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Gazebo Fancy Collection Ring: 0.18 Ct Diamonds in 14K White Gold
Located in Paramus, NJ
place. Setting Style: The diamonds are artfully placed using a combination of bezel and micro pave
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Bow Brooch, 15.00 Carat, 1994
Located in London, GB
clarity is VS, in pavé settings, hallmarked for 18ct gold and dated London 1994. The brooch measures
Category

1990s English Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Roman Malakov 1.40 Carat Total Round Cut Diamond Fashion Bracelet in Rose Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
elegant pavé setting. Lobster clasp is accented by a cluster of round cut diamonds. Finely made with 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Tresorra Round Cut Diamond Long Drop Earrings 18K White Gold 3.60Cttw
Located in New York, NY
with round brilliant cut diamonds in pave setting. These earrings are studded with a total of 3.60
Category

2010s Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mark Broumand 1.68 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
certified at D-E, SI2. It is beautifully accented by a double halo of round diamonds in a micro pavé setting
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Bulgari Fancy Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
weighing an estimated 4.50 carats. The shank is completed with a pave-setting of sparkling round diamonds
Category

Early 2000s Italian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mark Broumand 3.00 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This enchanting diamond eternity band features 3.00ct of round diamonds set in a pavé setting style
Category

2010s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mark Broumand 1.40 Carat Fancy Yellow Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
set in the center and a row of white round brilliant cut diamonds on either side, all in a pave
Category

2010s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bespoke 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring 0.44 Carat
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: Diamond half eternity band. Made of 18 kt White Gold, in a pave setting, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14k White Gold Pave Diamond Square Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Details: This ring features approximately 3 to 4 carats of Natural White Diamonds in a pave setting. Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

18K White Gold Chain Necklace with Pavé-Set Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
with alternating polished and pavé-set diamond links. The meticulous pavé setting enhances the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Pave Set Ruby Half Eternity Stackable Band in Solid 18k White Gold Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
- 4.5 mm Setting - Pave Setting We can customize The Gold Gemstone Band Rings according to your
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.61 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
design. Accent diamonds weigh 0.36 carat total, set on a beautiful pavé setting. Finely made with an 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
glittering field of brilliant-cut diamonds in a pavé setting, extending partway around the band for maximum
Category

1990s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bridal Set Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
diamonds in secured channel, prong and micro-pave setting. The diamonds are natural, not-treated and
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond and Cameo Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in Nantucket, MA
is bordered with round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave' setting and similar diamonds along the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

1970 Mid-Century 18kt yellow Gold Heart Earrings with 2.25 Cts Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
era, expertly crafted in lustrous 8kt yellow gold and featuring a stunning pavé setting of 102
Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

1.53cttw Two Tone Prong Set Round Diamond Ladies Band Ring 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
brilliant cut diamonds set in prong and pave setting. Crafted in 14K yellow and white gold. This ring is a
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 0.50 Carats Total Brilliant Round Cut Antique Style Wedding Band
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
, G Color and SI3 in Clarity. Set in a french-pave setting, Made with 18K Black Rhodium Plated, Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Pave Diamond Double Rounded Circle Ring 14k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
: Natural Shape: Round Ring Size: 7.5 Setting: Pave Setting Style: Prong Main Stone Treatment: Not Enhanced
Category

2010s Indian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jevela Celenia Diamond Ring Set
Located in Holbrook, MA
pave setting on the other. The single round diamond serves as a symbolic motif, representing the
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Blue Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
7.0mm round sapphire center stone in sparkling bright royal blue color. Completed by a stunning pave
Category

1990s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.30 Ct Diamond Horseshoe Men s Bracelet Rolex Style Links 14K White Gold 34.3 g
Located in New York, NY
diamonds in H/I color and SI/I clarity, set in a pave setting for maximum brilliance. Designed with Rolex
Category

2010s American Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

.75 Carat Total Multi Row Pavé Diamond Domed Band Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
and sparkling layer. The pave setting, with its closely set diamonds, provides a seamless and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond Ring in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
and diamonds are all mounted in handmade 18k white gold prong and pave settings. Diamonds are F in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, White Gold

0.40ct Diamond waived chunky engagement wedding ring 9ct white gold
Located in London, GB
showcases a round white Diamond as the main stone, with a pavé setting of additional Diamonds. The band has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.56 Carat Multi-Row Diamond Galaxy Earrings in Two-Tone Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
. One row of white gold is accented by a line of melee round cut diamonds, set in a gorgeous pavé
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

0.23ct Diamond Cross Chunky 18ct Yellow Gold Pendant 16 inches
Located in London, GB
Pendant. The pendant features a cross-shaped design with 0.23ct of natural diamonds in a pave setting. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold White and Black Diamond Heart Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
design adorned with an array of sparkling white and black diamonds. The contrasting pavé setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Dainty Pave Diamond Star Stud Earrings in 14k Solid White Gold Gift for Birthday
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
- Pave Setting Length - 9.15 mm Width - 8.75 mm We can customize The Gold Diamond Earrings according
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Round Diamond Heart Shape Stud Earrings Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
stunning pave setting with milgrain. Perfect Gift for Anniversaries, Birthdays, Valentine's, Graduation
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

