Half Carat Marquise Diamond
2010s Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bridal Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
2010s American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Belgian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cluster Rings
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Stud Earrings
Diamond
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Cluster Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Hoop Earrings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Hoop Earrings
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
Half Carat Marquise Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Half Carat Marquise 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Whether half-carat diamond studs are too small is a matter of personal opinion. A pair of diamond studs with a total carat weight of 0.5 usually consists of two 0.25-carat earrings. Many jewelry makers offer studs as small as 0.13 carats, so many people consider half-carat diamond studs to be medium-sized. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique and vintage diamond stud earrings.