Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Studs Cultured Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Studs Cultured Pearls These Mikimoto earrings feature four cultured pearls arranged around a floral cluster of round brilliant-cut di...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Cluster with Vines and Grapes
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearls MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Details: Size 5 Akoya pearls range from 5.5mm to 6.5mm 2.3grams total
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mikimoto Diamond Pearl Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Mikimoto Diamond Pearl Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearls These earrings by Mikimoto feature cultured pearls centered within an intricate diamond-set design made in 18k yellow...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
MIKIMOTO Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 9.33 Ctw Rubies & Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
It is embellished with ninety-five earth mined natural gemstones, such: diamonds and vivid red rubies, and a cultured round black pearl.
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Rhod...
$7,880Sale Price|20% Off
MIKIMOTO Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.29 Ctw Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
The 140 diamonds and the pearl are secured in their settings.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Akoya Pearl 18K Gold Three Strand Flower Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
Mikimoto Three-Row Pearl Bracelet with Diamond Floral Clasp – 18K Yellow Gold Exquisitely elegant, this three-row Mikimoto pearl bracelet is a timeless showcase of refined craftsmans...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Diamond Pearls 18k Yellow Gold Bow Motif 2 Strand Bracelet
By Mikimoto
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegance meets sophistication with the Mikimoto Pearl & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Motif 2 Strand Bracelet.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant with Diamonds MPA10369ADXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
This pendant features a 7mm A+ Akoya cultured pearl set on an 18K white gold and adorned with 0.15 cttw diamonds. MPA10369ADXW
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring with Diamonds MEA10228ADXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
8mm Akoya cultured pearl earrings with 0.19cttw of diamonds set in 18K white gold. Quality A+ MEA10228ADXW
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Classic Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring with Diamonds MEA10314ADXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
6mm Akoya Cultured Pearl and 0.27cttw Diamonds set in 18K White Gold. MEA10314ADXW
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Lever Back Earrings with Diamonds PEA1008DK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
7.5mm Akoya cultured pearls and 0.08ct. of diamonds, set in 18k yellow gold. PEA1008DK
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Pearls in Motion with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold PEL644DK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
These earrings feature 7.5x7 Akoya cultured pearls with .14ct of diamonds set in 18K yellow gold. PEL644DK One earring, infinite looks. Place the pearls wherever you desire. The pear...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
MIKIMOTO GIA Certified Pearl Ring with Diamonds in White Gold 18k
By Mikimoto
Located in Forest Hills, NY
MIKIMOTO black pearl ring, made in white gold 18k. with 4 diamonds (0.28 ct) Pesrl diameter: 15.6 mm.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearls in Motion with Diamonds in 18k White Gold PEL644DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
These earrings feature 7.5x7 Akoya cultured pearls with .14ct of diamonds set in 18K White gold. PEL644DW One earring, infinite looks. Place the pearls wherever you desire. The pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Earrings with Diamonds MEA10228ADXK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Akoya cultured pearl 8mm Diamond 0.19ct 18K Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds A+ D0.06 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold PES602DK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds 6-6.5mm A+ D0.06ct. 18KT Yellow Gold PES602DK
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
5+A Thaitian dark pearl 18kt yellow gold with diamond earring by mikimoto.
By Mikimoto
Located in Firenze, FI
A beautiful pair of a 5+A Thaitian dark pearl 18kt yellow gold with diamond earring by mikimoto.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings with 18k White Gold PEA1031DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Elegance comes to life with these Mikimoto 8mm Akoya cultured pearl & Diamond drop earrings.
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Pendant with Diamonds 18k Pink Gold MPQ10117ADXZ
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
This pendant features a 7.7mm Akoya cultured pearl with .08ct of diamonds set in 18K pink gold.
18ky Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Beautiful Mikimoto pearl stud earrings with diamond. 18 karat yellow gold Approximately 6.5 -7mm pearl with diamond accent.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Large South Sea Pearl Diamond Platinum Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Large 12.5mm South Sea Pearl Ring by Mikimoto.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Pendant with 18 Carat White Gold Chain
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
Elegant pendant featuring a beautiful cultured pearl measuring approximately 11x12mm sat in the centre of an oval 18 carat white gold mount, pavé set with approximately 3.00 carats o...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Three-Strand Nesting Pearls with a Diamond Yellow Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
Mikimoto three strand nesting pearls with a diamond and 18k yellow gold clasp.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond 10mm Golden South Sea Pearl by Mikimoto.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 10 Diamond Rondelles Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold 10 Diamond Rondelles Tahitian Black South Sea Pearl Necklace by Mikimoto.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Triple Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamond Flower
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The necklace is made of 3 strands of beautiful approximately 7 mm pearls accented with a diamond and pearl floral piece.
