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David Yurman Wheaton Sterling Silver Gold Smoky Quartz, Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Wheaton Sterling Silver & Gold Smoky Quartz, Diamond Cocktail Ring Metal: Sterling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, Sterling Silver

Stunning Emerald Cut Smoky Quartz, Diamond, and Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning necklace features a 20.15 ct emerald cut smoky quartz bordered by 0.16ct round white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Poiray Girls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Smoky Quartz Earrings PPI1012
By Poiray
Located in Southampton, PA
With a charming backdrop in 18K yellow gold and 0.10ct of sparkling diamonds, the majestic smoky
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Poiray Girls 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Smoky Quartz Huggie Earrings PPI1014
By Poiray
Located in Southampton, PA
Brought out in glaring fashion by the luxurious sparkle of diamonds totaling 0.26ct against the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Roxa 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.12 Carat Diamond and Smoky Quartz Earrings
By Roxa
Located in Southampton, PA
0.87” in length and 0.37” in width. The earrings are embellished with smoky quartz stones, and with two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Roxa 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.16 Carat Diamond and Smoky Quartz Earrings
By Roxa
Located in Southampton, PA
1.70” in length and 0.60” in width. The earrings are embellished with four smoky quartzes, and with two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Chimento Elisir 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pave and Smoky Quartz Cabochon Teardrop
By Chimento
Located in Southampton, PA
combination of the alluring radiance of rose gold and the classy tone of smoky quartz. The earrings are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Garavelli Earrings with Brown Diamonds and Smoky Quartz
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18KT Yellow Gold Pair of EARRINGs with BROWN DIAMONDS AND SMOKY QUARTZ Each earring measures mm
Category

2010s Italian Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold

Smoky Quartz with Diamonds on Pink Gold 18 Karat Lever-Back Earrings
Located in Vannes, FR
Smoky Quartz on Pink Gold 18k Lever-Back Earrings 2 Smoky Quartz 2 Diamonds 0.14 ct Pink gold 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Smoky Quartz with Diamonds on Pink Gold 18 Karat Lever-Back Earrings
Located in Vannes, FR
Smoky Quartz on Pink Gold 18k Lever-Back Earrings 2 Smoky Quartz 2 Diamonds 0.14 ct Pink gold 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Designer Smoky Quartz Tassel Earring With Diamond Tsavorite In Silver and Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Smoky Quarts Tassel Earring Diamonds and Tsavorite in Silver and Gold 18kt gold:2.3gms
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver

Peach Moonstones Smoky Quartz and Diamonds Pink Gold Chandelier Earrings
Located in Vannes, FR
Peach Moonstones Grey Quartz and diamonds Pink Gold Chandelier Earrings 2 Peach Moonstones Smoky
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Moonstone, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Lemon Quartz Smoky Topaz Yellow Beryl and Diamond Dangle Drop Floral Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
on ear which leads to dangling framed oval lemon quartz with diamond and yellow beryl and smoky topaz
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Topaz, Yellow Beryl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Yurman Albion Smoky Quartz Diamond Large Enhancer Necklace on Box Chain
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Albion Smoky Quartz & Diamond Large Enhancer Necklace on Box Chain Metal: Sterling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Pair of Diamond Form Smoky Brown Rock Crystal Quartz Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved diamond form smoky brown rock crystal quartz wall sconces with diamond form antique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Pair of Diamond Form Smoky Brown Rock Crystal Quartz Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved smoky brown rock crystal quartz lamp with polish brass base, design by Phoenix
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Pair of Diamond Form Smoky Brown Rock Crystal Quartz Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved smoky brown rock crystal quartz lamp with polish brass base, design by Phoenix
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair of Diamond Form Smoky Brown Rock Crystal Quartz Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved smoky brown rock crystal quartz lamp with polish brass base, design by Phoenix
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Rock Crystal

Carrera y Carrera Diamond and Smoky Quartz Yellow and White Gold Giraffe Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
This Carrera y Carrera ring is made out of 18K yellow and white gold and set with diamonds and a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Quartz, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

13.60 Carat Diamond Yellow Citrine Smoky Topaz Earrings Chandelier Clip Post WG
Located in New York, NY
, Absolutely Stunning Celebrity Red Carpet Style Earrings! A pair of 18K White and Yellow Gold Diamond earrings
Category

Early 2000s Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chaumet Liens Yellow Gold Smoky Quartz Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold smoky quartz dress ring from the Liens collection by Chaumet. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Levian Ring Featuring Smoky Quartz Diamonds Set in 14K Yellow Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Levian Ring Featuring Smoky Quartz Diamonds Set In 14K Yellow Gold
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Yellow Gold Smoky Quartz Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 14k Round Rose Cut 8.20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Smoky Quartz Carats: 8.00ctw Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pasquale Bruni 18K White Gold 1.10ct Diamond and Smoky Quartz Eiffel Tower Ring
By Pasquale Bruni
Located in Southampton, PA
Tower, the 18K White Gold setting is elevated by inset Diamonds totaling 1.10 carats. At the center, a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modern Smoky Topaz and Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver for Women
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully handcrafted silver Smoky Topaz and Diamond Tennis Bracelets, designed with love
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver

60 Carat Smoky Quartz Gemstone and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
A 60 carat hand-carved, barrel shaped smoky quartz gem is an absolutely chic and fun necklace. The
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Chaumet Liens Smoky Quartz and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Dress Ring
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
signature Liens diagonal panel pavé set with seven round brilliant cut diamonds totalling approximately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Diamond Form Smoky Brown Rock Crystal Quartz Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved diamond form smoky brown rock crystal quartz wall sconces with diamond form antique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

