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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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Whether a wedding band should be 14K or 18K depends on your personal preferences. Because it contains more pure gold, 18-karat gold will usually show off a richer color and be less likely to fade over time. On the other hand, 14-karat gold is less prone to scratching and damage because it has more alloy metals. Explore a large collection of gold wedding bands on 1stDibs.
- What does 18K on a ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K green gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 202218K green gold is an alloy created by mixing silver, copper and zinc with normal gold. 18K green gold is greener than 14K green gold. On 1stDibs, shop a wide collection of genuine 18K green gold from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is 18k gold good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k is the perfect karatage for jewelry. While 24k is more prized and typically more expensive, it is also less dense and durable than 18k gold.
- Is 18K real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 18K gold is real gold. However, it is not pure gold. Something marked 18K is 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent metal alloy. On 1stDibs, shop a range of expertly vetted gold jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Does 18K gold wear off?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not 18K gold wears off depends on how it's made. The finish will not wear off of a piece of jewelry or another object made entirely out of 18K gold. However, wear can occur on pieces that feature 18K gold plating, a thin layer of gold applied over another type of metal. You'll find a large selection of gold jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is 18k gold watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 18K gold watch is a timepiece made from gold precious metal of a specific purity. The term 18K means 18-karat, a precious metal that is 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent alloy. Shop a large collection of gold watches on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K Italy gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 202218K Italy gold is 18-karat gold produced in Italy. Karats tell you how much of a piece of metal is genuine gold. In the case of 18-karat gold, 18 parts are pure gold, and six parts are other metals. This makes 18-karat pieces 75 percent gold. You'll find a large collection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The difference between 14k and 18k rose gold metal is that the 14k rose gold is less pure than 18k. 14k rose gold has a deeper pink color because of greater amounts of copper, whereas 18k rose gold has 75% gold and appears yellow. 14k rose gold is increasingly popular due to its brighter pink hue and resistance to scratches. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage rose gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between 24K gold and 18K gold is how much pure gold the metals contain. Something made of 24-karat gold is 99.9% pure gold, while 18-karat gold items are 75% gold and 25% alloy metals. Generally, 18-karat gold is more durable and scratch-resistant due to the presence of alloy metals. On the other hand, 24-karat gold tends to be more richly colored and expensive. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of gold jewelry.
- Is 18K 750 real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, 18K 750 is real gold. Gold pieces that bear this hallmark are 18-karat gold, a 75% pure gold alloy and 25% base metal. One of the most popular materials for fine jewelry, 18-karat gold shows off a rich yellow, white or rose color and resists scratching more readily than pure gold. Explore a wide variety of 18-karat gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is 18K gold good for earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, 18-karat gold can be good for earrings. Because it is an alloy, 18-karat gold is more durable and scratch-resistant than pure 24-karat gold. You can find 18-karat gold in rich warm yellow, cooler white with warm undertones and light pink rose. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of gold earrings.
- Does 18k yellow gold tarnish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k gold can tarnish, but it is uncommon. Pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen and therefore does not tarnish. The higher the karat, the less likely a piece of gold will tarnish.
- Does 18K gold go green?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 18-karat gold can turn green in some circumstances. This type of gold is about 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent alloy, and the other metal or metals used to produce it may react negatively to acidic substances. When this occurs, 18-karat gold may take on a greenish hue. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of gold jewelry.
- Is 18k gold worth buying?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, many people believe that 18k gold is worth buying. Due to the metal's durability, jewelry produced from 18-karat gold is often resistant to scratching and damage. In addition, the large amount of pure gold in the alloy gives white, rose and yellow 18-karat gold a vibrant color. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in 18-karat gold is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a diverse range of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024On a watch, 18K gold means that the watch features genuine gold. An alloy, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The high gold content gives the metal an attractive color, while the alloy metals add strength to increase its durability. An 18-karat gold watch may be solid gold or gold-filled, which means it is primarily another metal that the watchmaker finished with a thin layer of 18-karat gold. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of gold watches.
- Is 18K gold good for watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many watch lovers believe that 18K gold is good for watches. An alloy, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The amount of gold makes the color of the alloy, whether it's white, yellow or rose, rich and visually appealing. At the same time, the addition of alloy metals increases the strength of the gold material. Explore a large selection of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between 14K and 18K white gold stud earrings comes down to the content of the precious metal alloy. Stud earrings made of 14-karat white gold are 58.3% gold and 41.7% base metal, while 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. As a result, 14-karat white gold tends to be stronger and more resistant to scratching, and 18-karat gold will have a more noticeable warm-glowing yellow tinge. On 1stDibs, shop a range of white gold stud earrings.
- Is 18K gold dipped real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, gold dipped, also known as gold plated, pieces are considered real gold. The process coats a piece of metal or alloy with a layer of gold for a gold finish. Shop a collection of 18 karat gold jewelry, solid and dipped, on 1stDibs.
- Is 18k gold plated real or fake?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A piece of jewelry or a decorative object marked 18K gold plated does likely contain real gold. The marking indicates that the item is metal under a layer of gold alloy that contains 75 percent gold and 25 percent other metal. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry.