10K Yellow and White Gold 1 1/2 Carat Pear Shaped 3 Stone Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous and eye-catching, this stunning 1 1/2 c.t. cocktail ring has a gold band that splits at the center to showcase a cluster of natural pie and round-cut diamonds. Baguette-cut...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 10k Gold
.75 Carat Pear Shaped Blue Tanzanite Bead Set Diamond Platinum Engagment Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Pear shaped Blue tanzanite cocktail ring with Bead set rows of diamonds in a platinum setting. 1 pear shape Tanzanite approx. total weight .75cts 98 round diamonds approx. total we...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Emerald Sapphire and Pear Shaped Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
A very contemporary aesthetic that highlights the beauty of the Pear shape in 3 colors and the feminine touch of how it lays on the body. 1 Colombian Emerald weighing 1.37 Carats. 4 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1 Carat Pear Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring Set 18K White Gold Gift for Her
Located in Diera, AE
A luminous pear-cut diamond anchors this refined bridal set, creating a graceful focal point enhanced by a balanced arrangement of accent diamonds. The composition combines softness ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peach Orange Morganite & Diamond Ruby Pear Shaped Halo Set 14K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Present your loved one with this brilliant halo engagement ring that features a pear-cut peach color morganite center stone with round diamond and ruby halo crafted in gold. This mag...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Platinum 2.14ctw SSEF Pear Emerald & Long Baguette Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning vintage ring is crafted from solid platinum and features an, SSEF certified, natural emerald and diamond three-stone design. The breathtaking pear cut emerald displays ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
6.12 Carat Pear Green Tourmaline Diamond Sapphire Halo Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Tourmaline cocktail ring. 6.12ct Pear shaped green center stone with a halo of light green sapphires in a 14k white gold cocktail setting with full cut accent diamonds along the shan...
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Tourmaline, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Peter Suchy 2.35 Carat Blue Sapphire Pear Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Sucy natural sapphire and diamond three stone engagement ring. 2.35 oval center sapphire, mounted in a platinum setting with two pear shaped side diamonds. The sapphire is cer...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1 Cts F/VS1 Two-Stone Pear Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This stunning engagement ring features a beautiful pear-shaped diamond in a two-stone setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.00 Carats F VVS1 Pear Diamonds Three-Stone Ring 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 18K white gold, the setting highlights the diamonds’ fire and purity, delivering timeless sophistication and luxurious appeal. --- Details: Total Diamond Weight: 3.00 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat F/VS1 Twin Pear Round Halo Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
With a refined 9.85 mm width, this piece reflects elegant craftsmanship and timeless sophistication. --- Details: Model Number: 477-SR Total Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat Center Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified 11.61 Carat No Heat Bluish Green Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 3 Stone Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Center Stone is a Brownish Bluish Green Sapphire The sapphire is Pear Shaped 11.61 Carat NO HEAT The Sapphire is AGL Certified T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White ...
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
1.08 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This contemporary engagement ring features a stunning 1 carat princess cut diamond, expertly cut to maximize its brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified 3.30 Carat D/VVS1 Pear Shape 6-Stone Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant ring features six IGI Certified Pear Shape diamonds totaling 3.30 carats, each weighing 0.55 carats, graded D color and VVS1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Opal Ruby Diamond Statement Ring Pear Dark Opal Halo Cocktail Ring 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 12.5 Grams Main Stone: Opal Shape: Pear Weight: N/A Clarity: Translucent Color: Red, Green, Orange Play o...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold Morganite & Diamond Ring 1.35ct Pear Morganite 0.09ctw Diamonds
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Title: 18K Rose Gold Morganite & Diamond Ring 1.35ct Pear Morganite 0.09ctw Diamonds Size 6 Description: Modern 18K rose gold ring containing one (1) pear-shaped natural morgani...
