18 K yellow white brushed Gold band Ring Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Featuirng a stunning Ring in 18 K yellow and white textured and brushed Gold.
2010s Swiss Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K yellow white brushed Gold band Ring Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Featuirng a stunning Ring in 18 K yellow and white textured and brushed Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring - 18K White Gold - 2.67ct - Natural diamond - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning ring features a unique design with natural diamonds, totaling 2.67 carats, set in lustrous 18kt white gold. The white gold band adds a touch of sophistication to the de...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 K white Gold Ring double Diamond Entourage Ruby Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Stunning 18 K white Gold Ring featuring a fancy cut natural Ruby weighing approximately 5 ct, surrounded by 2 rows of 36 round brillinat cut Diamonds weighing approximately 3.20 ct, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold Diamond - GIA Certified Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
18 K White Gold Diamond - GIA Certified Blue Sapphire Ring Metal Type: 18K White Gold Total Item Weight approx.: 3.8 Grams Ring Size approx.: 5.5 (Sizeable) GIA Certified Sapphire W...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Ring Gübelin Lucerne Peridot Diamonds
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Elegant 18 K yellow Gold Ring featuring a square cut fine Peridot weighing 3.65 ct.
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring Set - 18K White - 9.75ct - Natural diamond - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning set of two rings features a unique design with natural diamonds, totaling 9.75 carats, set in lustrous 18kt white gold. The white gold band adds a touch of sophisticati...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Extravagant Ring 18 K Rose Gold Hematite Smoky Quartz Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Extravagant and bold Ring in 18 K rose Gold featuring a kite shape Smoky Quartz embellished by small brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.28 ct.
Diamond, Hematite, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K White Gold Fine Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Lovely 18 K white Gold Ring featuring 3 lovely oval light blue Aquamarines weighing 2.47 ct.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solid 18 K White Gold Ring Marquise Diamond Fancy Colored Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A unique solid 18 K white Gold ring featuring a marquise cut Diamond ca. 2.10 ct, I color, I clarity in a bezel setting. 10 fancy colored natural Diamonds in a buttercup setting weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,469Sale Price|73% Off
Massive cushion aquarimarine, diamonds ring in 18 k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Massive cushion aquarimarine ans diamonds ring in 18 k gold. Statement aquamarine ring.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold
18 K rose Gold Pave Band Ring fancy Sapphire Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18 K rose Gold, featuring 191 round fancy Sapphires in various pastel sahdes of pink weighing approximately 8 ct, and 10 round brilliant cut Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 and 24 K gold Engagement ring with diamond centre.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18 and 24 K gold ring with diamond centre. Carved and moulded by a skilled artisan of Italy, this statement gold ring gives a rich outwardly look and feel to the wearer and is cer...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Gold
18 K white Gold Art Déco style Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This beautiful 18 K white Gold Ring is inspired by the Art Déco period/style, the halo ring features round H color SI clarity brilliant cut Diamonds with a total weight of 1 ct and i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K white Gold Aquamarine Diamond Band Ring by Gübelin
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A timeless and elegant 18 K white Gold Ring featuring a fine oval Aquamarine weighing 2.74 ct flanked by pave set Diamonds with a total weight of 0.65 ct, G color, vs clarity. 9.73 ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,502Sale Price|20% Off
Stylish Diamond Flower Elegant Ring for Her 18 K Gold
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White 18K Gold Diamond 76-Round-0,299ct-4/6A Diamond 1-Round-0,074ct-4/5А Diamond 4-Pear-0,083ct-4/5 Diamond 4-0,203ct-4/5 Weight 3,62 grams Size USA 7.2 It is our honour...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 K White Gold Citrine Champagne White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Attractive 18 K white Gold Cocktail Ring featuring a sugarloaf Citrine Cabochons weighing 3.49 ct surrounded by 20 white brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.40 ct and 86 Champagne colo...