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Mikimoto 18K Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings With Diamond & Pearl Removable Jackets
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto 18K Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings With Diamond & Pearl Removable Jackets Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.18 grams Pearls: 8mm round cultured pearls with creamy luster Diamon...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace with Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Hicksville, NY
2010 Mikimoto Pearl necklace - 18k Yellow Gold, Cultured Pearls, Diamonds 18 inch long Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold clasp.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage 18k Gold Mikimoto Pearl Cluster with Vines Dainty
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 18k Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearl MIKIMOTO Grape Motif Details: Size 5 Akoya pearl 3.5mm
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mikimoto Golden Pearl Flower Brooch with Round Diamonds in Petals 2.26 Carat
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
MIKIMOTO golden pearl flower brooch in 18kt yellow gold and one pearl shaped diamond at the base of the stem 0.44ctw.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace/Choker, Wave Design with Diamonds in 18K White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
South Sea cultured pearl and diamond necklace by Mikimoto The flowing design of this adjustable diamond necklace is accentuated by two extra fine AAA quality, South Sea cultured pear...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Flower Pendant with Akoya White Pearl and 1.55 Carat in Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Houston, TX
Custom MIKIMOTO flower pendant with an 11mm AKOYA white pearl in the center.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace with a Diamond 18k White Gold Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in London, England
A gorgeous Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl single-strand necklace set with a diamond clasp in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Sold
W 0.63 in L 17.72 in
Elegant Mikimoto 18 Karat Gold Diamond and South Sea Pearl Pendant with Chain
By Mikimoto
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
The pendant is set with a cultured white south sea pearl and with 1.08 carats of white diamonds. Length: 45 cm.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Very Fine and Very Rare Akoya 4 Strand Pearl Necklace Diamond Clasps
By Mikimoto
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Owning this four-strand Mikimoto Akoya pearl necklace with diamond clasps would be owning a timeless symbol of luxury and elegance, destined to be cherished for generations to come.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Diamond & Pearl Pendant with Chain in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
This vintage Mikimoto pendant features a pair of wings and a 4 prong set round diamond weighing 0.03 carats, G in color and VS in clarity.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Necklace with Accent Diamond Clasp
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
18 karat yellow gold clasp, 7.00 mm - 7.50 mm pearls. accent diamond clasp. A classic beauty that is always in style and Mikimoto is always in demand.
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Lever Back Earrings with Diamonds PEA1008DK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
7.5mm Akoya cultured pearls and 0.08ct. of diamonds, set in 18k yellow gold. PEA1008DK
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Pearl Drop Brooch 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Pearls
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 2.5", Width: 2.5" Designer: Mikimoto Model: Pearl Drop Brooch 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Pearls Exterior Material: Pearl, 18K...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Brooch 18 Karat White Gold with Diamonds and Pearl
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Length: 2.75", Width: 2.75" Designer: Mikimoto Model: Akoya Brooch 18K White Gold with Diamonds and Pearl Exterior Material: 18K White Gold,...
White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds A+ D0.06 Carat 18 Karat White Gold PES602DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds 6-6.5mm A+ D0.06ct. 18KT White Gold PES602DW
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds A+ D0.06 Carat 18 Karat White Gold PES602DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds 6-6.5mm A+ D0.06ct. 18KT White Gold PES602DW
Gold Earrings Set with Diamonds and Japanese Mikimoto Cultured Pearls
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Japanese cultured pearl. Most definitely Mikimoto. Diameter: 11 mm.
Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Diamond Earrings
By Mikimoto
Located in Dallas, TX
Classically designed Mikimoto cultured pearls and diamond earrings with omega backs.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Classic Akoya Cultured Pearl Earring with Diamonds MEA10314ADXW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
6mm Akoya Cultured Pearl and 0.27cttw Diamonds set in 18K White Gold. MEA10314ADXW
Diamond, Cultured Pearl
Mikimoto Pearls in Motion with Diamonds in 18k White Gold PEL644DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
These earrings feature 7.5x7 Akoya cultured pearls with .14ct of diamonds set in 18K White gold. PEL644DW One earring, infinite looks. Place the pearls wherever you desire. The pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds A+ D0.06 Carat 18 Karat White Gold PES602DW
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds 6-6.5mm A+ D0.06ct. 18KT White Gold PES602DW
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds A+ D0.06 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold PES602DK
By Mikimoto
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mikimoto Pearl Studs with Diamonds 6-6.5mm A+ D0.06ct. 18KT Yellow Gold PES602DK
Mikimoto Black South Sea Stud Earrings with Diamonds Set in 18 Karat White Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Gainesville, FL
You are viewing a Stunning Pair of Mikimoto Black South Sea Stud Earrings with Diamonds.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Perlée Diamonds Bracelet, 1 row, L model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Diamonds bracelet is in excellent, like-new condition and comes complete with its original VCA box and papers — a rare find for collector...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Commanding in presence and refined in detail, The Imperial Light solitaire signet ring is a masterclass in contemporary opulence. At its heart gleams a breathtaking 3-carat natural r...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a 10.5mm Golden South Sea cultured pearl accented by 2 round brilliant cut diamonds of SI2 clarity and H color totaling 0.10 carats. Finger size 6...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$106Sale Price|70% Off
Givenchy Vintage ENAMEL Gold Long CHAIN NECKLACE
By Givenchy
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
1980's Givenchy enamel necklace with unique marble print amber, this extra long necklace could be worn multiple ways and easy to mix and match with your outfit. Feature Material: Met...
