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.925 Sterling Silver 2.0 Carat Rose-Cut Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
shape and are filled with inclusions. The diamonds are set in a pave setting and will add a touch of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

1.30tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Pear Cut Diamond Halo Accent Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
say no to. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 3.4 Grams Main
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Multi Row Round and Pavé Diamond Wide Band Ring in Polished 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
and pavé settings creates a harmonious balance of modern sophistication and timeless elegance, making
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.57tcw 14K Colombian Emerald Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
gold prong/pave setting. Custom made with love, this ring is a unique and one-of-a-kind piece. Setting
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Kite Pink Sapphire Diamond Statement Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
silhouette and exceptional craftsmanship. The earrings feature a precise pavé setting of vivid pink sapphires
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Kite Sapphire Diamond Statement Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
silhouette and exceptional craftsmanship. The earrings feature a precise pavé setting of vivid blue sapphires
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Diamond Double Heart Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
which whimsical, bold motifs with full pavé settings were especially prevalent. A beautiful
Category

1990s European Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold and Diamond Interlocking C s Band Ring
Located in Nantucket, MA
cut diamonds in a pave` setting. Ring size is 6.25. Carat weight of diamonds is .63. The fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Stud Earrings with Pave Diamonds and Central Pearl
Located in Bergamo, BG
Refined 18K white gold stud earrings, featuring a radiant pave setting of brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds and 15mm Central Pearl
Located in Bergamo, BG
pavé setting of natural white diamonds totaling 1.41 carats. The refined balance of shimmering diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Rachel Koen 18 Karat White Gold Round Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring 1.13 Carat
Located in New York, NY
white and yellow gold, with collection color white round brilliants with a pave setting style. Total
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Le Coultre 1890 Miniature Pendant Watch Silver With 5.29 Ctw Diamonds Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
case in entirely decorated with a pave setting of earth mined natural gemstones such: rose-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Natural Saltwater Pearl RoseDiamond Gold Cocktail Ring GIA Certified 12.91 CTS
Located in Dubai, AE
white rose cut diamonds and pave settings on the shank for an elegant look. Full Details of Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

14K White Gold 1.0 Carat Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamonds arranged in a pave setting. These earrings can make it easy for one to charm with simplicity and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

C.Dunaigre Certified 6.84 Carat UNTREATED MUZO COLOMBIAN Emerald Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
and pear-shaped diamonds, all arranged in a shimmering micro pavé setting that enhances the brilliance
Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Gorgeous Solid 18 Karat Gold Diamond Heart Pendant with Clip Device
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Gorgeous Diamond Heart Pendant featuring 60 round Diamonds in Pave Setting with a total weight of
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.18tcw Emerald Diamond Cross Pendant 14K Gold Mini Crucifix Stacking Charm
Located in Jupiter, FL
.* Setting Style: Pave Setting Material: Yellow Gold 14K Approx Setting Weight: 1 Grams Main Stone: Emerald
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Sapphire Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
of high-quality diamonds in a pavé setting, the ring sparkles with every movement. Meticulously
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold 1/2 Cttw Round-Cut 5-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 0.5 cttw Diamond Setting Type: Pave Metal Type: 14K White Gold Listing Gram Weight: 2.88 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

14K WG Diamond J Initial Script
Located in Palm Desert, CA
sparkling diamonds in a refined pave setting. The total carat weight of the diamonds is approximately 0.50
Category

1990s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Natural Diamond 0.78CT 18Karat Yellow Gold Small Pavé Huggies
Located in Antwerpen, BE
-style earrings are adorned with a captivating pavé setting, showcasing natural diamonds totaling 0.78
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chrysoberyl Oval Cushion and diamonds engagement ring in platinum.
Located in London, GB
chrysoberyl gemstone in a pavé setting, surrounded by smaller chrysoberyl and diamond stones. Crafted from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Platinum

Bvlgari Diamond Five-Stone and Platinum Thin Wedding Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
the centre in delicate pavé settings. Its sleek design makes it versatile enough for everyday wear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

3.47ct Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
surrounded by a halo of round diamonds in a pave setting. Two large step cut trapezoids flank the center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2.14tcw 14K Asscher Cut Emerald Diamond Ring - Rich Green Bezel Set Unisex
Located in Jupiter, FL
Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow & White Gold Setting Weight: 7.5 Grams Main Stone
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Natural Diamond 0.72CT 18Karat White Gold Small Pavé Huggies
Located in Antwerpen, BE
-style earrings are adorned with a captivating pavé setting, showcasing natural diamonds totaling 0.72
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

18K Dark Green Emerald Bezel Pendant with Diamond Accents 5.70tcw Emerald
Located in Jupiter, FL
this exquisite piece. Setting Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 4.5
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.59tcw 14K White Gold Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Semi-Circle Cluster Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
that will adorn your neck with timeless beauty and sophistication. Setting Style: Pave Setting
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

2.54tcw 14K Sugarloaf Cabochon Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring - Rare Design
Located in Jupiter, FL
statement at any occasion. Setting Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 5.5
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond

