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3 Carat Salt And Pepper Diamond

.925 Sterling Silver 3/4 Carat "Salt and Pepper" Diamond Classic Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
in a 4-prong setting. These studs are set with "Salt and Pepper" diamonds. A salt and pepper diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

8.00 Carat Rustic Salt and Pepper Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Rustic Salt and Pepper Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings. 8.00 carats of dazzling salt and pepper diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Alpinia Salt and Pepper Diamond Organic Ring 'Center- 1.94 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
: Rose cut Center Diamond Carat Weight: 1.94 Center Diamond Color: SALT AND PEPPER Side Gemstone Type
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Pear Salt and Pepper Diamond Organic Necklace 'Center 4.15 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
: 5.71 Setting Type: Prong Material: SALT N PEPPER Engravable: no Minimum Number Of Diamonds: 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Alpinia Salt and Pepper Diamond Organic Ring 'Center- 2.76 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
organic design ring. An exotic combination of a Rose cut Salt & Pepper natural diamond, and one round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Alpinia Salt and Pepper Diamond Organic Ring 'Center 1.37 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
organic design ring. An exotic combination of a Rose cut Salt & Pepper natural diamond, and circle of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Alpinia Salt and Pepper Diamond Organic Ring 'Center, 1.58 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
organic design ring. An exotic Rose cut Salt & Pepper natural diamond reddish in color. The center diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1.05ct Oval Salt and Pepper Diamond 3-Stone 14K White Gold Engagement Ring R6013
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ A solid 14k white gold ring featuring an oval-shaped salt and pepper diamond in the center
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k Yellow Gold Delicate Cushion Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring Center: 1.85 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Earthy and organically designed ring features a 1.85 Carat Salt and Pepper Cushion Shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold Rustic Cushion Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring Center: 1.42 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
split shanks to create the perfect imbalance. A 1.42 Cushion Shaped Salt and Pepper diamond bezel set on
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Rustic Earthy Pear Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring Center-0.74 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
wide band. In the center of the ring is set 3/4 carat Salt and Pepper placed in twelve (12) delicate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Alpinia Salt & Pepper Diamond Organic Ring 'Center- 4.03 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
organic design ring. An exotic combination of a Rose cut Salt & Pepper natural diamond, and three round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

0.62 Carat Salt and Pepper Diamond 0.45 Carat Morganite Baroque Pearl Bridal Ear
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Pearls, embedded with bezel set Salt and Pepper Diamonds and topped with soft pink Morganite for the top
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold

Hi June Parker Sterling Silver Connected Rings 0.53 Carat Salt Pepper Diamonds
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Silver Salt and Pepper Diamonds 0.53 cwt Hand-Made with love in NYC using recycled silver Please
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Hi June Parker 14 Karat Gold Connected Rings 0.53 Carat Salt Pepper Diamonds
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
generations over time, adding some sparkle to our daily lives. 14k Yellow Gold Salt and Pepper Diamonds 0.53
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold

Rustic Salt and Pepper Diamond Studs Earrings, 3.11ct Natural diamond, 14k Gold
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Grading Results: Stone Type: Diamond -Rustic Salt & Pepper Shape: Rose Cut Carat:3 ct (Approx.) Stones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hi June Parker Gold Baroque Pearl Bridal Earring 0.62 Carat Salt Pepper Diamond
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Freshwater Baroque Pearls, embedded with bezel set Salt and Pepper Diamonds and topped with soft pink
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Morganite, Pearl, 14k Gold

