut diamonds in channel and pave setting. Perfect for a gift or as a
Category

2010s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.18cttw Round Diamond Ladies Wide Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
diamond stones in pave setting. Crafted in 14K yellow gold. Perfect gift for your loved ones. The width of
Category

2010s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika 0.34Cttw Thea Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Size 52 US 6.25
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
two triangular diamonds with a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting. Crafted in
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Messika 0.65Cttw Thea Toi Moi Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Size 52 US 6
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
. Adorned with two triangular diamonds with a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting. Total
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Messika Thea Toi Moi Diamond Ring 18K Blackened White Gold Size 54 US 6.75
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
gold. Adorned with two triangular diamonds with a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Angara Natural Pave-Set Diamond Hinged Hoop Earrings in 14K Solid Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
dazzling elegance in pave setting. Crafted in 14k solid gold, these diamond hoop earrings come with hinged
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Two Tone Diamond Accented Womens Engagement Ring 14K White Yellow Gold 0.60 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
diamonds in pave setting on yellow gold. Total diamond weight: 0.60ct. Ring size 7. Total ring weight is
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1.03 Carat Pear Cut Diamond White Gold Multi Layer Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Trumbull, CT
double line pave setting band. Innermost layer has pink, middle layer has white and outer layer has multi
Category

2010s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.68tcw Vivid Green Emerald, Spinel, Pave Diamond Accent Dangle Earrings 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
spinels. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 4.6 Grams Main
Category

2010s American Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Round diamond hoop huggie earrings 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
pave settings making for a truly unique piece. Perfect for any occasion, these earrings are a must-have
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.66 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Designer Floral Diamond Pendant
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
-pave setting, H-I color I1 clarity and a high polish finish complete the Brilliant sophistication of
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond circle round drop pendant necklace 18k yellow gold
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
. Chunky 18k yellow gold chain necklace round diamond pave setting large floating diamond necklace with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

HRD Certified White Gold Fashion Ring with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
craftsmanship and contemporary style. Crafted from luxurious 18kt white gold, this ring features a pavé setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.50ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Three-Row Eternity Band in 18k White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
meticulously set in our unique eternal micro pavé setting on a sleek 18k white gold band. The sides are adorned
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.50ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
exceptionally white and clear round brilliant cut diamonds in a micro pavé setting, with minimal metal visible
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.35ct Fancy Pink Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gold. The delicate micro pavé setting beautifully complements the 0.35 carats of natural pink diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 1.84 Carat Fancy Black Diamond Bangle Bracelet in White Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
carats total, set on a beautiful pavé setting. Finely made with 18K white gold. Perfect for casual wear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Rose Gold Ring, Set with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
a dense and luxurious pavé setting. Classic Round Brilliant cut. Total weight: 4.5 carats.
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

TJD 0.12 Carat Natural Diamond 14KT White Gold Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
our inhouse experts in 14 karat white gold and embellished with 40 round diamond set in pave setting
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Australian Black Opal 1.188 Carat Ring, 14 Karat Gold Halo Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
- 1.6mm diamonds pavè setting on halo Bezel set 9x7 Black Australian opal center stone. Measurement: Band
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Gazebo Fancy Collection Bracelet: 0.27 Ct Diamonds in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Paramus, NJ
Style: The diamonds are meticulously set using micro pave setting. This intricate setting style allows
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 0.41 Carat Total Round Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet in White Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
accented by 46 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.41 carat total, set on a beautiful pavé setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.10 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Teardrop Heart Stud Earrings
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
in micro pave setting and shimmers in H-I color I2 clarity. Captivating with 0.10 carats diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White And Yellow Gold Size 6.25
Located in New York, NY
weighing 2.00 carats studded with round brilliant cut diamonds on the band in pave setting. Crafted in 18k
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Gold Bow Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
brilliant Cut Diamonds, pave setting, total weight 1.05 carats graded G color Vs2 clarity. Ring Size: US
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Roman Malakov 2.71 Carat Total Round Brilliant Diamond Nine-Row Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
carats total, set on an open-work pavé setting. Finely made with 18K white gold. Size 7 US, resizable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.00ct GIA Certified Pear Cut Diamond Pave Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Victoria,, AU
ring’s radiance with a seamless flow of brilliance. The delicate pavé setting adds a touch of refinement
Category

2010s Australian Modern Engagement Rings

Mark Broumand 2.31 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sparkle, the three-sided shank is also crafted in a pave setting style with milgrain detail throughout
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.78 Carats Round Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring in White Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
1.78 carats total. Set in a rounded micro-pave setting, this ring is made with 18K white gold. Size 6.5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Nigaam 1.20 Cttw. Serpens Pave Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
constellation, creating a captivating and elegant look. Each earring is meticulously adorned with a pave
Category

2010s Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

TJD 1 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Gold Multi Row Anniversary Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
pave setting, H-I color I2 clarity in a beautiful design forming a unique pattern. This ring has high
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

TJD 0.27 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Bridal engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
and pave setting. The diamond are natural, not treated and dazzles in H-I color and I2 clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

TJD 0.10 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Stackable Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
experts in 14 karat white gold and embellished with 28 single cut round diamond set in pave setting. Total
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Salvini White Black Diamonds Cocktail Band Ring 18K White Gold 1.40 Ctw SZ 6.5
By Salvini
Located in New York, NY
its round-cut white and black diamonds in pave setting. Crafted in 18K white gold. Perfect gift for
Category

2010s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.12 Carat Round Cut Diamond 14KT Yellow Gold Oval Link Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
our inhouse experts in 14 karat yellow gold and embellished with 54 round diamond set in pave setting
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carved Blue Topaz and Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
and on the other round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting with a rhodium background. All
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver

TJD 0.30 Carat Diamond Three Piece Stackable Band Set in 14 Karat Tri-Tone Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
and embedded with 75 single cut round diamond set in pave setting. Total diamond weight is 0.30 carat
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Scallop Shank Bridal Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
ct of 78 round small diamond lined on scallop shank set in prong and pave setting. We only use
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.20 Carat Diamond and Tanzanite 14 Karat White Gold Fashion Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
with 54 round white diamond and 5 round cut tanzanite set in prong and pave setting. The diamonds are
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 14k Gold

Roman Malakov 3.24 Carats Square Cut Sapphire Diamond Wedding Band Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
beautiful pavé setting in between two rows of 80 round cut diamonds weighing 0.75 carat total. Finely made
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

2.14tcw 14K Ocean Green Cushion Emerald Diamond Accent Two-Tone Engagement Rin
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K White & Rose Gold Setting Weight: 4.6 Grams Main
Category

2010s Zambian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Diamond tennis bangle bracelet 18ct white gold
Located in London, GB
, diamond pave setting thine and fine round shaped diamonds for claw setting all in 18ct white gold. Classic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 1.00 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Scallop Shank Bridal Ring Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
ct of small diamond accented on scallop shank set in prong and pave setting. We only use natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k 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.