Diamond, Morganite, Rose Gold
Emerald and Multi-Shaped Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
The Ring's main centerpiece is in the 6 fine Emeralds, each spaced out with 1 Round Diamond to highlight each Emeralds individual and intense beauty, with Pear and Round shaped diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.60 Carats F/VS1 Pear Diamonds Three-Stone Trilogy Ring 18K Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the warm tone beautifully complements the diamonds’ fire and timeless appeal. --- Details: Total Diamond Weight: 2.60 carats Center Diamond: 2.00 carats ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 4 Carat F/VS1 Pear Emerald Shape Diamonds Toi Et Moi Ring 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This ring is truly exceptional: GIA-certified 4-carat F/VS1 pear and emerald-shaped diamonds set in an 18K gold Toi et Moi design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Retro Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring Natural Diamonds and Pearl Gem, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 2 natural pear shaped diamonds are approximately 1 carat, G color and VS-SI clarity.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Retro Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring Natural Diamonds Sapphire and Pearl, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 2 natural pear shaped tourmalines are approximately 1 carat.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
10 Carat Morganite and Diamond Ring in 14K Rose Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Metal: 14K Rose Gold Center Stone: Natural Morganite, pear shape, approx. 10.00 carats Accent Stones: Round brilliant-cut diamonds, approx. 0.50 carats total weight Ring Size: 6 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Gold Statement Ring with Natural Opal Ruby and Diamond, featuring Pear
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Prong/Pave Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 12.5 Grams Main Stone: Opal Shape: Pear Weight: N/A Clarity: Translucent Color: Red, Green, Orange Play o...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Pear Shape Opal and Marquise Cut Diamond Halo in 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
3.50-carat natural pear-shaped opal with over 3 carats in a marquise cut natural diamond halo.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s 1.64 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring features two Pear-Shaped side Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.60 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.50 Cts F/VS1 Pear Shape Diamonds Toi Et Moi Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
It features GIA Certified 1.50 carats of F/VS1 pear-shaped glittering diamonds in a stunning Toi et Moi design!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Timeless 1.23ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamonds 3-Stone Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Accented by 2 pear-shaped side diamonds totaling 0.23-carat. Certified by GIA, this piece exemplifies exceptional quality and timeless elegance.
Diamond
Vintage 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Ring with 16.14 Carat Diamonds Size 7.5
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elevate your style with this striking vintage ring crafted in 18 Karat two-tone gold. Centered with a mesmerizing 10.23 carat pear-shaped diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring 1.20ct Pear Aquamarine 0.09ctw Size 6.5
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
18K White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring 1.20ct Pear Aquamarine 0.09ctw Size 6.5 Description: 18K white gold ring containing one (1) pear-shaped natural aquamarine, estimated at...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.25ct Oval Sapphire Three Stone Pear Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K yellow gold Ring Size: 5 Width: 5.90 mm Weight: 2.94 grams 18K Yellow Gold diamond and sapphire three-stone cocktail ring with a half round shank....
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 2.25ct Diamonds 3-Stone Ring with Pave Accent
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18k White & Yellow Gold Main stone: 1 pc Diamond Main stone carat weight: 1.85ct Shape: Round Color grade: J-K Clarity grade: VS Cut grade: Fair Side stone: 10 pcs Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Dazzling 1.17ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamonds 3-Stone Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Dazzling 1.17ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamonds 3-Stone Ring in 18k White Gold - GIA Certified Elevate your style with this majestic 18k white gold 3-stone ring, featuring a daz...
Diamond
1970s 1.94 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round mixed Content 1.94 carats Dimensions 7.46mm x 7.40mm x 4.69mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Modern ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
3.07 Carat Yellow Cushion Pink White Diamond in Platinum 18K Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Cocktail / Cluster Statement Ring Metal: Platinum 950 and 18K Yellow Gold (two-tone) Size: Adjustable Weight: 15.85 grams Shank Type: Wide smooth p...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
New 14k White Gold 1.03ct GIA Round Diamond & Sapphire 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a magnificent diamond and sapphire three-stone engagement ring that is newly crafted from solid 14k white gold. This ring features a stunning, GIA certified, round...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Citrine Emerald Diamond Drop Shape Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This unique Art Deco-inspired engagement ring features a vibrant pear-shaped citrine as the centerpiece, radiating warmth and elegance.
Emerald, Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Fancy Dark Brown Pink Diamond Ring with Diamond Halo in 18k
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
In this instance, the primary hue is pink, complemented by a secondary dark brown hue. __________________________________ Ring Setting Details: - Metal: 18K White Gold - Size: 6.5...
