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Saidian Vintage Jewels

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Platinum Pearl and Diamond Cluster Clip-on Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Elegant and timeless, these vintage earrings are crafted in luxurious platinum and feature two
Category

Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Platinum Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent bracelet crafted in platinum, set with a series of vibrant Ceylon sapphires totaling 19.05 carats. The sapphires, cut in cushion and oval shapes, display the classic ve...
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Ring with 3.02 Carat Old Mine Cut Center and Baguettes
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exceptional Art Deco platinum ring, centering a dazzling old mine cut diamond weighing 3.02 carats, mounted in a finely detailed hand-engraved setting. The center stone is flanked...
Category

Vintage 1920s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
highlight from Maxwell Osborn's ensemble at the 2025 Met Gala. This vintage masterpiece is a testament to
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K White Gold Diamond and Carved Opal Butterfly Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A breathtaking vintage necklace featuring a meticulously carved butterfly from natural opal
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Pineapple Clip-On Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Playful yet elegant, these vintage pineapple-themed clip-on earrings are crafted in rich 18K yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ribbon Link Choker Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold by Elan USA, this vintage choker necklace from the 1980s features a
Category

Vintage 1980s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
collectible jewel, perfect for the discerning collector or anyone who appreciates exceptional gemstones paired
Category

Vintage 1950s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum

18K Yellow Gold Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
radiant yellow sapphires framed by brilliant-cut diamonds. The geometric design blends vintage
Category

Vintage 1980s Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Tourmaline, Ruby, and Sapphire Floral Basket Pendant Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A vibrant expression of Italian artistry, this vintage 14K yellow gold necklace features a striking
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Horseshoe Pendant Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This bold and beautifully crafted vintage necklace features a striking horseshoe pendant set in 14K
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Tanzanite, Diamond, and Cabochon Ruby Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This bold and luxurious vintage necklace, crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcases a stunning oval-cut
Category

Vintage 1980s European Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Cabochon Moonstone Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
iridescence. The intricate openwork adds vintage-inspired charm while the luminous moonstones bring a mystical
Category

Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Moonstone, Platinum

Retro 18K Gold Honeycomb Bracelet with Citrine and Diamond Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
, estimated at over 30 carats, radiating golden warmth and vintage elegance. The citrine is framed by a halo
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Diamond Green Enamel Clover Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed in the shape of a blooming clover
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

18K White Gold Diamond Cascade Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning pair of vintage 18K white gold diamond earrings, famously worn by actress Nina Dobrev
Category

Vintage 1950s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Marquise and Round Diamond Ribbon Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
a vintage sensibility. Worn by Sarah Snook to the 2025 Met Gala, it stands as a radiant example of
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Revival 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
contemporary fashion history. A collector-worthy piece that bridges vintage charm with red carpet glamour.
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Platinum Marquise Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A showstopping pair of vintage platinum earrings, exquisitely crafted in a pear-shaped silhouette
Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14K White Gold Multi-Strand Emerald Bead and Diamond Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
elements—gracefully set as side plaques and a decorative clasp—add vintage glamour and refined sparkle to
Category

Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Swirl Brooch Convertible Clip
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
timeless and adaptable statement piece that merges vintage glamor with modern edge.
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Yellow Topaz and Old Mine Diamond Floral Spray Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
, this vintage brooch blends retro glamour with high-carat brilliance—making it a standout heirloom with
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Platinum

14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire and White Sapphire Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
subtle nod to vintage craftsmanship. This retro piece embodies a playful yet refined aesthetic typical of
Category

Vintage 1970s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Stylized Grape Bunch Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
structure and brilliance to the organic cluster. This vintage masterpiece was worn by actress Sarah Snook at
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Style 18K White Gold Onyx, Diamond, and Ruby Drop Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Strikingly elegant with a bold vintage flair, this Art Deco–inspired necklace is crafted in 18K
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Striking and sculptural, this vintage 1980s collar necklace is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. 14K Gold Feather Brooch with Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking piece of mid-century elegance, this vintage Tiffany & Co. brooch from the 1960s is
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Retro 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet, 2.50 Carats
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and stylish Retro-era bracelet crafted in 14k yellow gold, featuring an eye-catching stepped and ridged design. The centerpiece is a striking geometric triangular plaque set w...
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold and Diamond Cuff Bracelet, Pavé Set Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and glamorous 18K gold cuff bracelet designed with sculptural, twisted gold segments alternating with diamond pavé panels. The diamonds are set in white gold for maximum brill...
Category

