Unavailable|$21,000
Graff Prince Butterfly with Emeralds and Write Round Diamonds Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 50; US: 5.5 (This Ring can be resize by Boutique) 34 Baguette Diamonds weighing approx. 0.29 Carats. Clarity: VS+ 139 Round Diamonds weighing approx. 1.75 Carats. Clarity:...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$19,500
Graff Prince Butterfly with Sapphire and Write Round Diamonds Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 50; US: 5.5 (This ring can resize by boutique). 34 Baguette Diamonds weighing approx. 0.35 Carats. 139 Round Diamonds weighing approx. 1.75 Carats. Fine White. Clarity: V...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tess Van Ghert Gold and Diamond Butterfly Cocktail ring transforms into pendant
Located in London, GB
Exceptional delicate 18K white gold round and baguette diamond cocktail ring in the shape of a butterfly.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,522 / item
18kt Rose and Yellow Gold 3 Chic Butterfly & Flower Big Ring
By Falcinelli Italy
Located in Arezzo, IT
The elegant flowing lines of this ring will wrap gently around the fingers, while the decorations will add a sparkling accent to your hands. The sophisticated design is truly unique:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,500 / item
Beautiful Amethyst Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamonds
By The Theia
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully handcrafted ring in 18k solid gold, high grade amethyst and diamonds. Its a perfect daily wear ring which could be worn with any dress.
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,677
18 Karat Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring with Diamonds and Yellow Sapphires
Located in MIlan, IT
18 Karat yellow gold ring in a butterfly design, set with 2.83 carats of diamonds round cut color G clarity VS and 4 carats of multishape yellow sapphires Made in Italy comes in...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Messika Butterfly Arabesque Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Set with Diamonds
By Messika
Located in London, GB
A beautiful hand-crafted Butterfly "Arabesque" ring made in 18K White Gold and set with White Diamonds weighing a total of 0.78ct from the iconic house of Messika deisgn In excellent...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,320 / item
8.58ct Grossalar Garnet Hand Carved Butterfly 14K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
By Furrer-Jacot
Located in New York, NY
7.5mm wide 18k rose gold Half set diamond band featuring 27 Brilliant F-G vs round diamonds set on the geometric cross design in the center 0.575ct total Sleek satin edges Design i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,500
18 Karat White Gold Butterfly Ring with White Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Hong Kong, APAC - East Asia
Butterfly ring in 18K white gold set with white diamond and blue sapphire.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Graff Baby Princess Butterfly with Diamonds and Light Blue Sapphires Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 52; US: 6 (this ring can be resize by Boutique) 22 Tapered Baguette Blue Sapphires weighing approx. 0.38 Carats. 127 Round Diamonds weighing approx. 0.66 Carats. Clarity:...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Frohmann 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Yellow Diamonds Swivel Butterfly Flower Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This unique ring can worn in 2 ways: - Closed showing 2 flowers made out of 4 heart shaped yellow diamonds each. - Swiveled open worn on 2 fingers, showing in the center a flower an...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,197
Butterfly Fashion Ring, 18 Karat Whit Gold with One Carat of Diamonds
Located in Lake Havasu City, AZ
Fun and top quality Butterfly Fashion ring in 5 grams of 18 Karat White gold. The 80 diamonds set equal one carat total weight. For more info or video contact us.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,197
Butterfly Fashion Ring, 18 Karat Rose Gold with One Carat of Diamonds
Located in Lake Havasu City, AZ
Fun and top quality Butterfly Fashion ring in 5 grams of 18 Karat Rose gold. The 80 diamonds set equal one carat total weight. Includes a Statement of Replacement Cost document from...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Intini Jewels Butterfly Carved Shell Resin Oval 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
A unique and breathtaking jewel with a central carved sardonic shell representing a white butterfly, mounted on a white resin ring setting.. A precious jewel surrounded by 18 an kara...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$6,100
Paris Craft House Ruby Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House Ruby Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat White Gold. - 40 Princess-cut Rubies/2.67ct - 18K White Gold/4.88g - Pavé Diamonds - Ring size/US6.25 Designed and crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$7,600
Paris Craft House Ruby Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House Ruby Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat White Gold. - 40 Princess-cut Rubies/3.25ct - 75 Round Diamonds/0.58ct - 18K White Gold/6.03g - Ring size/US 6.25 Designed...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$35,555
Édéenne Butterflies and Blossom Ring in Diamonds and 18 Karat White Gold
By Édéenne
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Édéenne, artist and founder of Maison Édéenne, this Butterflies and Blossoms double finger ring is in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$35,555
Édéenne Butterflies and Blossom Ring in Diamonds and 18 Karat White Gold
By Édéenne
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Édéenne, artist and founder of Maison Édéenne, this Butterflies and Blossoms double finger ring is in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,726 / item
18kt White and Rose Gold 3 Chic Butterfly Ring with White Diamonds
By Falcinelli Italy
Located in Arezzo, IT
The unique design of this piece of jewelry is guaranteed to impress. The sides of the open shank are shaped as butterfly wings, extending to embrace the adjacent fingers. A feminine,...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$13,187
Two Butterfly Diamonds and 18 Karat White Gold Ring by Édéenne, Paris
By Édéenne
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Édéenne, artist and founder of Maison Édéenne, this two Butterfly ring is in 18K white gold and set with brilliant-cut white diamonds (F/G color, VVS clarity) totaling 1...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gem Gallery Butterfly Ring with Multicolored Cocktail Diamonds and Gemstones
Located in Great Neck, NY
18K Multi Colored Butterfly Ring with Gemstones & Diamonds.
Pink Sapphire
SAM.SAAB Yellow Gold Butterfly Motif Ring in Mother-of-Pearl with Diamonds
Located in Long Island City, NY
SAM SAAB Butterfly ring in 18k yellow gold with mother of pearl and 1.03ct white diamonds.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Pink Sapphire Yellow Sapphire and Diamonds Butterfly Cocktail Ring
Located in Ariano Irpino, IT
The butterfly ring is fine 18kt gold jewel enriched with a pattern of 0,45 ct pink sapphires, 0.65 ct of yellow sapphires and 0.65 ct round diamonds pavè, representing an inextri...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$900,000
Vihari Jewels Fancy Light Blue, Green, Pink, and Orange Diamond Butterfly Ring
Located in Central, HK
The ring is set with white diamonds in 18K White Gold and 18K Rose Gold with a total carat weight of 9.21 carats.
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Pink Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold...
Paris Craft House 2.19ct Unheated Ruby Sapphire Diamond Butterfly Ring in Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House 2.19ct Unheated Ruby Sapphire Diamond Garnet Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold. These stunning wings are crafted with mechanical movements, small twitch of the f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k...
Graff Baby Prince Butterfly with Diamond and Emeralds and Round Emerald Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Ring size: 49 US: 5（This ring can be resize by Bouqiate） 127 Round Diamond Weighing :0.66cts 5 Round Emeralds Weighing:0.03 cts, 22 Tapered Baguette Emerald Weighing: 0.21cts Total D...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2.47 Ct Diamonds, Blue, Pink, Yellow Sapphires Double-Sided Butterfly Pavè Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
Majestic and glamorous, this 18 Kt white gold ring features a beautiful, eye-catching butterfly. One side of the butterfly is lined with white diamonds as well as light blue, dark bl...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
Graff Baby Princess Butterfly with Pave Diamond & Pink and Purple Sapphire Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 49; US: 4.75 (this ring can be resize by Boutique) 22 Tapered Baguette Pink Sapphires weighing approx. 0.31 Carats. 127 Round Diamonds weighing approx. 0.64 Carats. Fine W...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 Karat 0.8 Carat Spinel Enamel Butterfly Ring with Yellow and White Diamond
Located in Hong Kong, APAC - East Asia
18K yellow gold enamel butterfly ring set with 0.8 ct spinel, tsavorite, sapphire, yellow and white diamond
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Spinel, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,726 / item
18kt Rose and Yellow Gold 3 Chic Butterfly & Flower Ring Paved with Diamonds
By Falcinelli Italy
Located in Arezzo, IT
The elegant flowing lines of this ring will wrap gently around the fingers, while the decorations will add a sparkling accent to your hands. The sophisticated design is truly unique:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Paris Craft House 1.13 Carat Citrine Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House 1.13ct Citrine Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18 Karat Gold. - 1 Oval-cut Citrine/1.13ct - 112 Round Diamonds/0.88ct - 18K White/Rose Gold/5.59g - Ring size/US 7 Desig...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Butterfly Diamond Cocktail Ring with Round and Baguette Diamond in 18 Karat Gold
By Great Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Butterfly Shape Diamond is Beautifully Mounted on top With Movable Flowers Set In 18 Karat Gold The Center Stone Which is In House Polished and Developed as Light Brown Butterfly Di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
4.38 Ct Diamond Butterflies Bypass Ring with Rubies and Sapphires in 18kt Gold
Located in Valenza, IT
This is the right ring to choose if you're after a spectacular, jaw-dropping effect that will be remembered. Crafted in 18 Kt yellow gold, this fashion ring features 3 butterflies th...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Bl...
