GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Trellis Vine Cluster Radiant Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Radiant Carat: 1.51 Color: J Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: White Gold...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 15 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional GIA certified fancy intense yellow diamond ring, centered with a spectacular 15.87 carat cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant diamond. The center stone displays...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA 1.51ct Radiant Vintage 3-Stone Heart & Vine 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Radiant Carat: 1.51 Color: J Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: White Gold...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 10.59 Carat '0.70 Cts' Radiant Platinum Diamond Eternity Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Eternity Ring is made of Platinum showcasing 15 perfectly matched GIA Certified (VVS2-VS2/D-F) 0.70 Ct Radiant Diamonds Set in Shared Prong Mode. 6 diamonds are D Co...
Diamond, Platinum
Scarselli 15 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring Internally Flawless GIA
By SCARSELLI
Located in New York, NY
This Beautiful Classic Ring From Scarselli features a 15.03 carat Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond with a GIA certificate. The center diamond is surrounded by 48 round bril...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Radiant Cut Diamonds Eternity Band
Located in Wailea, HI
15 Radiant Cut Diamonds set in platinum eternity band ring. 10.90 carats total weight All stones are certified by GIA.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.70 Carat Pear Solitaire Cathedral 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Pear Carat: 1.70 Color: I Clarity: SI2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: White Gold D...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.20 Carat Round Multi-Row Pave & Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Round Carat: 1.2 Color: H Clarity: SI2 Cut/Pol/Sym: EX/EX/EX Ring Details: Metal: Platinum DID: 5854-15
Diamond, Platinum
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 15 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, The focal point of this ring is featuring a Gia certified natural Fancy I...
Yellow Diamond
Ring - 18K White Gold - 3.23ct - Natural diamond - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning ring features a unique design with natural diamonds, totaling 3.23 carats, set in lustrous 18kt white gold. The white gold band adds a touch of sophistication to the de...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
East-West Radiant Cut Diamonds Eternity Band
Located in Wailea, HI
15 Radiant Cut Diamonds in an East-West setting eternity band. 18k white gold 5.05 carats total weight Ring size 6.5 Approximate Color F Clarity VS
Diamond, 18k Gold
Radiant 0.27 carat Natural Diamond Half Eternity Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This exquisite 14K rose gold half eternity ring is set with 9 round brilliant diamonds, totalling 0.27ct. The diamonds, graded G for colour and VVS for clarity, radiate exceptional b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Radiant Sapphire & Diamond Double Halo Platinum Ring - GIA 5231597285
Located in Bloomington, MN
Radiant Sapphire & Diamond Double Halo Platinum Ring - GIA 5231597285 This sapphire and diamond ring is crafted in platinum and features a cushion-cut natural blue sapphire at t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Eternity Elongated Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dekara Design Collection A Breathtaking, Timeless Classic Eternity Prong Set Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Band. This high end piece is handmade to perfection, from the stone sett...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,580Sale Price|20% Off
18-Carat Gold Ring Adorned with Pearls and 0.180-Carat Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
This 18-carat gold cocktail ring is a true masterpiece, adorned with 8 diamonds totaling 0.180 carats and 15 exquisite pearls that emit a radiant, iridescent glow.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 0.25 carats 18KT White Gold Cluster Flower Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Embrace the unmatched beauty and elegance of this extraordinary piece, and let it be a radiant testament to your everlasting love. DETAILS: Metal: 18KT White Gold Weight: 2.98 Gram...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.47 Carat Natural Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold Anniversary Ring
Located in Diera, AE
Expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold, this elegant natural diamond ring features 0.47 carats of SI clarity, H-I color diamonds arranged in a sophisticated geometric halo design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.50 Carat Diamond Halo White Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This captivating 1930's cluster ring features 15 old European cut diamonds with 1.50 total carats of sparkling diamonds, arranged in a radiant cluster design and framed by a shimmeri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1.76 Carat Natural Diamond Floral Cluster Ring 18K White Gold Statement Ring
Located in Diera, AE
With a total diamond weight of 1.76 carats, this distinctive design offers exceptional brilliance and modern elegance, making it perfect as a statement ring, anniversary gift, or uni...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.70 Carat Natural Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold Anniversary Ring
Located in Diera, AE
Inspired by the beauty of a blooming flower, this extraordinary diamond cocktail ring showcases a radiant arrangement of pear and marquise-shaped natural diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold Anniversary Ring
