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Antique Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic antique diamond cluster necklace. A single 0.30ct old European cut diamond
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Art Deco 3.90 Carat Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a spectacular Art Deco diamond necklace. This intricately designed piece is composed
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Cluster Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the 18k White Gold Diamond Necklace, an exquisite masterpiece of elegance and
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1960s 14k White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful necklace from the 1960s features a beautiful 14k white gold diamond cluster pendant
Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Diamond Necklace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Cluster Diamond Pendant Pre-owned very good condition 18k White Gold approx 3.30 grams
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

.45 Carat Diamond Cluster White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's 14k white gold diamond cluster pendant with an 18 Inch chain 1 round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace #19667
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace- This sparkling pendant features nine round
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Diamond Cascade Pendant Necklace
Located in beverly hills, CA
diamonds, graded F-G color and VS1 clarity, this elegant and chic cluster necklace is accompanied by a 16
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

101 Diamond Riviere White Gold Necklace With Pave Diamond Clusters
Located in New York, NY
A stunning collet set of 110 round brilliant cut diamonds of Fine Quality set in White Gold
Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1980's Cluster Diamond Pearl Gold Clasp Three Strand Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Cluster Diamond & Pearl combined on a three-strand superb elegance necklace. 3 strands of 9 mm
Category

1980s American Retro Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

1.12 Carat Marquise Diamond Cluster Choker Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This stunning 112 carat marquise diamond choker necklace is the perfect accessory for any special
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Contemporary Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.95 Carat Round Diamond Domed Cluster White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Round domed pave set diamond cluster pendant necklace in 14k white gold on a 16 inch chain. 41
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Gabriel & Co. 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace #20713
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Gabriel & Co. 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace This sparkling pendant features
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18ct Yellow & White Gold, 1930s Aquamarine Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Pendant 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1930s This exquisite pendant necklace is
Category

Mid-20th Century European Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Round Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace, 10K White Gold, Length 20 Inches
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 10 karat white gold round diamond cluster pendant necklace. This simple diamond pendant features
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

1.65 Carat Diamond White Gold Circle Cluster Art Deco Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1930 diamond pendant necklace. 1 Old European brilliant cut bezel set center diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

18k Gold Faberge Ruby & Diamond Pear Shaped Cluster Pendant Necklace + Chain
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
rubies and various good quality brilliant diamonds on the pendants' clasp. It is a difficult piece to
Category

20th Century Thai Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 14K White Gold 4.25ctw Round Pave Diamond Cluster Large Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent vintage pendant necklace is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a large
Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1960s Pearl Cluster Flower 14k Gold Chain Pendant Necklace With Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite 1960s Pearl Cluster 14k Gold Chain Pendant Necklace is a stunning testament to
Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Fine 18k Two Tone Gold 4.70ctw Diamond Cluster Fringe Collar Statement Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very well and solidly made diamond collar necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold and
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Diamond Cluster Pendant, 20th century
Located in St. Catharines, ON
A beautiful diamond encrusted pendant recalling Ancient Muscovy densely set with co-centric bands
Category

20th Century Unknown Russian Revival Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Vintage 1.40ct Diamond Cluster Pendant, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A cluster of eight round brilliant diamonds form this vintage pendant. Each stone is individually
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Dia. Cluster Heart Necklace, 1.00tdw 12.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies 14k yellow gold necklace with diamond cluster heart pendant. Stamped 14k and weighs 12.9
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Floral 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant.
Located in San Francisco, CA
I so love this Fantastic Vintage Floral 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant - it's super sparkle
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Pendant
Located in London, GB
is then surrounded by multiple frames including two rows of white old mine cut diamonds and a double
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Summerland, CA
Lovely Tiffany&Co diamond platinum necklace. Cluster of round diamonds hangs from a 16” platinum
Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Necklace
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Necklace
W 0.36 in D 0.16 in L 0.48 in
Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Angled Square Cluster Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold cluster pendant designed as a yellow gold angled square set with
Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.37 ctw Diamond Cluster Flower Pendant 14K Gold Hallmarked CJ
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
3.37 ctw Diamond Cluster Flower Pendant 14K Gold Hallmarked CJ This estate pendant is crafted in
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s Oval Cut Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.62 carat blue sapphire and 0.35 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cluster
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.41 Carat Certified Natural Sapphire and Diamonds Cluster Pendant 18 Karat
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 5.41 Carat Certified Natural Sapphire and Diamonds Cluster Pendant 18k. The pendant
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

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

Antique 1930s 2.75 Carat Diamond and Platinum Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1930s 2.75 carat diamond and platinum cluster style necklace; part of our
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Oval Blue Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat White and Yellow Gold Cluster Pendant
Located in London, GB
quality round brilliant cut diamonds, all exquisitely claw set around it. The central cluster is further
Category

