5 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, Emerald
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine, Beryl, Multi-gemstone
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Blue Sapphire, Pink Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, Diamond, Bery...
2010s Asian Loose Gemstones
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Tourmaline, Paraiba
2010s American Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
2010s Canadian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Diamond
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Diamond
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Modern Loose Gemstones
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Opal, Spinel, Tourmaline, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine
2010s Canadian Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Canadian Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
2010s American Modern Hoop Earrings
White Diamond, Diamond, Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
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21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl
21st Century and Contemporary Tanzanian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Tanzanite
21st Century and Contemporary Retro Bracelets
Pink Diamond
2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones
Ruby
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Tourmaline, Paraiba
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Modern Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine, Beryl
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
2010s Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Emerald
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary More Necklaces
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
5 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 5 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Diamond?
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.