20.8 Carat Smoky Quartz with Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
ring in 18K rose gold with diamonds and semi precious stones. Smoky Quartz: 20.82 carat octagon shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Quartz, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Fancy 18 K rose Gold Statement Ring Diamonds Citrine Smoky Quarz yellow Sapphire
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
, Citrines and Smoky Quarz. Lovely and warm color combination. The 61 brilliant cut Champagne Diamonds have a
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

10 Carat Smoky Quartz with Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
quartz ring in 14K rose gold with diamonds and semi precious stones. Smoky Quartz: 10.62 carat octagon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

David Yurman Large Round Smoky Quartz and Diamond Halo Sterling and Gold Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunning oversize quartz and diamond cocktail ring by jewelry designer David Yurman. The bold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

340 Carats Smoky Quartz Pendant Necklace
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Beautiful, oval faceted Smoky Quartz necklace adorned with a stunning pear shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz

Emerald Cut Smoky Topaz Gemstone Ring Diamond Pave Handmade 18 Karat Gold Silver
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Weight :- 0.20 gm Approx Diamond Weight :- 0.40 ct. Approx ( SI Clarity & HI Color ) Topaz Weight :- 4.00
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Gold, Silver

LeVian 14K Rose Gold Citrine Smoky Quartz Round Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
LeVian 14K Rose Gold Citrine Smoky Quartz Round Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

LeVian 14K Rose Gold Cushion Cut Smoky Quartz Chocolate Diamond Drop Earrings
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
LeVian 14K Rose Gold Cushion Cut Smoky Quartz Chocolate Diamond Drop Earrings
Category

2010s More Earrings

David Yurman Albion Smoky Quartz Diamond Halo Ring 925 Yellow Gold 18k.60ctw Sz9
By David Yurman
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Smoky Quartz Cut: Round Checkerboard Color: Brown Natural Diamonds Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

LeVian 14K Rose Gold Smoky Quartz Round Diamond Beautiful Classic Cocktail Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Le Vian® Ring featuring 1 cts. Chocolate Quartz®, 1/10 cts. Vanilla Diamonds® set in 14K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Pair of Smoky Rock Crystal Quartz Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved globe and diamond form smoky brown rock crystal quartz lamp with brass insert and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Vintage 1960s Smoky Quartz Cocktail Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
brilliant cut diamond. The mount is fully made in 18kt gold and the prongs are in platinum. It is from the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Smoky Quartz Yellow Gold Yorkshire Terrier Dog Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.10 carat smoky quartz and 18 karat yellow gold 'Yorkshire Terrier' dog
Category

Vintage 1970s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Yurman Double Strand Pearl Necklace Albion Diamond Quartz Clasp 19"
By David Yurman
Located in Torrance, CA
& smoky quartz set clasp. Checkerboard faceted smoky quartz measures 20mm. 50 diamonds total an
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Silver, Sterling ...

Diamond Form Rock Crystal Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A pair of fine carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz wall sconces with polish nickel frame
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal

Diamond Form Rock Crystal Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A pair of fine carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz wall sconces with antique brass finish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal

Multi-Gemstone, Vintage Pendant and Antique Coin 14 Karat Gold Bohemian Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
, Smoky Topaz, Aquamarine, Diamond, Persian Turquoise, Vintage Cameo, Enamel Flower Cross, Citrine, Purple
Category

2010s American Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Fres...

Rocco Rock Crystal Lamps By Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz lamp with polish bronze base, created by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rocco by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
Single fine carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz lamp with polish bronze base, created by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Rock Crystal

Rocco by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz lamp with polish bronze base, created by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Rock Crystal

18k Gold Ring Made in 1964
By Rey Urban
Located in Stockholm, SE
This luxurious 18 karat gold, smoky quartz and diamond ring has an exquisite design with its high
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

DSR Wall Sconces By Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A fine carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz wall sconces with antique brass finish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

DSH Rock Crystal Quartz Wall Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz wall sconces, mount with rich texture of hammered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal

DSH Rock Crystal Quartz Wall Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz wall sconces, mount with rich texture of hammered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal

DSH Rock Crystal Quartz Wall Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
A carved diamond form smoky rock crystal quartz wall sconces, mount with rich texture of hammered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Rock Crystal

Certified Untreated Red Jade Ring from Midcentury
Located in Northampton, MA
. Today, men's rings are set with smoky quartz, black diamond or glass-filled ruby. How bold, how
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold

Cartier and America "The Scarab Brooch" Card and Envelope Set Luxury Stationery
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Egyptian faience, diamonds, emeralds, smoky quartz, enamel. The wings date from the second half of the
Category

1990s French Egyptian Revival Desk Sets

Materials

Paper

Pomellato Smoky Quartz Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Greenwich, CT
" Pin Up" dress ring, centering on a buff-top, cushion-shaped smoky quartz, with pavé white and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, Diamond, 18k Gold

Smoky Quartz Mother of Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant
By Maurice Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Smoky quartz is layered with shimmering white mother of pearl, for a robust shade that incorporates
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Brown Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, White Diamond, 18k Gold

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Smoky Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of smoky diamonds available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Find a collection of 35 vintage versions or 207 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 20th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of smoky diamonds to choose from, but Contemporary and Modern smoky diamonds are of considerable interest. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but David Yurman, Roxa and Alex Soldier produced popular versions that are worth a look. Browse our collection of 226 Diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. A selection of round cut, cushion cut and mixed cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of smoky diamonds for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Smoky Diamonds?

Prices for smoky diamonds can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $175 and can go as high as $57,000, while smoky diamonds, on average, fetch $2,752.

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.