1980s English Modern Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Pearl Grape Cluster Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming 1950s grape cluster pendant in 14K white gold combines the classic beauty of pearls
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Harry Winston Cluster Vintage Platinum Diamond Brooch Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Feasterville, PA
Discover the timeless elegance of the Harry Winston Cluster Vintage Platinum Diamond Brooch, a
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18k Gold and Diamond Cherry Cluster Necklace
Located in Toledo, OH
18K gold and diamond cherry cluster necklace. 18K yellow gold and 2.0 cttw diamonds, G-color, Vs-2
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Gold

White Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace, 14k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: 1.00ctw Cut
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 2.89ct Marquise Diamond Cluster 18-20k Gold Ring, Earrings, Necklace Set
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our Vintage Marquise Diamond Cluster Set, consisting of a ring, earrings, and necklace
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Contemporary Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

27 Carat Oval Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat white gold cluster necklace set with approximately 15 carats of oval shaped blue sapphires
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Round Cluster Diamond Heart 18 Carat Gold Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
A contemporary design large heart shaped pendant encrusted with brilliant cut diamonds weighing
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Style 2.50ct Diamond Cluster Drop Pendant Necklace in Gold and Silver
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Experience the timeless allure of our antique style 2.50ct Diamond cluster drop, a stunning
Category

1980s British Victorian Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Red Spinel Necklace with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
diamond clusters set in white gold and a diamond clasp set in platinum. Appx 250 carat spinel.
Category

1990s Indian Victorian Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, White Gold

Emerald and Sapphire Carved Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
on each bead in India. Features diamond clasp and 10 diamond clusters towards bottom of necklace. 430
Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, Gold

Emerald And Diamond Cluster Necklace Set In 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Surfside, FL
Emerald and diamond cluster necklace set in 18k yellow gold. Total carat weight 1.5 carats in G-H
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Cluster Necklace Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Surfside, FL
Emerald and diamond cluster necklace set in 18k yellow gold. Total carat weight 1.5 carats in G-H
Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Yellow Gold

Mid-Century 56.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Superb mid-century diamond cluster necklace crafted in platinum, showcasing 262 mixed cut diamonds
Category

1950s Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 14KT White Gold 1ctw Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat white gold diamond cluster necklace. This everyday diamond necklace features
Category

1970s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

41.25 Carat Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Sensational diamond necklace finely crafted in Platinum, featuring 206 mixed cut diamonds weighing
Category

1970s Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
of brilliant round diamonds and 14 turquoises. The necklace measures 18 inches long, with the center
Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold

Opal Diamond Cluster Necklace Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Choker Spray Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed opal & diamond cluster spray necklace crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1930s 2.24 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
; part of our diverse antique jewelry collection. This stunning diamond cluster necklace has been
Category

1930s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Flower Cluster Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
This pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co. is truly amazing with its gorgeous diamond-set design. The
Category

20th Century American Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat white gold cluster pendant necklace set with nine brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mouawad 24 Carat Diamond Gold Necklace, Bracelet, Ring and Earrings Set
By Mouawad
Located in Miami, FL
18k yellow gold necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings set featuring 327 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dior Diamond Gold Cluster Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
Arranged in a seemingly chaotic manner to create a mesmerizing sight, the lustrous diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century French Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Elegant Diamond Platinum Cluster Design Necklace
Located in San Francisco, CA
This exquisite platinum tapering cluster design necklace is set throughout with 407 marquise and
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cluster "Y" Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
-set sapphires and diamonds, connected by tulip-shaped diamond segments. This necklace looks quite
Category

20th Century Edwardian Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

14k White Gold and Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in McLeansville, NC
14k white gold and diamond cluster pendant necklace. A diamond pendant with a detailed border and
Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Diamond Cluster Link Necklace and Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
This 1980's estate sapphire and diamond necklace or bracelet is crafted in 18k white gold. It is
Category

1980s American Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Cluster Pendant Necklace. Featuring one pear
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

0.15ctw Diamond Cluster Drop Pendant Necklace, 14k White Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
This exquisite 0.15ctw diamond cluster drop pendant necklace is the perfect way to add a touch of
Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage diamond cluster necklace you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 17 antique edition and 3 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect vintage diamond cluster necklace may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic vintage diamond cluster necklace over the years, but those made by Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and cushion cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our vintage diamond cluster necklace for sale are for women, but there are 3 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Vintage Diamond Cluster Necklace?

On average, a vintage diamond cluster necklace at 1stDibs sells for $2,395, while they’re typically $270 on the low end and $95,892 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.