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Diamond and Pearl Jewellery Suite Pendant and Earring Set
Located in Mayfair, London, London
and a matching pendant. The earrings feature a diamond set drop with a single 8mm black pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Agrafe Diamond and Pearl Earring and Necklace Set
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
diamonds with the addition of a marvelous white and stunning black pearls. Necklace Measurements: Chain
Category

Late 20th Century French More Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Baroque Pearl Pave and Bezel Set Diamond Gold Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
This pair of earrings feature baroque pearls with pave diamonds and bezel set diamond accents. The
Category

2010s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold

Pearl and Diamond Choker Necklace and Bracelet Set, Topaz Center
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Art Deco, 18 karat white gold, pearl, blue topaz and diamond collar necklace and bracelet set. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Mother of Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
Located in Miami, FL
Sensational necklace and earring set featuring 32 teardrop mother of pearl cabochons and 689 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Fine Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k gold; set with round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approx. 8.45 cts, most with F-G color and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Contemporary Black Pearl and Diamond Gold Jewelry Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive contemporary black pearl and 18k white gold jewellery set (necklace, earrings
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gilbert Albert Modernist Diamond and Pearl Set Gold Ring
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Litchfield, CT
a miniature abstract sculpture set with diamonds and a large pearl. Gilbert Albert has been a major
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Bulgari Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearl Earrings Ring Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Bulgari 18 karat yellow gold, diamonds (appx 9 carats total), and pearl earrings & ring set
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gray Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring and Earrings Suite Set
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This 18k white gold elegant set features a diamond swirl design around a centrally set gray
Category

Late 20th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

Antique set, gold ring and earrings with diamonds and natural pearls.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Elegant gold jewelry set, ring and earrings with diamonds and natural pearls. Origin: Western
Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Snowflake Brooch Set in Gold and Silver
Located in London, GB
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Snowflake brooch set in gold and silver. Resembling an ever so
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Mother of Pearl and Diamond Dress Set
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco mother-of-pearl and diamond dress-set, by Larter, with engraved mother-of-pearl, eight
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Coral Pearl and Diamond Necklace Bracelet and Earring Set in Gold
Located in Litchfield, CT
pearls, the look of this set is brilliantly colorful and delightfully fifties stylish. Consisting of a
Category

Vintage 1950s French More Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold

The Royal Diamond White Gold White Mother of Pearl Dial Diamond Bezel BA 112
By The Royal Diamond
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A white gold women's dress watch featuring a white mother of pearl dial and diamond-set bezel with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

de Grisogono Diamond Pave and Pearl White Gold Earrings and Pendant Set
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Southampton, PA
black diamonds, and an elegant 19.33 mm pearl at the bottom. The stunning set also has a glamorous pair
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Edwardian Aquamarine, Diamond and Pearl Bracelet Set in Platinum and Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful Edwardian diamond, aquamarine and pearl bracelet set in platinum and gold. The piece
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Earring, Ring, Brooch and Bangle Set
Located in Banbury, GB
pieces has a matching pearl with a diamond cluster around it. This could be a wonderful set of wedding
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yoko London South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings set in 18K
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
A unique cluster of Baguette Cut Diamonds are suspended above a bold Australian South Sea Pearl in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1980s Bulgari Pearl Sapphire Diamond Gold Necklace and Earrings Set
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Italy in the 1980's. Features thirty seven Akoya pearls, oval faceted blue sapphires set in 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian More Necklaces

Materials

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

Diamond and Pearl Pendant Necklace Set in 9k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond and pearl pendant necklace set in 9k white gold. The pendant is composed of
Category

1990s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Brooch Set in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A circa 1890 Victorian diamond and natural salt water pearls. The brooch is handmade, set in 14
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl and Diamond Victorian Earrngs set in 15kt Gold and Silver
Located in Stamford, CT
top diamonds is set in a small flower that kisses the oval pearl. These earrings have the feel
Category

European Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold

Pearl and Diamond Earrings and Pendant Suite
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant diamond and cultured pearl earring and necklace suite set in 18k white gold. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yoko London Pink Pearl and Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
intricate twist of Diamond-set 18 Karat White Gold, and secured to an 18 Inch Chain. Style with Pink Pearl
Category

2010s British Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald Pearl Diamond Gold and Silver Flower Brooch Set
Located in New York, NY
Set of two gold and silver Victorian flower brooches, each set with 6-6.5mm pearl in the center
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Tiffany Co. Mother of Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold Cufflink Button Stud Set
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
mother of pearl accent is set with a single white diamond. Diamond Carat Weight: .25 Cufflink Length
Category

