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Used Effy Jewelry

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Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Pendant #17698
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Pendant This gorgeous 14K yellow gold pendant features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Heart Shaped Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
By Effy
Located in Towson, MD
One 14-karat white gold heart-shaped cluster ring set with twenty-nine (29) round brilliant cut diamonds, and one (1) princess cut diamond, approximately 0.90-carat total weight with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant #20599
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant- This elegant cross pendant is adorned with 38 round
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Station Necklace #18952
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Station Necklace This sparkling station necklace features seven
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring Size 6.25 #16170
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.2 Certified- This stunning ring features seven
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat Rose Gold Pave Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
EFFY 14 Karat Rose Gold Pave Diamond .45 CTW Hoop Earrings Metal: 14k rose gold Weight: 5.11 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Effy Men s Compass Ring Onyx 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Effy black onyx compass ring fashioned in 14 karat yellow gold. The round compass top measures 17mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brand:EFFY metal:14K YELLOW GOLD type:ring weight:6.8 GR size:11 US hallmark
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Men s Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
By Effy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Men's diamond signet ring by Effy fashioned in 14 karat yellow gold. The ring features a round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signed "EFFY" 14KT Rose Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Signed "EFFY" ring with Box and set in 14 karat Rose Gold, weighing 6.63 grams, are 5 multi-shaped
Category

2010s American Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Diamond, Sapphire and Tsavorite Multi Color Cluster Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
This fun ring looks better than a jar of candy! Fabulous multicolor Effy ring features a rainbow of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

Effy Diamond, Sapphire and Tsavorite Multi Color Cluster Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
This fun ring looks better than a jar of candy! Fabulous multicolor Effy ring features a rainbow of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

EFFY 14K White Gold Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Henderson, NV
EFFY 14K white gold multi color sapphire and diamond bracelet featuring a vibrant row of rainbow
Category

Early 20th Century American Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 1ctw Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace, 14k Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
This elegant Effy 1ctw diamond cluster pendant necklace adds a touch of sparkle to any outfit
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Natural Ruby Ring
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
EFFY This stunning ring is featured on a polished 14K Yellow Gold setting Product Details: 41
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Effy 14K White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Size 7 #23109
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Size 7 This elegant Effy ring features nine
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite

14k White Gold Effy Chain and Diamond Sapphire Eye Pendant
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K White Gold Effy Chain and Diamond Sapphire Eye Pendant 46 gorgeous single cut diamonds
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Authentic Effy 14k Rose Gold 4.65tcw Diamond Tsavorite Panther Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Authentic Effy 14k Rose Gold 4.65tcw Diamond Tsavorite Panther Bracelet Chain Type:Panther
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy D’Oro 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 24 round brilliant cut = 0.39cttw Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14K White Gold Gemstone and Diamond Dolphin Pendant #20969
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K White Gold Gemstone and Diamond Dolphin Pendant- This lovely dolphin pendant is adorned
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Earrings- These sparkling earrings each feature 74
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Earrings- These sparkling earrings each feature 74
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Effy 14K Diamond Snake Pendant Necklace Tsavorite Yellow Gold ~0.34ctw
By Effy
Located in Fairfield, CT
Effy 14K Diamond Snake Pendant Necklace Tsavorite Yellow Gold ~0.34ctw This 14k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

Effy Watercolors 14K Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Stingray Necklace #18848
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy Watercolors 14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Stingray Pendant Necklace This stunning
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Effy Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Multi-Gemstone Ring
By Effy
Located in Towson, MD
This vintage designer Effy ring has everything Effy is known for: statement piece with lots of
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold...

EFFY 14 Karat White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Ring #14019
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
EFFY 14 Karat White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Ring Size 7.25 JAGi Certified- This stunning EFFY
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
EFFY 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring Size 7 Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 3.1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Effy 1.80ctw Sapphire Diamond Band, 14k White Gold, Ring, Sapphire
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
This exquisite Effy 1.80ctw Sapphire Diamond Band in 14K White Gold is the perfect statement piece
Category

