Verdura Peridot Diamond Expandable Ring
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Peridot Diamond Expandable Ring Cushion-cut peridot of approximately 13.80 carats (15.5 x
Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura Peridot Diamond Expandable Ring
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
Verdura Peridot Diamond Expandable Ring Cushion-cut peridot of approximately 13.80 carats (15.5 x
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Pearl and Pave Diamonds Expandable Earrings
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Striking and unique, these high-luster iridescent White Pearl and pave diamond earrings
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
18 Karat Rose Gold Expandable Round Diamond ANNIVERSARY Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
round natural brown diamonds in total of 1.28 Carat. Total metal weight is 3.15 gr. The ring is size
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum Ruby and Diamond Expandable Ring Size 7.75 #14593
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Platinum Ruby and Diamond Expandable Ring Size 7.75 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Blue Enamel, Diamond and Gold Expanding Bracelet, Circa 1850
Located in London, GB
A Victorian blue enamel diamond and gold expanding bracelet, of scroll links, with sets of three
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Roman Malakov GIA 13.03 Carats Emerald Cut Diamond Expandable Eternity Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A stunning eternity wedding band, showcasing 16 emerald cut diamonds weighing 13.03 carats total
Diamond, Platinum
Mattioli X-Band Expandable Bracelet in White Gold and Black Diamonds
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Expandable Bracelet in White Gold and White Diamonds. Also Available in Small and Medium Sizes. Gold Weight
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mattioli X-Band Expandable Bracelet in White Gold and White Diamonds
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Expandable Bracelet in White Gold and White Diamonds. Also Available in Small and Medium Sizes. Gold Weight
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,380Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Interval Flexible Expandable Eternity Band Ring in 14K/18K Gold/Platinum
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
gold cylindrical segments, each divided by shimmering diamond-set intervals that catch the light from
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
.24Carat Natural Round Accordion Expandable Bead Link Slip on Bracelet 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Accordion Expandable Bead Link Slip on .24ct natural diamonds bangle bracelet Modern ID Tag
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Expandable Diamond Band
Located in Sarasota, FL
14k White Gold expandable band ring with 1.20 carats of round white diamonds. 12.58g, Expands form
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable
Expandable Diamond Band Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Expandable and Flexible Diamond Band ring with 3.48 carats of Brilliant Round Cut Diamonds set in
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
Expandable Diamond Band Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Expandable and Flexible Stretch Diamond Fashion Ring with 6.01 carats of diamonds set in 18 karat
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
Diamond Gold Expandable Bracelet/Ring
Located in Naples, FL
This unique piece of jewelry is two in one. You can wear it as a ring or you can expand it into a
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Expandable Black and White Diamond Dome Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Expandable and Flexible Fit Black and White Diamond Dome Ring with 2.84 carats of Brilliant Round
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, St...
Expandable 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Lake Havasu City, AZ
1.26 inches or 32 mm's - this expandable 18 karat yellow gold and diamond bracelet presents a big
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Expandable Bracelet
Located in Sydney, NSW
Natural Emeralds and Diamonds, gorgeously crafted in eighteen karat yellow gold, complemented by a
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Expandable Bracelet
Located in Sydney, NSW
Natural ruby and diamonds, beautifully crafted in eighteen karat rose gold, complimented by a
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Black ceramic and 18kt white gold diamond expandable ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Asheville, NC
Black ceramic expandable ring with 18kt white gold pave diamond center by Roberto Demelgio. The
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Expandable Diamond Bracelet 2 Carat 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond bezel bracelet featuring 35 round brilliants weighing approximately 1.75 carats, in 14k
Diamond, White Gold
Expandable Pink Gold Diamond Bracelet
Located in Bethesda, MD
for fine diamonds The diamond bracelet expands from a 2 inch diameter (6 ¼ circumference) to a 2
Diamond, Gold
Jarretiere Italy Expandable Ring
By Jarretiere
Located in Miami, FL
Jarretiere expandable ring expertly crafted in Italy in 18 karat rose gold, white gold, featuring
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Picchiotti Sapphire and Diamond Expandable Bracelet
By Picchiotti
Located in Greenville, DE
Italian designer Picchiotti has crafted this Sapphire and diamond bracelet in 18k White gold and
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Picchiotti Emerald & Baguette-Cut Diamond 3-Row Expandable Band
By Picchiotti
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Expandable eternity band ring handmade by Picchiotti in Italy- set with emerald cut and brilliant
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jarretiere Shanghai Diamond Flower Bicolor Gold Expanding Cuff Bracelet
By Jarretiere
Located in Napoli, NA
18kt Bicolor Gold and Diamond Bracelet, Jarretiere, "Shanghai," the expandable form with diamond
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Gold
10.68 cttw Round Diamond Expandable Bangle in 14k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
