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Victorian Diamond Brooch Pendant

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A Victorian Diamond Brooch/Pendant
Located in Firenze, IT
A Victorian diamond brooch, late 19th century, designed as a spray of flowers, set with circular
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond

1.84 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Silver Gold Victorian Brooch Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
1860's Victorian diamond brooch pendant. One Old Mine cut center diamond set in a silver top and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal and Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a marvellous brooch come pendant taken from the Victorian period. This antique piece
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.85 Ct Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
is made to be worn as brooch or pendant, a more versatile way to wear it at any occasion, jeans or
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Gold Diamond Bow Brooch Pendant, 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A bow shaped diamond brooch/pendant from the Victorian era, ca. 1880s. It is studded with old
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian 5.35ct Diamond Brooch Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This spectacular piece can either be worn as a brooch or a pendant. A 0.95 carat old cut diamond
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond Star Brooch Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
star are embellished with sparkling bright white old mine cut diamonds (mostly F-G-H color, VS-SI
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Large Natural Pearl Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
brooch / pendant is designed as a stylized flowerhead, centered with a large (10 mm) natural saltwater
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Victorian Natural Rubies and Diamond Antique Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Elevate even the simplest of outfits with this antique natural ruby and diamond brooch, pendant in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

French Victorian Antique Porcelain Diamond Gold Pendant-Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
carats of antique cut diamonds. Hand fabricated, this piece can be worn as a brooch or add a chain to the
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Enamel Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful brooch come pendant dating back to the Victorian period. This antique
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian Large Scale Rose Cut Diamond Brooch Pendant Stomacher
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian Rare brooch , pendant or stomacher from the Victorian period – 1880 ca Glorious
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian Era 14KT Yellow Gold Cameo Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This estate Victorian Era 14KT yellow gold cameo diamond brooch pendant is a timeless piece that
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Era 13.50 Ct Old Cut Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
pendant or as pin brooch This ravishing pendant and brooch sparkles with concentric sections of bright
Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Porcelain Diamond Seed Pearl Gold Brooch and Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Victorian brooch made of porcelain with hand painting of a young girl. The border of the 14K
Category

Antique 1830s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Star Pendant / Brooch Convertible 14k Gold 1.35 Carat Victorian
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Convertible Diamond star Pendant / Brooch Set in 14K gold. Approximate 1.35 Carats of Old
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond Star Pendant Brooch Silver-topped 14K Gold ~3.5ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Silver Topped Starburst Star Diamond Brooch Pendant in 14K This Victorian silver-topped
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Pearl and Diamond Heart Shape Pendant and Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Natural Seed Pearls and Natural Old Cut Diamond. Pendant Measurements: Measurement: 1 inch Long Condition
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rose Gold Diamond Opal Ruby Pendant-Brooch 1890s American
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Rose Gold Diamond Opal Ruby Pendant-Brooch 1890s American Excellent Condition Original
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond Starburst Pendant/Brooch Set in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
starburst Brooch/pendant set in 14 katat yellow gold. The piece is set with old mine cut diamonds with an
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Silver Front Gold Backed Oval Brooch or Pendant
Located in Venice, CA
This Victorian-era brooch contains three Old Mine cut diamonds, surrounded by 24 smaller rose and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Gold & Silver Diamond Ruby & Emerald Jardiniere Pendant Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, ruby, emerald, silver, and yellow gold pendant and brooch, comprising twelve
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver

Antique Euro-Cut Victorian Mourning Pendant Brooch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This one-of-a-kind Antique Victorian (circa 1850s) mourning pendant brooch showcases exquisite
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Diamond Clover Pendant Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold ~6.8ct Diamonds Total
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Diamond Clover Pendant Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold ~6.8ct Diamonds Total A timeless emblem
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Brooch or Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous victorian brooch holds a rose cut diamond at the centre and is modelled in 18carat
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian Silver on Gold Diamond Flower Brooch or Pendant, circa 1860
Located in Antwerp, BE
A Victorian Silver on Gold Diamond Flower Brooch from Circa 1860, The pin of the brooch is 18kt
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Brooch or Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous victorian brooch holds a rose cut diamond at the centre and is modelled in 18carat
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian Diamond Demantoid Pearl 18K Gold Antique Starburst Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.20 carat Eye clean and bright - with old single cut
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 1870s 6.00 Carat Diamond Heart Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
carats. Circa 1870s 1 3/8 x 1 1/4 inches Can be worn as a brooch or pendant, the bail is collapsible
Category

Antique 1870s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond 'Starburst' Pendant/Brooch Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A Victorian old cut diamond 'Starburst' pendant with detachable brooch fitting, circa 1880. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond Natural Pearl Royal Blue 18 KT Heart Brooch/Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This sweet and rare heart pendant/ brooch is Victorian period, 1880 ca expressing the romanticism
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl

Antique Victorian 15K Gold & Silver 2.82ctw Old Cut Diamond Brooch & Pendant
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A late Victorian diamond, silver and yellow gold brooch and pendant, comprising forty-four old
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 15K Gold & Silver 2.39ctw Diamond Crescent Brooch or Pendant
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
beautiful Victorian pendant / brooch is designed to resemble a crescent moon. Large old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.80 Ct Diamond Love Knot Brooch Pendant 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
glorious Victorian workmanship at best Shaped as an intricate knot brooch that can be used as pendant too
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 10k Gold 1.22ctw Diamond & Seed Pearl Flower Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Dimensions: 1.9mm Condition: Antique early Victorian. Few diamonds have nicks. One rose cut diamond missing
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold Large Heart Amethyst & Diamond Enamel Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This impressive antique brooch or pendant was crafted during the Victorian ear in solid 14k yellow
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique 19th Century Victorian Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant Pearls and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th century Victorian gold brooch Brooch is mounted with pearls and pearl surround and
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Amethyst Demantoid Garnets Old Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Purple Color - 20mm (approx.) (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - G-I Color - VS1
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Convertible Brooch or Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
Magnificent Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Convertible Pendant and Pin with diamonds. They don't make
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Silver 9.5ct Sapphire & Diamond Dangle Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely breathtaking antique brooch or pendant that was crafted from solid 18k
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Flower Bouquet Brooch Pendant Diamonds Pearls Yellow+Red Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant brooch is designed as an arrangement of diamond and pearl set flowers in a braided
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold

Victorian Snake Sapphire 3.5 Carat Diamonds 3.2 Carat Pendant Pin Brooch, 1890
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Sapphires and Diamonds. Can be worn as a pin brooch or as a pendant, please take a look at all the pictures
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Victorian Convertible Pendant Brooch in 18Kt Certified 9.12 Ctw Zircon Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
jewelry, created in England during the late Victorian Period (1837-1901), circa 1880's. This brooch
Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Exquisite Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Filigree Cameo with Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in New York, NY
.10 carat diamond pendant delicately hanging on necklace within the cameo. This wonderful cameo can be
Category

Antique Early 1800s American Victorian Brooches

Mid Victorian Enamel Diamond and Half Pearl Brooch/Pendant, circa 1860
Located in Firenze, IT
The domed turquoise enamel plaque with old cut diamond star-shaped motif, framed half pearl. Size
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Enamel

Krementz Victorian Diamond Pearl 14K Gold Antique Puffy Heart Pendant Brooch
By Krementz & Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed heart-shaped form centering a cluster of old European cut diamonds Bead set and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 15K Gold & Silver 3.2ctw Old Cut Diamond Star Brooch & Pendant
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, yellow gold and silver brooch and pendant, comprising thirty-one old mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Star Set Rose Cut Diamond Brooch & Pendant 15 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Our star set diamond brooch and pendant is a delightful piece of vintage joy, we have named her
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14k Gold 2.40 Carat Old European and Mine Cut Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a stunning antique brooch or pendant which was crafted in solid 14k yellow gold during
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian 3.80 CTW Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Starburst Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.60 carat L color with VS2 clarity - prong set with additional
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.84tcw 14K Victorian Natural Ruby & Diamond Antique 1890's Gold Pendant/Brooch
Located in Jupiter, FL
contrast between tones. From the Victorian era, this piece can be worn as a pendant or brooch. Crafted in
Category

Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond Giardinetto Brooch Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Austria, Vienna, circa 1880 An antique giardinetto (little garden) brooch / pendant – the diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Victorian Medallion Brooch/Pendant -14k Mine .24ct Pin
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Convertible Brooch/Pendant Fastening Type: Hinged Pin and Locking C-Clasp Theme: Floral Star Medallion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Antique Diamond and Demantoid Garnet Frog Brooch/Pendant Ca.1890
Located in London, GB
A wonderful late Victorian demantoid and diamond frog brooch/ pendant, circa 1890, the frog formed
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond Pearl Gold Starburst Clip Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Victorian-era clip pendant is a timeless blend of elegance and versatility. Crafted
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver Plate

Antique Diamond Maltese Cross Brooch Pendant C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
brooch or pendant. Estimated total diamond weight is 7.60 carats. Total height with bail 52 mm (2 in
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Early Victorian Romantic Period. Circa 1850 brooch/pendant.
Located in Surfside, FL
& emeralds brooch/pendant in 14K+ gold with silver top. Near rough and Rose cut diamonds total approx. weight
Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18k/Sterling Silver Diamond Monogram Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely pin/pendant from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18kt yellow gold and topped in
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Garnet Diamond Pin Pendant with Original Box
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Old European and rose cut diamonds decorate this Victorian adornment from top to bottom, their
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 3.05 Carat Diamond and Ruby Dolphin Brooch Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
-alone pendant. This stunning antique Victorian brooch has been independently tested using state of the
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

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Victorian Diamond Brooch Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact victorian diamond brooch pendant you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Silver and 14k Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 268 vintage or 5 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a victorian diamond brooch pendant from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A victorian diamond brooch pendant from Tiffany & Co., Bailey, Banks & Biddle and Birks — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. An old mine cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and round cut versions for sale. Most of our victorian diamond brooch pendant for sale are for women, but there are 119 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian Diamond Brooch Pendant?

The price for a victorian diamond brooch pendant starts at $461 and tops out at $98,000 with these brooches, on average, selling for $5,562.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.