Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Emerald Cut 1.17ctw Cathedral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .6...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Diamond Ruby Ring 14k Oval Cabochon 1.25ctw Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opal Carat(s): .60ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Natu...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Blue Topaz, Diamond, & Sapphire Halo Ring - 14k Oval 7.52ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Blue Topaz Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): 6.5...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
White Gold Semi-Mount Engagement Ring - 18k Round .68ctw Diamonds fits 6.5-6.8mm
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $50 Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .68ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: VS2 - SI...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Band - 14k Round Brilliant 1.65ctw Ring Size 7 1/2
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Solitaire Carat: .55ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F Clarity: I1 Natural Diamond Accents Carats: 1.10ct...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Le Vian Rhodolite Garnet Diamond Ring - Rose Gold 14k Round Checkerboard 1.60ctw
By Le Vian
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $1899 Size: 11 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Brand: Le Vian Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Rhodolite Garnet ...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Neil Lane Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - White Gold 14k Oval 1.45ctw GIA Leaves
By Neil Lane
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $6599 Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $40 Brand: Neil Lane Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .70ct Cut: Oval Color...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 3.05 Carat Garnet and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine antique garnet ring in yellow gold. Garnet Quality Cut Cabochon Content 3.05 carats Dimensions 10.25...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Fancy Brown Diamond Halo Bypass Ring - 14k 14k Round .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Round...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1900s GIA 2.87ctw Antique Edwardian OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Cluster 14KYG Pl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Edwardian GIA 2.87ctw OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Cocktail Cluster 14K Gold Platinum Ring, Circa 1900s.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Bead
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearl Cut: Bead Color: White Natural Diamonds Carat(s): ....
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring & Wedding Band - 14k Round .45ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $80 or Down 2 sizes for $60 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .20ct Cut: Round Brillia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold London Blue Topaz Swiss Blue Topaz Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 7.22ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural London Blue Topaz Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): 6.0...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Semi-Mount Hidden Halo Engagement Ring -14k .32ctw for 1ct Rd
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Note: Please contact us for a resizing quote. Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .32ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F - G Clarit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.5ct Asscher-Cut Diamond Men’s Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Powerfully Refined. Boldly Elegant. A modern heirloom designed for the discerning gentleman, this GIA-certified signet ring centers around a mesmerizing 1.50ct natural Asscher-cut d...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 1.5ct Asscher-Cut Diamond Men’s Signet Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Sophisticated Strength. Modern Heritage. Command attention with this bold yet timeless men’s solitaire signet ring, meticulously crafted in lustrous 18K white gold. At its center is...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Art Deco Ring - 10k Etched
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $30 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Onyx Natural Diamond Carat(s): .03c...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond & Onyx Men's Ring - 14k Round Brilliant
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 11 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .08ct Cut: Roun...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Diamond Engagement Ring, 925 Round Brilliant Cut .64ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Country of Origin: India Metal Content: Guaranteed Sterling Silver as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: I2 (solitaire); I1 (accents) Color: G (solitaire)...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
White Gold Prasiolite Diamond Cocktail Ring - 14k Cushion Checkerboard 6.14ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $50 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) Carat(s): 5.80ct Cut: Rectangula...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver Diamond Engagement Ring, 925 Round Brilliant Cut .64ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Country of Origin: India Metal Content: Guaranteed Sterling Silver as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: I2 (solitaire); I1 (accents) Color: G (solitaire); I -...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Yellow Gold Blue Zircon & Diamond Engagement Ring 18k Emerald Cut 3.08ctw 6 1/2
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Stone Information Natural Blue Zircon Carat(s): 2.52ct Cut: Emerald Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .40ctw Cut: Baguette Color: G...
Diamond, Emerald, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Amethyst & Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Round 1.27ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Amethyst Carat(s): 1.12ct Cut: Round Color: Purple Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .1...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tresor Paris Bespoke Halo Mount Emerald Shape Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
This bespoke engagement ring mount is designed to hold a centre stone approximately 1 carat (7x5 mm) in size—ideal for an emerald cut diamond, though equally stunning with a sapphire...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...
White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Round Cut 1.03ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes or down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Genuine Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat: .76ct (weighed) Cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Round 1.53ctw Milgrain Engagement
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $60 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Note: If sized down, the ring's shank will become oval in shape. Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Infor...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Fancy Brown Diamond Engagement Ring - 18k & Platinum Oval 1.29ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .99ct Cut: Oval Color: Fancy Brown Clarity: I2 Stone Note: (s...
Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring - 18k 950 Cushion 2.24ctw GIA
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $100 or Down 1 size for $80 Metal Content: 18k White Gold & 950 Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): 1.81ct Cut: Cushion...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Semi-Mount Engagement Ring - 14k .50ctw CZ Oval ~8x6mm
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $50 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cubic Zirconia (placeholder) Cut: Oval Size: ~ 8mm x 6mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): ....