10.68 cttw Round Diamond Expandable Bangle in 14k White Gold Diamond Expandable Bangle Bracelet
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jaretierre Italy Diamond, Yellow and White Gold Expandable Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Jarretiere expandable bangle bracelet expertly crafted in Italy in 18 karat yellow gold and white
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Expanding Cartier Heart Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
thirteen round faceted diamonds with a total carat weight of 0.15ct, F/G colour and Vs clarity. The ring is
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jaretierre Italy Diamond, Rose and White Gold Expandable Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Jarretiere expandable bangle bracelet expertly crafted in Italy in 18 karat rose gold, white gold
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Ruby Expandable Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
a row of french cut rubies in the center surrounded by two rows of rose cut diamonds. The band is
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 1.10 Ct Diamond Expandable Ring / Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Gold, this ring features a dynamic lattice design that is elevated by 1.10 carats of bezel-set diamonds
Diamond, White Gold
Jaretierre Italy 3.5 Carat Diamond, Yellow and White Gold Expandable Ring
By Jarretiere
Located in Miami, FL
Jarretiere expandable ring expertly crafted in Italy in 18 karat yellow gold and white gold
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Baguette Sapphires Expanding Band Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
is set with 0.95 carats of dazzling diamonds and 1.11 carats of eye-catching sapphires. Ring Top
Diamond, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 14K Yellow Gold 1.10 Ct Diamond Expandable Ring/Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
is beautifully paired with 1.10 carats of bezel set diamonds on this ring, which features a 20mm band
Diamond, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 1.10 Ct Diamond Expandable Ring / Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
lattice design and 1.10 carats of sparkling bezel set diamonds. It also can effortlessly transform into a
Diamond, White Gold
LB Exclusive 14K Yellow Gold 1.10 Ct Diamond Expandable Ring/Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Inset diamonds with a total weight of 1.10 carats make this dynamic piece of jewelry incredibly
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
An Italian 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Expandable Bracelet, Signed 2324 AL
Located in Palm Beach, FL
gold and diamond details. Pavé-set diamond bars and bezel-set round diamonds add sparkle and texture
Diamond, Gold
Roman Malakov 5.35 Carats Total Oval and Round Diamond Expandable Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
This stretchable fashion ring showcases 30 brilliant round white diamonds weighing 2.58 carats
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pair of 1970s Gold and Gemset Expandable Bangle Bracelets
Located in New York, NY
A pair of wrapped gold expandable bangle bracelets of undulating design with gem set plaques in
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
J. Birnbach 18 Karat Gold 1.01 Carat Brilliant Round Diamond Expandable Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
size can expand from a 6 to 10! Featuring a 1.01 ct Brilliant Round diamond of H color and VVS1 clarity
Diamond, 18k Gold
LB Exclusive 14K Yellow Gold 0.30 Ct Diamond and Ruby Expandable Ring/Bracelet
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
of bezel-set diamonds. As a ring, it features a 20mm band width and a 2mm top height. But the true
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Expandable Diamond Bracelet 2 Carat 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond bezel bracelet featuring 52 round brilliants weighing 2 carats, in 14k white gold. Color G
Diamond, White Gold
Expandable Diamond Bracelet 2 Carats 14 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond bezel bracelet featuring 35 round brilliants weighing approximately 1.75 carats, in 14k
Diamond, White Gold
Picchiotti Diamond Expandable White Gold Tennis Bracelet
By Picchiotti
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An absolutely stunning 6.71ct expandable tennis bracelet in 18kt white gold by Picchiotti fine
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K White Enamel Snake Ring Expandable
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous white enamel snake ring is expandable and it is done in 18K Yellow Gold. It is of a
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Ruby Expandable Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
a row of french cut rubies in the center surrounded by two rows of rose cut diamonds. The band is
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Yurman Authentic Estate Expandable X Crossover Diamond Ring 6 Silver
By David Yurman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic David Yurman Estate Expandable X Crossover Diamond Ring 6 Silver 0.15 Cts Height 14 mm
Diamond, Silver
Rare Estate 1.75 TCW Diamond 14K Gold Three Stone Expandable Hinged Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
Rare double hinged expandable three stone diamond and 14K yellow gold Gypsy ring. This ring
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Expandable Diamond Band Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Expandable and Flexible Stretch Diamond Fashion Ring with 6.01 carats of diamonds set in 18 karat
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Expandable Black Diamond Band Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Expandable and Flexible Fit Black Diamond Ring containing 3.50 carats of Brilliant Round Cut Black
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jarretiere Diamond Gold Expandable Ring
By Jarretiere
Located in New Orleans, LA
Expandable Diamond and Gold Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Expandable Black and White Diamond Band Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Expandable and Flexible Fit Black and White Diamond Band Ring. This large stretch ring has 4.47
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless S...
