Tabbah Emerald Cabochon Diamond 18K Gold and Platinum Cross-Over Ring
By Tabbah
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Details * Maker: Tabbah, signed * Emerald: 1.88 ct, oval cabochon * Diamonds: approximately 2.15 ct total * Metal: 18K yellow gold and platinum * Hallmarks: French eagle’s head and ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side sits a baguette diamond, the diamond total is approx 30pts. The ring is modelled out of 18ct white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold
0.4ct Diamond and 0.5ct Emerald Starburst Ring, 14K Gold, Circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamonds total approximately 0.40 ct., G color and VS-1 clarity, and the emeralds total approximately 0.50 ct., set in 14K yellow gold, sized 6.25 and weighing 18 grams.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Art Deco Colombian Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring Emerald Cut
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A stunning antique-style emerald and diamond ring, expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Art Deco 1.80ct Emerald and Diamond Halo Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This eye catching cluster ring from the Art Deco period featured a luscious green emerald at its centre, surrounded by a halo of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat either side it are three bright shimmering old mine cut diamonds each measuring approx 7pts. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Classic Emerald Diamond Ring Gold For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Classic Emerald & Diamond Ring Crafted in luxurious 18K white and yellow gold, this exquisite ring features a stunning natural emerald beautifully accented by two brilliant natu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Natural Emerald 3.90ct and Diamond 1.52ct Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring Diamonds Emeralds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Lovely Platinum Vintage Ring featruing 30 brilliant cut Emeralds weighing approximately 2.50 ct in a surrounding of 18 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately 0.80 ct, G color,...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,814Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Contemporary with Diamonds and Emeralds White Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Elevate your style with this contemporary ring from the 20th century, crafted in 18k white gold and adorned with diamonds and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald 1.60ct and Diamond 0.86ct Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18-karat yellow gold ring with an emerald and brilliant-cut diamonds
Located in Chorzów, PL
18-karat yellow gold ring with an emerald and brilliant-cut diamonds A classic ring crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (0.750 fineness).
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.75 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous diamond cluster engagement ring. This contemporary piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and focally features a pristine 0.75 carat emerald cut diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 6.67 Carat Green Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum and 18k yellow gold green emerald ring features 6.67 ct green emerald set with 1.40 cts of baguette diamonds and round diamonds in a halo setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Ring, signed G. R. Addis, Australia, circa 1890–1910
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Addis Date: Circa 1890–1910 Place of Manufacture: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia (likely) Material: Yellow gold (tests approx. 18K) Gemstones: 1 central emerald-cut emerald (approx. 1...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
GIA 18k 750 White Gold Natural Colombian Emerald and Natural Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and Diamond Ring Metal Type: 18k Gold, White Gold Total Item Weight: 8.9 Grams Ring Size: 6 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length: 15.0 mm X Width: 18.0 mm X Height: 11.0 mm 1: Pri...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.50ct Baguette diamond chunky engagement ring 18ct yellow gold
Located in London, GB
Classic wedding band or engagement ring in 18ct yellow gold. Beautiful emerald cut baguette diamond eternity ring in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Custom 8ct Emerald and Diamond Knot Ring in Platinum by OHLIGUER
Located in Brisbane, AU
• Custom made to your size • Natural emerald, individually sourced for your budget and preferences • Diamond-set Forget Me Knot band • Crafted in platinum, or available in 18ct yel...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18k White Gold Pave Black Diamond and Emerald Pear Cocktail Ring
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
18 Karat Gold 18K 13.50 g 4 ct Black Diamond 1.5 ct Drop Cut Emerald
Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 6.75 #16990
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 6.75 This lovely ring features one oval green emerald (approx. .40 ct.) and two round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 18K ye...
White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
35.56 Carat Coral Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Combination Ring / Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning and unusual vintage 1960's 35.56 carat coral, 2.20 carat emerald and 0.86 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold combination cluster ring and pendant; part of our diverse vin...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Emerald, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central emerald in a frame of diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Victorian 2.40ct Emerald and Diamond cluster Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
A hand crafted basket and band of 18 carat yellow gold complete this stunning ring. Gemstone: Emerald Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 2.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Emerald Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.40ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian trilogy ring features a vivid green emerald at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18kt White Gold Ring with Square Emerald Cut and Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White Gold Ring With Square Emerald cut and Brilliant cut Diamonds Material: 18kt White Gold Diamonds: 6 emerald cut diamonds ( 2.4 Ct.) , 18 brilliant cut diamonds (0,9 Ct) T...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
VICTORIAN ring with emerald and rose cut diamonds 18k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and silver ring set with emerald and rose-cut diamond up to 0.15 ct - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.2 cm long, 1.5 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Classic 18 Carat Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Canterbury, England
A unique piece within our carefully curated Vintage & Prestige fine jewellery collection, we are delighted to present the following: This classic 18ct emerald and diamond cluster ri...