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 14k Princess & Round 1/2ctw Cathedral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1/2ctw Cut: Princess (center) & Rou...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Blue Zircon & Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Round Cut 2.43ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 3 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Genuine Zircon Carat: 2.13ct (weighed) Cut: Round Color: Blue D...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, White Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Emerald Cut 2.70ctw GIA
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $100 or Down 1 size for $100 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Clarity Enhanced (F1) Carat(s): 1.40...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.01ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Halo Engagement Ring & Wedding Band 14k Gold Set
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds - Clarity: I2 (solitaire); SI2 - I1 (accents) Color: G (solitaire); G - H (accents) Cut: Round ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Heliodor/Yellow Beryl & Diamond Ring 14k Cushion 4.53ctw Euro Shank
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Heliodor / Yellow Beryl Carat(s): 4.35ct Cut: Step Cut Cu...
Beryl, Diamond, Yellow Beryl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Neil Lane Diamond Heart Halo Engagement Ring &Wedding Band White Gold 14k 7/8ctw
By Neil Lane
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $4099.98 Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $80 or Down 1/2 a size for $60 Brand: Neil Lane Design: Heart Halo Set Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Informat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bellarri Citrine Amethyst Peridot Ring YellowGold 18k Rect Checkerboard 23.93ctw
By Bellari
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $100 or Down 1/2 a size for $60 Brand: Bellarri Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Citrine Carat(s):...
Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot
White Gold Diamond Wedding Set - 14k Round Brilliant and Single 1.00ctw Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $80 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1ctw Cut: Round Brilliant and Sing...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
A. Jaffe Semi-Mount Engagement Ring Wedding Band WhiteGold 14k .40ctw CZ 6-6.5mm
Located in Greensboro, NC
Jaffe Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cubic Zirconia (placeholder) Cut: Round Color: Clear Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .40ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity:...
White Gold Semi-Mount Halo Engagement Ring -14k Round .50ctw for 5-6mm CZ & Dias
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cubic Zirconia Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Clear Diameter: 5.4mm Stone Note: (placeholder) ...
White Gold
Yellow Gold Semi-Mount Engagement Ring & Wedding Band 18k 1.58ctw Fits ~
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Yellow Gold Semi-Mount Engagement Ring & Wedding Band 18k 1.58ctw Fits ~7-7.5mm Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.58ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS1 - VS...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Semi-Mount Engagement Ring & Wedding Band, 14k Center .39ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $80 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Cubic Zirconia (placeholder solitaire) Diameter: 6.9mm Natur...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Tacori Reverse Crescent Semi-Mount Halo Engagement Ring Platinum for ~6mm HT2531
By Tacori
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $7,950 Size: 6 1/2 Brand: Tacori Design: Reverse Crescent Style Number: HT2531 Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Cubic Zirconia (placeholder solitaire) Colo...
Platinum
New Semi-Mount Halo Engagement Ring & Wedding Band, 18k Gold 2.35ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 18k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds - Clarity: SI1 Color: G - H Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 2.35ctw Center Fits Solitair...
18k Gold
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace 20" - 14k Round Brilliant .25ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H Clarity: I1 Total Carats: .25ct Style: Solitaire Chain Style: Curb N...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Cross Solitaire Necklace 16 1/4" - 14k Single Cut Faith
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): (1) small Cut: Single Total Carats: 1.00 Style: Solitaire Chain Style: Cable Necklace Style: Chain Faste...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Garnet Solitaire Pendant Necklace 18 1/2" 14k Kite 2.55ct Adjustable
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Garnet Carat(s): 2.55ct Cut: Kite Total Carats: 2.55ct Style: Solitaire Chain Style: Diamond Cut Cable Necklace Style: Ch...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,791Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Diamond Stud Earrings 0.87 Carat 14K Yellow Gold Sculptural Design
Located in Deira, AE
Round brilliant solitaire diamond studs in a sculpted yellow gold swirl setting. 0.87 ct total · SI clarity · HI color · 11 mm size · 2.36 gm gross weight.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$2,239Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Diamond Stud Earrings 0.87 Carats Round Brilliant Cut in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Details Item Code: SEE-110567 Gross Weight: 2.64 grams 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 2.47 grams Natural Diamond Weight: 0.87 Carats Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant Diamond Clarity: SI Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
White Gold Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace 20 1/2" - 14k Round .50ctw Teardrop
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .20ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H Clarity: I1 Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .30ctw Cut: Single Color: G - ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,600Sale Price|68% Off
9 Carat Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Solitaire Ring 10.50 CTW
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
One 14-karat white gold ring consisting of Fifty-two round brilliant diamonds is set in a wide 11.50 mm ring featuring a center red ruby gemstone.This ruby pave set diamond ring make...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
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.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
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.