18 Karat White Gold Multi-Band Criss Cross Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K white gold multi-band ring Crossover multi-band ring with round diamonds throughout, features 4.50 carats of diamonds Can be resized to any finger size Diamond specifications:...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Gold Platinum Etoile Criss Cross Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Tiffany & Co Etoile crossover band 12 full cut diamonds, approx. total weight .30cts, F-G, VS Stamped: Tiffany + Co Pt 950 750 7.3 grams Width: 7.1mm Size 5 1/4 and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
1850s Early Victorian Gold Enamel and Diamonds Cross Form Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s 18K Yellow Gold Ring, the top with a raised Cross that is set with Old Mine cut Diamonds and measuring 1/2 X 3/8 inch, having Texturing design work and further decorated ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 18ct Gold Stamped Edwardian Sapphire & Pearl Marquise/Navette Cross Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Pearl Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This stunning 18ct yellow gold Edwardian marquise/navette-shaped ring is beautifully set with natural sapphires...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Adler Pear Cut Ruby Diamonds Yellow Gold Cross Cocktail Band Ring
By Adler
Located in London, GB
This ring is made in 18kt yellow gold. It is set with 5 pear cut rubies on a crosspiece design adorned with brilliant cut diamonds. The ring is signed Adler inside the ring band. The...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Tubogas Serpenti Cross-over Ring in Stainless Steel and Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage Bvlgari Tubogas Serpenti cross-over ring set in stainless steel and 18k gold.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Chaumet Liens Diamond Criss Cross Band Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Tampa, FL
Chaumet Liens Diamond Criss Cross Band Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Set with approximately .40 carats of G/H color VS clarity round brilliant cut diamonds in 18 karat white gold. F...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Royal Blue Enamel and Pearl Cross Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite antique Victorian mourning ring. Fronted with a superb pearl cross surrounded by glossy royal blue enamel. The oval panel is backed with a glazed locket. The elegant sho...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$18,000
David Webb White, Blue Enamel Cross over Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
DAVID WEBB White, Blue Enamel Cross Over Ring An 18k yellow gold cross over ring, set with cabochon light blue, white enamel, signed David Webb.
18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Signature X Cross Ring Vintage Sterling Silver 18 Karat Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed Tiffany & Co signature 'X' ring, crafted in 925 sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is in very good condition. Light wear evident to the top of the r...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Jona Cabochon Ruby White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross over Band Ring
Located in Lugano, TI
Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18k Yellow Gold Ring band set with a cabochon Ruby weighing 6.78 carats and 0.25 carats of white diamonds. Ring size 6.5 US, can be si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sky Blue Aquamarine and Diamond Cross over Ring in 18 Carat White Gold
Located in London, GB
Sky blue colour aquamarine and diamond cross over ring set in 18-carat white gold. 1 x Oval cut aquamarine, approximate weight 2.8 carats 4 x Round brilliant cut diamonds, approxima...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold and Silver Cross Ring with Diamonds and Rubys
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Georgios Collections oval-shaped all handmade heavy decorated ring crafted from sterling silver and solid 18 Karat yellow gold inlay parts to create a unique look. This gorgeous ring...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
Chaumet 18 Karat White Gold Round Cut Diamond Three Cross Liens Band Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This Ring by Chaumet is from their LIens collection and features 21 round brilliant cut Diamonds of 0.25ct total colour G, clarity VS, made in 18k White Gold. The sizes are UK K, EU ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold and Silver Cross Ring with Sky Blue Topaz
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer unisex all handmade gorgeous Ring, crafted from silver 925 and solid Yellow Gold 18 Karat pieces and clowns which create a unique medieval look with a cross and o...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 18ct Split Pearl Ruby Cross Ring
Located in London, GB
Our unique early Victorian ring features a ruby cross alongside natural split pearls, all set in an 18ct gold closed back setting. This stunning piece is one of a kind and perfect fo...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Aprels Stylish Retro Gold Ruby Diamond Cross Over Dress Ring, 1958
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stylish Retro vintage gold, ruby and diamond ring by Van Cleef and Arpels 1958, designed as a wraparound cross over stylised leaf with reeded markings and three dimensional profile...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Polished 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold 4 Row Criss-Cross Wide Cigar Band Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Graduated Band Width: 12.91 mm - 7.00 mm Ring Weight: 12.10 grams Stamped: 18K, Italy, *1226 VI Estate Condition: Very good; Professionally clea...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Criss-Cross Diamond 18 karat Gold Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
The hallmark "18K" is written underneath the shank. The ring tapers from 6.8-3.8 mm.
