2.05ct Art - Deco Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 1.30ct Baguette Diamond • 0.75 ct Marquise Diamond • Diamond Col...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1.22ct Salt And Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 3.33GR • 0.30ct Natural Diamond • 0.92ct Natural Salt ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Floral Design Mix Cut 0.60ct Diamond Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.28ct Marquise Diamond • 0.32ct Natural Pear Diamond • Diamond ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1.32ct Vintage Salt And Pepper Diamond Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.20ct Natural Diamond • 1.11ct Center Oval Salt And Pepper Diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1.38ct Salt And Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 3.33GR • 0.36ct Natural Diamond • 1.02ct Natural Salt A...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Salt And Pepper 1.00ct Diamond Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.20ct Natural Diamond • 0.80ct Center Oval Cut Salt And Pepper D...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Salt And Pepper Diamond Halo 1.17ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 1.53GR • 0.22t Natural Diamond • 0.95ct Salt And Pepper...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Teal Sapphire And Diamond Halo 1.42ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • 2.90GR • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 1.00ct Natural Sapphire • 0.42ct Natural Diamond • Dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Watermelon Tourmaline And Diamond Cluster 1.46ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.31ct Natural Marquise Diamond • 1.15ct Watermelon Tourmaline •...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby, side diamonds 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby, side diamonds 14k gold ring. Oval ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Celebration Round Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold 1.46 Carat
By Celebration Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
CELEBRATION DIAMOND Style: Solitaire with Accents Serial Number: CEL553801 Metal: 18K White Gold Size: 4.75 (sizable) Total Carat Weight: 1.46 TCW Center Diamond Shape: Round Dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Diamond Baguette Ring Engagement Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Baguette Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,931Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald and Diamonds 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring. Emerald engagement ring. Oval emerald ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
14K White Gold 3.08CTW Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
14K White Gold 3.08CTW Diamond Ring This exquisite 14K White Gold Diamond Ring features a total estimated diamond weight of 3.085 carats, making it a true statement of luxury and s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sapphire and diamonds 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sapphire and diamonds 14k gold ring. Oval Sapphire gold ring. Sapphire diamond halo ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Diamond Cuff Ring 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Stacking Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamond Cuff Ring 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Stacking Ring Anniversary Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unuse...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Diamond ring set in 14K White Gold. Ring, center Diamond is approximately .30 carats, I color VS clarity and 13 smaller diamond are approximately .32 carats, I/J color and S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Micro Pave Diamond Ring Dainty Diamond Ring Trendy Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Diamond Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Ring Vintage 14k Gold Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An emerald ring crafted of 14k gold, features diamonds. At the center staged a square shape, bright green emerald, surrounded by a halo of diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this ring features a .25 carat diamond in a classic solitaire setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring Square Diamond Engagement Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,669Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14k Rise-Cut Diamond Ring.
Located in Firenze, FI
Elevate your collection with this exquisite rose-cut diamond ring, crafted in luxurious 14k gold. The design showcases a luminous central rose-cut diamond, framed in a scalloped flor...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Mark Broumand 0.20 Carat Fancy Black and White Diamond Snake Ring in 14 K Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely diamond ring showcases an exquisite snake design accented with 0.20ct of white and fancy black round brilliant cut diamonds.
14k Gold Unique Gold Diamond Ring Minimalist Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique Gold Diamond Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14K Gold Diamond Band Ring Natural Diamond Accent Wedding Ring
Located in Columbus, OH
Item Type: Band Style: Diamond Band Treatment: None Shape: Round Diamond Hardness: 10 Metal: 14k-2.33g Diamond Count-Weight: 5-0.06cttw Diamond Clarity - Color Grade: SI - G-H Ring ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Ring 1.50ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' 14k white gold and diamond ring. Stamped 14k and weighs 5.1 grams gross weight.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pear Emerald And Diamond Tria 2.28ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.30ct Natural Round Diamond • 0.18ct Natural VS Kite Diamond • ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Princess Brilliant-Cut Diamond Eternity Band in 14K White Gold
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed in a size 6, it offers a sleek, polished finish that complements the brilliance of the diamonds. Perfect as a wedding band, anniversary ring, or a statement piece, this Leo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Designer Ring 14k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Base Metal: White Gold, 14k Diamond Weight: 0.52 Cts Approx Metal: Yellow Gold Sizable: Yes Main Stone Shape: Round Fine_Fashion: Fine Occasion: Wedding 14k Gold Weight: 5.00 Grams A...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
