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Saidian Vintage Jewels

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Vintage Diamond, Emerald, and Garnet Frog Brooch in 14K Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Whimsical and refined, this vintage 14K yellow gold frog brooch is a masterful blend of charm and
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 14k Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Turquoise Pendant Pin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and colorful vintage pin crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vibrant arrangement of 8
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Gold and Diamond Ribbon Link Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and luxurious vintage set crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a matching necklace and
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An eye-catching vintage bangle bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring two heart-shaped
Category

Vintage 1980s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Pendant with Citrine, Opals, Pearls Diamonds, Signed CASBAH
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking and opulent vintage pendant, finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and signed CASBAH. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Radiant-Cut Yellow Sapphire and Emerald Three-Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking and vibrant three-stone ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a beautifully saturated 6.95-carat radiant-cut yellow sapphire as the centerpiece. Its golden hue is ric...
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Pear-Shaped Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Make a bold yet elegant statement with this striking vintage cocktail ring, finely crafted in 18
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage French 14K Yellow Gold Carved Emerald, Ruby Diamond Double Flower Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A captivating and vibrant vintage cocktail ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, designed as an
Category

Vintage 1950s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring with Brilliant-Cut Center
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exceptional vintage diamond cluster ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, showcasing a dazzling round
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Gold Coral Bead Necklace with Hand-Carved Shell Cameo Clasp
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite vintage necklace features three strands of beautifully matched, hand-polished coral
Category

Vintage 1960s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Multi-Strand Jade and Cultured Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning vintage seven-strand necklace showcasing an elegant interplay of lustrous cultured
Category

Vintage 1970s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Jade, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning and rare vintage bypass ring by Van Cleef Arpels, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co 18K Yellow Gold Sunburst Brooch with Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
lovers of vintage glamour and bold design.
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Platinum and 14K Gold Pearl Necklace with Ruby and Diamond Floral Clasp
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A graceful blend of classic elegance and retro glamour, this vintage necklace features three
Category

Vintage 1950s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Platinum Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
rare and collectible vintage jewel, perfect for red-carpet or gala styling. Worn by singer SZA in
Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

14K Yellow Gold Bassani Italy Smoky Quartz Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
statement jewel from a noted Italian jeweler.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Brooches

Materials

Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ribbon Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
jewelry of the 1980s–90s — a bold and sophisticated statement jewel. Worn by actor, Michael Chernus in
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Citrine Dragon Head Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
statement jewel or displayed as a collectible piece of wearable art.
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20K Yellow Gold Carved Carnelian and Ram Motif Brooch with Granulated Drops
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
striking statement jewel for collectors of historical revival gold — wearable art with cultural presence.
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Platinum Convertible Diamond Brooch / Dress Clips
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
preferred metal for luxury Deco jewels. A collectible and wearable masterpiece, this brooch embodies the
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
beautiful presence on the finger, blending glamour with refined vintage elegance. A standout collectible
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and beautifully structured vintage bracelet crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a
Category

Vintage 1980s Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Pearl and Diamond Floral Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A glamorous pair of vintage floral earrings crafted in 18K white gold and stamped 750, dating to
Category

1990s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Onyx, Coral Diamond Geometric Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
statement piece that merges bold color, texture, and vintage glamour—perfect for collectors of unique
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Italian 18K White Gold Pear-Cut Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage Italian cocktail ring crafted in 18K white gold, designed in a dramatic fan
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Starburst Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
for collectors and lovers of dramatic vintage sparkle.
Category

Vintage 1950s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking pair of vintage drop earrings crafted in 14K yellow gold, dating to the 1980s, designed
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Serpent Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking and sculptural vintage brooch crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold, designed as a
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Platinum Ruby and Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
and vintage allure of this rare jewel. This piece captures the elegance and craftsmanship of the Art
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18K Gold Diamond and Sapphire Earrings and Convertible Floral Brooch-Pendant Set
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
to be worn as a pendant. Brooch/pendant by actress Tessa Thompson at the 2025 Met Gala, this vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning mid-century diamond floral brooch crafted in solid 14K white gold, designed with exceptional detail and movement. This elegant piece showcases a sculpted multi-petal flowe...
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Dolphin Pin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A charming mid-century 18K yellow gold dolphin brooch, beautifully sculpted with smooth, flowing contours that capture the playful movement of the creature. The fins and tail are pav...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Antique Italian Micro Mosaic Brooch of the Holy Family
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exquisite 19th-century Roman micro mosaic brooch depicting the Holy Family, inspired by Raphael’s celebrated Renaissance painting “Madonna della Seggiola” (Madonna of the Chair), ...
Category

