Diamond Vanderbilt
Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century French Enamel Frames and Objects
Diamond, Gold
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Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s Brooches
20th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Belle Époque Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s British Victorian More Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Diamond Vanderbilt For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Diamond Vanderbilt?
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.