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4.65tcw 18K Medium Vivid Green Heart Colombian Emerald Diamond Bale Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
pictured. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Heart
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

9 Carats Yellow Cushion Cut and White Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
clusters of sparkling colorless round-cut diamonds in a delicate pave setting. With a total carat weight of
Category

2010s American Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

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

GIA Certified 9.59 Ctw Oval Tanzanite Diamond Ring Halo 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
and colorless stones in delicate pave settings. The side colorless diamonds are G/H in color and VS/SI
Category

2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18K Yellow and White Gold Floral Stud Earrings with Natural Pearl and Pave Diamo
Located in Bergamo, BG
white pearl at the center. The petals are adorned with a refined pave setting of brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Faceted Tanzanite and Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting. Sterling silver with 18K gold post for pierced ears. carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Ruby and diamonds art deco stud earrings 18k yellow gold
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
total carat weight of 0.95ct, these earrings have a pavé setting style and are gallery length. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.25tcw 18K Colombian Emerald-Asscher Cut Diamond Accent Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Jupiter, FL
/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 9.7 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Asscher
Category

2010s American Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

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

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting. French clip backs for pierced ears. Diamonds total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

1.48tcw 14K Medium Dark Oval Emerald Intertwining Diamond Halo Versatile Penda
Located in Jupiter, FL
. *Chain sold separately. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow/White/Rose Gold Setting
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Bulgari Corona Diamond Engagement and Eternity Ring Set 1.00 Carat GIA Certified
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
cut diamonds in a pave setting over two rows, with a total weight of 0.18ct, well matched in colour
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18kt Yellow Gold Band Ring with Natural Diamonds and Tourmalines
Located in Bergamo, BG
natural diamonds in a pavé setting, framing two stunning oval tourmalines in pink and blue hues. A bold
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rossella Ugolini White Diamonds 18K Gold Stud Handcrafted Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
culminates in a delicate diamond tip, creating a mesmerizing silhouette. The intricate pavé setting of the
Category

2010s Italian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

18K White Gold 3 1/4 cttw Diamond Openwork Filigree Swirl Bangle Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
-enhancing pave setting. A magnificent openwork floral filigree swirl design makes this piece of jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 5.03 Carat Round F Color VVS2 Clarity Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
undisturbed in all lighting. The solitaire design is elevated by a pavè setting, adding a touch of sparkle
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

0.28tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Emerald Cut Diamond Accent Petite Gold Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
outfit. Setting Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 14K White Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

18K White Gold 3 1/4 cttw Diamond Openwork Filigree Swirl Bangle Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
-enhancing pave setting. A magnificent openwork floral filigree swirl design makes this piece of jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Italian Modernist Geometric Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold with 1.04 Cts VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
karats with white gold accents for the diamonds settings. Mounted, with a beautiful pave setting of 52
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

2.25tcw 14k Colombian Emerald-Pear Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 2.8 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.63tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Pear Cut White/Black Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
crown the emerald as they are the ideal tiara. Setting Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 14K White
Category

2010s American Modern More Rings

Materials

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

Luxurious large diamond earrings 14KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Omega diamond earrings with luxurious design in 14KT gold. Made with pave setting style. Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Christian Dior 1970 Paris Ring 18 Karats Gold with 1.96 Ctw Diamonds and Coral
By Christian Dior
Located in Miami, FL
of about 1 carat. Is accented at the sides, with a pave setting of 12 round brilliant cuts diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
piece using pave setting, equaling to .90 and highlighting the cabochons. The center cabochon sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Pair of Rainbow Moonstone and Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
rectangular cabochon gemstone. The post is a tear-drop shape with brilliant-cut diamonds in a pave` setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

18k White Gold Ring with Pavé Diamonds, Yellow Sapphires, and Floral Design
Located in Bergamo, BG
4.10 carats of yellow sapphires Design: Pavé setting with a floral centerpiece Ring Size: 7.25 (US
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Pavé Diamond Ring with Fancy Yellow Heart-Cut Diamond
Located in Bergamo, BG
pavé setting of brilliant-cut white diamonds totaling 1.87 carats. The sleek design is elevated by a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Ring with Fancy Yellow Princess Diamond and White Diamond Pavé
Located in Bergamo, BG
-carat fancy yellow princess-cut diamond as its centerpiece. The design is elevated by a pavé setting of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Sapphires 8.20 Carat Ring 18 Karat White Gold Algt Certified
Located in München, DE
transparent quality, shape: square and freeform, mixed cut. All sapphires are set in pavé setting, the ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver Diamond Accent Heart and Wave Link Bolo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
, Color: I-J, Count: 13, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Setting: Pave, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold

Suzy Levian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
crown design coming together in a micro pave setting.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Natural 2.05cts Pink Sapphire 0.53cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Gold ✦ Metal Color : Yellow / White / Rose Gold ✦ Setting : Prong Setting / Pave Setting N-Wt = 4.164
Category

