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18 Carat Yellow Gold White Diamonds Green Agate RockCrystal Stud Design Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 18 Carat Yellow Gold White Diamonds Green Agate Rock Crystal
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Agate, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Deco Style 1.80 Carats Sapphires Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Timeless Stud Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
, Rock Crystal 0.12 Carats White Diamonds Stud Earrings. Timeless Classy and Elegant Stud Earrings
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold White Diamonds Green Agate RockCrystal Stud Design Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat Yellow Gold White Diamonds Green Agate Rock Crystal Stud Design Earring. Stunning Green
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Blackened Sterling Silver Contemporary Pendant Necklace with Smoky Quartz
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
lace. The piece also has four round diamonds, and delicate leaves are on top of the ring. It can be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, ...

A fine 18K gold Navratana carved gold polki necklace string for indian weddings
Located in Bangkok,, TH
African origin mine followed by natural blue sapphire and crystal, then natural Zambian emerald and
Category

2010s Indian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Blue Sapph...

Chantecler Capri Heart -Gallo-Rooster 18k Rose Gold Ring with diamonds
By Chantecler Capri
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Chantecler Capri Heart -Gallo-Rooster 18k Rose Gold Ring with rock crystal and pavé diamonds. Logo
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Serpent Snake 18K Yellow Gold Gem Set Pendant
Located in London, GB
, diamond, citrine, garnet, chrysoberyl and rock crystal. Unmarked but tested as 18 karat gold. Dimensions
Category

Vintage 1910s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Multi-g...

Black Starr Frost Vintage Brooch set with Emerald Aquamarine Approx 48 carat
Located in West Hollywood, CA
by Rock Crystal, Black Onyx, & Diamond Highly Rare and Beautiful Piece . Perfect for special
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Marcel Boucher Art Deco Prystal Ring Brooch
By Marcel Boucher
Located in New York, NY
Marcel Boucher Art Deco Prystal Ring Brooch, made to resemble Art Deco diamond and rock crystal
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Rhodium

Diamond Frosted Carved Rock Crystal Ring
Located in New York, NY
frosted rock crystal panels framing a wave of stepped rows of diamonds (5.20 carats; GH-SI) ending in a
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Rock Crystal and Diamond Bow Brooch by Ernst Paltscho
Located in London, GB
A rock crystal and diamond bow brooch by Ernst Paltscho, to the centre an old brilliant-cut diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal

1920s Art Deco Cartier Coral Diamond Onyx Rock Crystal Platinum Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
two central coral bars with rock crystal sides, with fan-shaped diamond and onyx terminations, all set
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Platinum

Hollming Fabergé White Enamel Diamond Silver Pill Box
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
guilloché ground and circular rock crystal section to top and base, each with a rose diamond surround with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Silver, Enamel

Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian diamond and demantoid garnet-set pendant, to the centre an oval cabochon-cut rock
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, Platinum

French Late 19th Century Gem-Set Fly Locket
Located in London, GB
carved gold legs, all set to a rock crystal frame mounted in gold, bearing French gold marks for 18ct
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold

French Art Deco Brooch by Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
frosted rock crystal frame, mounted between two finials of palmette design, with diamond-set scroll Mughal
Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

1960s Diamonds Rock Crystal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 14 karat yellow gold. Beautiful vintage ring, it consists of a matte rock crystal cut in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Brilliant White Diamond Stud + Detachable Rock Crystal Earrings, Susan Sadler
By Susan Sadler
Located in Dallas, TX
showcasing a stunning matched pair of DETACHABLE long faceted rock crystal drops set beneath two round
Category

2010s American Artist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k...

Art Deco Egyptian Revival Rock Crystal, Onyx, Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
Located in Narberth, PA
beaded cluster. Resting at the top is a matching diamond studded rock quartz crystal topper featuring an
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Style Rock Crystal Black Onyx Ruby Gold Diamonds Enamel Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
which are suspended 2 Rock Crystal frosted and carved round drops In 1978 our workshop started in
Category

Vintage 1980s Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Mini Gum Drop Earrings with Iolite, Amethyst and Diamonds
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
), amethyst (approximately 3 cts each), and 4 diamonds weighing 0.20 cts. Specifications: Height: 5/8", Width
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Iolite, Peridot, Rock Crystal...