20th Century American More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro 14k/Sterling Silver Ruby, Diamond, and Pearl Bug Pin Set
Located in Narberth, PA
represented by a lustrous, milky-hued pearl. Each bug features four wings, which are encrusted with bead-set
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Diamond and Pearl Contemporary Long Dangle Earrings Set in White Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior Contemporary Dangle Earrings set in White Gold with 16 small pearls and 44 Colorless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold

Vintage Akoya Pearl and Diamond Cluster Floral Drop Earrings Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage Akoya pearl and diamond cluster floral drop earrings set in platinum
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Art Deco Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond Tassel Necklace Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A truly stunning Art Deco pearl, sapphire and diamond tassel pendant necklace set in platinum
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Larter Sons Platinum Topped Gold, Mother of Pearl and Diamond Dress Set
Located in New York, NY
An antique platinum topped gold, mother of pearl and diamond dress set, Larter & Sons. The double
Category

Vintage 1920s Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Multi-Strand Fresh Water Pearl Torsade Necklace and Bracelet Set Diamond Clasp
Located in Greenwich, CT
This classic Multi-strand Pearl Necklace features 19 strands of 2.5-3mm Fresh Water Pearls meeting
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Pearl and Diamond Garland Pendant Necklace Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A fabulous cultured pearl and diamond garland pendant necklace set in 18k yellow gold. The pendant
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Pearl Garland Drop Earrings Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of diamond and pearl garland drop earrings set in 18k yellow gold. Each earring
Category

2010s British Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian pearl and diamond ring, set with three natural pearls, measuring approximately 6mm
Category

20th Century British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of Tahitian pearl and diamond drop earrings set in 18k white gold. Each earring
Category

2010s British Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Hoop Earrings Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of Tahitian pearl and diamond drop earrings set in 18k white gold. Each earring
Category

2010s British Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

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

Blister Pearl Bezel Set Diamonds Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
This pair of earrings features 22mm Blister Pearls with bezel set diamonds and triangular motif
Category

2010s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

AAAA White South Sea Pearl and 42.75 Carat Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
Located in Tustin, CA
diamond necklace features 23 perfectly matched pearls interspaced with diamond encrusted swirling motif
Category

20th Century American Artisan Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

BUCCELLATI Diamond Pearl Platinum 18k Gold Day Night Earrings and Brooch Set
By Buccellati
Located in New York City, NY
Timeless diamond, pearl, platinum and 18K yellow gold day/night earrings and brooch set by
Category

Late 20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Conch Pearl, Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Conch Pearl, natural pearl and diamond necklace. Set with one drop shape natural conch pearl in a
Category

Vintage 1920s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Pendant Earring Set in 18 Karat Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This intricate pendant and earring set by Yoko London features vivid pink Freshwater pearls beneath
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat white gold ring set with one 8.4mm cultured Tahitian pearl and fourteen, 1.8mm bead
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Pendant Earring Set in 18 Karat Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This pendant and earring set by Yoko London features vivid pink Freshwater pearls beneath a diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This elegant pendant by Yoko London combines the classic combination of Pearls, Diamonds and Yellow
Category

2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Mabe Pearl Jewelry Set, Earrings and Pendant
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to present this Ladies 14k Yellow Gold Diamond & Mabe Pearl Jewelry Set. This cute
Category

2010s American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yoko London Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
The deep blue colour of Sapphires compliments the lustre of Freshwater Pearls perfectly in these
Category

2010s British Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sa...

Pearl and Diamond Crescent Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
A pearl and diamond crescent, set with seventeen graduated pearls and old cut diamonds, mounted in
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Diamond and Pearl Earrings 1.92 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning pair of white gold, pearl and diamond earrings. The earrings are set with a single pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Golden Pearl and Diamond Pendant Necklace Set in 18k Yellow and White Gold
By E. Wolfe Company
Located in London, England
A fabulous golden cultured pearl and diamond pendant necklace set in 18k yellow and white gold
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Ring, Set in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
delicate diamond halo surrounding it. Set in 18 Karat White Gold to enrich the spectacular hues of the
Category

2010s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Enamel Gold Necklace and Earrings Set with Diamond and Seed Pearl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gold, seed pearl and Old European cut diamonds and accented with colored enamel. The necklace measures
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Akoya Pearl and .30 Carat Total Diamond White Gold Bezel Set Stud Earrings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
saltwater pearls set in 14k white gold. A single 3.30 mm round brilliant cut diamond has been bezel set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Towson, MD
One pair of 18 karat white gold freshwater pearl and diamond earrings, each prong set with one 9mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Antique Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Gold and Silver Set of Swallow Brooches
Located in New York, NY
diamonds and pearls. The brooches have a combined total of 87 rose-cut diamonds with an approximate total
Category

Antique 1870s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Silver

Yoko London Pearl and Cognac Diamond Hoop Earrings Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This elegant Earring by Yoko London features two lustrous Drop Shaped Freshwater Pearls, set among
Category

2010s British Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold

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Pearl And Diamond Sets For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of pearl and diamond sets. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 195 vintage editions and 138 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of pearl and diamond sets includes designs that are universally popular, but Modern and Contemporary styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Yoko London, ANANYA and Sunita Nahata are consistently popular. There are many round cut, brilliant cut and briolette cut pearl and diamond sets for sale. Most of our pearl and diamond sets for sale are for women, but there are 95 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Pearl And Diamond Sets?