Antique 1890s Italian Brooches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold and Diamond Swirl Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A beautifully sculpted pair of 18K white gold diamond earrings featuring a fluid, modernist swirl design set with a total of 108 diamonds — expertly arranged in striking tiers of bri...
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Multi-Gem Basket Brooch with Carved Emerald, Sapphires, Rubies, D
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A vibrant and intricately detailed mid-century multi-gem basket brooch, crafted in 14K white gold and designed with an ornate mix of carved and faceted stones. This joyful, sculptura...
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Platinum Mid-Century Diamond Scroll Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exquisite Mid-Century diamond scroll brooch, crafted in the 1950s and designed in a dramatic sweeping silhouette characteristic of the glamorous post-war era. The brooch showcases...
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Double Clip Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exquisite Art Deco platinum double clip brooch, masterfully designed with the era’s signature symmetry, curvature, and brilliance. Each clip is pavé-set with shimmering round bril...
Category

Vintage 1930s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Ring with 5.25-Carat Sapphire and Diamond Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A spectacular Art Deco platinum ring showcasing a magnificent 5.25-carat deep blue sapphire at its center, framed by elegant diamond accents that epitomize the geometric glamour of t...
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Twin Clip Brooch, Convertible, French Hallmarked
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A spectacular French Art Deco platinum double-clip brooch set with approximately 22.00 carats of fine diamonds. This exquisitely engineered piece showcases the bold geometry and swee...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking mid-century sapphire and diamond cluster ring crafted in platinum, designed with the bold, dimensional glamour characteristic of the 1950s. At its center sits a richly sa...
Category

Vintage 1950s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco 3.42ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent Art Deco diamond ring, masterfully crafted in platinum with exquisite filigree and hand-engraved detail. The centerpiece is an impressive Old European Cut diamond weigh...
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 18K Gold, Silver, Diamond, and Blue Enamel Bracelet
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
grandeur, ideal for collectors or those seeking an heirloom-quality jewel.
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, centering a richly hued cabochon-cut emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Amethyst, Pearl, and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, centering a round faceted amethyst of rich
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

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

Art Deco–Style 14K White Gold Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
example of vintage-inspired craftsmanship that blends architectural precision with classic sparkle.
Category

Vintage 1950s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1970s Platinum, Pearl, and Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
. These striking vintage earrings capture the bold yet timeless glamour of the 1970s. Worn by Allison
Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Fan Clip-On Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
. Recently worn by Elsa Hosk at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, this pair perfectly bridges vintage design with
Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch in 14K White Gold and Silver
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
. This elegant jewel is set with 184 antique-cut diamonds, together weighing approximately 8.65 carats
Category

Antique 1880s Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

14K White Gold Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
sensibilities, balancing bold color with refined sparkle. A versatile jewel, it can be worn as both a brooch and
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, White Gold

Platinum Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
this jewel as a standout vintage treasure on the red carpet.
Category

Vintage 1920s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

14K White Gold Ruby, Diamond, and Pearl Tassel Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A spectacular vintage tassel necklace inspired by the opulence of the Art Deco era, exquisitely
Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Mid-Century Platinum 14K Diamond Floral Spray Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
, underscoring their enduring appeal as statement jewels on the modern stage.
Category

Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

18K Gold Double-Sided Enamel Pendant Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A vibrant vintage 18K yellow gold oval pendant necklace, featuring striking double-sided enamel
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This striking Art Deco platinum ring is a masterclass in geometric glamour and vintage elegance. At
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K Gold Diamond and Sapphire Convertible Floral Brooch-Pendant and Earrings Set
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
to be worn as a pendant. Brooch/pendant by actress Tessa Thompson at the 2025 Met Gala, this vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Art Deco-Style Onyx and Diamond Tassel Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking pair of Art Deco–style earrings crafted in 18K white gold, featuring a mesmerizing combination of onyx and diamonds. Each earring showcases an architectural dome design se...
Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Platinum, Diamond, Pearl, and Emerald Bow Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exquisite Art Deco platinum brooch, designed with masterful craftsmanship and classic symmetry. At its center rests a vibrant cushion-cut emerald, surrounded by concentric openwor...
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum

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Saidian Vintage Jewels For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of saidian vintage jewels for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 18k gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 553 vintage editions and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. The designs in our inventory of saidian vintage jewels bearing Art Deco or Victorian hallmarks are very popular. Cartier, Tiffany Co. and Alex Soldier each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of diamond versions from the 240 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for brilliant cut saidian vintage jewels and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and pear cut alternatives. When shopping our range of saidian vintage jewels, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Saidian Vintage Jewels?

On average, saidian vintage jewels at 1stDibs sell for $12,500, while they’re typically $32 on the low end and $200,000 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.