Pearl, Gold
Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring, 18K
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring size is US 8. The total weight of the ring is 6.49 grams.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Double Drops Pearl Earrings, 18K Gold, by Michelle Massoura
By Michelle Massoura Fine Jewellery
Located in Nicosia, CY
Our double drop pearl earrings, are made in 18Karat Gold and feature a pair of mini pearls with size 6mm that are strung by a pair of oval shaped freshwater pearls, with size 11mm. D...
Pearl, 18k Gold
$31,200Sale Price|20% Off
Chopard 3 Carat 18k Yellow Gold Watch
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning Chopard timepiece features natural diamonds totaling approximately 3.02 carats. With a case diameter of 19mm (excluding the crown) and a band width of 14mm, this watch ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Pearl 3 Strand Necklace w/ Synthetic Spinel Gold Clasp
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Genuine Cultured Potato Pearls - Near Round Bead Shape -Cream Color w/ Pink Overtone - Range from 5.4-10.52mm (approx.) (1) Synthetic Spinel - Emerald Cut - P...
Pearl, Spinel, Gold, White Gold
$3,848Sale Price / item|20% Off
L 1.63 in
South Sea Pearl and Tahitian Diamond Earrings 0.32 Carats 18 Karat
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring alternating white South Sea pearls and grey tone Tahitian pearl with 4 round brilliants weighing 0.32 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Pearls meas...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$660,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari Twin Ring 5.79ct Emerald and 7.25ct Diamond 18k Gold and Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This chic BULGARI cocktail ring features an exceptional 5.79 carat AGL certified Colombian emerald and a GIA certified 7.25 carat square emerlad-cut diamond of E color and VS1 clarit...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Cluster and Pear-Shaped Dangle Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with GIA certified dangling Pear-Shaped Diamonds. One weighing 6.14 carats, E color, VS2 clarity. The other weighing 6.02 carats, E color, VS1 clarity. The...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Colombian Cabochon Emerald Necklace This extraordinary Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold, featuring a b...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef and Arpels 8.85 Carat No Heat Oval-Cut Ruby 18k Gold GRS Cert Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From the famed house of Van Cleef and Arpels, this ring centers an 8.85 carat oval-cut unheated Ruby and is flanked by an additional 2.00 carats of marquis-cut diamonds. The ruby is ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,800 / item
Selection of Vintage Eternity Bands
Located in New York, NY
A Selection of Vintage Eternity Bands from our varied collection.. The cuts include French cut, baguette and round and are good quality. The TiffanySapphire shown is comprised of F...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co Pearl Ring Elsa Peretti Sz 5.5 18k Yellow Gold Signed
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co large pearl ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Large freeform cultured pearl measures 18mm x 14.5mm. The pearl is lustrous with rose/green overton...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gilt Metal
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A triumph of craftsmanship and elegance, this exquisite bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels is a masterpiece of their signature Mystery-Set technique. Five uninterrupted rows of richly-hu...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Born to a noodle-shop owner, Japanese jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto (1858–1954) worked in the seafood business before shifting his focus to pearl cultivation. In 1893, he successfully developed the world’s first cultured pearls with a semispherical specimen. His further experimentation would include black and white South Sea pearls. This development gave Mikimoto a supply of what had once been a notoriously rare natural element and earned him the nickname “The Pearl King.” As he once said, “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.”
In 1899 in Tokyo’s Ginza district, Mikimoto opened his first, eponymous store in a white-stone building reminiscent of the color of pearls. He quickly earned a reputation for dazzling designs that blended Japanese craftsmanship and European influence. Mikimoto sent his jewelers to Europe to study the latest trends in jewelry and design; they brought back knowledge of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, which were incorporated into designs featuring Mikimoto’s pearls.
But Mikimoto’s creations were not met with enthusiasm by all. In 1921, a London newspaper called the designer’s jewelry “only imitations of real pearls” and claimed the company was “misleading” its customers. It developed into a lawsuit in the French courts, which ruled in Mikimoto’s favor, and raised the jeweler’s global profile.
He also brought his work international acclaim through exhibitions and world’s fairs, including the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia where he unveiled a replica of the Liberty Bell covered with pearls. In 1927, Mikimoto met with Thomas Edison, who gave the jeweler’s invention probably its best compliment: “It is one of the wonders of the world that you were able to culture pearls. . . . This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl.”
Following World War II, Mikimoto opened stores around the world, with locations now in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles and Shanghai. Though its founder died in 1954, the Mikimoto company has continued to build on the legacy he established, producing collections of pearl necklaces and other pearl-centric jewelry that span a wide range of styles.
In 2017, the brand reopened its flagship Tokyo store, tapping architect Hiroshi Naito to design a new glittering facade whose 40,000 tiny glass plates are meant to evoke the movement of the ocean as they catch the light. The place where Mikimoto had his legendary success over a century ago is now known as Mikimoto Pearl Island and includes a museum on his life and pearls. A highlight is the “Boss’s Necklace,” which was the first made by Mikimoto and is the model for all the brand’s classic strands that have followed.
Find Mikimoto pendant necklaces, choker necklaces and a range of other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.