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1930s Diamond and Enamel 12k Yellow Gold Jockey Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.52 carat diamond and enamel, 12 karat yellow gold and silver set jockey
Category

Vintage 1930s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

12k Rose and White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Squared off Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
12k rose and white gold ring. This gorgeous ring has a center, checkerboard cushion faceted, medium
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold

1920s Antique 0.26ct Diamond and Pearl 12k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.26 carat diamond and natural pearl, 12 karat yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian Sterling Silver and 12K Gold Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
This is a stunning late Victorian era 12k gold and sterling silver diamond pendant brooch. This
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 12K Gold Diamond, Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet Fly Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
This 12k gold Victorian brooch is meticulously crafted with superb attention to detail. The
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.96Ct Garnet, Pearl and 0.72Ct Diamond, 12k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.96 carat garnet, pearl and 0.72 carat diamond, 12k yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

12K Yellow Gold Vintage Three-Diamond Ring 0.60ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
12K Yellow Gold VIntage Three-Diamond Ring. Ladies vintage 12k yellow gold and diamond ring. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.32 Carat Diamond and 12k Yellow Gold Miniature Portrait Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.32 cttw diamond and 12 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage Circa 1970s 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Turquoise Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
. Acid tested to be 12k real gold . Please contact for any questions.
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Antique 1.60Ct Emerald, 4.22Ct Diamond and 12k Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.60 carat emerald, 4.22 carat diamond, 12 karat yellow
Category

Antique 1890s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver

Pearl and 0.67 Carat Diamond and 12k White Gold Necklace - Antique Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique pearl, 0.67 carat diamond and 12k white gold drop necklace
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.71 carat. The diamond is has
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Antique Diamond Chick bangle, Ruby, Pearl and White Enamel, 12k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
Words simply cannot express how wonderful this piece is, an antique Diamond Chick bangle hailing
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Enamel

Antique 42.68Ct Aquamarine and 0.16Ct Diamond 12k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 42.68 carat aquamarine and 0.16 carat diamond, 12 karat
Category

Vintage 1930s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, White Gold

Antique 5.05 Carat Aquamarine 0.30 Carat Diamond and 12k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 5.05 carat aquamarine and 0.30 carat diamond, 12
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Turquoise Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
tested to be 12k real gold. Box is not included. Please contact for any questions.
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Silver

Victorian Rose Cut and Old Mine Diamond Cross Pendant in 12K Yellow Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1890s Item Details: Metal Type: 12K Yellow Gold [ Tested] Weight: 4.6 grams Diamond Details
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Sapphire Cluster Ring With Rose Cut Diamonds in 12K Gold and ~3.2ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Sapphire Cluster Ring With Rose Cut Diamonds in 12K Gold and ~3.2ctw This Victorian 12k
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 12k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.90 ct. The diamond is has I
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Vintage Circa 1970s 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.60 ct . The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3. Totally is emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Antique Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl and 12k Yellow Gold Shell Bar Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
as 12k yellow gold. The brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Mother Of Pearl, 0.65 Carat Diamond and Peridot, 12k Yellow Gold Turtle Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique mother of pearl, 0.65 carat diamond and peridot, 12 karat
Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14.7 grams. Totally is diamond 2.70 ct. The diamond is has
Category

Antique Early 1900s Asian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

1920s 0.42 Carat Emerald and 1.20 Carat Diamond 12K Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.42 carat emerald and 1.20 carat diamond, 12 karat yellow
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

5.15 Carat Ruby Sapphire Diamond Opal Gold Silver Victorian Moth Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
24 round rose cut diamonds, approx. total weight .25cts, H-I, VS-SI 11k to 12k yellow gold 15.3
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold

Vintage Diamond and Emerald Bracelet in 12K White Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Diamond and Emerald Bracelet in 12K White Gold . (98) Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

1910s 1.19 Carat Diamond and 12k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.19 carat (total) diamond, 12k yellow gold, platinum set pendant
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 12K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Victorian 12K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring. This beautiful ring has three
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Antique Ruby and 3.16 Carat Diamond 12k Rose Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
collections. This stunning, fine and impressive diamond pendant has been crafted in 12k rose gold with a
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

