18 kt. White Gold Square Ring Set with 1.30 Ct. Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous Square 18 kt. White Gold Ring Set with 1.30 Ct. Diamonds Diamonds: brilliant cut diamonds together 1.30 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl 2.35ct Diamond 18ct White Gold Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Discover the elegance of our 18ct white gold ring, showcasing a lustrous white pearl surrounded by 32 baguette diamonds in a captivating floating ballerina setting.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
$4,129Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 1 Ct Diamond Rosecut 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 1 ct Diamond Rosecut 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring For generations, people have worn past, present, and future rings as a symbol of life and enduring love.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,491Sale Price|20% Off
18 Kt. White Gold Ring with 0.30 Ct Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered in good condition, 18-karat white gold band ring, decorated with 15 princess cut diamonds of approx. 0.30 ct in total, G/VS and 18 'carré' (square) cut sapphires of approx. 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 kt. White Gold Pavé Set with 1.12 ct. diamonds Ring
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18 kt. White Gold Pavé Set with 1.12 ct. diamond Ring Diamonds: brilliant cut diamonds together 1.12 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$925Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Sharvit Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 8 Baguette cut diamonds interwind with 8 round brilliant diamond to create a vibrant pattern. It's a fun and stackable ring. Experience the difference in person! ...
Diamond, White Gold
Signet Ring - 18k White Gold - 28 Diamonds 0.85 ct - 24 Sapphires 1.77 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Signet Ring, 18k white gold, 28 diamonds total 0.85 ct, G VS brilliant cut, 24 invisibly set sapphires total 1.77 ct, limited edition of 50 pieces Reference: V1355/00/3...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Olbia Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning weave ring features 12 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATUR...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Tiana Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features a unique pattern of round diamonds. Experience the Difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side G...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Betty Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 13 round brilliant diamonds perfectly matched channel-set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: ...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,380Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Vera Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 23 round brilliant diamonds pave set in a leaves design metal with milgrain. Petite diamonds set in between the metal leaves. Experience the difference! Product d...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Louise Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features 95 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong -set in three rows. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Typ...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Constance Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 70 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set between 14 petite rows. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type:...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Olivia Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This red carpet eternity ring features rows of micro - prong-set diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIA...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Marielle Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This infinity style ring features round brilliant diamonds micro -prong-set along the top. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone T...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Katharine Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This red carpet ring features three rows of round brilliant diamonds sparkling between thin metal edges. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE S...
Diamond, White Gold
$854Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Margol Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features a wave of brilliant round diamonds scattered prong set. Nineteen (19) round diamond micro- prong-set along the two sides of the band. Experience the difference in ...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Victoria Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features 19 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. A delicate milgrain line is separating between the diamond and the metal. Experience the difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Apuliana Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features micro prong set round brilliant diamonds halfway down, curving at the center of it. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Sid...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Kay Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 13 Round brilliant diamonds bead-set across the top half of the band. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Agnes Diamond Ring '1/16 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite curve ring features round brilliant diamonds micro prong-set along the top of this band. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side ...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Isabella Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features round brilliant diamonds interweave ribbons of marquise shape metal with a delicate touch of milgarin. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemsto...
Diamond, White Gold
18 kt. White Gold Ring With 2.32 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt. White Gold Ring With 2.32 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds Can be bought with Matching Necklace/Pendant Item .
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct White Gold Princess Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A sparkling 18ct white gold cluster ring centred with a princess-cut diamond within a square halo of brilliant-cut diamonds, the shoulders further set with grain-set diamonds for a r...
White Gold
$8,790Sale Price|20% Off
Graff 18ct White Gold Diamond Eternity Ring 1.80ct 5.53g
By Graff London
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A timeless Graff eternity ring crafted in 18ct white gold, showcasing a continuous row of round brilliant cut diamonds in the Maison’s elegant thread-set design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pavia "U" Diamond Ring '1 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 7 round brilliant diamonds in a total weight of 1 carat set in a delicate ""U"" Shape prongs. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Leia Diamond Ring '1/10 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This antique-style ring features 9 petite round brilliant diamond micro - prong -set decorated with tangled scrolls on either side of the band. Experience the difference! Product de...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Dalia Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features round brilliant diamonds prong-set along the top half of the band in alternating round and marquise-shaped settings. Experience the difference! Product details: ...
Diamond, White Gold
$854Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Abigail Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stackable double ring features two baguette diamond set within bars of delicate, precious metal and micro-prong diamond accents that elegantly flow halfway down the band. Experi...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Meghan Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features round brilliant diamonds micro - prong - set on the top half of the band while clusters of perfectly match diamonds form a three crown-like shape. Experie...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Ales Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This crown band features 0.16-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds. It can be perfect as stackable or as a matching band to your engagement ring. Experience the difference!...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold, Cocktail Flower Ring, Rose Cut, White 2.45 Ct Diamond, Laurenti
By Laurenti
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold, Cocktail Flower Ring, Rose Cut, White 2.45 Ct Diamond, Laurenti Natural Diamonds Rose Cut and Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: 2.45 Carats Color: F ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Anna Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features two rows of perfectly matched 54 round brilliant diamonds micro - prong-set along the top of the band, a delicate raised metal band separates the two rows. Experie...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Sevilla Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features five(5) floating Brilliante round diamonds set in "U" Shaped delicate prongs on top of a 1.3 MM band. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Cent...
