Certified 3.00 Ct Zambian Emerald 2.00 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Emerald and Diamonds ring in an adorable classic design , so elegant and refined style . Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of sophistication and charm on y...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1930s French 0.63 Ct Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French 0.63 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; an addition to our antique engagement ring collections. This fine and impressive ant...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold 1.28 CT Oval Faceted Sapphire and Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Ocala, FL
Crafted in rich 18K gold, this bold contemporary signet ring showcases a striking 1.28 carat oval faceted sapphire measuring approximately 7.50 x 5.50 x 3.16 mm. The deep blue center...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
3.07 Ct Natural Blue Sapphire and .23 Ct Diamonds in 18K White Gold Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
This stunning 18k White Gold ring features a captivating oval-cut central gemstone - a 3.07 carat deep blue sapphire - surrounded by a brilliant pavé halo of small round diamonds - 0...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.42 Ct Diamond And 1.16 Ct Blue Sapphire Love Knote Pavé Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Roma, IT
An elegant Italian-made love knot ring, crafted in 18k white gold and designed as a sculptural composition of interwoven bands. The continuous knot motif symbolizes enduring love, un...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 2.50 Ct Zambian Emerald 2.40 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Emerald and Diamonds ring in an adorable design, so elegant and refined style , crafted with particular attention on all details. Elevate your timeless of beauty and add...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A charming vintage cluster ring crafted in 18ct white gold, featuring a vibrant natural peridot at the centre, surrounded by sparkling natural diamonds.
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.1 ct Purple Spinel and Diamond 18K Gold Split Shank Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Last one of this design! Feel like a queen with this stunning purple spinel ring, a true statement piece in fine jewelry. This ring features a prominent, 4.1-carat natural purple spi...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 18k Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring by Nikabell, 8.90 Ct
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Emerald and Diamonds ring in an adorable contemporary design, so modern and glamour style . Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of color and sophistication o...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 1.70 ct Diamond and 3.84 ct Ruby Double Band Ring MF32-012926
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Beneath the two gem-set bands are slimmer, polished ribbons crossing through the structure, adding contrast and a visual shift.In estate condition, this 18K White Gold 1.70 ct Diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,090 / item
0.44 Ct Diamond Eternity Ring Band in 18K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
DON'T HESITATE TO ASK FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS ON TOP OF THE CURRENT DISCOUNT *** Details *** - Gold :- 18K Solid Gold - Gold Color :- Rose Gold / Yellow Gold / White Gold (WRITE A ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds 2.33 Ct. (Size 7.00)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K White Gold Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds 2.33 Ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
3.95 ct. Lagoon Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handcrafted in 18K white gold with claw settings. Ring size: 6.5 Complimentary resizing available upon request.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 12.00 Ct Zambian Emerald Diamonds 3.74 Ct 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent design, so refined and elegant, for this fabulous ring in 18k gold with a natural Zambia emeralds , pear cut, fine quality, CEO minor oil, 12 carats, and natural diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds 0.83 Ct. (Size 6.00)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K White Gold Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds 0.83 Ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
28 Ct. Turquoise and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A 28 ct. Turquoise and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Turquoise
18K Yellow Gold Ring with 10 Ct. Tourmaline and Diamonds. (Size 7.50)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K Yellow Gold Ring with 10 Ct. Tourmaline and Diamonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Green Diamond and Pink Diamond 2.47 ct Contemporary Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A refined expression of exceptional rarity, this remarkable ring is centered around a captivating cushion-cut natural fancy yellow-green diamond of extraordinary beauty. The striking...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified 5 Ct Zambian Emeralds 2.20 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A stunning ring , absolutely beautiful , contrary design, so gorgeous and sophisticated, a very refined style, by Italian jewelry designer, Ring come in 18K gold with 2 pieces of Nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Modern 18K White Gold 2.5 ct Diamond Sculptural Ring
Located in Lisboa, PT
A sculptural modernist 18 kt white gold ring set with approximately 2.5 ct of diamonds, designed with an openwork, architectural silhouette that feels both fluid and refined.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,797Sale Price|20% Off
18 Kt. Gold Band Ring with 2.02 Ct Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Natural diamond –2.02 ct G/VS Grade: 18 KT (approved), Stamped: D- 2.02 Weight: 8.8 grams Ring size:18.00 mm Height:12mm
