Van Cleef Arpels Mystery
Vintage 1970s American More Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1960s French Dome Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Hoop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century French Cufflinks
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century French Cufflinks
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French More Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s American Dome Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1990s Hoop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
20th Century American Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French Dome Rings
Ruby
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s French More Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s French Cufflinks
Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Bangles
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s French Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings
Diamond, Sapphire
20th Century American Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
American Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
American Cocktail Rings
1990s French More Bracelets
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
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Van Cleef Arpels Mystery For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Van Cleef Arpels Mystery?
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.