E Wolfe Co Handmade 18ct White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
clarity round brilliant-cut diamonds set in pave setting style around it. The ring was handmade at our
Category

2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

18k Solid Yellow Gold Stackable Round Cut Pave Ruby Gemstone Half Eternity Band
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
shape - Round Gemstone size - 1.6 mm Gross Weight - 1.825 Grams Shank width - 1.5 mm Setting - Pave
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.925 Sterling Silver 1/10 Carat Round Cut Diamond Heart Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
pave setting. The authentic earrings make a must-have accessory that every woman should have in her
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Round Cluster Push Back Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
stunning pave setting in 14k Gold. Perfect Gift for Anniversaries, Birthdays, Valentine's, Graduation, and
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum

Unisex Pave Set Diamond Engagement Band Ring in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
mm Gross Weight - 3.75 Grams Shank width - 5.5 mm Setting - Pave Setting We can customize The Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Maurice Fine Jewelry - Emerald Cut Emerald Ring and Diamonds
By Maurice Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
green hue of 3.66 carats. Surrounding the emerald are shimmering round diamonds in a pave setting
Category

2010s North American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

LEO PIZZO Milano Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.36 Ctw Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. It is embellished with a magnificent pave setting composed
Category

1990s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Exquisite 0.90ct Natural Diamonds Pave Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
, this ring guarantees authenticity and the highest quality standards. The pave setting enhances the
Category

2010s Singaporean Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 0.53 Carat Oval Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in White Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
-eternity pavé setting. Accent diamonds weigh 0.36 carat total. Finely made with 18K white gold. Size 6.75
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Pavé Eternity Band
Located in Bergamo, BG
1.84 carats. Crafted with precision, the pavé setting enhances the ring’s seamless sparkle, creating a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Pavé Eternity Band
Diamond Pavé Eternity Band
$4,700 Sale Price
20% Off
0.15tcw 14K Natural Emerald Three Stone Horizontal Gold Bar Pendant Necklace 585
Located in Jupiter, FL
. Setting Style: Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Round Cut Weight: 0.15
Category

2010s Zambian Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Blue Glass Diamonds and Sapphires Brooch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
and white sapphires on pave setting that end at each side with a larger round faceted diamond on bezel
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Spiral Pavé Pendant Necklace in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
in 14k solid gold. The layered openwork design creates depth and movement, while the pavé setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

2.00ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Three-Sided Eternity Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, creating an illusion of floating diamonds. The eternal micro pavé setting enhances the luxurious appeal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.63ct Radiant Cut Diamond Wedding Set
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
of round diamonds set down the shank in a pavé setting. Milgrain detail is prevalent throughout
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Roman Malakov 1.57 Carats Oval Cut Pink Sapphire Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
a pavé setting on a half-way design. Accent diamonds weigh 0.50 carat total. Finely made with an 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Roman Malakov 1.13 Carats Yellow White Diamond Double Band Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
on a pavé setting. Stones weigh 1.13 carats total. Finely made with 18K yellow and white gold. Size 6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18K Yellow Gold Diamonds And Pearls Multi-Strands Bracelet
Located in Guaynabo, PR
18K yellow gold pave settings are arranged horizontally in the center and forming two flowers with
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.30tcw Dainty Natural Diamond Paperclip Trendy / Modern Dangle Earrings 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
choice. The perfect gift, for any occasion. Setting Style: Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow/White/Rose
Category

2010s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

J. Birnbach F VVS1 4.09 carat Asscher cut Engagement Ring with Double Halo
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
and sparkle. Crafted in platinum, the cathedral style pave setting is secure but fine enough to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Messika 0.71Ctw Thea Toi Moi Diamond Double Ring 18K White Gold Size 53 US 6.5
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
wide cocktail band ring features four triangular diamonds framed in a round cut diamond halo in pave
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Messika 0.72Cttw Thea Toi Moi Diamond Double Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 54 US 7
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
wide cocktail band ring features four triangular diamonds framed in a round cut diamond halo in pave
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika 0.71Cttw Thea Toi Moi Diamond Double Ring 18K White Gold Size 52 US 6
By Messika
Located in New York, NY
wide cocktail band ring features four triangular diamonds framed in a round cut diamond halo in pave
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 1.70 Carat Multi-Color Sapphire Diamond Fashion Bracelet
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
SI clarity. Stones are set in a beautiful pavé setting. Finely made with 18K rose gold. Comes with an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Roman Malakov 2.27 Carat Total Round Princess Cut Diamond Wide Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
carats total with F color and VS clarity. Diamonds are set half-way on a pavé setting. Finely made with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Roman Malakov 3.72 Carat Total Multi-Gemstone Diamond Rose Gold Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
weighing 3.72 carats total, set with a concave design on a beautiful pavé setting. Finely made with 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Rose 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.