14k Solid Gold Dainty Open End Claw Statement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade: Yes Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Band, Charm Base Metal: Gold Certification: IGI Diamond Clarit...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
14k Solid Gold Floral Cluster Diamond Statement Blossom Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Snowflake Handmade: Yes Total Carat Weight: 0.33 - 0.49 Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Statement, Band, Beaded, Charm, Cocktail, Crisscross, Dome, Double Finger, ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,049Sale Price / item|30% Off
Custom X-Diamond Ring, 14k Gold Mixed Metal Bead Criss Cross Ring, LR51628M45JJ
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Accented by lovely 14 karat yellow and white gold, this ring is amazing by itself and in a stack!
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
14k Solid Gold Statement Diamond and Opal Wedding Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Wedding Band Minimalist Diamond Stacking Half Eternity Ring Band Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unu...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold Band Open Bar Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Open Gold Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold Band Open Bar Ring Women/men Unisex Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Open Diamond Ring 14K Band Round Yellow Gold Cocktail
Located in Chicago, IL
Open Diamond Gold Ring 14K 14k Band Round Yellow Gold Cocktail Diamond Open Ring Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14KT White Gold Round Diamond 0.12 Cts Heart Cluster Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in warm 14K white gold, this romantic ring features a delicate heart-shaped motif filled with a sparkling cluster of diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold Star Round Diamond 0.09 Cts Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in polished 14K white gold, this whimsical celestial ring features a sleek, central star motif anchored on a glittering, diamond-paved band.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Emerald Cocktail Ring by Designer VR Jewels, New
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This vintage-style cocktail ring features a 4.1 ct emerald set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14KT White Gold Geometric Diamond-Kite Ring 12 Natural Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in polished 14K white gold, this delicate stackable ring features a striking geometric kite motif set with pave-set diamond accents.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold 0.80ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Double Crossover Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold 0.80ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Double Crossover Ring Style: 14k Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Double Crossover Fashion Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Heart Love Couple Ring in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Diamond Heart Ring Love Couple Ring Gold Birthday Ring Jewelry Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Material: 14k Yellow Gold, Natural Diamond Ba...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
0.14ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wedding Band in 14k White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The band features exquisite beaded detailing and is crafted in high polish 14k white gold, making it perfect for wearing alone or stacked.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Vintage 14k White Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover this exquisite 1.50 carat natural Burma ruby eternity band ring, crafted from 14k white gold in the captivating Mid-Century Modern style of the 1950s.
Ruby
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
3.20 Carat Emerald Cut Band White Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The diamonds are all completely natural, earth-mined, without any treatments or enhancements of any kind. The solid 14k white gold band perfectly complements the diamonds’ brilliant ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Open Cuff Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Round Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Hexagon Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Band, Charm, Eternity, Wrap, Open Base Metal: Yellow Gold Certification: BIS Hallmark ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.06 Carat Diamond Floral Cluster Ring in 14K Pink Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A charming fusion of vintage elegance and floral romance, this 1.06-carat diamond cluster ring in 14K pink gold is a truly enchanting piece.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$2,195 / item
14k Rose Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
14k Rose Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring features a pave set diamond band with emerald cut diamond set in the center of the band making a dainty diamond stackable ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mixed Shape Diamond Eternity Band in 14K White Gold, 2.45 Carats
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Details Name: Mixed Shape Diamond Eternity Band Creator: ADA Jewelry Stone: Natural Diamonds – Emerald, Oval, Pear, Marquise, Round Total Carat Weight: 2.45 Carats Color: G/H Clarity...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.38 Carat Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Stackable Gold Bands
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.38 Carat Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Stackable Gold Bands Beautifully curated Stackable Bands with Multi Color Sapphires and Diamonds! These bands are so versatile and a best sel...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 14k Gol...
