18K White Gold 2.50ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A sculptural design makes this ring simply unforgettable. Incredibly chic, the unique 18K White Gold setting comes to life thanks to inset Diamonds totaling 2.50 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Contemporary
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Along the band, the surface is engraved with a floral motif, accented by a single emerald and an additional ruby set directly into the gold. The ring is executed in 18k yellow gold ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.47 carat and Diamond 0.38 carat with Diamond 0.15 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 8.78 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Beaded Wedding Band. Round Cut Diamond and Ruby Band 18K White Gold 1.58mm
By Estate Diamond Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This delicate 18k white gold band features approximately 0.04 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds accented by approximately 0.11 carats of round-cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 18K Gold Vintage Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 18K Gold Vintage Cocktail This spectacular vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold (stamped 750) and it is set with single diamond diamonds and rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Style Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A refined vintage ring designed in a Victorian revival style as an elongated navette set with vibrant synthetic rubies and sparkling old European cut diamonds, mounted in silver topp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Diamond and Ruby Wide Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of elegance to your jewelry collection with this 18k Diamond and Ruby Wide Band Ring. Crafted in 18k white gold, it features 1.18 carats of sparkling diamonds and 2.04 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.80ct Diamond and Ruby Multi-Row Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The trapezoidal stones sit snugly in curved channels, delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic with a seamless and secure setting.This 18K White Gold 0.80 ct Diamond and 3.25 ct Ruby Mul...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Star Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Gold Certified Ruby
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking and substantial star ruby and diamond cluster ring centred on a large oval cabochon natural star ruby weighing approximately 8.50 carats. Specifications: Gemstone: Natur...
Star Ruby, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.58 carats with Ruby 1.85 carats and Diamond 1.18 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 11.98 grams "We first o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.29c Carat Ruby and 0.60 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring, 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Early 20th Century 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Approx. 1.00ct Diamonds — Size P/Q UK, 7.75 US size appx. A striking early 20th-century 18ct yellow gold half-eter...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
French 18K Gold 7 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A substantial and elegant piece of French jewelry, combining a large colored gemstone with a timeless diamond surround. Details: - 18K yellow gold - Heated ruby: approximately 7 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold With Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Elegant 21st Century 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted in 18k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ruby Ring Marked: 18K Approximate Dimensions: 6 - 6.25 (Ring Size) 2.1 cm (Width) Approx. 3.36 carats (Ruby) Approx. 3.06 carats (Diamond) 16.6 gram...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.40 Ct Ruby & Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Elevate your style with this mesmerizing piece, guaranteed to turn heads and leave a lasting impression. Magnificent ring come in 18k gold with a Natural Ruby , in perfect oval caboc...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 0.18ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF24-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Diamonds with a total weight of 0.18 carats illuminate this pieces detailed 18K White Gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Double-sided Ruby Diamond Ring
By Istanbul Diamond House
Located in Bayazıt, TR
Welcome to Istanbul Diamond House! This double-sided ruby-diamond ring is one of the most loved rings in our store! You have in one ring, 2 different colors and 2 different styles. O...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 0.24ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF21-051826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Add a breathtaking splash of color to any ensemble with this intricate luxury ring. Sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.24 carats perfectly complement Ruby gemstones with a t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant Mikimoto ring features a striking row of three vibrant, oval-cut rubies beautifully interspersed with pairs of brilliant-cut diamonds, all securely prong-set in a classi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Larry Jewelry Diamond and Ruby 18k Two-Tone Gold Ring
By Larry Jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
Larry Jewelry Diamond and Ruby 18k Two-Tone Gold Ring A distinctive Larry Jewelry ring crafted in 18k yellow and white gold, combining fluid sculptural lines with the classic contra...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, White Gold
Konstantino 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring KS05-050426
By Konstantino
Located in Southampton, PA
An opulent design makes this Konstantino ring simply unforgettable. Hammered 18K Yellow Gold adds texture and dimension to the rounded setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 0.57ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF23-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A 2.50 carat pear-shaped Ruby center stone offers a bold pop of color, while Diamonds totaling 0.57 carats offer endless sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K Gold, Ruby and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
This late Victorian 18K gold double snake ring, set with a diamond and a ruby, was created in England in 1892.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.27ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF26-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The intricate 18K Yellow Gold setting comes to life thanks to Diamonds with a total weight of 0.27 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring - Size 7
Located in New York, NY
Ring size: 7 Width: 16.8mm wide Markings: “T864” "750" Metal: 18k White Gold Weight: 6.05 grams Diamonds: 0.44 carats Ruby: 0.35 carats Emerald: 0.25 carats