Located in Diera, AE
Bold geometry and brilliant sparkle come together in this striking Art Deco-inspired diamond ring. Multiple concentric halos frame a radiant baguette and round diamond center, creati...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
0.35 Carat Natural Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Diera, AE
The rectangular halo enhances the visual presence of the center motif while maintaining balanced proportions and symmetry. Featuring 0.35 carats of natural diamonds with SI clarity ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.09 Carat Diamonds In 14K White Gold Gazebo Fancy Ring
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Diamond Carat Weight: This exquisite Gazebo Fancy Collection ring features a total of 0.09 carats of round diamonds, set meticulously in a micro pave setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
8.5 Carat Opal Emerald Diamond Ring 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Retro Antique Ring
Located in New York, NY
DIAMONDS Four Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds The diamonds are each approximately .15 Carats for a total of .6 Carats of Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 15.07 Carat Emerald Cut Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 15 Carat Emerald Cut Natural Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Split Shank 18K Gold and Platinum Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.88 Carat Toi et Moi Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold Anniversary Band
Located in Diera, AE
An exceptional choice as an engagement ring, anniversary gift, wedding gift, or meaningful diamond ring for her.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Cocktail Ring 0.60 ct Fancy Yellow Green Diamond GIA Scarselli
By SCARSELLI
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold cocktail ring featuring a GIA-certified 0.60 carat natural fancy yellowish green diamond, fancy light-yellow pear cut yellow diamonds. Maximalist, diamond embellished ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
10 Carat Opal Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold Retro Hollywood Regency
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Retro - Hollywood Regency Ring with a gorgeous central 9.57 Carat Opal surrounded by a halo of 30 absolutely radiant Rubies and Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.10 Carat Marquise and Pear Cut Diamond Bypass Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Distinctive in both form and presence, this diamond bypass ring captures light through an intricate arrangement of marquise and pear-shaped stones.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2 Carat Natural Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring 18K White Gold Gift for Her
Located in Diera, AE
This sophisticated Toi et Moi diamond ring showcases an elegant pairing of radiant-cut and pear-shaped natural diamonds, arranged side by side in a modern interpretation of a classic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,703Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.97 Carat Emerald Cut and Fancy Shape Diamond Halo Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Defined by striking geometry and radiant symmetry, this diamond ring balances the hall-of-mirrors effect of an emerald-cut center stone with the lively brilliance of surrounding fanc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Tous 34.62 Carat Square Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in 18 Karat Gold
By Tous
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18K White Gold Ring size: 6.5 Weight: 18.2 grams Natural Blue Topaz: 34.62 ctw Topz cut: Square Step Topaz color: Medium Blue Natural Diamonds: .21 ctw Diamond cut: Round Bri...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nina Zhou Butterfly Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Step into a world of elegance and fantasy with the Nina Zhou Butterfly Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring. This exquisite piece, crafted in radiant yellow gold, brings together the deep,...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou Celestial 3.86ctw Peridot & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A celebration of light and renewal, this Celestial cocktail ring by Nina Zhou captures the vivid brilliance of natural peridot in full bloom. Arranged in a radiant floral constellati...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Celestial 3.56ctw Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou 3.56ctw Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring is a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and life's most precious moments. The mesmerizing 3.50ctw aquamarine gemstones shimm...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Celestial 3.56ctw Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou 3.56ctw Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring is a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and life's most precious moments. The mesmerizing 3.50ctw aquamarine gemstones shimm...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
0.12 CTW Diamond Cluster Ring in 14K Gold, SI+ Natural Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Designed to maximize sparkle in a delicate and timeless silhouette, this 14K gold diamond cluster ring features 15 natural diamonds beautifully arranged around a round center design.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$40,956
Sambia Emerald diamond ring
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
At its center is a vivid green Zambian emerald weighing 2.01 carats, certified by an official appraisal. Surrounding the emerald are 4.09 carats of radiant baguette- and princess-cut...