Heart Shape Ring Round Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
14K Yellow Gold Heart Shape Ring Genuine Round Diamond Open Designer Ring Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Material: 14k Yellow Gold, Diamond Weight Ba...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14KT White Gold Square Shape Round Diamond Pave Cluster Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Micro-paved with multiple round brilliant-cut stones. Perfect as a chic stackable piece, fashion ring, or subtle promise ring. 14KT White Gold Square Diamond Pave Cluster Ring Style...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Pave Set Diamond Disc Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Embrace effortless elegance with this delicate and minimalist diamond disk ring. Beautifully cast in polished 14K yellow gold, the ring features a perfectly flat, circular button hea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal Diamond Flower Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Antique Art Deco Ring with four gorgeous natural oval Opal gems of incredible color and stunning beauty in 14 Karat Gold. The four Opal gems are accented by a spa...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Stackable Gold Band Set
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 elegant and classy 2.90 Carat Sapphire and Diamond bands that are sure to be a great addition to your accessory collection! There are 42 Round Cut Yellow and Pink Sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold,...
14KT White Gold 2.10Cts Natural Diamond Seven-Stone Round Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Natural Diamonds with G-H Color and SI Clarity make this luxury jewelry piece a timeless choice for an anniversary, wedding, engagement-inspired styling, stacking or a mean...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold 2.11Cts Natural Diamond Pear-Cut Eternity Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This 14K white gold pear-cut eternity ring showcases a precisely arranged sequence of pear natural diamonds, creating a refined rhythm of brilliance across the finger.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold 2.50Cts Natural Diamond Pear-Cut Eternity Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This 14K white gold pear-cut eternity ring showcases a precisely arranged sequence of pear natural diamonds, creating a refined rhythm of brilliance across the finger.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
French Cut Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Channel Set Eternity Band 14K White Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K White Gold Total weight: 2.24 g.
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Band Ring with Ruby Accents
Located in San Francisco, CA
Whether worn as part of a stack or solo, this unique diamond band ring is destined to become a favorite. Featuring 5 incredibly white natural diamonds weighing .60 carats total weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,188Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Pear Shape Diamond Open Ring 0.76 Carat Wrap Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Currently available in US size 7, with all ring sizes available upon request. Details :- Item Code :- SFR-2422 Gross Wt. :- 2.5 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :- 2.35 gm Natural Diamond Wt....
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.06 Carat Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Stackable Gold Bands
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.06 Carat Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Stackable Gold Bands Beautifully curated Stackable Bands with Multi Color Sapphires and Diamonds! These bands are so versatile and a best...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$3,472Sale Price|20% Off
Baguette Diamond East-West Wedding Band in 14k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisitely crafted in lustrous 14k white gold, this sophisticated diamond band features a series of elegant baguette diamonds set in a distinctive east-west orientation.
Diamond, White Gold
Slim French Cut Emerald Art Deco Style Channel Set Eternity Band 14K White Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Discover a beautiful and dainty piece of art deco history. The natural French cut emeralds run around the entire ring in an enclosed type of setting. This piece is great for wearing ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Beaded Chevron V-Band Ring, 14K Gold, Gabriel & Co., Customizable, LR51800
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely chevron / curved V-band, is decorated with gorgeous beaded details! Accented by the lovely 14 karat yellow gold, this ring is an amazing fashion band and stackable band! ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$1,125 / item
14K White Gold 0.30ct Diamond Twist Band for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Just like you! Available in White, Yellow & Rose Gold. Would look beautifully stacked in all 3 gold colors.
Diamond, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Rhodolite Garnet Heart Ring
By Thomas Laine LLC
Located in New York City, NY
Available in 14 k yellow, rose and white gold. Ring Size : US 6.
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Modern Emerald and Diamond Ring, 0.55ct Emerald Center
Located in Paramus, NJ
It's the perfect stackable ring or great on its own. Also available in white gold. 14K Yellow Gold Ring 5 x 3 Center Stone Emerald - Emerald weight: Aprrox. 0.55 ct weight - Diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Sparkling Diamond Arrow Open Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring features a modern open-bypass design shaped like a stylized arrow.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Double Pear-Shaped Emerald & Diamond Halo Bypass Ring in 14K Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary bypass ring in featuring 0.72 carats two elegant pear-shaped emeralds, set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14ct White Gold, 1980s Diamond & Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Snake Ring 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1980s This striking 1980s snake ring is expertly crafted from 14ct white gold, showcasing a mesmerising design that captures the essenc...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,104Sale Price|20% Off
Princess Cut Diamond Channel Set 14k White Gold Wedding Band
Located in Chicago, IL
The clean, modern design of the channel setting offers both security for the stones and a smooth, comfortable profile, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear or as a sophisticat...