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 2.5 Ct. Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This breathtaking diamond and emerald ring was hand made in 18k buttery yellow gold and white platinum. The center stone is a square cut , 2.5 carat, vivid green emerald that catches...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Leto Lama Dragonfly Diamonds Paraiba and Pink Sapphire 18 Ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.5 cm Weight: 3 grams Ring Size: M Carats: 0.36 ct White Diamonds, 0.060 Diamond Squares, 0.030 Ct Paraiba, 0.035 Ct Pink Sapphire Handmade in London 18 Ct Yellow ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Paraiba, Gold
2.15 ct Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking diamond ring featuring approximately 2.15-carat mixed-cut white diamond, set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 37.3 ct Oval Garnet and 0.75 ct Diamond Halo Ring Size 7
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Ring Size: 7 Oval Shaped Garnet weight: 37.30 carats Round Diamonds weight: 0.75 carat Diamond Accented by Milgrain Detailing Gross Weight: 15.3 grams Featured in Bonhams Auction-s...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring, 4.2 Ct, 18K Yellow Gold, Zambia
Located in jaipur, IN
Natural 4.2 Ct Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Vintage Size 5.5 A classic design ring , Ring Size 5.5 , Very affordable Approximately 4.2 Carat Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
0.56 ct Diamond Ring set in 18k White Gold
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning 1.06 ct diamond ring features 59 round-cut natural diamonds set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
20 CT Amethyst Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Westport, CT
An original 18K yellow gold amethyst and diamond ring. Centered with a natural oval shaped amethyst weighing approximately 20.00 CT and measuring approximately 22 × 16 mm, displaying...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
8.30 Ct Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 18k Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8.30 Carats Exquisite Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 18K Solid Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value: 8,000.00 Total Natural Aquamarine Weight is: Approx. 7.00 Carats Aqua...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18 kt. Pink Gold Ring & Beautiful Tahitian Pearl and 0.96 ct. Diamonds
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18 kt. Pink Gold Ring With Beautiful Tahitian Pearl & 0.96 ct.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,980Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.25 ct Diamond 3.6 ct Aquamarine Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold is a perfect statement jewelry to match with every outfit.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring 0.55 ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies 18k white gold diamond eternity ring. Stamped 18k 750 D .55 and weighs 2.1 grams. The diamonds are round brilliant cuts, .55 total carats, i to j color, Si clarity. The ring m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This unique design creates a truly captivating piece. Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats total weight Diamond Clarity: SI1 Diamond Color: I Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold and White Gold Ring Size...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.55 ct Natural Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
-Center Stone: 2.55 ct cushion-cut natural emerald -Accent Stones: 1.01 ct natural white and yellow diamonds, F/G Color, VS1/VS2 Clarity -Metal: 18k white gold -Ring Size: 6.5 (Re...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$14,506 / item
3.20 Ct Mixed Shape Diamonds 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Striking, intricate, and designed for maximum visual impact, this mixed shape diamonds ring features a sculptural arrangement of natural Fancy shape and round brilliant diamonds. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural 22.69 ct Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural 22.69 ct Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring features a Natural Oval-shaped White Opal weighing 22.69 carats with Play-of-Color of Oran...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,884Sale Price|20% Off
18 Kt. Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.80 Ct Garnet and Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
On offer is an 18 carat yellow gold entourage ring decorated in the center with 1 piece of oval cut garnet of approx. 1.80 ct and with 8 brilliant cut diamonds of approx. 0.48 ct in...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ring with 14 CT Emerald and 5.55 CTW Diamonds
Located in Stuart, FL
Ladies 18k white gold size 7 1/2 ring prong set with an octagon step cut emerald, light yellow pear brilliant cut diamonds and near colorless round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.51ct Diamond and 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,191Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 20th Century Diamond 1.40 ct Gold 18K Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This contemporary ring from the 20th century is crafted in 18K gold and features Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Beauvince Reva Diamond Ring (2.37 ct Diamonds) in 18K White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Shape: Round Diamonds Weight: 2.37 ct Diamonds Color: F - G Diamonds Clarity: VS - SI (Very Slightly Included - Slightly Included) Metal: 18K White Gold Metal Wt: 4.75 gms S...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$16,531Sale Price|44% Off
AIG Certified 3.43 Ct Ceylon Sapphire Diamonds 2.48 Ct 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite and refined design for this beautiful ring , so chic and elegant. Ring come in 18k gold gold with a natural Ceylon sapphire of 3,43 carats , pear cut, ectra fine qualit...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, India, 2.13 Ct.