2010s Indian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Natural 0.50cts Emerald Heart 0.65cts Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
: ✦ Metal : 14K/18K Gold ✦ Metal Color : Yellow / White / Rose Gold ✦ Setting : Bezel Setting / Pave Setting
Category

2010s Indian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

0.23 Ctw Butterfly Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Clarity: SI+ Setting Type: Pave Setting Comes in Jewel Frost packaging Pendant width 12mm Chain: 16-18
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Natural 0.89cts Zambian Emerald 0.06cts Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
DETAILS : ✦ Metal : 14K Gold ✦ Metal Color : Yellow / White / Rose Gold ✦ Setting : Pave Setting G-Wt
Category

2010s Indian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

CORLETTO 1960 Enameled Flexible Feline Bracelet In 18Kt Gold With Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
feline's head is accented with a pave setting composed by forty European round brilliant cut diamonds, the
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k ...

18K White Gold Black White Diamond Cocktail Ring Size 6 #22389
Located in Washington Depot, CT
pave setting creates a dramatic contrast and elegant texture, making this piece a true showstopper
Category

20th Century Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Bird Brooch, 2.03ct Diamonds
Located in Mayfair, London, London
moving wings. The motif has 81 round brilliant cut diamonds in a pave setting through the body and wings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.60ct Round diamond chunky hoops huggies earrings in 9ct yellow gold.
Located in London, GB
0.60ct Round diamond chunky hoops huggies earrings in 9ct yellow gold. Double diamond pave setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings, 16.3g
Located in Providence, RI
with rows of brilliant-cut diamonds. The pave setting enhances the brilliance of the diamonds, creating
Category

20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Diamond 0.35CT 18 Karat White Gold Pavé Minimalistic Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
embrace of 18-karat white gold, the ring features a meticulously designed pavé setting, adorned with an
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.85tcw Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Accent 18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
gold. Setting Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 6.2 Grams Main
Category

2010s Zambian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

14K White Gold Round Pearl and 1/3 Cttw Diamond Openwork Flower Blossom Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamonds in pave settings. An openwork shank gives this ring an airy and sophisticated feel of supreme
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

3.20tcw 14K Cabochon Cushion Emerald Diamond Halo Pendant Rich Green Floral
Located in Jupiter, FL
-prong setting. Surrounding this emerald gem is a mesmerizing halo of pave diamonds, set in a warm 14K
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

18 karat Yellow and White Gold Diamonds Band Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
, offering excellent brightness and fire. The pavé setting creates a continuous surface of sparkle
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Round Brilliant Diamond Pave Set Eternity Band (Approx. 0.60-Carats), Platinum
Located in New York, NY
continuous shimmer that catches the light from every angle. The pavé setting maximizes sparkle while
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Triple Row Eternity Engagement Ring In 18ct White Gold 5.2g
Located in London, GB
Round brilliant diamond twisted pave setting engagement ring wedding band in 18ct white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14kt Yellow Gold Rainbow Bar Bracelet Minimalist design
Located in North Miami, FL
, yellow, orange, and pink hues. The precise pavé setting allows each stone to catch the light while
Category

2010s American Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.50ct Green onyx signet ring in 9ct yellow gold.
Located in London, GB
gold signet ring features a stunning green onyx main stone, surrounded by a pavé setting of sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

14K Gold 2.80tcw Round Emerald Diamond Huggie Dangle Earrings, Vivid Green
Located in Jupiter, FL
jewelry collection. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 14K Gold Main Stone: Emerald Shape
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

14K White Gold 1.51tcw Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
this ring makes it a timeless and elegant symbol of love and luxury. Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting
Category

2010s Colombian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

0.81ct Diamond Eternity Engagement Wedding Ring Band In 18k Rose Gold.
Located in London, GB
0.81ct Diamond Eternity Engagement Wedding Ring Band In 18k Rose Gold. Diamond wedding band pave
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

1.710 carats of round-cut rubies with Baguette and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
arranged in a luxurious pavé setting. The rich, deep red hue of the rubies creates a striking visual appeal
Category

2010s Thai Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Natural Diamond 0.77CT 18 Karat Rose Gold Small Pavé Hoop Huggies Earrings
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, Rose Gold

Diamond eternity triple row engagement ring 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
Round brilliant diamond twisted pave setting engagement ring wedding band in 18ct white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.50ct Marquise And Round Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Band In 18k White Gold
Located in London, GB
pave setting. With a total carat weight of 0.50, this ring is perfect for an engagement or wedding. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Abalone, Diamonds and Pink Tourmaline Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting and an oval cabochon pink tourmaline gemstone at the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
with a double row of round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting. Set in sterling silver with 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage Large 13.5 Carat Opal and Diamond Double Halo Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
hallmarked 750), the intricate pavé setting and prong work reflect expert mid-century craftsmanship, blending
Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k 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.