5.45ct Emerald And Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 1.25ct Natural Marquise Diamond • 4.20ct Natural Emerald • Diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Ruby and Double 1.20ct Diamond Halo Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.43ct Natural Round Diamond • 0.77ct Natural Ruby • Diamond Col...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Rainbow Flower 3.45ct Sapphire And Diamond Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.50ct Natural Diamond • 2.95ct Natural Rainbow Sapphire • Diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Pear Cut Emerald And Diamond 2.54ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 1.28ct Natural Round Diamond • 1.26ct Natural Emerald • Diamond ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Mint Green Tourmaline And Diamond 1.20ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.40ct Natural Marquise Diamond • 0.80ct Mint Green Tourmaline ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Ring, 2.3g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies 18k white gold and diamond solitaire ring. Stamped 18k and weighs 2.2 grams. The diamond is a emerald cut diamond, .30 carats, H to i color, Vs clarity. Ring size is 4 1/4 and...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Solid Diamond Wedding Ring Band
Located in Chicago, IL
14K Solid Diamond Wedding Ring Band Wedding Diamond Ring Women Jewelry Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unused, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Victorian Opal and Diamond ring. 14k Gold Victorian claw opal ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Size: 5 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Opal Gem color: White Band color: Gold Style: Victorian 14k gold marked tests appropriately 3.5mm center opal. 2mm diam...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Knot Diamond Ring in 14k Solid
Located in Chicago, IL
Knot Diamond Ring Forever Love Diamond Knot Ring 14k Solid Infinity Love Knot Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, unu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
0.48 Carat Natural Diamonds Round Shape Half Eternity Ring Band in White Gold
By Ajami Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
We will accompany you throughout the process and are open to any questions. Diamonds Shape: Round Carat: 0.48 ct Amount: 18 Color: Colorless Clarity: VS Jewelry Material: 14 K Wh...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
14K Gold Diamond Infinity Ring Twisted Band Ring Diamond Wedding Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
14k Diamond Infinity Ring Twisted Band Ring Diamond Wedding Ring Pave Diamond Ring Eternity Ring Diamond Wedding Band.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Pave Diamond Bar Ring Genuine Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality brilliant white diamonds are set in solid 14k gold. Three round diamonds set in a vertical bar to create a modern and contemporary cutting edge look. A solid go...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Men's Ring 14k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Modern designed men's ring features a straight row princess cut framed with round diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal and diamonds 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Main stone: Natural opal Shape: Oval cabochon Weight: approx ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring. Emerald engagement ring. Oval emerald ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring. Emerald engagement ring. Oval emerald ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Multi-Row Wide Diamond Crossover Band Ring 1.61 Carats 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold crossover ring featuring three rows of diamonds containing 183 round brilliants weighing 1.61 carats. More Fashion Rings in Stock. Message for pictures and deta...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Infinity Ring 14k Solid Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamond Infinity Ring 14k Solid Gold Engagement Ring For Wedding Proposal Gift.
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Pink Sapphire And Diamond Cluster 2.59ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 4.72GR • 0.15ct Natural Diamond • 0.24ct Natural Pear C...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Pink Sapphire And Diamond Statement 4.83ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.43ct F SI Natural Round Diamond • 1.25ct F VS Baguette Diamond ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
0.84 Ceylon Yellow Sapphire And Diamond Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.27ct Natural Round Diamond • 0.57ct Ceylon Yellow Sapphire • D...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
2.36ct No-Heat Pink Sapphire Diamond Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.64ct F SI Natural Round Cut Diamond • 1.72ct Violetish Pink No...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Greenish Blue Sapphire And Diamond 2.36ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.35ct Natural Round diamond • 0.55ct Green Tourmaline • Diamond...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Blue Sapphire And Diamond Engagement 0.80ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 0.30ct Natural Round Diamond • 0.50ct Blue Natural Sapphire • D...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Gorgeous Estate 14K White Gold Engagement Diamond Ring. Metal: 14K White Gold Gemstones: Brilliant Round and Baguette Diamonds - Total 1.2 Carats Band Width: 3/8 inch Ring Size: 6.5 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,977Sale Price|21% Off
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Engagment Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful 14k yellow gold engagement ring features over 2 carats of natural diamonds!
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Women Wedding Ring Stackable Diamond Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Women Wedding Ring Stackable Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14k Solid Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring Gold Diamond Wedding Ring Proposal Ring Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unused,...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14k Gold Ring Natural Diamond Curved Ring Tiny Diamond Stacking Ring Minimalist
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Gold Ring Natural Diamond Curved Ring Tiny Diamond Stacking Ring Minimalist Diamond weight: 0.12 CT Number Of Diamonds: 11 A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to or...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .04ctw Cut: Round Bri...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Gold Floral Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Floral Diamond Ring Designer Fashion Diamond Ring Modern Design Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Material: 14K Rose Gold, Natural Diamond, Ge...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k 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.