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18 Karat White Gold 6.50 Carat Star Shaped Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Lovely diamond starflower earrings from our estate collection. Crafted in 18k white gold with pear
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chanel Comete White Pearl and Diamond Double Star Cocktail Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
magnificent white pearl that perfectly epitomizes elegance and class. Ring Top Dimensions: 25mm x 25mm
Category

20th Century French White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Star of David Pendant #22348
Located in Washington Depot, CT
star of David is centered with a white gold Torah Hallmark: ®14K Weight: 0.9g / 0.6dwt. Size: 19.6
Category

20th Century White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s 13.07 Carat Star Sapphire Ruby Diamond Platinum Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring centering an oval star ruby weighing approximately 1.75 carats, translucent and
Category

1950s Retro White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Star Sapphire, Platinum

French Art Deco Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with an oval star sapphire cabochon that is accentuated by rose cut diamonds on each side in a
Category

1930s French Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...

1950 s Mid-Century 8.24 Carats Star Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three stone ring features a round double cabochon star sapphire weighing approximately 8.00 carats
Category

1950s White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Star Celestial Wide Band Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow and white gold star celestial wide band. With a wide white gold center
Category

1970s White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1930s Art Deco 7.25 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
: Star Sapphire Shape: Cabochon Carat Weight: 7.25 carat Side Stone Details: Shape: Antique Straight
Category

1930s Unknown Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum

11 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring Ceylon No Heat GIA Certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This fabulous 11.87 carat star sapphire diamond ring is fashioned platinum. The oval cabochon star
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Mid-Century 39.00 Carats Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cabochon Ring Circa 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
blue, translucent, and exhibiting a moderately strong six rayed star Basket set with stylized
Category

1950s Retro White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Platinum 18.78ctw GIA Oval Cabochon Square Blue Star Sapphire Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
complement the cabochon cut star sapphires. These earrings attach to the ears with solid 14k white gold posts
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Piaget 0.30 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Star Pop Up Band Ring
By Piaget
Located in Southampton, PA
white gold and boasts an adorable star motif comprised of .30 carats of diamonds.
Category

1990s Swiss White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Art Deco 3.31 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with an oval star sapphire cabochon that is accentuated by rose cut diamonds on each side in a
Category

1930s French Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...

Diamond Gold Star Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 14 carat white and yellow gold band ring set with 8 single cut diamonds (total circa 0.5 carats
Category

1960s American White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Heraldic Knight Star Cameo Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
scrolls and star motif shield Representing the Haggard family coat of arms With sleek, slightly rounded
Category

1960s White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Star Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18k white gold ring featuring a cabochon cut star sapphire weighing approximately 27cts accented by
Category

20th Century American White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro Blue Star Sapphire Natural Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Dome Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Retro Blue Star Sapphire & Natural Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Dome Ring Metal: 14k white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Estate Asprey 18k Solid Gold Collectible Red White Enamel Stripe Star Cufflinks
By Asprey
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Material: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 17.20 Grams Design: Gold star centers with white and dark red
Category

1990s British White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

White Gold Diamond Celestial Star Pendant, 18k Kite Cut 1.00ctw Outer Space
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Color: E
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Amazing 25.50 Carat Blue Violet Star Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Very elegant, hand made, ladies vintage Art Deco style blue star sapphire and diamond ring set into
Category

20th Century American Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 14k Gold 13.53ctw GIA No Heat Oval Ceylon Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Material: Solid 14k White Gold Weight: 9.72 Grams -- Stone(s): (1) Natural Genuine Star Sapphire - Multi
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.85 CTW Star Sapphire Pave Diamond Ruby Platinum Wanderer Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
displaying a very subtle four rayed star - very diffused Completed by a white gold jump ring bale Tested as
Category

1930s Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Go...

58 Carat Star Purple Sapphire 1.92 Carats European Cut Diamonds Gold Custom Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Large 58ct Star Purple Sapphire(some may call Ruby, but no official red color) in and 1930's
Category

1930s Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1930 Gia Certified Platinum Ring 15.49 Cts Ceylon Blue Star Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
cut (14.38 x 13.02 x 8.05 mm) of a natural Ceylon blue star sapphire of 15.11 carats. The sapphire is
Category

1930s American Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Ruby Star Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Platinum Bowling Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Torso is comprised of a bezel set oval star sapphire cabochon; translucent and light blue in color with
Category

1930s Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold...

Estate Star Ruby Oval Cabochon and White Diamond Bracelet in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.25 carats of gorgeous star ruby oval cabochons with 1.75 carats of white diamond rounds in a
Category

Late 20th Century White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1970 Vintage Star Shaped Diamond Earrings
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
1970 star shaped earrings in 18 K white Gold featuring 38 brilliant cut Diamonds totaling ca. 3.80
Category

1970s Contemporary White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Coco Chanel Red, White and Blue Haute Couture Star Statement Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
, white, and blue which is accented by creamy pearls. A Large drop pendant featuring three stars adorns
Category

1970s French Artisan White Star Vintage Jewelry

Star Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
An incredibly sublime aesthetic effect is achieved in this ring by combining alluring star sapphire
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
diamonds with a sublime purple star sapphire. The ring is made of platinum and boasts a total of 0.95
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

French Pink Sapphire Diamond Star Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k white and yellow gold ring, designed as a star wrapped around your finger, with unfaceted
Category

20th Century French White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

French 1930s Art Deco Star Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with an oval star sapphire cabochon that is accentuated by rose- cut diamonds on each side in a
Category

1930s French Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...