Diamond, White Gold
3.23 Ct Blue Sapphire 0.53 Ct Diamond Halo 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.23 Ct Oval Blue Sapphire 0.53 Ct Diamond Halo 18k White Gold Engagement Ring Featuring a deep, mesmerizing oval blue sapphire gemstone at its center, this ring is delicately framed...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,236Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.51 Ct. Natural Pear Diamond Pear Solitaire Ring, 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
"A pear-shaped diamond is held point-up in a five-prong basket on a fine plain band, a clean modern solitaire with nothing to distract from the outline of the stone. The claws are sw...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Sevilla Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features five(5) floating Brilliante round diamonds set in "U" Shaped delicate prongs on top of a 1.3 MM band. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Cent...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Winter Diamond Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate ring features Seven (7) floating Brilliante round diamonds set in "U" Shaped delicate prongs on top of a 1.3 MM band. Experience the difference in person! Product deta...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Winter Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate ring features Seven (7) floating Brilliante round diamonds set in "U" Shaped delicate prongs on top of a 1.3 MM band. Experience the difference in person! Product deta...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,118Sale Price|20% Off
18 Kt. White Gold Ring with 3.00 Ct Topaz and Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered in excellent condition is a designer ring in 18 kt white gold, with a fantasy cabochon cut topaz approx. 3.00 ct, surrounded by an entourage of 39 brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.2 Ct Blue Sapphire 0.38 Ct Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SER-27642 Gross Wt. :- 3.82 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 3.10 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.38 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Blue Sapphire Wt...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garavelli 18k White Gold 5.15 ct Diamond Flower Ring Size 7.75
By Garavelli
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Petal Flower Ring by Garavelli Featrures Appx 5.15 ct round pave diamonds on flower and band Width of Band at Reverse = 3 mm Size 7.75 Total Mass = 27.3 grams Featured in Bo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Kira Eternity Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Timeless and classic. This eternity band features a perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds shared prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color:...
Diamond, White Gold
Gorgeous 18k White Gold Twist Ring with 0.24 Ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: White Gold Main Stone: 12 diamonds main stone of 0.24 carat cut: round brilliant color: G clarity: VS sku: SR-WG-168347 / 168347 total carat weight: 0.24 ct jewelry weight:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold French Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct White Gold French Stamped Circa 1950’s A truly fabulous, French vintage piece.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,897Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.01 Ct Natural Heart Diamond Heart Solitaire Ring, 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
"A heart-shaped diamond of about two carats is claw-set on a slender polished band, a single upright prong holding the cleft so the lobes stay crisp. The plain shank keeps the silhou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Ring with Pavé Shoulders, 0.65 ct Total
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant 18K white gold ring features a brilliant 0.40 ct round diamond at its center, flanked by twelve brilliant-cut accent diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dazzling 18k White Gold Band Ring with 0.17 ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: White Gold Main Stone: 7 diamonds main stone of 0.17 carat cut: round brilliant color: G clarity: VS sku: SR-WG-168350 / 168350 total carat weight: 0.17 ct jewelry weight: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.11 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Alexandrite & Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Alexandrite 8.11 cts. & 4.48 cts. diamonds Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; F-G, VS Certifications: Gubelin Size: 6 Creator: Spectra Fine Jewelry Metal: 18K White gold We...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 kt. White Gold Toi & Moi Ring 3.5 ct. Topaz, 2.20 ct. Tourmaline, Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous Rizit 18 kt. White Gold Design Toi & Moi Ring With 3.5 ct.
Diamond, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Kt Gold 0.20 Ct White Diamond Engagement East West Solitaire Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18k White Gold East West Solitaire Ring with a 0.20 ct Central White Diamond, G Color, VS1 Clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
de GRISOGONO 18ct White Gold Black & White Diamond Ring – Ref. B2603
By de GRISOGONO
Located in London, GB
An exceptional designer ring by the prestigious Swiss luxury jeweller de GRISOGONO, crafted in 18ct white gold and beautifully set with a striking combination of natural black and w...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Original 18 kt. White Gold Ring Set with 1.63 ct. White & Cognac Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous Original 18 kt. White Gold Ring Set with 1.63 ct. White and Cognac Diamonds Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds together approx. 0.11 ct. cognac diamonds approx. 1.52 ct.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18K White Gold 0.20 Ct White Diamonds Unisex Modern Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18 Karat White Gold 0.20 Karat White Diamonds Unisex Modern Band Ring. A beautiful 18 karat white gold ring embellished with a band of 0.20 karats brilliant cut whit...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond Ring 0.82 ct 18 Karat White Gold Designer Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This elegant 18kt gold ring is a true masterpiece, featuring a beautifully carved pattern that adds a touch of sophistication and style to the design. The ring is adorned with pave s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold 2.1 ct Ceylon Sapphire and 0.35 ct Diamond Ring, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18K white gold band, one center Ceylon sapphire of 2.1 carats, and brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.35 carats, Italy 1930s Ring size US 8
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Beauvince Amore Heart Diamond Ring (1.79 ct Diamonds ) in 18K White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The Amore Heart Diamond Ring celebrates love and joy with their cheerful design and combination of shapes and colors. Diamonds Shapes: Heart Shape, Pear Shape & Round Total Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Ring with 5.9 ct Sapphire and 1.8 ct Diamonds, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, one large sapphire of 5.9 carats, and brilliant diamonds on the contour for a total of 1.8 carats, Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Deco Style 18ct White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold Preloved Fabulous Deco Style Ring Beautiful Blue Aquamarine Surrounded by Brilliant White & Square Cut Diamonds Aquamarine...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luxurious 18K White Gold Dome Ring with 4.00 Ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
18K White Gold Diamond Ring Set with: -375 diamond main stones of 0.0107 ct. each, total: 4.00 ct. cut: mix (brilliant cut & tapered baguette) color: H clarity: VS dimensions: Fr...
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.”
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.