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Elegant 1.48ct Diamonds Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18k White Gold Main stone: 1 pc Diamond Main stone carat weight: 1.00ct Shape: Round Color grade: F Clarity grade: VVS1 Cut grade: Excellent Side stone: 14 pcs Diamonds S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum 5.97ct Gia Blue Sapphire Three Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Carat Weight: 5.97 ct. Cut Style: Crown Brilliant Cut Transparency: Transparent Color(s): Blue Treatments: Heating (H) Grading Report: GIA Lab Report #6157524295 issued on Jul 10, 20...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Blue Sapphire Channel Set Diamond Halo Emerald Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Oval Blue Sapphire Channel Set Diamond Halo Green Pear Shape Emeralds on the sides 14K Yellow Gold Ring Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 (resizing availa...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Captivating Emerald and Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18k White Gold Main stone: 1 pc Emerald Main stone carat weight: 0.99ct Shape: Octagonal Color grade: Green Side stone: 6 pcs Diamonds Side stone carat weight: 0.31ct Shape...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.00 Ct E VVS1 Heart Shape Diamond Three Stone Ring 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The center stone is beautifully complemented by pear-shaped side diamonds totaling 0.80 carats (0.40 carats each), enhancing the ring’s presence while maintaining refined balance and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Authentic 31.07 Carats Pear Round Shape Diamonds Ruby Tennis Bracelet 14K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Behold this exquisite tennis bracelet, adorned with 7.42 carats of pear and round brilliant cut diamonds, accompanied by 23.65 carats of natural pear-shaped rubies, all delicately se...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 23.96 Carats F/VS1 Pear Diamonds Eternity Bracelet 14K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The continuous arrangement of pear-shaped diamonds creates fluid movement and seamless sparkle around the wrist.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
18K 2 3/4 Cttw Diamond and Emerald Dangle Art Deco Shield Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This piece is not just jewelry; it's a portal to a bygone era of glamour, perfect for those who cherish both heritage and the art of fine jewelry. Product Features: Diamond Type: N...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.42 Cts F/VS1 Round Pear Marquise Shape Diamonds Hinged Bracelet 14K White Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Elevate your style with this stunning 6.42-carat diamond statement bracelet, featuring a mix of round, pear, and marquise-shaped diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pave 3.63 Cts F/VS1 Oval Pear Round Shape Diamonds Hinged Bracelet 14K Rose Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This bracelet is truly special, featuring 3.63 carats of oval, pear, and round-shaped diamonds set in 14K gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA 2.82 Carats Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings in 21 Karat Yellow Gold
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
One of a kind earrings created alongside a coordinating ring available on separate listing. Handmade in 21 Karat gold with a brushed finish to give the earrings a warm and luxe effe...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning 12.50 Carats F/VS1 Multi-Shape Diamonds Tennis Bracelet in 14K Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning bracelet features natural diamonds totaling 12.50 carats, beautifully arranged in a refined sequence of multi-shaped diamonds including Heart, Oval, Emerald, Princess, ...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Topaz and Blue Zircon Earrings, 35.75 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Each earring centers a substantial round blue topaz surrounded by concentric rings of oval and pear shaped blue zircons, punctuated by vibrant yellow sapphires totaling 1.40 carats a...
Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Rose Gold
BELLE EPOQUE 1910 Antique Convertible Platinum Necklace Brooch With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Period: Edwardian, Belle-Epoque, circa 1900-1910. Diamonds: Mounted in the center in bezel settings, with 3 calibrated European pear rose-cut diamonds, with a total combined weight ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Certified 0.68 Carat Flawless Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
By Berquin
Located in Brussel, BE
This entirely unique and handmade solitaire, created by Katherine Berquin, a noted Belgian goldsmith, jewellery artist and gemmologist, consists of 18 kt white gold. It has been made...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Palladium, Rhodium
Unavailable|$6,277 / item
1.340 Carat Diamonds Pear Cut 18 Karat White Gold "Regina" Crown Shaped Ring
By Pia Mariani
Located in Milano, MI
Central Ring "Regina" in 18 kt white gold with 16 diamonds pear cut 1,340 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$9,804 / item
2.01 Carats Diamonds Pear Cut 18 Karat White Gold "Regina" Crown Shaped Rings
By Pia Mariani
Located in Milano, MI
Composition of two Rings "Regina" in 18 kt white gold with 24 diamonds pear cut 2,01 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,526 / item
0.67 Carat Diamonds Pear Cut 18 Karat White Gold "Regina" Crown Shaped Ring
By Pia Mariani
Located in Milano, MI
End Ring "Regina" in 18 kt white gold with 8 diamonds pear cut 0.134 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$7,053 / item
1.34 Carats Diamonds Pear Cut 18 Karat White Gold "Regina" Crown Shaped Rings
By Pia Mariani
Located in Milano, MI
Composition of two end Rings "Regina" in 18 kt white gold with 16 diamonds pear cut 1,34 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$170,500 / item
1 Carat Pear Statement Fancy Yellow Colour-Collector’s Treasure Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.
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.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. 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.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.