0.25 Carat Oval Round Princess cut Diamonds Alternative Engagement Ring
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
cwt Salt and Pepper Round diamond stone Hand-Made with love in NYC with recycled gold *Please allow
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Stacking Engagement Ring Set 1 Carat Diamond
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
daily lives. Ring size 7. Other sizes available upon request Salt and Pepper Oval Diamond 6.82 x5.82mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1 Carat Oval Round Emerald Diamond Stacking Engagement Ring Set
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
daily lives. Ring size 7. Other sizes available upon request Salt and Pepper Oval Diamond 6.82 x5.82mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1 Carat Diamond Stacking Engagement Ring Set 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
daily lives. Ring size 7. Other sizes available upon request Salt and Pepper Oval Diamond 6.82 x5.82mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hi June Parker 1 Carat Oval Round Emerald Diamond Stacking Engagement Ring Set
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
daily lives. Ring size 7. Other sizes available upon request Salt and Pepper Oval Diamond 6.82 x5.82mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Baroque pearl 32" long pendant with chain 0.49 carat Diamond 14 karat gold
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Salt and Pepper Diamonds approximately 0.49 cwt Made with love in New York City Each piece is
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Seedpearl 0.12 Carat Diamond Bunny Enhancer Hi June Parker
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Pepper Diamonds 0.12 cwt Made in New York City with love using recycled gold * Made to order, pls
Category

2010s American Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

1.5 Ct Baguette Diamond Ring Vintage Style Engagement Ring
Located in Holon, IL
This is a luxurious salt and pepper diamond engagement ring. It is made of solid 14k gold and set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Hexagon Moonstone & Grey Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
- 10 natural salt & pepper diamonds ranging from 1.8mm~2mm. - Total approx 0.42ct carat weight - Made
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold

M. Hisae Grey Diamond Cocktail Statement Ring
By M. Hisae Jewelry
Located in Woodbury, CT
of flush-set, brilliant-cut Salt & Pepper Grey Diamonds (approx. 0.7ct total) ◘ Diamonds are
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

MINH LUONG Eternal Knot Tahiti Pearl Pink Sapphire Diamonds Gold Single Earring
Located in Chêne-Bourg, CH
well as pavé diamonds, forming a beautiful salt and pepper halo around the sugarloaf sapphire. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

2.41 Carat Clear Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold AD1686-44
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K white gold ring set with a pear shape rose cut salt and pepper diamond in the center
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 18 Carat Yellow Gold Half-Moon Shaped Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring
Located in Hamilton, AU
showcasing a 2.58 carat half-moon salt and pepper diamond. We have named this darling piece The Piper Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
cluster of these rustic, rose cut diamonds have distinctive "salt and pepper" internal characteristics
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Grey Diamond Pendant Gold Necklace
Located in Troy, MI
Pretty diamond halo pendant features a 0.92 carat grey, “salt and pepper” cushion rose-cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Salt and Pepper Diamond, Marquise, 2.40 Carat
Located in Antwerpen, BE
tons of ore to yield just one carat of gem-quality diamond, highlighting the exceptional scarcity and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond

0.62 Carat Salt and Pepper Diamond 0.45 Carat Morganite Baroque Pearl Bridal Ear
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Freshwater Baroque Pearls, embedded with bezel set Salt and Pepper Diamonds and topped with soft pink
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Morganite, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

0.62 Carat Salt and Pepper Diamond 0.45 Carat Morganite Baroque Pearl Bridal Ear
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Pearls, embedded with bezel set Salt and Pepper Diamonds and topped with soft pink Morganite for the top
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold

0.62 Carat Salt and Pepper Diamond 0.45 Carat Morganite Baroque Pearl Bridal Ear
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Pearls, embedded with bezel set Salt and Pepper Diamonds and topped with soft pink Morganite for the top
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold

1 Carat Diamond Stacking Engagement Ring Set 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
daily lives. Ring size 7. Other sizes available upon request Salt and Pepper Oval Diamond 6.82 x5.82mm
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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PANIM 12.17 Carats Diamond Rosecut 18k White Gold Necklace
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Diamond Rosecut 18k White Gold 42" Long Necklace In this necklace rosecut diamonds are evenly spaced on a white gold chain. This is a piece that can be worn everyday, alone or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Classic Diamond Platinum Wreath Necklace
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
The most elegant diamond necklace! 51.14 carats of F-G color VS clarity diamond set in platinum. Features diamonds from approximately 1 carat in the center. This exquisite piece i...
Category