1980s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat Rose Gold Rhodolite Garnet and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K rose gold Garnet: 1 emerald cut = 3.15ct Diamond: 64 round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring in 14K Gold
By Effy
Located in Towson, MD
One 14-karat white gold band set with nine (9) 2.75mm round natural blue sapphires and fifty-five (55) brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.50-carat total weight with matching I/...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold, Diamond and Sapphire Starfish Ring
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
Effy 14k white gold, diamond & sapphire starfish ring. A cute ring with two starfish set next to
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14k White Gold Blue Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond Drop Earrings
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
Stunning earrings from EFFY. Featuring oval-cut blue topaz (approx. 3-3/4 ct. t.w.) framed with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Topaz, White Gold

Effy Emerald Diamond Drop Necklace Estate 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant Effy gemstone drop necklace, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Faceted oval cut emeralds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Effy BH 14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy BH 14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 8.75 GAI Certified- This stunning
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Effy Men s 14k Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Anchor Oval Signet Band Ring
By Effy
Located in Montclair, NJ
inquiries) Stamp: Effy 14k Condition: Excellent condition. Stock Number: MK-1953060
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy D Oro 14 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamond Accents Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An EFFY D'Oro 14k yellow gold with diamond accents. The diamonds are 0.77 carat total weight, G in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Effy Malachite Butterfly Ring in 14kt Yellow Gold – 3.85ctw Malachite
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Make a bold and elegant statement with this stunning Designer Effy Malachite Butterfly Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14K Rose Gold, 2.16 CTW Diamond and Emerald Panther Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Effy 14K Rose Gold, 2.16 CTW Diamond and Emerald Panther Ring You'll love wearing this eye
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold

Effy 14K Pear Shape Blue Sapphire Diamond Frame Pendant Necklace #14741
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K White Gold Pear Shape Blue Sapphire Diamond Frame Pendant Necklace This gorgeous Effy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy Sterling Silver Emerald Earrings - 0.76ctw, 8.5mm, New with Tag
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Introducing the stunning Designer Effy Emerald Earrings in Sterling Silver, featuring 0.76 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Sterling Silver

Designer Effy Diamond Station Necklace in 14kt White Gold – 1.20ctw Diamonds
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning Designer Effy Diamond Station Necklace, crafted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy 14kt Yellow Gold Ruby Necklace - 0.57ctw, New with Tag
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
: This Designer Effy Ruby Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14K Yellow Gold and Sapphire Anchor Ring Size 10 #22560
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K Yellow Gold and Sapphire Anchor Ring Size 10 Make a bold statement with this striking
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Station Circle Necklace
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
Effy 14 Karat White Gold Natural Sapphire & Diamond Station Circle Necklace Metal: 14k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Effy Sterling Silver and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Spinel Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: sterling silver Weight: 37.28 grams Dimensions: bracelet measures 9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Black Spinel, Sterling Silver

Vintage Effy Black and White Diamond Emerald Two Tone Panther Bangle
By Effy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brand: Effy Total Diamond Weight: Approximately .65 Carats Center Stone: 9 Round Brilliant Cut
Category

1990s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Effy 5.25 carat tanzanite diamond 14k white gold cocktail ring
By Effy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Effy ring from the 1980’s showcases a 5.25-carat emerald cut tanzanite, its vivid
Category

1980s Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy .40ctw Diamond Crossover Wide Band Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
This Effy diamond crossover wide band ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that will add a touch of
Category

1990s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Pink Sapphire and Diamond Blossoming Flower Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
By Effy
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An Effy designed creative cocktail ring. The ring is deigned as a blooming flower, set with Pink
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy 4.00 Carat Sapphire Diamond White Rose Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
By Effy
Located in Stamford, CT
Designer Effy sapphire and diamond ring. Bright orange oval sapphire center stone with a halo of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace #16118
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Effy 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This elegant pendant features 28 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dog Tag Necklace
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: sterling silver and 18k yellow gold Dimensions: necklace is 18”-inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Effy 14K Yellow Gold Multi Color Diamond Panther Print Pendant #20545
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K Yellow Gold Multi Color Diamond Panther Print Pendant This striking 14K yellow gold
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Multi Colored Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 66 round brilliant cut = 0.50cttw Color: G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Sterling Silver 18K Yellow Gold Plated Citrine Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver, 18K yellow gold plated and citrine hinged cuff bracelet by designer EFFY. Classic
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Effy .20 Carat Bezel Set Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Drop Necklace
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
Effy .20 Carat Bezel Set Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Drop Necklace Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Effy 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Chocolate White Diamond Pendant #19638
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Chocolate and White Diamond Pendant This lovely pendant features
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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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.