Diamond, Emerald
Victorian 1.30ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautifully Victorian piece dates back to the 1880s and features a central emerald flanked by old cut diamonds. The classically emerald cut emerald weighs 1.30 carat and is a be...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$24,628Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Solid White Gold Exquisite Emerald and Halo Diamond Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Emerald and Halo Diamond Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 7.51 carats and diamonds of 2 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$2,527Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1990s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.45 carats (G color, VVS1-VS1 clarity) and natural emeralds totaling approximately 3 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$3,124Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Marquise Cut Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold > Gemstone - Emerald > Gemstone Weight - 1.05 ct > Gemstone pcs - 1 > Gemstone shape - Marquise > Gemstone size - 11 x 5.5 mm ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
RUCHI Colombian Emerald Cabochon and Mixed-Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White & Yellow gold. US size 7. Emeralds: 3.22 ct total weight. Rose Cut Diamonds: 2.07ct total weight. Diamonds: 0.75ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Band with Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Eternity band in 18k gold with pear cut emeralds and round brilliant cut diamonds 💎, about total ct 4,50. Emeralds pear cut ct 4, from Zambia. Diamonds ct 0,50 G-H/VS-SI. Current ...
Diamond, Emerald
Certified Colombian Emerald and Natural Yellow Diamond 18K Gold 2-way Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate craftsmanship, rarity, and distinctive style. Colombian (Muzo) Emerald - 1.26 ct Natural Yellow Diamonds - 0.11 cts Natural Wh...
White Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1930s Antique 4.42 Carat Diamond and Emerald White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive diamond solitaire style cocktail ring with emerald side stones has been crafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Scrollwork Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A timeless heirloom, it combines classic gemstones with artisanal craftsmanship. Ring Size: FR 55 / US 7 Period: Mid-20th Century (c. 1950s–1960s) Style: Vintage Retro-Scroll Clus...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold, 1920s 10 Carat Aquamarine & Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Immerse yourself in the elegance of the 1920s with this exquisite Art Deco ring, expertly crafted from 18ct white gold.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 1.10 Carat Emerald 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.10 carat emerald and 0.68 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse range of gemstone jewellery.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Emerald Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Emerald Band Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Bow Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and platinum Hallmarks: assay for both and maker (quite worn) Gems: 1 emerald faceted cut natural emerald of approx .70 Ct (4.69 mm. by side) – 26 rose cut d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$3,577Sale Price|20% Off
3.05 Carat Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring 0.49 Ct SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold and handset with 3.05 carats Blue Sapphire and 0.49 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring 18kt. White Gold VS Quality
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This beautifully crafted 18K white gold 4.00 ct emerald and diamond solitaire ring offering timeless beauty, makes a perfect statement and is sure to turn heads.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Diamonds White Gold Band Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Diamonds ct 2.98 Emerald ct 2.78 Tot.weight 20.70 g R.F gcraa Size usa 8 ita 18 For any inquiries,please contact the lesser through the message center.
White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Conchéa】Imperial Bloom Conch Pearl, Emerald and Diamond Ring — 3.15 ct
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A vivid composition inspired by the idea of a blossoming form, combining rare conch pearl with emerald and diamond in a sculptural arrangement. At its center, a 3.15 carat conch pear...
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
$2,387Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
No hidden fees. 💎 A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 carats (H color, VS1 clarity) and natural emeralds totaling approxi...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 0.50 Carat Emerald and 0.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning emerald and diamond ring is hallmarked to the interior of the shank with the 18k gold mark (18CT) and the platinum mark (PLAT).
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Emerald Diamond Cut Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - 2.01 ct Total Weight This stunning three-stone engagement ring features a total of 2.01 carats of dazzling diamonds set in l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Eternity Band with Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Eternity band in 18k gold with pear cut emeralds and round brilliant cut diamonds 💎, about total ct 4,50. Emeralds pear cut ct 4 from Zambia. Diamonds ct 0,50 G-H/VS-SI. Current s...
Diamond, Emerald
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1950s MINOR OIL Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
The ring features a vibrant 1.89 ct Natural Green Square Emerald at its center, exuding exceptional brilliance and depth.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faraone Italy Emerald cut Diamond yellow and white Gold band Ring
By Faraone
Located in Napoli, NA
Set in an undefined order, 7 sparkling emerald-cut diamonds (E color - VVS/IF clarity) with an average weight of 0.30 ct each.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Pearl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Pearl Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ring with 4.62 Emerald and 1.39 CTW Diamonds
Located in Stuart, FL
Ladies size 7 18k white gold ring prong and bead set with an oval cut emerald, oval shaped rose cut diamonds and round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning Ct 7, 93 of Colombia Emerald and Diamonds on Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
So adorable design for this beautiful ring in 18k gold with a fine quality of Colombia heart cut emerald 3,42 ct and round brilliant and ascher cut 4,50 ct F/VS. Handmade jewelry by...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
An 18k Gold Acrostic Ring with Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst and Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-karat yellow gold vintage ring that spells out the word DEAR with the first letters of following gemstones: diamond (app. 0.50 ct.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Contemporary Ring/Pendant with 2.57 ct Natural Fancy Color Diamond in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Versatility meets opulent craftsmanship in this captivating convertible piece in fancy color diamonds. Designed to seamlessly transition from a bold statement ring to an elegant pend...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified 4-carat Colombian Emerald and Natural White Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Certified Colombian (Muzo) Emerald - 4.01 ct Natural White Diamonds - 0.46 cts Made in 18K Gold Comes with IGI Certification.
White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Trilogy Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Emerald Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 2.50 Total Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, 18ct White Gold Age: 1950s Size: Q 1/2
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 5.47 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Ring
Located in Sharjah, AE
GRS Certified 5.47 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Ring Description A striking celebration of natural emerald beauty, this exceptional ring is centered with a 5.47-carat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum Edwardian Peridot & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning Edwardian cluster ring, featuring a magnificent peridot centre stone that captures...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
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.