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Victorian 1.78 Carat Diamond Scroll Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This glittering diamond brooch takes the form of interlocking scrolls. Forty six old cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Victorian 0.85 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
. Rose cut diamonds accentuate the centre row of diamonds, and total to 0.08 carat. All the diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgian Diamond Enameled Urn Mourning Hair Locket Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
urn image which adorns rich, black enameling and fine old Mine and Rose Cut diamonds which are set
Category

Antique 1770s Georgian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold US 3.75 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
14 old diamond cut Diamonds in White gold or Platinum clusters mounted on shoulders and band in solid
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Edwardian 0.50ct Diamond and Pearl Necklace, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
gold and comes on a 20 inch platinum chain. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut, Rose Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Georgian 2.56 CTW Diamond Sterling Silver 10K Gold Antique Bow Brooch Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds bead set east to west Flush set with additional old mine and rose cut diamonds Weighing
Category

Antique 1780s Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Victorian 2.60ct Coral and Diamond Earrings, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting pair of earrings feature a unique combination of peach Coral and rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 15k Gold

Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Star-Motif Earring and Pendant Set
Located in Narberth, PA
central mine cut diamond surrounded by a halo of calibrated sapphire stones. All of the diamonds and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian Enamel and Diamond Cross and Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
adorned with shimmering rose cut diamonds at the centre and chunky old cut diamonds around the outer edge
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond Cross Stitch Patterned Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
dispersed throughout the piece accenting the design and in the center is an old Mine Cut diamond weighing
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.78 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
old cut diamond is an I colour and VS1 clarity. A rose cut diamond sits on either shoulder. The
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Georgian 4.50 Ct Diamond Long Pendant Earrings 18 KT/silver
Located in Napoli, IT
, the two larger are approx. .75 each Approx 3.50 of old mine cut main Diamond G VVS 108 Rose Cut tiny
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Georgian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2 grams. Totally is main old cut diamond 0.28 ct. Totally
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Certified Natural Pearl 1.60 Ct Diamond Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
6.8 mm – 27 old mine and 30 rose cut diamonds totaling approx 1.60 Ct (G/I-VVS/SI) Measures: 47 x 28
Category

Antique 1870s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1910s Art nouveau 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
old mine cut diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has generally H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Totally is
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Rectangle Style Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.2 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 1 ct. Totally is rose
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Pink Sapphire Diamond Turquoise 14k Yellow Gold Insect Bar Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
hand cut old mine cut diamonds. The eyes are set with two cabochon rubies and the clasp is a pin with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Natural Polki Diamond enamel Hadmade Vintage Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond enamel Handmade Vintage Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Size 7.5 inch
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Natural Polki Diamond enamel Hadmade Vintage Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond enamel Handmade Vintage Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Size 7.5 inch
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Enamel

14K Gold Victorian Ring with Diamonds and Pink Coral Cabochon
Located in Venice, CA
surrounded by six Old Mine Cut diamonds, sweetly framed in square mounts. Part of our signature collection
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Silver Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 35 Diamonds Cut: Old Mine and Rose Cuts Weight: Approximately 0.8 Carats Color: I-J
Category

Antique 1870s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Edwardian 1.20 Ct Diamond Solitaire Natural Pearl Platinum /Gold Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
- (6.58 mm. x 5.51 mm) – the additional old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds adding .25 Ct. of more content
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9 grams. Totally is brilliant cut diamond and rose cut
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and rose cut diamonds, creating a refined harmony of texture and light. The pearls glow with gentle
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

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

Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Crescent Brooch, Circa 1890, 4.00 Carats
Located in London, GB
An antique crescent moon brooch, set with a single row of old-cut diamonds, graduating in size
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
carat white gold collet. An additional three rose cut diamonds have been set down the shoulders
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian diamond set solitaire ring features an old cut, 0.40 carat diamond at its
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1930 Russian Earrings Rubies 3.3 ctw Ural Demantoid solid 14K Rose Gold / 5.4 gr
Located in SE
A pair of rare Soviet huggies Earrings in solid 583/ 14K Rose Gold featuring natural old European
Category

Vintage 1930s Russian Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 2.60 Ct Diamond Natural Pearl Bow Brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
diameter (average) – 16 old mine and 18 rose cut diamonds totaling approx 2.60 Ct (G/H/-VVS/VS) Measures
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian 14k Gold Platinum 0.42ct Diamond Buttercup Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Color
Category

20th Century Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.50ct Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
. The centre of the ring houses a 0.50 carat old cut diamond surrounded by 7 rose cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 14k/Sterling Silver Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
a bezel set old mine cut diamond. Radiating out from the central diamond are 4 rays, which are
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Art Deco 2.30ct Diamond Brooch, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
carat of rose cut diamonds total. The diamonds are graded G to H in colour and VS2 in clarity. This
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Drop Pendant, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
diamonds are a mix of old cuts and rose cut diamonds which total to 2.00 carats. The old cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Cluster Unisex Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
-stunning old mine cut diamond. This gorgeous cocktail ring is an antique treasure with the concurrent Art
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Retro Turquoise and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Weston, MA
yellow gold - 10 cabochon turquoise beads - 1.0 carats of rose cut diamonds - French assay marks - Circa
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.40ct Diamond and Turquoise Purse, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
. A mix of old cut and rose cut stones have been used with the largest of the diamonds being a pair of
Category