Diamond, 18k Gold
1950s Maltese Cross Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat "Live in Truth"
Located in Wailea, HI
1950's Maltese Cross Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18k Four Cabochon Pear Shaped Rubies weighing 1.40 carats approximately Twenty Three Round Diamonds weighing .45 carats approximately s...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,850
19th Century Emerald Gold Cross Ring
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant natural emerald English "cross" ring, c1860, hand crafted of 18K gold, set with diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Roger Dubuis "Follow Me" White Gold Wave Cross Ring
By Roger Dubuis
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Roger Dubuis "Follow Me" wave ring crafted in 18 karat white gold with 12 round diamonds weighing an estimated 1.2 cttw. Featuring a bold cross design that curves upward i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,409
Two-Stone Diamond Cross over Ring
Located in London, GB
A two stone diamond cross over ring with diamond set shoulders, the two old brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing a total of 0.75 carats, claw set to a white gold mount with single-cut di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cross Over Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl and diamond cross over ring, the pearl accompanied by a GCS report stating the pearl to be natural saltwater no treatment, set beside two old brilliant-cut...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$18,831
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Cross over Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl and diamond cross over ring, the pearl measuring approximately 8.5x6.5mm accompanied by a Gem and Pearl Laboratory certificate stating to be natural of sal...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$2,500
Cross over ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18 K yellow braided gold ring set wit 9 diamonds on each side, for approx 0,5 ct, 6 rubys for 0,60 ct and 14 sapphires for approx 1 carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,800
Cartier Yellow Gold Criss-Cross Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Vail, CO
Criss-cross motif band ring, in polished 18k yellow gold, numbered 'AS7678' and signed 'Cartier'.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Enamel Maltese Cross Design Setting Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Surfside, FL
Black enamel Maltese cross design setting in 18k yellow gold with 0.50 carats in diamonds.
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$1,950
FRED Diamond and Gold Crossed Paws Ring
By Fred
Located in New York , NY
18k gold and diamond ring depicting crossed paws by Fred, the Parisian jeweler.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$10,662
gem Set Gold Crossed Fish cocktail ring
Located in Milan, IT
Crossed Fishes Ring. 18Kt gold. Handmade and unique piece. Natural, not treated stones. Gold Gr 42,11 Black Diamonds Kt 1,41 Tsavorites Kt 0,58 Rubies Kt 0,89 N02 Ruby Drop...
Black Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Sold|$14,000
Cartier Cross-Over diamond gold band ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold cross-over ring by Carier with two carats of full cut G color VS1 diamonds. Signed Cartier, 750, 53, B17 792 Size approximately 6.5. Original box.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Roger Dubuis “Follow Me” Wave Gold Cross Ring
By Roger Dubuis
Located in Miami, FL
Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Ring Size: 7 (US) ; 54 (euro) Brand: Roger Dubuis Collection: Follow Me Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18k Total Item Weight (g): 15.2 Top Len...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Odelia Yellow Gold Diamond Criss-Cross Band Ring
By Odelia
Located in Vail, CO
Five-row criss-cross band ring, featuring round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.75 total carats, in 18k yellow gold, signed Odelia.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow White Gold and Diamond Cross Over Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Two-Tone Yellow and White Gold and Diamond Cross Over Ring 1.80 carat G color VS Clarity diamonds Pave set in center Cross over ring 0.6 inch band width. 0.7 inch face width.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Black Enamel Maltese Cross Design Setting Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with 0.50
Located in Surfside, FL
Black enamel Maltese cross design setting in 18k yellow gold with 0.50 carats in diamonds.