18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a spectacular Antique Art Deco to Retro Wedding Engagement Cocktail Ring with 15 radiant natural mined Diamonds totaling approximately 1.5 Carats, with 12 gorgeous natural...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Cluster Black and White Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 10K Yellow Gold • Average Gram Weight: 7.74 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 2, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total C...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Cluster Black and White Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 10K Yellow Gold • Average Gram Weight: 7.74 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 2, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total C...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Cluster Black and White Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 10K Yellow Gold • Average Gram Weight: 7.74 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 2, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Cluster Black and White Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 10K Yellow Gold • Average Gram Weight: 7.74 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 2, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total C...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Cluster Black and White Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: 10K Yellow Gold • Average Gram Weight: 7.74 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 2, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total C...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
Fred of Paris Sugar Cube Pink Quartz Diamond Ring Size 4 3/4
Located in Feasterville, PA
The warm hue of the rose gold complements the soft pink of the quartz, creating a harmonious and sophisticated look. Accentuated with .15 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds, eac...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
【Crown Radiance】Aurora Bloom Emerald Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Set in 18K white gold, the ring features a radiant, sunburst-inspired setting, adorned with 1.27 carats of brilliant diamonds and 1.37 carats of vivid emeralds.
Diamond, Black Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
Exquisite 0.48ct Natural Diamond & Jade 18K White Gold Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Discover unparalleled elegance with this exquisite ring, meticulously crafted in radiant 18K white gold and accompanied by a prestigious NGI certification.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold & Diamond Gazebo Collection Ring (0.14 Ct)
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Diamond Total Carat Weight: This exquisite Gazebo ring features a total carat weight of 0.14 carats, showcasing 15 excellent round diamonds, creating a captivating and elegant piece ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Floral Cluster Ring 2.94 Ct Marquise Pear Cut Diamonds 18k Gold
Located in Diera, AE
At its center, a striking marquise-cut natural diamond anchors an elegant cluster of pear-shaped diamonds arranged in a radiant floral formation.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vibrant 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Citrine, Yellow Sapphire, and Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vibrant 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Citrine, Yellow Sapphire, and Diamond Ring Striking in both form and color, this sculptural ring centers a vivid oval citrine of approximately 15–18 ca...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vitolo 18K Two-Tone Gold Mesh Diamond Ring with Pear-Cut Center
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 0.50-carat pear-shape diamond highlights the center, adding depth and refined sparkle.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold & Diamond Gazebo Fancy Collection Ring (0.08 Ct)
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Diamond Total Carat Weight: This exquisite Gazebo ring features a total carat weight of 0.08 carats, showcasing 15 excellent round diamonds, creating a captivating and elegant piece ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.23tcw 14K Oval Emerald & Diamond Halo Floral Bezel Set Statement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This magnificent emerald and diamond ring commands attention with a 2.87-carat oval-cut emerald at its center, elegantly bezel-set to showcase its vibrant beauty.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Retro Style Engagement Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Number: 15 Weight: 0.08 Carat (approx. total weight) This ring will be made to your order in 1-2 weeks, contact us to find out more.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
【Vine Symphony】Midnight Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Statement Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the pearl are meticulously crafted layers resembling petals, encrusted with 450 brilliant white diamonds totaling 1.58 carats and 230 dazzling black diamonds totaling 0.8...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Golden Peony South Sea Pearl Ring with Yellow & White Diamonds
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
These lifelike petals are adorned with 2 carats of natural diamonds, featuring 1.27 carats of brilliant white diamonds and 0.73 carats of vibrant yellow diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Cultured Akoya Pearl and Baguette Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstones: Pearl and Diamonds Pearl Count: 1 Pearl Size: 10.15 - 10.24 mm Pearl Color: White Diamond Count: 35 Diamond Cut: Baguette Diamond Total Carat We...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k 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.
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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.