On average, pearl and diamond sets at 1stDibs sell for $4,767, while they’re typically $475 on the low end and $353,910 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.  

Questions About Pearl And Diamond Sets
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While pearls are valuable because they are only produced from oysters, they are generally less expensive than diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A flower set diamond is a setting where a diamond is surrounded by a smaller cluster of diamonds, giving the appearance of a flower. Flower set diamonds are a popular choice to add more sparkle and increase the size of a piece. Browse an array of flower set diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A channel diamond setting refers to a diamond gemstone ring with a specific setting called a channel. It is a deep groove carved into the metal band. A jewelry maker sets diamond accent stones into the setting so they are level with the shank. You'll find a collection of diamond gemstone rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An illusion diamond setting helps to enhance the size of the stone. The precious metal the ring is made from is intricately designed around the diamond. From a distance, this makes the diamond itself appear much larger. Shop a collection of illusion-set diamonds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
    Whether Cartier will set a loose diamond depends on the circumstances. If you purchased a piece of Cartier diamond jewelry and the stone has come loose, contact customer service for assistance with repairs. Cartier will usually not place a loose diamond that you purchased elsewhere in one of their settings. Find a wide range of Cartier diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    The best setting for a solitaire diamond is the prong setting. In such a setting, the stone is held in place with a minimal amount of metal allowing more light to pass through the diamond resulting in added brilliance. Find a collection of solitaire diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    One of the best settings for oval diamonds is the prong. The most frequent and classic setting type, it exposes the majority of the diamond and lets more light penetrate, increasing its brightness and shine.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    Yes, you can wear pearl earrings with diamond earrings if you wish. One way to tie the look together is to choose pearl and diamond earrings with matching settings. For example, you can pair platinum diamond and pearl earrings or yellow gold diamond and pearl earrings. Shop a large assortment of earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The difference between pavé and channel set diamonds is the setting. On pavé jewelry, tiny beads or prongs hold the individual gemstones in place. Channel settings are deep grooves that hold diamonds, eliminating the need for prongs or beads. Shop a large collection of diamond gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A marquise-cut diamond looks great in a variety of settings, but you should choose one that protects the center stone. Some of the top marquise diamond ring settings are bezel, prong and halo. Find a variety of marquise-cut diamond rings on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best setting for an emerald-cut diamond is a matter of personal preference. For emerald-cut diamonds, solitaire and pavé settings are popular. The emerald cut comprises 58 facets and truncated corners on a rectangular step-cut stone. The flat pavilion of an emerald-cut diamond can magnify the stone’s imperfections, so the gem’s clarity is key. Initially a popular cut for emeralds only, it is now used on other precious stones, but the name has come to define the style. Find antique and vintage emerald-cut diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023
    There is no single best setting for a diamond tennis necklace. You can find tennis chains with both prong and bezel settings, and both types can keep diamonds secure when they are well crafted. The biggest difference is that full bezel settings encircle the gemstones, while prongs hug the stones with three or four metal elements, leaving most of their edges visible. Feel free to choose the type of setting that appeals most to you. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of diamond tennis necklaces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best setting for a cushion-cut diamond depends on personal preference. The cushion cut is often referred to as a pillow cut due to its square or rectangular shape with rounded edges. This stone cut comprises 58 facets, like brilliant stones. The cushion cut has been popular since the 18th century. Browse a collection of cushion-cut diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
    Most experts agree that a prong setting is best for diamond stud earrings. Prongs help keep diamonds securely in place. Three-prong settings allow for more of the diamond to remain visible, while four-prong settings may be slightly more secure. For diamond stud earrings with weights of 2 carats or more, a six- or eight-prong setting can increase stability and security. Explore a large selection of diamond stud earrings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Yes, you can wear diamond stud earrings with a pearl necklace. The elegant combination is fashionable for everything from a day at the office to Sunday brunch to a night on the town. To create a bold look, try pairing large diamond studs with a single strand of pearls or a dramatic multi-strand pearl necklace with smaller stud earrings. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of diamond stud earrings and pearl necklaces.