2.55tcw 18K Asscher Cut Emerald Diamond Ring - Deep Green Split Shank Halo
Located in Jupiter, FL
, this ring is a true symbol of elegance and timeless beauty. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
, complemented by pavé settings and baguette-cut stones that create a dazzling interplay of light. The openwork
Category

Vintage 1960s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond

14K Solid White Gold 3 Carat Diamond ID Screw Link Men s Bracelet 57.9 g 8.25"
Located in New York, NY
/SI clarity round-cut diamonds in a pave setting, adding brilliance and sophistication. The
Category

2010s American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.90 Ct Men s Diamond ID Bracelet Screw Link 14k Solid White Gold 58.3 grams 8"
Located in New York, NY
color, I clarity round-cut diamonds in a pave setting, adding brilliance and sophistication. The
Category

2010s American Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond dome curved large cocktail ring 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
This exquisite engagement ring showcases a stunning 3.50ct diamond in a pavé setting, surrounded by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.31ct Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
radiant-shaped halo of round brilliant cut diamonds in a pavé setting, enhancing its brilliance. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2.55tcw 14K Emerald Diamond Fleur De Lis Dangle Earrings Yellow-Green Emerald
Located in Jupiter, FL
grace. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

9.28tcw 18K Colombian Emerald Diamond Stud Earrings Asscher Cut Prong Set
Located in Jupiter, FL
exquisite earrings are fit for royalty and perfect for any opulent occasion. Setting Style: Prong/Pave
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18k White Gold Ring with 8mm White Pearl and Pavé Diamond Band
Located in Bergamo, BG
adorned with a delicate pavé setting of natural white diamonds, totaling 0.32 carats, enhancing the ring’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.30 carat Diamonds and 4.45 carat Emeralds Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
, this ring is expertly pavé settings. Includes HRD Antwerp LAB certificate ** IN STOCK
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

【Crown Radiance】Imperial Petal Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
presence, while the intricate diamond pavé setting shimmers with subtle brilliance. Crafted in 18K gold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Delicate Pave Diamond Half Eternity Blue Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
diamonds, set closely in a delicate pavé setting and the half band is covered with blue enamel. Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Delicate Pave Diamond Half Eternity Blue Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
diamonds, set closely in a delicate pavé setting and the half band is covered with blue enamel. Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1.49 Ct Heart Shape Yellow Diamond Halo Wedding Band 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
in a micro-pave setting, boasting G/H color and VS/SI clarity, adding an extra layer of brilliance
Category

2010s American Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

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

3.15tcw Deep Green Asscher Emerald Diamond Halo Modern Pendant Necklace Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
natural, brilliant round, white diamonds that are pave set in a custom princess cut setting. The halo
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1.80tcw 14K Medium Green Asscher Emerald Diamond Halo Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
natural, brilliant round, white diamonds that are pave set in a custom princess cut setting. The halo
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

18K Gold 1.80tcw Ruby Diamond Statement Pinky Ring, Blood Red Baguette Ruby
Located in Jupiter, FL
. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 4.0 Grams Main Stone: Ruby
Category

2010s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

3.65tcw 14K Vivid Green Asscher Cut Emerald Stud Bee Ear Climber Stud Earrings
Located in Jupiter, FL
claw prong setting, accentuated by a delightful bee detail. The bee features a diamond pave cluster on
Category

2010s Zambian Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.05tcw 18K Emerald Oval Cut Diamond Halo and Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
halfway down the shank. Skillfully crafted in 18K white gold. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material
Category

2010s Zambian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

4.84tcw 14K Victorian Natural Ruby Diamond Antique 1890 s Gold Pendant/Brooch
Located in Jupiter, FL
14K rose gold, a true vintage find. *Chain sold separately. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting
Category

Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

White Gold Band Ring Belt Design with Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
in Belgium, the ring features an intricate pavé setting of approximately 115 natural diamonds, with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.90ct Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
by round brilliant cut diamonds in a micro pavé setting on the tapered shank. Each side diamond is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.65tcw 14K Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Accent Cross Dangle Stud Gold Earrings
Located in Jupiter, FL
earrings. Crafted in 14k gold. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K Gold Main Stone: Emerald
Category

2010s Zambian Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

1.0tcw 18K Natural Emerald-Oval Cut Diamond Accent Shank
Located in Jupiter, FL
gold setting. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 18K White Gold Setting Weight: 4.6 Grams
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Luxle 0.50 Cttw Natural Diamond Floral Stud Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds in a micro pave setting affixed on an 18K Yellow Gold body. The diamonds are GH in color, weighing
Category

2010s Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.10tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Round Cut Diamond Shank Ring, Emerald Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
simply perfect! Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 2.2 Grams
Category

2010s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.55tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Asscher Cut Diamond Shank White Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
ring is simply perfect! Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 2.1
Category

2010s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
pave settings enhances its elegance, making it a striking accessory for any occasion. The ring features
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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.