Located in jaipur, IN
Gold Purity: 18K Solid White Gold • Diamonds: 100% Genuine Earth-Mined Diamonds • Diamond Weight: 0.43 ct
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Mauboussin, 18 Karat White Gold, Ring, 0.70 Ct Diamond
By Mauboussin
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
MAUBOUSSIN - "The Ring" Solitaire diamond 0.70ct H-SI1 - 18k White Gold 0.70 carat central round diamond set with 8 prongs Diamond Color: H (White) Diamond clarity: SI1 (no inclusio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, 2.29 Ct. Zambian, India
Located in jaipur, IN
Gold Purity: 18K Solid Gold • 100% Genuine Emerald & Diamond • Diamond Weight: 0.16 Ct
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Rose Quartz and Diamond Ring in 18ct white gold
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A BUNDA Corvus ring, set with a rose quartz in 18ct white brushed gold.
Diamond, Quartz, White Gold
18k White Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Cocktail Ring – 1.56 ct
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
-Center Stone: 1.56 ct Oval Tanzanite (Rich Blue) -Accent Stones: White Diamonds, 0.69 carats, F/G Color, VS1/VS2 Clarity -Metal: 18k White Gold -Ring Size: 6.75 -Style: Vintage-...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Natural Sapphire & Diamond Ring – 1.13 Ct
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful sapphire and diamond ring is a timeless piece of elegance. Crafted in 18k white gold, it features 9 natural blue sapphires totaling 1.08 carats of AAA quality, complem...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
4.09 Ct Multi Sapphires & 0.36 Ct Diamonds 18k White Gold Flower Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Ring Top:31.5 mm Band Width: 2.4 mm Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18K Size:6 to 9 Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 6.9 Grams Stone Type: 4.09 CT Natural Multi Sapphire and 0.36 C...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with 13.94 CT Tanzanite and .28 CTW Diamonds
Located in Stuart, FL
18k size 7 yellow gold ring featuring an oval cut tanzanite accented with round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt. Pink gold Ring with 4.92 ct Morganite and Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered in excellent condition: exclusive handmade rose gold ring with an oval cut morganite of 4.92 ct.
Morganite, 18k Gold, Gold
Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald 1.58 Ct & Diamond Ring, 18K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
1.58 Ct Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald & 1.5 Ct Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Extreme Fine quality of the Colombian Emerald Approximately 1.58 Carat Colombian Emerald Absolu...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
5.73 ct. Orange Zircon and Diamond Band Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This meticulously detailed ring is a stunning statement piece! The warm tones of the vibrant, golden-orange zircon and the rich 18k yellow gold bezel are reminiscent of a sunset. The...
Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold and Diamond Square Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Square Engagement Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Pretty Little Deco Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ring with 3.93 CT Emerald and 1.84 CTW Diamonds
Located in Stuart, FL
Ladies size 7 18k white gold ring prong and bead set with an oval brilliant cut emerald and round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. 8.10 CT. Diamond Ring. 18K White Gold
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18KT diamond cross over ring with 3 rows of diamonds and one row crossing over total diamond weight 8.10cts set in white gold
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Octagon Step Cut 4.48 CT Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
Ladies 18k white gold size 7 1/2 ring prong set with an octagon step cut emerald and oval and round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. Platinum 18 Kt Yellow Gold 11.22 Ct Emerald and 2.85 Ct Diamond Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Platinum and 18 kt yellow gold emerald and diamond ring featuring a 11.22 ct cushion cut green emerald surrounded by diamonds and step trapezoids weighing 2.85 cts tw in a halo setti...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.65 ct Sapphire Diamond 18 kt White Gold Ballerina Ring
Located in Lisboa, PT
This 2.65 ct sapphire and diamond ballerina ring is crafted in 18 kt white gold and showcases the sculptural movement associated with classic mid-20th-century cocktail jewelry.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Salavetti 18K White Gold 0.98 ct Diamond Ball Ring
By Salavetti
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring from Salavetti is exceptionally gorgeous and unique. The ring is made of 18K white gold and has a metallic purple accent studded with 0.98 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, 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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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.