Rock Crystal Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Rock crystal & diamond earrings with open work tops set with Round Brilliant cut diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum

Donald Huber Droplet Rock Crystal Diamond Pendant
By Donald Huber
Located in New York, NY
This Donald Huber Droplet Rock Crystal Diamond Pendant features .29 carats of White Diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Donald Huber Droplet Rock Crystal Diamond Pendant
By Donald Huber
Located in New York, NY
This Donald Huber Droplet Rock Crystal Diamond Pendant features .40 carats of White Diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, White Gold, 18k Gold

Donald Huber Trilliant Rock Crystal Diamond Ring
By Donald Huber
Located in New York, NY
This Donald Huber Trillant Rock Crystal Diamond Ring features 21 carats of Rock Crystal and .73
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Donald Huber Trilliant Rock Crystal Diamond Ring
By Donald Huber
Located in New York, NY
This Donald Huber Trillant Rock Crystal Diamond Ring features 20 carats of Rock Crystal and .73
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier, A Rock Crystal, Diamond and Enamel Pocket Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier: A Rock Crystal, Diamond, Enamel and Gold Pocket Watch, open face keyless dress pocket
Category

Vintage 1920s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Gold

CARTIER. A Rock Crystal Diamond Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Designed as a domed, oblong, rock crystal section embellished to either side with a demi-lune of
Category

French Brooches

Materials

Rock Crystal, Diamond

DAVID WEBB Rock Crystal Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
David Webb rock crystal and diamond ring with onyx in 18K white gold, size 7.
Category

American Fashion Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, Diamond, Onyx

A Carved Rock Crystal Diamond Case.
Located in London, GB
design, the lid rim, hinge and clasp applied with rose-cut diamonds, circa 1910.
Category

French Boxes and Cases

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rock Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, Rubies Flower 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Cosenza, Italia
Only one in the world - This elegant and stylish brooch is composed of Rock Crystal, Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1920s Rock Crystal Diamonds Silver Pendant Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
An exceptional piece of jewelry. Rock crystal plaque, octagonal shaped surrounded by brilliant-cut
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Silver

demner Onyx Rock Crystal Diamond Gold pin
By Demner
Located in New York, NY
Carved Rock Crystal set with brilliant-cut diamonds and carved onyx.
Category

Vintage 1980s Austrian Brooches

Materials

Amber, Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Art Deco Rock Crystal Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Barcelona, ES
Art Deco Rock Crystal and Diamond Brooch. A beautiful rock crystal frame connects platinum set
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Gold, Platinum

Modern Rock Crystal Diamond Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Berlin, DE
Germany 1960's. Composed of rock crystal, 4 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2,04 ct
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pr. Rock Crystal, Diamonds Sphere Earrings
By James Martin Jewels Ltd.
Located in New York City, NY
Pr. 18kt. White Gold, Rock Crystal and Diamonds approx. .46 carat Sphere Earrings
Category

European Drop Earrings

David Webb Rock Crystal Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Milano, IT
A yellow gold and diamond and rock crystal ring. David Webb.
Category

Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Black Pearl Rock Crystal Diamond Gold Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Black pearls center three flowers boasting beautifully hand-carved rock crystal leaves, all
Category

20th Century Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Whit...

