$9,000Sale Price|20% Off
2.43 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Complimented by 50 round brilliant diamonds, 1.11 carats. Approximately H color and VS2/SI1 clarity. 18-karat white gold, 4.3 grams, current ring size 6.75.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.27 carats 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
DETAILS: Metal: 18kt White Gold Gemstone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant Diamond Total Carat Weight: 0.27 cts Number of Gemstones: 18 Setting Style: Cluster/ Pave Average...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.14 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K Yellow gold with shiny middle and matted sides. It has 6 pieces of perfectly matched princess cut diamonds (Total Weight 3.14 Ct - over 1/2 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.27 carats 18 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
DETAILS: Metal: 18kt Rose Gold Gemstone: Natural Diamonds/ Ethically Sourced Shape: Round Brilliant Total Carat Weight: 0.27 cts Number of Gemstones: 18 Setting Style: Cluster/ Pav...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.99 Carat Channel Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with mat finish top. It has 3 pieces of 3.4 mm and 8 pieces of 2.4 mm Round Brilliant Diamonds(Total Weight 0.99 Ct) Channel set...
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.74 Carat Channel Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with shiny finish on the sides and mat finish in the middle. It has 10 pieces of perfectly matched 2.5 mm Round Brilliant Diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.55 Carat Channel Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with mat finish top. It has 3 pieces of 3.5 mm Round Brilliant Diamonds(Total Weight 0.55 Ct) Channel set on the top. Total Dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.12 Carats 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
At the heart of the ring lies a stunning baguette diamond, radiating a sleek and modern allure. The baguette diamond, with its elongated shape and pristine clarity, serves as the foc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.45 Carat Illusion Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with shiny finish. It has 5 pieces of perfectly matched 2.8 mm Round Brilliant Diamonds(Total Weight 0.45 Ct) Illusion set on the...
Diamond, 18k Gold
3.51 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with shiny middle and matted sides. It has 14 pieces of perfectly matched 3.4 mm princess cut diamonds (Total Weight 3.51 Ct) inv...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.29 Carat Channel Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with mat finish top. It has 10 pieces of 2.3 mm and 1 pieces of 4.2 mm Princess Cut Diamonds(Total Weight 1.29 Ct) Channel set on...
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.18 Carat Channel Set Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with shiny finish sides and mat finish middle. It has 6 pieces of perfectly matched 1.8 mm Round Brilliant Diamonds(Total Weight ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.03 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gents Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Gent's ring is made in 18K white gold with shiny sides and matted middle. At its center, It has a cluster of 4 pieces of perfectly matched 3.4 mm princess cut diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.46 Carats Diamonds, 18 Kt Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions. Diamonds 2.46 ct Total...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.12 Carats 18 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
At the heart of the ring lies a stunning baguette diamond, radiating a sleek and modern allure. The baguette diamond, with its elongated shape and pristine clarity, serves as the foc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.12 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
At the heart of the ring lies a stunning baguette diamond, radiating a sleek and modern allure. The baguette diamond, with its elongated shape and pristine clarity, serves as the foc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky 18 carat gold buckle ring has a 7pt diamond set within.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 1.64 carats 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of this statement-making 18 KT White Gold ring, adorned with bold geometric vertical settings of baguette and round diamonds totaling 1.64 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is modelled in 18 carat gold and the diamonds are set in platinum.
Diamond, Gold
$24,500 / item
5.69 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bombe Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set with 5.69 carats of glittering diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Ro...
0.68 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new diamond ring in 18 karat gold. The center diamond weight is 0.25 carat and total diamond weight is 0.68 carat.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald 0.56 Carats Diamonds Yellow Gold 18 Carats Cocktail Ring
Located in Vannes, FR
Ring Emerald Diamonds Yellow Gold 18 Carats This beautiful ring in 18 carat yellow gold with emerald and pear diamonds has a gold weight of 3.74 g .
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Heart Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is modelled in 18 carat white gold and is very chunky with a great weight to it.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Diamond Signet Ring, GIA Certified 1 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Center diamond is 1 carat Color: GH Clarity: SI Ring size from 3-10
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Three Stone Round Diamond 18 Carat Pink Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Three Stone Platinum & 18K Rose Gold Forever 10 Diamond Engagement Halo Ring. The ring weighs 5.2 grams, size 7.25, the center stone is a Forever 10 Round Brilliant Cut Diamond we...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.15 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new diamond ring in 18 karat gold. The diamond weigh 4.15 carat and total ring weight is 12.90 grams.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Designer 2.35 carat Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Ring 18 Karat 4.05 Carat
By Charles Krypell
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The underneath rings gallery are set with pave diamonds. The total diamond weight is 1.70 carats.
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold
1.46 Carat Champagne Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.46 Carat Champagne Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring A great alternative to a typical diamond engagement ring!
