Skip to main content

Used Effy Jewelry

to
138
592
522
228
81
18
11
4
3
3
2
1
569
2
1
Sort By
EFFY 18K Yellow Gold 0.42 Carat Diamond Fashion Lattice Ring New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
A luxurious EFFY ring adorned with a fancy lattice pattern of small shimmering diamonds. It will
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Effy Designer, 2.25 Carat Blue Sapphire, 14 Karat White Gold, Contemporary
By Effy
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
14 karat white gold rounded-edged, blue sapphire ring, Effy Designer ring, Hallmark BH. There are a
Category

1980s Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

EFFY 18K Rose Gold 1.80 Carat Diamond Pearl Fashion Statement Ring New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
This EFFY ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. The 18K rose
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold

Effy DOro 0.83ctw Diamond Circle Plate Pendant Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Vienna, VA
Effy D’Oro 0.83ctw Diamond Circle Plate Pendant Necklace in 14K Effy D’Oro Diamond Circle Plate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Effy 1.25ctw Diamond Invisible Set Center Channel Set Engagement Bridal Set Ring
By Effy
Located in Vienna, VA
Effy 1.25ctw Diamond Invisible Set Center Channel Set Engagement Bridal Set Ring in 14K Effy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

EFFY 18K White Gold 0.97 Carat Diamond Fashion Earrings Flower Lily New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
An exquisite EFFY pair of earrings designed in the shape of beautiful flowers that look like lilies
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

EFFY 18K White Gold 1.30 Carat Diamond Fashion Pave Dangling Earrings New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
These exquisite EFFY earrings are a masterful blend of elegance and sophistication, featuring a
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

EFFY 18K White Gold 1.00 Carat Fashion Graduated Diamond Drop Earrings New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
These exquisite EFFY 18K gold diamond earrings are a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

EFFY 18K White Gold 1.11 Carat Diamond Fashion Earrings Flower Crown New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
An exquisite EFFY pair of earrings designed in the shape of large round flowers or crowns will
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Sapphire and Diamond Floral Mobile Ring/spinner Effy flower ring.
By Effy
Located in Houston, TX
Effy 18K white gold floral cocktail ring featuring 1.49 carats of round brilliant diamonds, 1.28
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14k White Gold Panther Circle Pendant with 0.82 Carat Gemstones, 17 Inches
By Effy
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous panther pendant by Effy. Features pave set gemstones in a panther "Door Knocker" pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

EFFY 18K Yellow Gold 3.14 Carat Citrine Fashion Flower 5 Petal Ring New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
This EFFY ring is a fun piece of jewelry that can be worn anywhere. The 18k Yellow gold setting
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Yellow Gold

EFFY 18K Yellow Gold 3.14 Carat Amethyst Fashion Flower 5 Petal Ring New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
This EFFY ring is a fun piece of jewelry that can be worn anywhere. The 18k Yellow gold setting
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Yellow Gold

Effy 0.49ct Round Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14kt Rose Gold
By Effy
Located in Vienna, VA
Effy 0.49ct Round Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14kt Effy Round Diamond Bezel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Effy Pave Chocolate and White Diamond Cushion Framed Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Vienna, VA
Effy Pave Chocolate and White Diamond Cushion Framed Earrings in 14K Effy Pave Chocolate and White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

EFFY 18K Rose Pink Gold 1.30 Carat Diamond Fashion Pave Dangling Earrings New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
These exquisite EFFY earrings are a masterful blend of elegance and sophistication, featuring a
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

EFFY 18K Yellow Gold 1.34 Carat Brown Diamond Fashion Pave Wave Ring New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
This beautiful EFFY ring features a gold band adorned with brown and white small diamond design in
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold

EFFY 14K White Gold 1.55 Carat Diamond Fashion Statement Ring Flower Bow New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
An exquisite EFFY ring designed in the shape of a large, open-petaled flower will look beautiful
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

EFFY 18K White Gold 1.03 Carat Diamond Fashion Statement Ring Flower Crown New
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
An exquisite EFFY ring designed in the shape of a large round flower or crown will look beautiful
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Pink Sapphire and Diamond Mobile Flower Ring/Spinner Effy Flower Ring
By Effy
Located in Houston, TX
Effy 18K white gold cocktail ring featuring 1.56 carats of faceted round pink sapphires with 0.24
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

EFFY 14K White Gold 1.50 Carat Black Diamond Fashion Pave Ring New 6.75 Chevron
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
This EFFY ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that exudes luxury and sophistication. The 14k white
Category

2010s North American Artisan Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 17.06 Cts Paraiba Tourmaline sets in 18K Yell gold Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Bayside, NY
Diamond Ring This is an EFFY ring it's prong setting , it has EFFY stamp and also weight of the center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Jade, Onyx Diamond Drop Earrings In 14k
By Effy
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
New Effy Jade, Onyx & Diamond Drop Earrings In 14k. Hanging length is 1 3/4”
Category

2010s American Artist Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 14k Gold

Gorgeous Diamond, Lime Quartz White Topaz Earrings In 14k
By Effy
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gorgeous Effy Diamond, Lime Quartz & White Topaz Dangling Earrings In 14k. - 0.16 carats in
Category

2010s American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Quartz, Topaz, 14k Gold

Cute White Agate Diamond Necklace In 14k
By Effy
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cute Effy Agate & Diamond necklace in 14k. - 0.26 ctw in diamonds, - 2.40 ctw in White Agate
Category

2010s American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 14k Gold

New Diamond Drop Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Sydney CBD, AU
white gold. New Retired Effy Pave Classica collection. These sold out and are the last set we have
Category

2010s American Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
By Effy
Located in Vienna, VA
Sapphire and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14K Sapphire and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 14K White Gold Diamonds Carat Weight: Approx. 0.20ctw Earring Dimensions: Approx. 8.0 X 10.0 M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold

Effy Diamond Ring In 14k Rose Gold.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Contemporary Diamond Ring In 14k Rose Gold. Approximately 0.77 carats in baguette and round diamonds, Size 7.
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Hematian 12.66 Carat Colombian Emerald Cocktail Ring with Diamonds 18k Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Up for sale is a magnificent piece unique 12.66 carat Colombian emerald ring by Effy Hematian
Category

2010s Edwardian Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Triple row pave set Effy diamond ring w/ approx 0.60 cts diamonds in white gold
Located in Surfside, FL
Triple row pave set Effy diamond ring with approx 0.60 cts in G-H color, VS-SI clarity diamonds in
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

White Gold

Effy Brasilica 14Kt Gold Cluster Ring Natural Emeralds and Diamond 2.65 Carat
By Effy
Located in Overland Park, KS
Vintage Signed 14k Gold Cluster Ring with 1.50ctw Natural Emeralds and Diamonds 1.15ctw. Mad in the USA. Weight is 7.4 grams Ring is Size 8
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Estate Effy Emerald Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fine Gemstone Jewelry
By Effy
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant estate Effy emerald & diamond ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Faceted oval cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Emerald EFFY Ring
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
Stunning EFFY Diamond & Emerald band ring. Diamond Carat Weight: 1.50CTW Diamond Cut: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy D Oro Diamond Flower Ring Estate 14k Two-Tone Gold Large Cocktail Jewelry
By Effy
Located in Torrance, CA
gold. The ring is hallmarked "14k" and "Effy".
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

Brilliantly Contemporary Ring by Effy
By Effy
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 14k, by Effy, American. This contemporary ring by Effy is all about flowing rose gold
Category

Early 2000s American Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
Designer EFFY Chocolate & white diamond graduating diamond pendant necklace made in 14k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Effy Sterling Silver Diamond Flower Necklace
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: sterling silver Diamond: 6 round cut = .10cttw Color: G Clarity: I1 Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Effy 14K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Dallas, TX
Effy 14K White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings - 14K White gold with 1 inch length. Round diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Effy Diamond and Pink Sapphire Diamond Band
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
EFFY Diamond and pink sapphire band in 14K White Gold Designer: EFFY Gemstone: 12 Round Cut Pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold

Designer Effy Ring 14k Yellow Gold Diamond
By Effy
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Elegant diamond ring from Effy. Suitable for everyday wear as well as special occasions. Material
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Sterling Silver Twist Link Men s Bracelet #22484
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling Silver twist link men's bracelet by Effy An authentic Effy bracelet featuring a twist
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Effy Sterling Silver Diamond Flower Stud Earrings
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: sterling silver Diamond: 14 round cut = .20cttw Color: G Clarity: I1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

EFFY 14K Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
EFFY 14K Gold Paved Ring Approx. Round Ruby 0.39 tcw and Round Diamond 0.71 tcw Approx. 15mm x 15mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Effy 0.25 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Effy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer: Effy Material: 14k yellow gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.25ctw of round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Bubble Band
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 64 round brilliant cut = 1.64cttw Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

EFFY 14K Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
Brand: EFFY Material: 14K Gold Ring Size: 7 Hallmarks: EFFY 14K Approx. Total Weight: 4.50 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Flat Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.46cttw Color: G Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Diamond and Multi-Colored Sapphire Bow Ring
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
Marked/Tested: Stamped “14K EH EFFY" Weight: 5.9 Grams Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Rainbow Gemstone and Diamond Butterfly Bracelet, Signed “Effy”
By Effy
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
From Effy’s “Watercolor” collection, this multi-hued bracelet is comprised of brilliant faceted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Citrine and Black Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Effy Ring, Diamond 2.47ct BLK, Citrine 5.45ct, 14K Yellow Gold. Size 7. Jewelry Type : Ring Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14k Yellow Gold Round Cabochon Lapis Station Adjustable Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Montclair, NJ
wrist) Width: 6.4mm ( 0.25") (at the lapis) Clasp: Sliding Pulls Beads on Both Sides. Stamp: Effy 14k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gorgeous EFFY BH Diamond Sapphire Pendant 14K White Gold
By Effy
Located in Media, PA
This stunning Effy pendant is a remarkable piece for any jewelry enthusiast. Crafted from 14k gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy Sterling Silver Sapphire Heart Necklace - 0.29ctw Sapphires
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Add a touch of romance and color to your jewelry collection with this exquisite Designer Effy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Sterling Silver

Effy Men s Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Ring
By Effy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Effy emerald diamond ring fashioned in 14 karat yellow and white gold. The emerald weighs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

Effy 14K White Gold London Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace
By Effy
Located in Dallas, TX
Effy 14K White Gold London Blue Topaz Pendant & Necklace - Emerald cut Blue Topaz weighing 2.7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Blue Topaz, White Gold

Effy Men s Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Effy men's emerald diamond ring fashioned in 14 karat yellow gold. The emerald cut emerald weighs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Gemstone Necklace
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Gemstone Necklace- This lovely necklace features
Category

Early 2000s Central American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Used Effy Jewelry", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Used Effy Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate piece of used effy jewelry for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 29 vintage or 186 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of used effy jewelry may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A choice in our collection of used effy jewelry of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 179, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and emerald cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our used effy jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 65 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Used Effy Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of used effy jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $140 and can go as high as $17,900, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,680.

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 Effy
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    Effy Hematian's real name was Fatollah Hematian. During the 1970s, he left his native Iran for New York City, where he founded Effy Jewelry in 1979. He named the company after his own nickname. Today, Effy is widely known for producing luxury handmade jewelry featuring precious gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Shop a diverse assortment of Effy jewelry on 1stDibs.