Citrine, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K yellow Gold Ring golden South Sea Pearl Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18 K yellow Gold, adorned with numerous round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.87 carats in a refined pavé setting.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a very unique and attractive ring featuring a beautiful Oval Emerald of 1.16Ct. The color of this Emerald is vibrant and rich. The Emerald is also very clean. The ring is a b...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 K White Gold Eternity Ring Pear Shape Tanzanite Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An exquisite find. This 18 K white gold prong set eternity ring features 14 pear shape Tanzanites with a total weight of 4.26 ct and 3 pear shape DIamonds weiging 0.99 ct, J color, I...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Star of David 18K Yellow Gold Bespoke British Made Hallmarked Faith Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Crafted in radiant 18 karat yellow gold, this elegant open-style ring showcases a beautifully detailed Star of David on one side and a brilliant bezel-set round brilliant cut natural...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Eternity Ring Pear Shape Tsavorites Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An exquisite find. This 18 K yellow Gold prong set eternity ring features 14 vivid green pear shape Tsavorites with a total weight of 4.36 ct and 3 pear shape DIamonds weiging 0.89 c...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K White Gold Ring Peridot Diamonds Signed Gübelin Lucerne
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An 18 K whitel Gold Ring that contains a fine oval Peridot weighing 6.65ct and brilliant cut Diamonds weiging 0.89 ct, G color, vs clarity.
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
Russian Demantoid 18 K Yellow Gold White Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
It's an exquisite 18 KT Yellow Gold ring. Center stone is a stunning 1.9 ct GRS certified Russian Demantoid surrounded by Fancy Yellow Diamonds Totaling 4.5 Carats. Total Weight of C...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
1950 18 K Yellow Gold Vintage Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An impressive and very typical 1950 Vintage 18 K yellow Gold Ring featuring 12 Emearld Cabochons and 8 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately 0.60 ct.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,840Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Sapphire Diamond 18 K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18k white gold 4,61 ct pink sapphire 0,60 ct Diamond 8,63 gram on top ca. 30 x 20 mm size 55
18k Gold
Elegant 18 K White Gold Cocktail Ring Southsea Pearl Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Elegant 18 K white Gold Ring featuring a cream colored South Sea Pearl with a slightly golden overtone surrounded by pave set petals. 73 brillinat cut Diamonds weighing 1.64 ct.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White & Pink Gold Ring Rough Diamonds Tahitian Pearl
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very unusual 18 K blackened white Gold and pink Gold Ring featuring 1 silvery Tahitian Pearl (12.2 mm).
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K White Gold Moonstone Black White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very unusual 18 K white Gold Cocktail Ring featuring 3 lovely Moonstones Cabochons weighing 6.63 ct surrounded by black Diamonds weighing 0.65 ct in a black rhodium setting.
White Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Invisible Settings Dome Ruby Ring & Diamonds 18 K white gold .
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Invisible Setting Ring With AAA Natural Ruby Dome Style Total Ruby 4.0 carat Total Diamond weight 0.70 carat G-H-VSS Total Ruby weight 4.00 carat 18K white gold 13.50 gram...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 K White Yellow Gold Ring Pink Torumaline Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Gorgeous and solid 18 K yellow Gold and white Gold Ring featuring a lovely oval pink Tourmaline estimated ca. 4.50 ct., surrounded by 16 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K White Gold Ellipse Ring Cartier
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
The Cartier “Ellipse” ring is crafted from 18 K white Gold and set with a 0.506 ct diamond, I color, vs1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solid 18 K white Gold Statement Ring Blue Topaz Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Captivating 18 K white Gold Satement Ring featuring a square cut Blue Topaz with the dimensions 1.4 cm x 1.4 cm. 4 small brilliant cut Diamonds on the side.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950 Vintage Cocktail Ring 18 K Yellow Gold Turquoise Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Charming and intricate this 18 K yellow Gold Vintge Cocktail Ring set with natural Turquoise Cabochins and 7 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximatly 0.70 ct.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Vintage Entourage Ring Yellow Sapphire Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A bright yellow Sapphire is the central point of this classic Vintage Entourage Ring in 18 K yellow Gold. The yellow Sapphire has a weight of approximately 4.80 ct and is surrouded b...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
K di Kuore Diamonds and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By K Di Kuore
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The history of K Kuore begins in 1996 in Florence Giuliano Giannini, after twenty years of experience in the fashion industry, decided to share his vision with a group of professiona...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K yellow Gold Vintage Ring with Onyx Ruby Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A unique Ring consisting of an inverted Onyx Cabochon that is set with 20 natural Rubies and 7 small brilliant cut Diamonds. Add a touch of Vintage glamour to any ensemble with this...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$29,591
2 ct Diamond 18 k gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18 k yellow gold 2,01 ct Diamond brillant cut I/si1 weight 6,92 gram size 69 This is an excellent 2 ct diamond ring for women or man we can change the size