Unavailable|$10,313
Butterfly Style Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Two-Tone White Gold and Yellow Gold
By Orostar
Located in New York, NY
Unique and exquisite ring inspired by beauty of butterflies in nature set with 3.30 carats of white diamonds in two tone white and yellow 18 karat gold . It is in size 7 and if neede...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.78 Carat EGL Butterfly Ring with Yellow and White Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous ring features a center stone of 0.78 Carats Pear shaped D, Si1 EGL Certified White Diamond. This ring also have 24 stunning Natural Yellow Pear Shapes weighting 8.36 Ca...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
SAM.SAAB Butterfly Bouquet Motif in Yellow Gold with Multiple Colored Gems
Located in Long Island City, NY
SAM SAAB Butterfly Bouquet ring in 18k yellow gold with .71ct of white diamonds and 2.75ct mixed gems.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,350
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
A gorgeous sapphire and diamond butterfly ring in 18K gold. When you’re looking for a ring that catches the eye and makes a lasting impression, this sapphire and diamond butterfly r...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare 18-Karat, 20-Carat Ruby Pink Sapphire Diamond Fluttering Butterfly Ring
Located in New York, NY
Rare Large 18-karat fancy ruby and pink sapphire and white diamond butterfly ring approx T.C.W. 20-carat! Originally priced at $16,500. Ruby and pink sapphires total a whopping 16.64...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$101,609
Édéenne Butterfly Set of Diamonds and Pearl 18 Karat Gold Necklace and Ring
By Édéenne
Located in Paris, FR
Handcrafted in Paris in the Maison Édéenne High Jewelry workshop, this set is composed of a Butterfly necklace and a ring. The necklace features eight butterflies in 18K white gold s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Malachite Butterfly Ring
Located in Towson, MD
Embrace vintage charm with this exquisite 1980s butterfly ring, crafted from 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is beautifully set with four green slabs of malachite. The rich green hues...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Butterfly Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful butterfly ring is made from 1.5 grams of 18 karat white gold and has a butterfly design made from 24 round VS2, G color diamonds totaling 0.15 carats. This ring is the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,900
Diamond 18k White Gold Butterfly Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring features a flower and butterfly design crafted in 18k white gold and set with brilliant-cut round diamonds of an estimated 1.26 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gemstone Butterfly Harmony Ring - 18K Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
Experience the enchantment of our Yin-Yang Butterfly Harmony Ring, a remarkable blend of gemstones and fine craftsmanship.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Sold|$700
Butterfly Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful ring is made from 18 karat white gold and contains 24 round VS2, G color diamonds totaling 0.15 carats that form the shape of a butterfly. There is 1.5 grams of white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multi-colored 18k diamond butterfly ring/brooch
Located in New York, NY
The butterfly has a dual purpose of wearing it as a ring.
Sold|$1,600
Gucci Butterfly Ring
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ring is sure to give you butterflies! This rare custom made antique Gucci ring is crafted from 18k gold and features a red and green glassed filled butterfly.
18k Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 5.51 Ct Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This butterfly-shaped ring will always make a scintillating statement.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Pink Sapphire 18k White Gold Twin Butterfly Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made in 18k gold and ready to be worn! Ring Size 7.50 Weight: 8.7 grams
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Big Butterfly Cocktail Ring - 4.50 TCW
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold statement with our 18K Yellow Gold Big Butterfly Cocktail Ring, a magnificent piece that exudes grace and extravagance.
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful 0.40ct Diamond Butterfly Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning ring embodies classic sophistication. A single, captivating Round Brilliant diamond takes center stage, boasting an impressive 0.4 carats. Graded G for color and VS for...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gucci Flora 18K Rose Gold Enamel Butterfly Ring
By Gucci
Located in Southampton, PA
Beautiful colors and textures combine to create this breathtaking Gucci Flora Ring. On the top of this piece’s delicate 18K Rose Gold setting, you’ll find an artistic butterfly motif...
Rose Gold, Enamel
Sold|$1,150 / item
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.85 ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.85 ct Diamond Butterfly Ring is too cute!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.70 Ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made with 18K Yellow Gold forming the band and a butterfly on the face of the ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 1.57 Ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This sweet LB Exclusive butterfly ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and forms two butterflies at the top of the ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Messika 18K White Gold 0.78 Ct Diamond Arabesque Butterfly Ring
By Messika
Located in Southampton, PA
This pretty Messika butterfly ring is made with 18K white gold, forming a butterfly on the face of the ring.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels Coral Butterfly Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful Vintage 18k Yellow gold Coral Motif Butterfly Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.13 ct Diamond Butterfly Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This sweet LB Exclusive ring is made with 18K Yellow Gold forming the band and a butterfly on the face of the ring.
Diamond, 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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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.
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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.