Vintage 1980s Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Revival Carved Jade and Diamond Lantern Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A breathtaking blend of Eastern influence and vintage glamour, this intricately carved jade pendant
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold

Platinum Ring with 1.60 Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond and Baguette Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A classic platinum diamond ring centering a beautifully proportioned pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 1.60 carats. The diamond is set in a secure five-prong setting, showca...
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14K White Gold Ring with 1.71 Carat Light Brown Brilliant-Cut Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A timeless solitaire-style ring crafted in 14K white gold, centering a brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.71 carats. The diamond displays a warm light brown hue, giving i...
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Kite-Cut Diamond Ring, 2.20 Carats (VVS2, Light Yellow)
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and sculptural retro-era statement ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, showcasing a striking 2.20 carat kite-shaped diamond of light yellow hue with exceptional VVS2 clarity. The...
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Citrine and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A showstopping piece of mid-century glamour, this vintage 1960s brooch is crafted in rich 14K
Category

Vintage 1960s Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch with Marquise-Cut Center Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
silhouette and geometric structure echo vintage glamour with modern precision. A show stopping accessory that
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
blends bold craftsmanship with natural elegance, making it a standout addition to any vintage jewelry
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Earrings with Marquise, Pear, and Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.94 carats A masterclass in vintage glamour, the
Category

Vintage 1980s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
actress Sarah Snook at the 2025 Met Gala, where she paired it with a curated suite of vintage diamond and
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Fan Brooch/Pin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
(0.030 ct), and 4 rose-cut diamonds (0.04 ct), it sparkles with vintage charm. A graceful bow wraps the
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Enamel Starling Bird Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A beautifully detailed vintage brooch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring a stylized
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique 14K Gold Silver Diamond Floral Brooch with Briolette Drop, Circa 1880
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A beautifully preserved antique brooch from the late 19th century, crafted in 14K yellow gold with silver overlays in the traditional style of the period. The openwork floral design ...
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

18K Yellow Gold Drummer Brooch with Gemstones and Pearls
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This playful vintage brooch, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, features a charming drummer figure
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A spectacular vintage 18K yellow gold ruby and diamond set, rich in timeless allure. This exquisite
Category

Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro 1940s 14K Gold Pin/Pendant Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
, surrounded by 54 additional rose cut diamonds totaling 0.72 carats, adding refined brilliance and vintage
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Italian Carved Coral and Gold Bracelet with Hunting Dog Motif
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking 19th-century Italian bracelet showcasing masterful hand-carved Mediterranean coral in an elaborate hunting dog motif. The vivid orange-red coral is intricately sculpted in...
Category

Antique 1850s Italian Victorian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Floral Brooch in 18K White Yellow Gold with Diamond, Carved Amethyst, Citrine
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
naturalistic form with glamorous sparkle. The pin mechanism is secure and the brooch is in excellent vintage
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Turquoise, Agate Diamond “Evil Eye” Fringe Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
an exceptional statement piece for collectors and connoisseurs of fine vintage jewelry.
Category

Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Multi Gem and Diamond Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning vintage statement necklace signed FURST, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold (stamped 750
Category

Vintage 1980s Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch/Pin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite vintage brooch is crafted in 18 karat white gold and features a stunning interplay
Category

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby Pearl Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
necklace is a remarkable example of vintage glamour and fine craftsmanship.
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Sapphire, Diamond, and Onyx Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A captivating pair of Art Deco Revival earrings handcrafted in 18K white gold, showcasing an elegant blend of deep-blue oval-cut sapphires, pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds, and sleek...
Category

Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Turquoise and Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch in 14K Yellow White Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
vintage sparkle of old mine cuts creates a look that is both classic and full of character. Likely dating
Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

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

14K White Gold Smoky Quartz and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking statement piece from the Mid-Century era, this bold cocktail ring showcases a large, square-cut smoky quartz set in 14K white gold. The richly hued quartz—known for its wa...
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and regal statement piece, this vintage ring showcases a magnificent oval-cut ruby weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Tourmaline and Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
design with striking color contrast, creating a bold statement of vintage glamour and craftsmanship. A
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 7.32ct Oval Yellow Sapphire, 1970s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a vibrant oval yellow sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold statement piece blending classic elegance with regal strength, this vintage necklace
Category

Vintage 1980s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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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.