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
0.41 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new diamond ring in 18 karat gold. The total diamond weight is 0.41 carats and total ring weight is 3.23 grams.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.01 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new diamond ring in 18 karat gold. The total diamond weight is 1.01 carat and total ring weight is 3.05 grams.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Carats White Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
2.45 ct Total Weight Natural Blue Sapphire & Round Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold. The ring weighs 8.2 grams, size 7, the center is a Natural Vivid Blue Color Emerald Cut Sapphire...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The design of this ring is fabulous! The band is modelled in 18 carat gold and is set with a diamond measuring 25pts.
Diamond, Gold
1.04 Carat H SI1 Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Halo Engagement Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
This absolutely gorgeous 18 carat white gold engagement ring features a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.04ct, certified 'H' in colour and 'Si1' in clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,795Sale Price|20% Off
18-Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring with 0.750 Carat Diamond
Located in Vannes, FR
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this 18-carat white gold solitaire ring, featuring a brilliant-cut diamond weighing 0.750 carats and boasting an exquisite H color grade.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.56 Carat Black Diamond Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.56 Carat Black Diamond Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Ring This ring has a beautiful cluster of natural Rose Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.58 Carats and natural Black...
Black Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat White Gold Triple Cluster Diamond Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
It holds a total of 94pts worth of diamonds. The ring is modelled in 18 carat white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,300 / item
2.58 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This eternity ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold and set in shimmering 2.58 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$5,200 / item
1.30 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Revere Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold and set with 1.3 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Eterntity Band Diamond Ring 18 Carats Yellow Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified Eterntity Band Diamond Ring 18 Carats Yellow Gold all the 8 diamonds come with GIA certificates is a sizable ring
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,282Sale Price|20% Off
18 Carat White Gold Engagement Ring with 0.950 Carat Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Allow yourself to be captivated by this elegant engagement ring crafted in 18 karat white gold, meticulously adorned with 41 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
Emeralds and diamonds in 18-carat gold ring
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Superb ring in 18K yellow gold, set with 13 faceted oval emeralds for a total of approx. 2.17 carats, displaying a lively and vibrant green color. The design is further enhanced with...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
$10,440Sale Price|20% Off
0.81 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
0.81 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1.29 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ballerina Cluster Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
The aquamarine is wonderfully surrounded by a mix of tapered banquette cut diamonds and round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of 1.00ct, all claw set in 18 carat white gold.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.70 Carat Central Diamond, Diamonds, 18 Kt Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a central diamond between little diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,687Sale Price|20% Off
Ring In 18-Carat Rose Gold With 0.60 Carat Diamond
Located in Vannes, FR
This 750 thousandth gold ring, certified by a poinçon de maître, is an exquisite example of fine jewelry. The gold of the ring is finely worked, highlighting exceptional craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$47,500 / item
8.65 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bombe Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat gold. It is set with 4.0 carats champagne and 4.65 of white glittering diamonds.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
.80 Carat Natural Round Diamonds Regency Knot Ring 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Regency Deco Wire Wrap Knot Ring .80ct. Natural diamonds ring G-color Vs-2 clarity Very good Cuts / Full cut Brilliants 18kt yellow gold Ring size: 6 (Complimentary resizing a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.68 Carat Champagne Yellow Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring also has Yellow Round Cut Diamonds which weigh 0.25 Carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, White Gold,...
4.80 Carat Tanzanite Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.80 Carat Tanzanite Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This beautiful ring has a natural 4.02 Carat Oval Cut Tanzanite.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Cluster Diameter: 14mm Weight: 6g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
1.73 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.73 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring This ring has a 1.14 Carat Oval Cut Emerald that is set in the center of the ring.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,850 / item
1.4 Carat Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Cocktail Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted in 1.4 carats ruby & illuminated with .6 carats brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby
$13,254Sale Price / item|30% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Radiant Eternity Diamond Ring '6 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 6.00 carat set in a shared prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$8,516Sale Price / item|30% Off
18 Karat White Gold Oval Eternity Diamond Ring '4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Oval shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 4.00 carat set in a shared prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WH...
Diamond, White Gold
$13,254Sale Price / item|30% Off
18 Karat White Gold Radiant Eternity Diamond Ring '6 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 6.00 carat set in a shared prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, White Gold
$8,516Sale Price / item|30% Off
18 Karat Rose Gold Oval Eternity Diamond Ring '4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Oval shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 4.00 carat set in a shared prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WH...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$13,254Sale Price / item|30% Off
18 Karat Rose Gold Radiant Eternity Diamond Ring '6 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight of 6.00 carat set in a shared prongs ring Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$5,603Sale Price|20% Off
Ring Diamonds 0, 340 Carats Two-Tones Gold 18 Carats
Located in Vannes, FR
Ring Diamonds 0, 340 Carats Two-Tones Gold 18 Carats This elegant two-tone ring in yellow and white gold is a piece of jewelry with great sophistication, designed in a band style t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Stone Face Diameter: 15.5mm Height Off Finger: 10mm Weight: 6.1g
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold
1.70 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18 Carat White Gold
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous, fine quality 1.70 carat diamond solitaire ring is simply divine. This stunning round brilliant cut diamond is wonderfully bright and is certified as G in colour and ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k 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.