Art Deco Diamond & Platinum Expandable Bangle 8.77ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely stunning expandable link bangle from the Art Deco (ca1920) era! This gorgeous link
Diamond, Platinum
18kt White Gold and Black Diamond Expandable Ring
By Roberto Demeglio
Located in Asheville, NC
18kt white gold black diamond and white diamond spinning flower ring by Roberto Demeglio. This
Black Diamond, White Gold
Bespoke 18 Carat White Gold Expandable 3-Row Diamond Ring 3.29 Carat
Located in London, GB
Beautiful one of a kind 3.29cts Diamond ring. 18ct White Gold expandable 3 row Diamond ring
1998 YVES SAINT LAURENT black draped strapless RUNWAY dress with lace
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Yves Saint Laurent strapless cocktail dress from 1998 as seen on the fall runway. Made in black with an asymmetrical wrap front that ties at the hip, the dress reveals an inset of me...
Chanel 1994 Iconic Spring Runway Vintage Pearl Round Sunglasses Rare
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1994 Spring Runway Vintage Pearl Round Sunglasses Rare Silver-tone metal Chanel vintage round sunglasses with faux pearl trim at frames and arms, adjustable nose pads and tin...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches 38 briefcase. Very rare in Electric Blue. Epsom leather with Palladium hardware. Two large accordion compartments. Front wall ha...
$2,450
Size: IT 42 (US 6 / UK 10 / FR 38)
Gucci By Tom Ford Runway Bodycon Halterneck G Buckle Dress, Spring-Summer 1998
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Geneva, CH
When I sourced this Spring-Summer 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford runway dress, the owner told me how much she loved it. With a big smile, she added that it was now time to let someone else b...
$5,295
Size: Extra Large
Vintage 1990s Chanel Brown Quilted Jumbo Tote Shoulder Bag Purse Gold CC Charm
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Discover this Vintage 1990s Authentic Chanel Brown Quilted Jumbo Tote Shoulder Bag Purse with iconic gold CC charm — the ultimate statement for any Chanel collector or luxury lover. ...
HERMES Craie cream Epsom leather BIRKIN 25 SELLIER Tote Bag w PHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Birkin 25 Sellier bag in Craie (chalk white) Veau Epsom leather, a crisp and architectural expression of the house’s most coveted icon. Crafted in the structure...
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50 Sunset
By Louis Vuitton
Located in London, GB
Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh Multicolour Sunset Monogram Keepall Bandoulière 50 Silver Hardware, 2021. Handle: 12cm. - This bag is lined in black canvas. - This bag was featured durin...
Hermes HAC Birkin 40 Bag Black Toile and Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers The Hermès HAC 40 in Black with crisp Black and Ecru Toile represents timeless sophistication grounded in heritage design. Crafted from Togo leather and accented wi...
$100,066
H 4.34 in W 5.91 in D 1.97 in
Hermès Special Order Vintage Convertible Kelly 15cm Sellier with Constance Belt
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Vert Moyen Lizard Leather Special Order Vintage Convertible Kelly 15cm Sellier with Constance Belt Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG117 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 15cm Type: To...
$5,742
H 7.49 in W 12.01 in D 1.78 in
Chanel 2013 Burgundy Lizard Leather & Pink Lambskin Perfect Edge Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Burgundy Lizard Leather & Dusky Pink Quilted Lambskin Large Perfect Edge Classic Single Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4694 Brand: Chanel Model: Large Perfect Edge C...
$112,020
H 7.88 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1628 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Tote Serial Number: X Age: 2016 Accompan...
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Gris Tourterelle Tri Colour Special Order Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 35 HSS bag featured in coveted Gris Tourterelle accentuated with purple top stitch. Gorgeous Blue Paon interior completes this unique Special Orde...
1990s Moschino "Roman CarWash" Bandage Bodycon Top
By Moschino
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A rare style from Moschino early 90's "Roman Carwash" Bandage bodycon top with black piping at the seams. This top as 3 thick straps that makes a sexy cap sleeve marked a size 8 but ...
Chanel Green Alligator Jumbo Classic Double Flap Bag with Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Classic Double Flap in Jumbo size crafted in Seafoam alligator leather, presenting a rare exotic execution of the house’s most iconic flap silhouette. The design preserves the...
Hermès Birkin 25 Verso Epsom Rose d'Etè
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Birkin 25 verso limited edition features a epsom leather in rose d'ete` with rolled leather handles, a front flap with turn-lock closure, gold hardware, and interior zip and sli...
Lady Dior Mini Embroidered Phoenix Cloth Multicolor Handbag
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Lady Dior Mini Embroidered Phoenix Cloth Multicolor Handbag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Light scratches to the hardware ...
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.
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.