18 Karat White Gold Merida Diamond Ring '1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This curve ring features sparkling micro - prong - set diamonds along the top of this delicate band. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side ...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Nati Diamond Ring '1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite curved band features Micro -Prongs set round brilliant diamonds to match your engagement ring.Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold Nati Diamond Ring '1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite curved band features Micro -Prongs set round brilliant diamonds to match your engagement ring.Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE ...
Diamond, White Gold
5.10 Carat Diamond ring In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond dome ring showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Ceylan Sapphire 0.82 Carats Diamonds Rose Gold 18 Carats Cocktail Ring
Located in Vannes, FR
Ceylan sapphire 0.82 Carats Diamonds Rose Gold 18 carats Cocktail Ring This beautiful ring features a gold weight of 3.75 g.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond in this ring measures 1.3ct. The stone has a wonderful glisten to it and is bright and has wonderful sparkle. The ring is modelled out of 18carat gold and the stone is se...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Natural Diamond 1.20 carats 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Dazzle and drama come together in this stunning diamond cluster Multi Row Cocktail Anniversary ring set with skill and craftsmanship in 18k gold. Go for high-style fabulous with thi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The aqua measures approx 5carat and the diamond trios total 15pts per side. The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Our beautiful antique Victorian 18ct yellow gold ring is adorned with bright blue sapphires and white diamonds set in a floral millgrain setting. Its expert craftsmanship and nobilit...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Vintage Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple work scroll setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamond total is 80pts. The design of the ring has an antique feel to it. Fu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stylish ring is modelled in 18carat white gold and is set with sparking diamonds totalling 25pts. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Band Width: 3.5mm Weight: 3.6g
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 5.00 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant 18Kn white gold cocktail ring featuring a dazzling arrangement of 57 round brilliant, 5 pear-shaped, and 3 marquise- cut diamonds totaling approximately 5.00 carats. The diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The aqua measures approx 5carat and the diamonds shoulders total 10pts per side. The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold and diamonds set in platinum.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
6.5 Carat Green Tourmaline & 4.2 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 6.5 Carat Green Tourmaline & 2.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold Estate This spectacular Cocktail ring consisting of a single Oval Shape Green Tourm...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking sapphire and diamond cluster ring is modelled in 18 Carat Gold and the stones are set in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
18 Kt White Gold 4.21 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in a 18 karat white gold mounting, weighing 6 grams, is a 4.21 carat square cut Tanzanite surrounded with 146 Round Brilliant Cut diamonds with a total diamond weight of 0.70 car...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$49,500 / item
8.01 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Rose 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 8.01 carats of glittering diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky signet ring holds an old mine cut diamond which measures 65pts and is set within a decorative ribbed setting. Made in London, England. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Wi...
Diamond, Gold
Amwaj White Gold 18 Carat Ring with Diamonds
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Classic and contemporary ring by Amwaj jewelry, fully set with Marquise and round shape diamonds that give a delicate touch for a glamorous and feminine look. This ring is a timeless...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,512Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring 18 Karat Gold 2.88 Carat
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pave Halo Ring, 2.88 TCW,18 Kt. Deep colored center sapphire measuring 6.60-5.78 x 4.20 mm weighing approximately 1.38 carat.
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2.40 Carat Natural Peridot Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.40 Carat Natural Peridot Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring This beautiful ring has a Pear Cut Peridot in the center that weighs 1.83 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The delicate princess cut diamonds that are encased in this ring measure approximately 4pts each and the band is modelled in 18 carat white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold and platinum. The diamond total is 75pts. Ring Size: Q or 8 Width: 3.5mm Height Off Finger:...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Natural Diamond 0.32 carats 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
The ring features a star-shaped cluster design adorned with a total of 0.32 Carats of natural diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking sapphire and diamond cluster ring is modelled in 18 Carat Gold and the stones are set in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Gold
1.78 Carat Natural Fancy Vivid Orange Brown Diamond Ring 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Raised Solitaire Round. 1.28ct. Natural round diamond ring Fancy vivid orange brown color Si-1 clarity Very good Cut / Full cut Brilliant Side round white diamonds: .50ct G-c...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
22.00 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
This spectacular 18 carat white gold cocktail ring is beautifully set with an emerald cut aquamarine weighing an impressive 22.00 carats mounted in a four claw, open back setting.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Briana Diamond Ring '1/3 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delicate Shared prong diamonds wedding band for a sparkling look. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Si...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Briana Diamond Ring '1/3 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delicate Shared prong diamonds wedding band for a sparkling look. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Si...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Orchid Diamond Cluster Ring '1 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sparkling band features round brilliant diamonds set in gleaming shared prongs. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: N...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Briana Diamond Ring '1/3 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delicate Shared prong diamonds wedding band for a sparkling look. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Si...
