Belle Epoque Tiara
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Belle Époque Bridal Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century English Belle Époque Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Belle Époque Vanity Items
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s American Belle Époque Vanity Items
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian More Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Belle Époque More Jewelry
Crystal, Rhodium
Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Belle Époque Engagement Rings
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1910s British Belle Époque More Objets d'Art and Vertu
Diamond, Pearl
Antique Early 1900s Belle Époque Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Belle Époque More Jewelry
Silver
Vintage 1910s British Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century British Belle Époque More Objets d'Art and Vertu
Diamond, Platinum, Base Metal
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Early 2000s Italian Mini Dress
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Bangles
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Bangles
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Victorian Drop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1990s British Corsets
2010s Unknown Wedding Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1990s French Jackets
Early 2000s Evening Gowns
1990s Italian Cropped Jackets
1990s French Coats and Outerwear
Belle Epoque Tiara For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Belle Epoque Tiara?
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.