2010s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Oval Sapphires South Sea Pearls Dangle Drop Earrings 3 Carats 18K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring 6 oval Sapphires weighing 3.00 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 11-12 mm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Vintage Trinity Tri Color 3 Millimeter Each Band 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Cartier Vintage Trinity Rolling Ring Tri Color 3.3 Millimeter Each Band 18 Karat Gold Ring: Finger size 5 #48 Elevate your style with this exquisite Cartier Vintage T...
Category

1990s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

2.37ct Round Rose Cut Salt and Pepper Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K white gold ring set with a large rose cut salt and pepper diamond ♥ Held with double claw prongs for a modern look and a raised setting to allow stacking with straight ...
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

.925 Sterling Silver 1/2 Carat Brilliant Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These .925 sterling silver diamond stud earrings offer timeless elegance, featuring 1/2 carat total diamond weight (TDW) of natural diamonds. Each earring holds a 1/4 carat diamond s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Massive Victorian French Diamond Gold Serpent Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Extraordinarily crafted French serpent brooch from the mid 19th Century. The massive proportions and realistic detailing help to date this amazing 3 dimensional brooch. From the coil...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Lavender Sapphire Three-Stone Platinum Diamond Ring - Perfect Luxury Gift
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Splendid 2.17 Carat Lavender Sapphire Three-Stone Diamond Platinum Ring by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this exceptional 2.17-carat unhea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Blue ...

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Ring, 4.33 Carats
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Spectacular color, clarity and rarity distinguish the 4.33-carat diamond in this Art Deco-period ring by famed jeweler Cartier. Unique for its hexagonal shape, the diamond is certifi...
Category

20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 7 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Dangle Platinum Earrings
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An impressive and rare 7 carat total weight matched pear shape with a color and clarity of E/F Color VS1/VS2 Clarity all GIA certified by Antinori di Sanpietro ROMA. This exception...
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Untreated Burma Ruby Bypass Ring, 5.70 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
The exquisite 5.70-carat ruby and 4.54-carat diamond showcased in this bypass ring create a tantalizing interplay. The pear-shaped crimson gemstone is certified by the American Gemol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A piece of history. This very important necklace we bought from a major auction house over 10 years ago. We sold the original old mine cut necklace. The buyer was only interested in ...
Category

Antique 1850s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Charlton New York Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Lapis Chalcedony Platinum Bracelet
Located in Greenwich, CT
Bursting with joyful flowers, this Art Deco Charlton New York sapphire, diamond, lapis, and chalcedony bracelet is an everlasting garden party. With carved sapphire beads, electric ...
Category

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Materials

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Edwardian Burma No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely antique Edwardian sapphire and diamond engagement ring featuring a stunning natural unheated Burmese cushion cut sapphire, all set in platinum, circa 1910. The striking ri...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Salt Pepper Diamond ring 14KT gold Engagement ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Interesting diamond ring with a center diamond often called salt and pepper or galaxy for its unique pattern inside the diamond. This ring is a size 6.5 and can be re-sized. Metal Ty...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold
Located in London, GB
A truly elegant Edwardian old cut diamond tiara set in silver and gold, circa 1910. This beautifully handcrafted tiara is composed of a number of elegant foliate scroll motifs, com...
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Vintage 1910s Swedish Edwardian Vanity Items

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Diamond, Gold, Silver

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3 Carat Salt And Pepper Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 3 carat salt and pepper diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 14k gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 3 vintage editions and 87 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a 3 carat salt and pepper diamond from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a 3 carat salt and pepper diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Hi June Parker, Malpani Jewels and Mary Gallagher are consistently popular. An oval cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and pear cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 3 carat salt and pepper diamond, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 3 Carat Salt And Pepper Diamond?

Prices for a 3 carat salt and pepper diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $370 and can go as high as $34,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,453.

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.