Diamond, Rose Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Orchid Diamond Cluster Ring '1 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sparkling band features round brilliant diamonds set in gleaming shared prongs. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: N...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Orchid Diamond Cluster Ring '1 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sparkling band features round brilliant diamonds set in gleaming shared prongs. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: N...
Diamond, Rose Gold
1.4 Carat Natural Oval Ruby and 0.80 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Gold Ring, featuring a stunning 1.4 carat natural oval Ruby and approximately 0.80 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
French 1970s Emerald Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, head of eagle hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,164Sale Price / item|30% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cushion Yellow Diamonds Eternity Ring '4. Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Oval shape Natural Yellow Diamonds in a total weight of 4.00 carat set in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glistening Edwardian old cut diamonds set in a boat shaped setting modelled in 18ct gold. Diamond total approx 75pts. Size Q or 8 Panel dimensions: 19x9mm Weight: 4.08g
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five Stone Crossover Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Stones set in platinum and ring modelled in 18 carat yellow gold. Ring size : N 1/2 or 7 Height Off Finger: 4mm Weight: 2.9g
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Fire Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fire opals are the most striking bright orange colour. The emerald cut fire opal has such a fiery glow to it. The diamonds total approx 36pts and are set in platinum. It is believed ...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
$3,199Sale Price|20% Off
18 karat white gold, 3.50 carat diamond princess, invisible halo ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Expertly crafted from 18 karat white gold, this stunning ring features a 12mm halo of princess and baguette cut diamonds, totaling 3.50 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic style victorian five stone ring holds a total of 25pts of diamonds all set in simple claw settings. Made in Birmingham, England. Ring Size: I 1/2 or 4 1/2 Band Width:...
Diamond, Gold
Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Saddle Wide Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous 18 carat white gold saddle ring showcases a wide classic design that is lightly contoured to create a flattering curved shape.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 3, 18 Carats Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Weight of the main diamond : about 0.81 carat, total weight of other diamonds : about 2.37 carat.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.62 Carat Eternity Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
2.62 carat Eternity graduated from large diamonds on the top to smaller on the back of the ring in 18k white gold with an exquisite FERRUCCI prongs design, braided intertwined, delic...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous panel holds a cluster of sparkling diamonds. The diamond total of the ring is 80pts. The ring is modelled in 18 Carat gold and the stones are set in platinum.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The ring is modelled in 18 carat yellow gold and the stones are set in platinum.
Diamond, 18k Gold
4.01 Carat Natural Tourmaline Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.01 Carat Natural Tourmaline Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Stunning dark pink almost a mauve-like Natural Tourmaline and Natural Diamonds set in a spit-shank and hal...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.2 Carat Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Cluster Ring, Bezel Ring, Engagement Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Diamond sets on bezel with cluster accents on both sides. Solid rose gold with diamonds. Metal type: 18 karat Yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold available. Center diamond is 0.20...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Blue Sapphire Round Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
2.75 ct Total Weight Round Cut Diamond & Blue Sapphire Band / Ring 18K Yellow Gold. The ring weighs 9.5 grams, size 9, there are 9 Natural Custom Cut Baguette Sapphires
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,199Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 1.39 Carats Diamond Rosecut 18 Karat White Gold Floral Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 1.39 Carat Diamond Rosecut 18 Karat White Gold Floral Ring Set in 18K White Gold this ring features diamond rosecuts and round diamonds set in a floral motif having 8 oval sha...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$3,300Sale Price|20% Off
2.35 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Ultra modern diamond cocktail ring. 204 round brilliant diamonds, 2.35 carats total. Approximately G/H color and SI clarity. Set in 18k yellow gold, size 6.25. Accommodated with an u...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A vintage 18 carat gold ring with a diamond set in platinum with platinum detailed shoulders.
Diamond, Platinum, Gold
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
2.5 Carat 5 Stone Emerald Cut Diamond 18 Carats Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
2.5 ct total weight Five 5-Stone Asscher Cut Diamond Wedding Band / Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. The ring weighs 5.8 grams, size 10.5, there are 5 Natural Asscher Cut diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The aqua measures approx 80pts and the diamonds total 42pts. The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2.23 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.23 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring This beautiful ring has a vivid 1.69 Carat Natural Oval Cut Tanzanite.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.31 Carat Natural Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.31 Carat Natural Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring A classic setting holding a Natural Emerald that weighs 0.76 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The delicate round diamonds that are encased in this ring measure approximately 1pt each and the band is modelled in 18 carat white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Peridot and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous bright peridot stone is surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds. The peridot measures 75pts and the diamonds total 10pts. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold and stone...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold
$5,775Sale Price / item|30% Off
PANIM 1 Carat Briolette Diamond Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 1 Carat Briolette Diamond Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our Briolette Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,588Sale 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
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.