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Used Effy Jewelry

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Designer Effy s 1.88 Carat Diamond by Yard Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold Chain
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 1.88 Ct Diamond by Yard Necklace 14 Karat Rose Gold Chain 36"L This spectacular
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Designer Effy s 1.5 Pointer Each, 1.8 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Bangle
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer piece for affordable price Designer Effy's 1.5 Pointer Each, 1.8 Carat Diamond 14 Karat
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

BH Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 7 #18660
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
BH Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 7 This elegant band features 24 round
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy s 1.71 Carat Black and White Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Bangle
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer piece for affordable price Designer Effy's 1.71 Carat Black & White Diamond 14 Karat Rose
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy s 5.5 Carat Oval Natural Tanzanite 2.2 Ct Diamond Necklace 14 Karat Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Effy's 5.5 Ct Oval Shape Natural Tanzanite & 2.2 Ct Diamond Necklace 14K Rose Gold Oval shape
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Designer Effy s 14ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby 11 Ct Diamond Necklace 14KY Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 14Ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby & 11 Ct Diamond Necklace 14KY Goldng of 29 stones of
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond D Oro Woven Ring Size 7.25 #19203
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond D'Oro Woven Ring Size 7.25- This stunning woven band by Effy
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Sterling Silver 18K Yellow Gold Green Amethyst Ring Size 6 1/2 #16432
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver and 18K yellow gold accent green amethyst ring by Effy. Size 6 1/2 This ring
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Effy Bella Bleu 14K White Gold Blue and White Diamond Band Size 7 #22995
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy Bella Bleu 14 Karat White Gold Blue and White Diamond Band Ring Size 7 This stunning band
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy Bella Bleu 14K White Gold Blue and White Diamond Band Size 7 #21237
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy Bella Bleu 14 Karat White Gold Blue and White Diamond Band Ring Size 7 This stunning band
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy s 1.60 Carat Expresso Diamond Omega Back Earrings 14 Karat Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Expresso Diamond & White Diamond Omega Back Earrings 14 Karat white Gold Post
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy .86ctw Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace, 14k Yellow Gold, Length 20 In
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
any questions! * All jewelry items have been graded and described by a GIA graduate gemologist!
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Brown Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 2 Panther Head Bracelet Diamond Black White Emerald Eyes 14k Yellow Gold 8"
By Effy
Located in Northbrook, IL
Here we have a stunning Effy 14k yellow gold bracelet featuring an intricate design with two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy s 9 Carat Tanzanite 0.5 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
This exceptionally affordable Tennis bracelet has Multiple stones of Tanzanite in Pear shape and in marquise shape . Total weight of Tanzanite is 9.02 carat. Total number of ...
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy 14kt Yellow Gold Diamond Ring - 0.44ctw GH SI, Size 7, New with Ta
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Designer Effy Diamond Ring, featuring 0.44
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire Diamond Three-Quarter Eternity Band
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
New, with tags, EFFY Blue Sapphire & Diamond three-quarter eternity ring. Gemstone: Blue Sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Flower Earrings
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
: Round Stone Weight : 0.29 ctw Jewelry Type : Earrings Jewelry Style : Stud Earring Backing : Friction
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Diamond Cross Crafted in 14k Rose Gold
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
14k Rose Gold Diamond cross necklace made by EFFY. Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately .50CTW
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Diamond Huggie Earrings
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
New with tags EFFY Diamond huggie earrings made in 14k white gold. Diamond Carat Weight: .76CTW
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Diamond and 18K Gold Crossover Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
valuable addition to any jewelry collection. Additional information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 18k White
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Dolphin Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
: 7.00 Brand : Effy Sapphire Shape : Round Weight : 1.22 ctw Diamond Weight : 0.02 ctw Color : H-I
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
! Additional Information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 14k Yellow Gold Stone Type : Multi-Color Sapphire Stone
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Panther 14K Rose Gold, Black and White Diamond and Emerald Panther Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Effy 14K Rose Gold, Black and White Diamond and Emerald Panther Ring This rose gold, black and
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, Rose Gold

Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Towson, MD
14 karat yellow gold (stamped 14K EFFY) ring set with one 10.8x9mm oval emerald surrounded by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Bold 4.22 Carat Diamond and 18k Stacked Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 18k White Gold Stone Type : Diamond Color : H-I Clarity : SI Diamond
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

2.38 Ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 14k White Gold Stone Type : Diamond Stone Weight : 0.47 ctw Color : H
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold

Ceylon Sapphire, Diamond, and 18K White Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 18k White Gold Stone Type : Diamond Stone Weight : 0.13 ctw Color : H
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Diamond, Tsavorite and Onyx Snake Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
striking onyx. Additional information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 14k Yellow Gold Stone Type : Diamond
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold

2.95 Carat Emerald and 1.74 CTW Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
baguettes. Additional information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 14k White Gold Stone Type : Diamond Color : H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

9.03 CTW Citrine and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
. Additional information: Style : Ring Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 14k Yellow Gold Stone Type : Diamond Color : H
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
classic choice for a special occasion. Additional information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : Platinum Stone
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emerald and Onyx Ring in 14Kt Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Weight : .72 cttw. Brand : Effy
Category

2010s Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Oval Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
18K white gold, it is the perfect accessory. Additional information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type : 18k
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold/Sterling Silver Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Size: 6.75 Weight: 4.7 dwt. / 7.4 gr. Hallmark: 18K 925 EFFY Very good condition
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

2.33 Carat Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
, this exquisite ring will last for generations. Additional information: Brand : EFFY Metal Type
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

14k White Gold Geometric Diamond and Sapphire Pendant Necklace
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
exceptional craftsmanship and would make a stunning addition to any jewelry collection. Weight: 12 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Large Green Amethyst and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14K Gold
By Effy
Located in Towson, MD
One 14-karat white gold pendant set with one 13mm round green amethyst and eighty-three (83) brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.50-carat total weight with matching I/J color and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Pink Sapphire Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Watch
By Effy
Located in Oakton, VA
· · Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratc...
Category

2010s American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Quartz, Blue Sapphire, Stainless Steel

Tsavorites Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Oakton, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-...
Category

2010s American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Tsavorite, Stainless Steel

Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Oakton, VA
· · Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratc...
Category

2010s American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Stainless Steel

Tsavorite Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Oakton, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-...
Category

2010s American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Tsavorite, Stainless Steel

Effy 14K White Gold Diamond Heart Bracelet #23007
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K White Gold Diamond Heart Bracelet- A sweet and timeless piece by Effy, this delicate 14K
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

“Effy” Ruby Pave Set 14 Karat White Gold Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Gemstones: 108 rubies, 1.50 total carat weight Material: 14k white gold Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
Located in Washington Depot, CT
clarity: I1-I2 Size: 16 inches (17 mm drop) Weight: 17.6 dwt. / 27.6 gr. Hallmark: 14K BH EFFY
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy Signature 14ct White Gold Diamond and Emerald Ring 0.67ct 7.66g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This luxurious Effy Signature ring is crafted in 14ct white gold, featuring a stunning design set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold

Effy 14 Karat Rose Gold Chocolate Diamond and Bypass Bangle Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K rose gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 1.26cttw Color: G / Chocolate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Effy Bita Collection Natural Pink Sapphire Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 14-karat white gold ring, designed by Bita for EFFY, measuring 4.30mm wide, set with one
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy s Diamond Flower Pendant/ Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
one time but make customers for life. All our jewelry comes with money back guaranteed. If you do not
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Multi Colored Sapphire and Diamond Crossover Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 58 round brilliant cut = .24cttw Color: G Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Oval Red Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Condition: Vintage, Excellent Stamped: "14K" "Effy"
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Estate Effy 14KT Rose Gold Faceted Cabochon Purple Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
Estate Effy 14KT Rose Gold Faceted Cabochon Purple Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring. This
Category

1950s North American Retro Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Rose Gold

Effy 14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Ring Size 5.75 #19099
Located in Washington Depot, CT
This lovely Effy ring features one oval sapphire (7 mm x 5 mm) surrounded by ten round brilliant
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

Designer Effy s Elegant Dangling 3.63 Carat Diamond Necklace in 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Elegant Dangling 3.63 Carat Diamond Necklace in 14 Karat Gold One of our premium
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Effy 14K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Double Row Ring Size 7 #23303
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy 14K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Double Row Ring Size 7 Elegant and eye-catching, this Effy 14K
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy s 0.44 Carat Diamond Inside Out Hoop Cocktail Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Effy's 0.44 Carat Diamond Inside Out Hoop Cocktail Earrings 14 Karat White Gold A fabulous pair of
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy s 1 Carat Diamond Inside Out Hoop Cocktail Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Effy's 1 Carat Diamond Inside Out Hoop Gala Cocktail Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold A fabulous
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

EFFY Signature Black and White Diamond Panther Bypass Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 7.25 Incredible bypass panther ring from acclaimed jewelry designer, EFFY. This ultra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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