Antique 1870s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920 s Art Deco Bracelet in 18k Gold platinum with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
classic combination of old mine and rose-cut diamonds showcases the romantic charm of vintage cutting
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

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

Victorian Russian 14k Diamond and Enamel Cluster Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
features a brilliant, central .45ct old mine cut diamond held within a prong-setting. The diamond displays
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 1.01ct Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
platinum. Above and below the diamonds are rose cuts weighing 0.10 carat a piece. Further embellishing the
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco Diamond Pendant Antique 18 Karat Gold Platinum Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
1910s to 1920s). Old mine and rose cut diamonds total an estimated 1 carat (estimated at I-J color
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond

Belle Epoque 2.00 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold/Silver Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
approximately 2.00 carats stunning oval natural emerald, accented by an halo of sparkling old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Diamond Brooch in Silver on Yellow Gold, circa 1890
Located in Wailea, HI
Diamond Brooch in Silver on Yellow Gold Circa 1890 One Old Mine Cut Diamonds Weighing .45 Carats
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Six Point Star Brooch, With Rays Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
rose-cut and old-cut diamonds, in grain settings; with single diamond rays, in cut down settings, on
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian 2.90 Ct Natural Pearl 2.60 Ct Diamond Certified drop earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
. -average- IGN report n. 30267) – 32 between old mine and old European cut diamonds totalling approx 2.60 Ct
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

1860s Victorian Diamond Lavaliere Necklace Brooch 1.5 Carat
Located in Wallkill, NY
This pendant Flower and Branch design adorned with sparkling Rose Cut diamonds. Old Mine cut
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
, rose-cut, and old mine-cut diamonds - all together weighing approx. 2.80 carats. A superb, stunning
Category

Antique 1850s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Art Deco Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring - AGL Certificate
Located in Hummelstown, PA
, weighing 1.7 carats, that glows from within 1.65 carats of chunky old mine cut diamonds, set in platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Turquoise Blue Enamel Gold Bracelet with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Austin, TX
compass rose design set with pearls and old mine and rose cut diamonds. Hinged with a side clasp and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.25 Carat Ruby and Diamond Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Five rubies are surrounded by rose cut diamonds in this Victorian brooch. The rubies are old cut
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Brooch Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.4 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique 19th Century Natural Pearl Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings Silver Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
) • Diamonds: Old Mine-cut and rose-cut; estimated 6.20 carats in total. • Dimensions: 5.6 cm (length) • Weight
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Antique Edwardian Diamond Pearl Horseshoe Lucky Brooch Yellow Gold 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
love’s enduring presence. In glowing yellow gold, twelve Old Mine- and rose-cut diamonds, together
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 14k Gold Platinum Diamond Tulip Flower Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - Nice Brilliant
Category

Antique 19th Century Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1930s Art Deco Gold and Platinum Necklace with Diamonds and Cultured Pearls
Located in Milano, MI
old-cut and rose cut diamonds totalling approx. 1.80 ct, and further enhanced with cultured pearls of
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 18kt Gold Platinum Necklace with Diamonds and synthetic Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
rose-cut diamonds, weighing approximately 0.12 carats, add delicate antique sparkle and period
Category

1990s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond Rare Large Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 cushion old mine cut diamond of approx .25 Ct (G/VVS) – 4 rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

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Rose Cut Old Mine Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate rose cut old mine diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Rose Gold and 18k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 68 vintage editions and 16 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a rose cut old mine 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. Creating a rose cut old mine diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Mark Broumand, Hancocks and LB Exclusive are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an old mine cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes rose cut and round cut alternatives. Finding a rose cut old mine diamond for sale for women should be easy, but there are 24 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Rose Cut Old Mine Diamond?

Prices for a rose cut old mine diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $560 and can go as high as $180,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,800.

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 Rose Cut Old Mine Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mine cut diamonds are up to 300 years ago. Mine cut diamonds were popular around the 18th century during Victorian times and are still in high demand today. You’ll find a wide selection of mine cut diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because the old mine cut is no longer used on diamonds, diamonds with this cut are rare and so you can often get quite a lot of money for them. Nevertheless, it is still dependent on the quality of the individual diamonds and on the color, clarity, cut and carat number.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Old mine cut diamonds are usually worth less than old european cut diamonds. Because they are generally 10-15% less expensive, they are often larger than other cut diamonds for engagement rings.
  • Like any other diamond, an old mine cut diamond's worth depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the 4C's (color, clarity, cut, carat), the overall beauty and "make" of the stone, the demand, supply, etc. On average however, old mine cuts are typically priced slightly lower (around 5-10%) than modern cut diamonds.