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,232Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Ruby with Diamond and Ruby Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.24 carats with Diamond 2.06 carats and Ruby 1.92 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 9.73 grams "We first op...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.96 carats, Ruby 0.89 carat and Diamond 0.70 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.93 grams "We first...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF03-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A sleek 18K Yellow Gold setting makes this luxury ring simply unforgettable.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.89ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF15-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond baguettes with a total weight of 1.89 carats surround the center stone and provide this piece with a unique, sophisticated design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum Topped 18k Gold Diamond and Ruby Filigree Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique Edwardian ring combines an 18k Yellow gold body with a platinum-topped filigree setting accented by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A vibrant ring with the four precious stones: ruby, emerald, sapphire and diamonds made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.84ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF25-013026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, a halo of Diamonds totaling 0.84 carats provides this piece with endless sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.40ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF18-020226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Diamonds with a total weight of 2.40 carats add sparkle to the stunning, symmetrical design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 17.2 Grams Stone: 14.32mm Tahitian Pearl, 0.84tcw Ruby & 0.73tcw Diamond Measurements: 36.84 x 25 x 24.4mm Size: 6 Hallmark: 750 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1822-0...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF47-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The white gold split shank keeps the profile open and balanced.Offered in estate condition, this 18K White Gold 1.0 ct Diamond and 6.0 ct Ruby Ring comes with a gift box.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond And Ruby Cluster 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in London, GB
Antique Diamond And Ruby Cluster 18k Yellow Gold Ring. Beautiful ruby halo.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 3.21 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.21 Carat Diamond Natural Ruby Ring – 18K Gold, 3.56g / 0.11 t oz Intense, passionate, and richly colored, this ring centers on a spectacular natural ruby of commandi...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
1.70 Carat Old Euro Diamond and Ruby 18K Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
Discover refined elegance with our exquisite Ruby and Diamond Ring. This captivating piece showcases a central 1.7 carat square-cut diamond, known for its pristine white color and VS...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Lattice Dome Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 14.9 Grams Ring Size: 7 Ruby Specifications: Center Ruby Count: 1 Cabochon red ruby, 44 small Rubies Ruby Measurements...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A sculptural and sophisticated vintage swirl ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pear-shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Cheetah Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 22 stones - single cut round - 1.4 mm - approximately .18 total carats - rubies, 2 stones - round cut - 1.5 mm Ring Size 6.5 Width: 21.4 mm Weight: 11.70 dwts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Beautiful 0.71ct Ruby and Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This captivating ring features five oval-shaped red rubies with a total carat weight of 0.67ct, beautifully set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,436Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Cocktail Ring in Ruby and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid white Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 3.03 ct Gemstone shape - Square Gemstone pcs - 25 Gemstone size - 2.5 mm Diamond weight - 0.4 ct...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 11 grams Stone: 4.7tcw Rubies, 0.15tcw Diamonds Measurements: 18.7 x 30.4 x 11.5mm Ring Size: 5 Hallmark: 750 (18k) BR-1445-110224-05
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Colombian Emerald Ruby and Diamond Ring 18K yellow Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
1 Emerald cut AAA Natural Colombian Emerald 8.00x6.00, with Approx. 1.15cts 2 pear shape 4.50x3.50mm Natural Unheated Ruby 0.80cts 4 marquise cut natural diamonds G-H/VS 0.60cts *...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Band Ring 18K
Located in Miami, FL
Features 18K white gold 1.70 carat total weight in rubies 0.42 carat total weight in diamonds Ring size 6.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alluring 0.31ct Rubies and Diamonds Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Indulge in the captivating allure of this 18K yellow gold ring, adorned with 12 exquisite princess-cut rubies, totaling 0.24 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 18K White Gold Band Geometric
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 18K White Gold Band Geometric This gorgeous estate ring is finely crafted in solid 18K White Gold and set with high quality lab-created Rubies and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Ruby Diamond Pavé Ring 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Ruby Diamond Pavé Ring 18K White Gold This Bvlgari ring features an oval-cut ruby bezel-set at the center in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Dome Cluster Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS. 18K gold ring set with 0.65ct princess cut rubies and 0.76ct diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floral 18k Yellow Gold Ring with Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made, FLORAL-SHAPED ring is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold and fe...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby Baguette and Diamond Floral Cluster Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Product Specifications Metal Purity: 18K White Gold Metal Weight: 5.08 g Diamond Weight: 0.581 ct Ruby Weight: 1.34 ct Crafted in polished 18K white gold, the centerpiece is designe...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring, 2.00ct Rubies, UK Made
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A ruby and diamond dress ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Gold 18K White Gold 13.8g Ruby Cabochon 3.7ct Diamond 0.68ct Size 51.5, US6.25
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring 3.50tcw, 8.8gr
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
There is 3.50tcw of natural rubies and diamonds. Stamped 18k, weighs 8.8gr Size 8 1/4
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Hearts and Flower Motif Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking fashion ring crafted in 18k white gold. It features three pear rubies, weighing a total of 2.13 carats, with a vivid red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Wedding Ring Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features: Material: 18K White Gold Gemstones: 9 Marquise Rubies 4.3 ct + 16 Round Diamonds 0.3 ct Ring Size: 7.5 (Resizable) Top Width: 3/8 inch Weight: 8.8 grams Perfect For: We...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,680Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Three Stone 0.62 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Round ruby with diamonds on 18k solid gold Metal: 18k Gold Stone: Natural Ruby Ruby Weight: 0.62 carat Center stone Dimension: 4.8mm Side Stone: Natural Diamonds Side Stone Dim...
Diamond, Ruby, 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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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.