14K White and Yellow Gold Star of David Ten Commandments Charm #18230
Located in Washington Depot, CT
crafted from 14K two-tone gold, yellow gold Star of David adorned with the white gold Ten Commandments
Category

20th Century White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond and Topaz Star Patterned Bombe Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The stars in this extraordinary 18K white gold ring glisten in an exceptionally luxurious manner
Category

20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Star Cluster Sapphire Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Domed clip post 18k white gold bright white Ideal cut diamond and top gem blue Sapphire earrings
Category

1980s Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

Fred of Paris Diamond Gold Star Band Ring
By Fred Paris
Located in Southampton, PA
, this ring can be viewed again and again. The band is a wide tide of 18K white gold rolling up to
Category

Late 20th Century French White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Jose Hess Diamond Gold Star Ring Band
By Jose Hess
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jose Hess Diamond Gold Wide Ring Band Jose Hess 1990s star ring band with diamonds and 18-karat
Category

1990s American Contemporary White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Round Cut Diamond Gold Star Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
, F to G, VS2 14k White Gold Tested: 14k 2.1 grams Depth: 3.79mm Top to bottom: 19.6mm or .77
Category

1950s White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

12 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum vintage ring featuring a star sapphire weighing approximately 12cts accented by 16 round
Category

20th Century American White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Pomellato Dodo Collection Diamond Star Pendant Necklace
By Pomellato
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Pomellato 18 karat yellow gold necklace features a diamond star pendant. The necklace is part of
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

Chanel Pearl Diamond Gold Super Star Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
Shine bright as the stars with this decadently designed pair of earrings from Chanel. Forged from 18K yellow gold and shaped like bursting stars, these earrings are sure to catch the...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chaumet Diamond Gold Floral Star Necklace
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, PA
petals granting the motif a star-like quality. Between each ripe swell of floral exuberance there
Category

Late 20th Century French White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Baguette and Star Sapphire Cabochon Gold Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Providing a brilliant backdrop worthy of the truly amazing and memorable star sapphire weighing
Category

20th Century Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Cut Diamond and Gold Star Pendant, 1.50 Carats
Located in London, GB
An antique style diamond star pendant, with twelve points, set with rose-cut diamonds, with an
Category

1970s Unknown White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Star Ruby Diamond Platinum Clip-on Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy and feminine Art Deco Revival earrings created in the 1960's. Feature a star ruby and
Category

1960s Unknown Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

Bulgari 1970s Star Spangled Banner Collection Coral Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
The Star Spangled Banner collection was designed in the early 1970's to commemorate the opening of
Category

1970s Italian White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Raymond C. Yard Art Deco Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Litchfield, CT
stones and graceful design. It revolves around a beautiful 5.75 carat no-heat star sapphire accented by
Category

1930s American Art Deco White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

Chalcedony, White Diamond, Platinum

Garrard Diamond Two Color Gold Star Pendant Necklace
By Garrard Co. Ltd.
Located in Southampton, PA
yellow and white gold and features a pendant made of the same materials. The pendant is accented with
Category

20th Century British White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

French 1960s Star Setting Brilliant Cut Diamond Ball Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Specialized in antique and creation jewelry since 1975, we deliver all our jewel with their certificate of
Category

1960s French Retro White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Contemporary 0.95 Carat Sapphire Platinum Star Drop Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a pink star comprised of kite cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.85 carat total
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum

Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds and Star Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
An incredibly harmonious effect is achieved in this delightful ring through combining a splendidly toned sapphire with irresistibly scintillating diamonds, and setting them against t...
Category

20th Century White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Chanel Comete Diamond and Sapphire Star Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
and glistening sapphires lend their complementing tones to the star-shaped pendant of this charming
Category

Late 20th Century French White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds and Star Ruby Cabochon Oval Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
a fitting pedestal for the extraordinary star ruby in this fabulous jewelry piece. The ruby weighs
Category

20th Century White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Chaumet Yellow Gold Diamond Star Clip-On Earrings
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, PA
Employing the ever-enchanting floral theme in an exceptionally graceful interpretation, this fabulous pair of earrings from Chaumet combines radiant 18K yellow gold with glittering d...
Category

Late 20th Century French White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold Platinum GIA 11.50ctw Star Sapphire w/ Diamond Double Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Sapphire - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Gorgeous
Category

20th Century White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

Vintage 1960 s Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Star Dome Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
white gold. Weighing approximately 0.15 carat total - eye clean and bright. Each centered in an etched
Category

1960s Contemporary White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Diamond Pendant Crescent Moon 14k Gold Star Celestial Brooch
Located in Torrance, CA
Elaborate antique Victorian crescent moon pendant/brooch (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Old mine cut diamonds graduate in size from 0.02 to 0.30 carat and ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Victorian White Star Vintage Jewelry

Materials

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

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White Star Vintage Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of white star vintage jewelry you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, White Gold and 14k Gold. Finding the perfect item from our selection of white star vintage jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. Creating a choice in our collection of white star vintage jewelry has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Five Star Jewelry, Chanel and Charles Turi are consistently popular. An object in our assortment of white star vintage jewelry can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 269 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and oval cut alternatives. When shopping for an option in this array of white star vintage jewelry, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a White Star Vintage Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of white star vintage jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $198 and can go as high as $55,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,998.

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.