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Memento Mori Diamond Skull Cross Bone Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous 18ct Yellow Gold Memento Mori Diamond Skull and cross bone ring is fabulous. The skull and crossbones are set along the central gallery of the ring with an Enamel chin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Diamond Criss-Cross Tri-Band Ring White Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond Criss-Cross Tri-Band Ring in 18K White Gold. (73) Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds G-H in color, VS in clarity and 0.21 carat total weight sparkle in the three bands.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$575
Art Deco Diamond Halo Cross Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Modelled in 18ct gold, with pretty split shoulders. Ring Size: US: 5.5, or UK: K 1/2.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Memento Mori Skull Cross Bone Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This 18ct Yellow Gold Memento Mori Diamond Skull and cross bone ring is fabulous. Skull jewellery (Memento Mori) is very collectable. During the 17th Century Memento Mori jeweller...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Mourning Cross Ring Dated 1901
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This fabulous 18ct Gold antique mourning ring is genuine Edwardian dated 1901. The front of the ring is adorned with a beautiful P...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Konstantino Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver & Yellow Gold Cross Ring
By Konstantino
Located in Dallas, TX
Gemstone: Mother of Pearl Material: Sterling Silver & 18k Gold Size: 7 Stamped: 750, 925, KONSTANTINO
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.62 Carat Diamond Criss Cross over Anniversary Ring
Located in Gainesville, FL
You are viewing a Beautiful Diamond Criss Cross Over Anniversary Ring. This ring is crafted from 18k yellow gold and weighs 4.1 grams.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold 0.45 Carat Diamond Criss Cross over Anniversary Ring
Located in Gainesville, FL
You are viewing a Beautiful Diamond Criss Cross Over Anniversary Ring. This ring is crafted from 18k white gold and weighs 2.5 grams.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond 1.00 Carat Cluster Cross over 18 Carat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This magnificent diamond ring features 1.00ct of diamonds. Two rows of baguette cut stones are surrounded by princess cuts, all set in in an 18ct White Gold cross over band. It look...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 18ct Gold Diamond Cross and Black Enamel Mourning Ring, Circa 1870
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty and unique victorian 18ct gold diamond cross and black enamel mourning ring, crafted in England circa 1870. The outer black enamel band, encompassing the design consisting o...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Debra Navarro Diamond 18 Karat Gold Open Cross Cocktail Ring 0.82 Carat Pear
By Debra Navarro
Located in Wichita, KS
The merging circles of the Crossroads Ring, from our Barefoot Collection, symbolize the road map of your journey. This Crossroads ring is hand-crafted with 18 karat recycled yellow g...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.60 Carat VS Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Enamel Cross Mourning Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning and very rare Victorian period mourning ring. The 18 carat gold ring is designed with a cross to the centre and a black enamelled shank. The cross measures 11mm x 18m...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Oval Pink and Purple Sapphire Two-Stone Cross Over Ring
Located in East Grinstead, GB
18 Karat Rose Gold Oval Pink & Purple Sapphire Two Stone Cross Over Ring. A striking modern oval pink sapphire and oval purple sapphire spring ring. All encased in rose gold rub ov...
Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Brilliant Cut Cross Over Diamond Three-Stone Ring 18 Karat Yellow & White Gold
Located in East Grinstead, GB
Vintage Brilliant Cut Cross Over Diamond Three-Stone Ring 18 Karat Yellow & White Gold A pretty cross over brilliant cut diamond three stone ring. Consisting of a larger brilliant d...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire Diamond Ring Cross-Over Twist Diamond Shoulders, circa 1930s
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Pretty and elegant vintage engagement ring set the a round, mixed cut sapphire of rich blue colour and a round brilliant cut diamond in a cross over design. The gemstone have both b...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Ring, Two Pear Shaped Diamond Cross over Twist, 2.40 Carat
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A beautiful arrangement of two pear shaped brilliant cut diamonds in a cross over twist design to diamond set shoulders. Finger size 8 (US/Canada); Q (UK/Australia). With one diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s Vintage Engagement Ring, Diamond Cross Over Twist Shoulders
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Traditional style three stone diamond cross over ring. The diamonds are set in white star shaped mounts on the diagonal. The shoulders, also in white metal, curve around the three ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Three-Stone Ring, 0.74 Carat Cross-Over Twist Diamond Shoulders
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Plain polished d shaped cross section band stamped "18CT &PLAT" and bearing the sponsor's mark F&SLd.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.19 Carat Old Cut Diamond "Toi et Moi" Ring in Cross Over Twist Design
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
The ring is not hallmarked but reacts to testing as 18ct gold with platinum settings.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage French Design Akoya Grey and Cream Pearl Diamond Cross Over Twist Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A vintage French design pearl and diamond cross-over twist ring giving a marvellous show on the hand. Set with two principal pearls measuring 8.16mm and 833mm diameter, both assesse...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1930's Style Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, Diamond Set Cross over Shoulers
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An abstract design single stone diamond ring reminiscent of the 1930's styles. Comprising a single, round brilliant cut diamond in a white collar setting to the centre and measuring...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Vintage Three-Stone Diamond Ring in Cross over Twist Design
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This Art Deco era three stone diamond ring is the perfect choice for a dainty hand - and a perfectly delightful engagment ring too. The principal diamond in the centre is very slig...
Diamond, 18k 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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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.