0.88 Carat Sapphire and 0.87 Carat Diamond, 12k White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of antique 0.88 carat sapphire and 0.87 carat diamond, 12k white gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Antique Edwardian 12K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 12K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.50Ct Ruby and 0.60Ct Diamond 12k Yellow Gold Flower Brooch Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.50 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 12 karat yellow gold and
Category

Antique 1890s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

13.60 Carat Aquamarine and 0.65 Carat Diamond 12k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
) and verified as 12 karat gold and platinum. This impressive pendant is supplied with an IDGL diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 5.72 Carat Harlequin Opal and 7.52 Carat Diamond 12K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 5.72 carat harlequin opal and 7.52 carat diamond, 12
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k White and Yellow Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 5.26 total carats
Category

Late 20th Century Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Engagement Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
center, graded I color VS1. Entirely hand crafted in solid 12k white and yellow gold, this beautiful ring
Category

Vintage 1980s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 12 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Double Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 12K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Double Snake Ring. This ring
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 12 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Double Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 12K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Double Snake Ring. This ring
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
An antique two row cluster diamond ring, mounted in 12k gold and silver, set with old mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond

1890 Victorian Diamond Gold Silver Pendant
Located in Napoli, NA
A fascinating Victorian period diamond pendant necklace crafted in 12k white Gold and Silver
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Diamond Gold Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and Silver GEM STONE: Diamond 0.50 total carats RING SIZE: US 5
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
. Circa 1890. CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and Silver STONE: Diamond 1 total carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

1800' Sapphire Diamond Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
rose cut Diamonds. CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and silver STONE: Diamond 1.50
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian 3 Carat Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
, approximately 1.29" in length (3.3 cm). Screw back closure. Tested 12k yellow gold and silver, Entirely
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Coral Diamond Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
- Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and Silver STONE: Diamond 1.80 total carats - Coral 20 grams DESIGN ERA
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

1790s Bourbon Gold Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
set with rose cut diamonds and semi precius stones. CONDITION: Pre-owned - Good METAL: 12k Gold
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Onyx Diamond Rubies Ear Pandants
Located in New York, NY
Antique ear pendants in 12K yellow gold, with onyx, diamonds and rubies. Made in Italy, late 19th
Category

Antique 1890s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold

Victorian Goddess Peridot Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
of rose cut diamonds, all set in 12k gold and Silver. The ring is crafted entirely by hand. Circa
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Peridot

Vintage 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Antique 12k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Diamond And Tanzanite Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
resizing) We can make any size. Acid tested to be 12k real gold. Box is not included. Please contact for
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Turquoise Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

1940s Cultured Pearl 3.92 Carat Diamond and White Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1940s 3.92 carat diamond and cultured pearl brooch crafted in 12 karat white
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

Antique Diamond Gold Star Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
12k Gold. Circa 1900. CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and Silver STONE: Diamond
Category

Early 20th Century More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Retro Ruby Gold Earrings
Located in Napoli, NA
rubies. Circa 1950 CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and Silver STONE: Diamond 1.80
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro More Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
METAL: 12k Gold and Silver GEM STONE: Opal, Diamond 0.30 total carats RING SIZE: US 8 - IT 17 - FR 57
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Opal

Diamond Ruby Puff Heart Pendant Necklace in 12k and 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond Ruby Puff Heart Pendant Necklace in 12K and 14K Yellow Gold. Rubies weighing 1.03 carats
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold

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12k Gold And Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 12k gold and diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 164 vintage or 300 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect 12k gold and diamond may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 12k gold and diamond over the years, but those made by Alberto, LB Exclusive and Roxa are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and emerald cut versions for sale. Most of our 12k gold and diamond for sale are for women, but there are 101 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 12k Gold And Diamond?

The price for a 12k gold and diamond starts at $283 and tops out at $290,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,048.

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 12k Gold And Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Yes, 12K gold is real, but that doesn't mean that the material is pure gold. 12K gold is actually an alloy that is 50% pure gold and 50% other metals. The resulting alloy is highly durable and resistant to scratching and fading. Its hardness makes it difficult to shape into rings, so most 12K gold jewelry consists of necklaces and earrings. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of gold jewelry.