Diamond, White Gold
Round Emerald 14K (18K Custom) Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round emerald half eternity band ring features a row of vibrant green emeralds, expertly prong-set in solid 14K gold to create a timeless and refined look.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scattered Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ring Information Gold : 14k, 18K (Upon Request) Color : White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum Total Diamond Carats : 0.60ct Diamond Cut : Round Cut Natural (Conflict Free) Dia...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K White Gold 7.00cttw Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
This elegant eternity band is crafted in 14K white gold and set with 20 natural emerald-cut diamonds totaling approximately 7.00 carats. Each diamond is about 0.35ct each. The diam...
Diamond, White Gold
$3,380Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Interval Flexible Expandable Eternity Band Ring in 14K/18K Gold/Platinum
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This exquisite creation marries architectural precision with unparalleled comfort, offering a modern interpretation of the classic eternity band. The design features a rhythmic seque...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
$6,188Sale Price|20% Off
1.5 Carat Diamond Nine-Stone Band in 14k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Expertly set in lustrous 14k white gold, the ring showcases a classic, timeless design that radiates continuous sparkle across the finger.
Diamond, White Gold
$3,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Geometric Pentagon Diamond Pavé Cluster Sculptural Dome Band Ring 14K/18K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
A bold yet refined design, this ring brings together sculptural gold forms and precise geometry in a seamless, modern composition. Polished pentagon-inspired segments flow around the...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
$17,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Asscher Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring in 14K 18K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Crafted in your choice of 14K or 18K gold or platinum, this ring is designed with attention to proportion, durability, and everyday comfort.
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
Ceylon Sapphire & Natural Diamond Halfway Band in 14K White Gold Bezel Setting
Located in Columbus, OH
This elegant blue sapphire and diamond band features alternating marquise-cut Ceylon Blue sapphires and brilliant round diamonds in a delicate bezel setting. Crafted in 14k white gol...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Four Row Half Eternity 14k Solid Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 1.00 ctw - 1.24 ctw Country/Region of Manufacture: India Department: Women Base Metal: Rose Gold Gold Weight: 5.33 Grams Approx Gross Weight: 5.53 Grams Approx Ce...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,704Sale Price / item|20% Off
Spectrum 18k White Gold Marquise-Cut Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Deira, Dubai
You can choose from Rose Gold, Yellow Gold or White Gold. Also 10k, 14k and 18k gold are available for most of the items.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.21 Ct Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire Promise ring in 14K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond and gemstones Eternity ring, Diamond and gemstones band, Stacking ring, Gold eternity band, Gifts for her, Delicate stackable ring Eternity ring, eternity band, Handmade je...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, ...
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Band Ring Size 5.5 #21537
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Band Ring Size 5.5 Elegant and timeless, this 14K white gold band features a striking design with five baguette-cut diamonds alternating between four rou...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,432Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring 0.50ct Round Brilliant 14K Two-Tone Gold GIA
Located in New York, NY
Who wears it, and when: the half-carat solitaire is the classic engagement ring, and the two-tone gold is exactly the current look — it stacks honestly with yellow or white gold band...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.82 Carat Round Cut Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Stackable Bands
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.82 Carat Round Cut Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire and Orange Sapphire White and Yellow Gold Stackable Bands! Set of 3 elegant and classy 2.82 Carat Sapphire bands that are sure to...
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Ye...
0.69 Carat Two Stone Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The total carat weight of the ring is 0.69 Carats. The ring is crafted in 14k White Gold and weighs approximately 2.0 grams.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Wedding Set Ring 14k Solid Gold Classic Eternity Bridal
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 0.25 - 0.32 Country/Region of Manufacture: India Department: Unisex Adults Base Metal: Rose Gold Diamond Size: 1 mm Approx Band Style: With Diamonds Certification...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$900 / item
14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Ring for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Charming Design - This stackable ring features a 14k gold band, and a emerald cut shaped gorgeous Aquamarine approximately 0.50cts, available in white, yellow and rose gold Measure...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold
$900 / item
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Ring for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Charming Design - This stackable ring features a 14k gold band, and a emerald cut shaped gorgeous Purple Amethyst approximately 0.50cts, available in white, yellow and rose gold Me...
Amethyst, Yellow 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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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.