Art Deco Rock Crystal Diamond Platinum Clip Brooch
Located in Vienna, AT
Very fine Art deco clip / brooch
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum

An Art Deco Rock Crystal Diamond Platinum Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco Rock Crystal and Diamond Bracelet, designed as a series of alternating circular-cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum

White Gold Rock Crystal Diamond and Enamel Dome Ring
Located in Verona, IT
18kt white gold dome ring featuring diamond, rock crystal and black enamel, Usa 1990's
Category

1990s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, White Gold

E Wolfe Handmade Rock Crystal Diamond Platinum Icicle Pendant
Located in London, GB
Icicle pendant carved from rock crystal with 1.57 carats of round brilliant white diamonds pave-set
Category

2010s British Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Platinum

Deux Filles Rock Crystal, Diamond and Chalcedony Drop Earrings
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
These floral drop earrings from designer Deux Filles feature carved rock crystal hibiscus tops set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb rock crystal, diamonds, gold and platinum pendant
By David Webb
Located in Roma, IT
14k gold and platinum, rock crystal, and diamonds pendant by David Webb
Category

Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Platinum, 14k Gold

Victorian French Rock Crystal Diamond Pearl Rare Locket Chain
Located in Napoli, IT
ca The large locket is of circular shape carved from polished Rock Crystal - nestled into gold hinged
Category

Antique 1860s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

A. Codognato Enamel Rock Crystal Diamond Silver Gold Pendant Brooch
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Paris, FR
A rose cut diamonds, rock crystal, cream enamel, yellow gold and silver pendant brooch. Signe A
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Monier French Romantic Platinum, Rock Crystal, Diamond and Sapphire Pendant
By Emile Monier
Located in Dallas, TX
accented by three deep blue half-moon sapphires and set within a thin layer of lightly frosted rock crystal
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Rock Crystal Diamonds Giardinetto Flower Vase Brooch
Located in Munich, DE
rock crystal. The design is very refined and artful: there is even a frame around the flower basket as
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum

Vintage Rock Crystal Diamonds 18 Carats Yellow Gold Lilly Brooch
Located in Paris, FR
Delicate brooch in yellow gold and rock crystal representing a lily whose pistil is set with
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kara Ross Rock Crystal Diamond and Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Kara Ross
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Kara Ross Hydra large graduated rock crystal earrings set in 18k yellow gold with .33 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

H.Stern 1980s Rock Crystal, Diamond Gold Necklace with Bracelet Suite
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt Gold Ensemble Featuring A Flexible Rock Crystal Necklace Strung On 18kt Gold.Also
Category

Vintage 1980s Brazilian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Sibylle von Munster Triple Parallel Cuff Rock Crystal Diamonds in 18 Karat
Located in Paris, FR
crystal cabochon and with three round diamonds. 18K YELLOW GOLD 41.80g DIAMOND (0,12 cts) ROCK CRYSTAL
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sibylle von Munster Double Circle Rock Crystal Diamond in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Paris, FR
with three diamonds and one rock crystals cabochon. 18K YELLOW GOLD (19,27 g) DIAMOND (0,09 cst) G VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sibylle von Munster Little Angle Necklace Rock Crystal Diamond in 18 Karat
Located in Paris, FR
crystal cabochon and three round diamonds.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold

88.54 Carat Black Onyx Rock Crystal Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18 White Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
earrings. Carefully carved rock crystal combine with black and white diamonds to make quite the statement
Category

2010s Thai Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Crystal, Diamond, 18k ...

Rock Crystal "Cookie" Earrings, 30 mm Diameter
By James Martin Jewels Ltd.
Located in New York City, NY
Pr. 18kt. White Gold, Rock Crystal, Diamonds approx. .47 carat Earrings
Category

European Hoop Earrings

Materials

Rock Crystal

Mauboussin Art Deco Rock Crystal and Diamond Brooch, circa 1927
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
Mauboussin Rock Crystal Diamond Emerald and Black Enamel Art Deco Brooch; Mauboussin; French; Ca
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Platinum

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Rock Crystal Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rock crystal diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 823 vintage or 460 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a rock crystal diamond may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A rock crystal diamond from David Webb, Goshwara and Luigi Ferrara — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a rock crystal diamond for sale for women should be easy, but there are 351 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Rock Crystal Diamond?

The price for a rock crystal diamond starts at $333 and tops out at $350,000 with these earrings, on average, selling for $5,158.

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.