18k Gold
$2,158Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Diamond Bandring 18 K Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18 k yellow gold hallmarked 18 k 1 ruby 1,96 ct 8 diamond 0,21 ct white stones brilliant cut 3,8 gram on top 5 mm size 54
18k Gold
Mario Buccellati Diamond Band Ring 18 K White & Yellow Gold
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A lovely and very typical Band Ring by Mrio Buccellati bezel set with brilliant cut Diamond weighing approximately 1 ct, H color, vs clarity. The ring is currently size 18/58 and (U...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K white Gold double halo blue Sappire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Crafted in 18 K white Gold , this Cocktail Ring is a testament to modern design and luxury.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.18 ct. yellow Sapphire & 0.87 diamonds Flower Ring, 18K White Gold
By Ajami Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
A unique and beautiful flower ring, expertly crafted in 10 grams of luxurious 18K white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold Ring Fancy Sapphires Diamond Moonsotne Gueblin Lucerne
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This gorgeous Ring crafted in 18 K white Gold features a white Moonstone Cabochon that dispays the charecteristic adularescence.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fancy 18 K white Gold Ring with Prehnite Cabochons and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Fancy 18 K white Gold Ring featuring 3 Prehnite Cabochons weighing 22.18 ct and 75 brillinat cut Diamonds weighing 0.86 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold Coktail Ring Diamonds Sugarloaf Moonstone Gubelin Lucerne
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This fabulous Cocktail Ring in 18 K white Gold features a sugarloaf Moonstone Cabochon weighing 8.50 ct and is modernly surrounded by brilliant cut Diamonds with a total weight of 0....
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K white Gold Band Ring Baguette Diamonds Paul Binder Zurich
By Paul Binder
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Clarity, minimalism and a simple elegance captivate with this Ring. The Ring consists of six individual Rings that are held together at the bottom by a clip. A very typical design by...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elegant Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring in 18 K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined ring artfully combines the regal blue of sapphires with the timeless brilliance of diamonds, all set in warm 18 K yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18 K White Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Mabe Pearl
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A lovely 18 K white Gold (partially black Rhodium to create a dramatic look) Cocktail Ring featuring a white Mabe Pearl ( Diameter ca. 16 mm) held by white gold tangled wires giving ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Solitaire Aquamarine Ring. 1.20ct Cushion Cut Aquamarine Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Estate Diamond Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.2-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Jewelry Type: P...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18 K White Gold Cocktail Ring Black White Diamond Smoky Quartz
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This stunning cocktail ring features a claw set single fancy cut Smoky Quartz center gemstone in a breathtaking 18k white gold setting accented with 96 black Diamonds weighing approx...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White and Rose Gold Pave Diamond Heart Shape Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18 K white and rose Gold Ring pave set with 111 roundbrilliant cut Diamonds with a total weight 0f 1.27 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold Coktail Ring Diamonds Yellow Beryl Gubelin Lucerne
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This fabulous Cocktail Ring in 18 K white Gold features a vivid yellow oval Beryl weighing 4.33 ct and is modernly surrounded by brilliant cut Diamonds with a total weight of 0.89 ct.
Beryl, Diamond, Yellow Beryl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,480Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 13 Carat Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Ring with Diamonds 18K
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Certified by the Gemological Institute of America, this piece is a fine example of classic gemstone jewelry with timeless appeal, perfect as a statement ring or collector’s piece. D...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K Rose Gold Ruby Diamond Pink Sapphire Tsavorite Butterfly Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Fantastic 18 K rose Gold Butterfly Ring. This butterfly is ready to take a flight covered with precious gems.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K Rose Gold Brown Diamonds & Blue Sapphires Ladybug Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18 K Rose Gold Brown Diamonds & Blue Sapphires Ladybug Ring 28 Brown Diamonds 0.21 CT 55 Blue Sapphires 0.59 CT 2 Orange Sapphires 0.09 CT 4 Pink Sapphires 0.15 CT 2 Rubies 0.0...
Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Rose Gold
$14,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.13 Carats Colorless Sapphire Diamond 18 K Gold Ring
Located in Weston, MA
Central Sapphire Color: colorless Central Sapphire Shape: Oval ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 5.23 Carat Oval Ruby and Cadillac Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features a striking 5.23 carat oval ruby as the centerpiece, flanked by two Cadillac-cut diamonds totaling 0.68 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Deco Retro 1935 Tank Chevalier Ring In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamond And Sapphires
By Chevalier Tank Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A chevalier geometric ring from the retro-machine age period. Great chevalier ring, created during the late art-deco and the retro periods, back in the 1935. This geometric ring has...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
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.
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