ART NOUVEAU ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with old mine cut diamond 0.32 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18(56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 7.7 mm wide Ring size U.S. 7....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with pearl and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with pearl and old mine cut diamond up to 0.20ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 5.5 – EU. 16.25(51) detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.6 mm wide an...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,675Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Three Piece Old Mine Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Three Piece Old Mine Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Ring A stunning 18k white gold three stone European old cut diamond ring with a center stone of 0.50ct and two flanking diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Victorian 18K Old Mine Cut Diamond Buckle Ring, Size 6.75, Chester 1897
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This exquisite Victorian buckle ring features a sparkling old mine cut diamond set in rich 18K gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.91ct 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 1.91ct – K/L – SI/Pique1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 8.4 mm wide an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA 3.52 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold trilogy ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage diamond trilogy ring is a timeless 1970’s design, centered by a GIA-certified old mine cut diamond weighing 3.52 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century GIA 2.01 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mid Century GIA 2.01 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond 18k Gold Engagement Ring. Featuring one GIA-certified old mine cut diamond weighing 2.01 carats graded Q to R in color and SI1 in clar...
Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
RIng with sapphire and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.45ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with 0.75 ct sapphire and 1.45ct old mine cut diamond - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.7 cm...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with pearls and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour ring set with pearl and old mine cut diamond total 0.46ct - H/I - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide by ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Old Mine Cut Diamond Dome Band
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Cut Diamond Dome Band Description: A substantial 18K white gold dome ring featuring a luminous old mine cut diamond at its center, flanked by graduated round diamonds set i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.02ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K White Gold & Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This captivating engagement ring is a true testament to the elegance of a bygone era, perfect for the antique lovers. Masterfully crafted from luxurious precious metals, platinum an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage GIA 5.02 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary vintage engagement ring is centered around a remarkable 5.02 carat old mine cut diamond, a stone that radiates history, individuality, and undeniable presence.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 3.02 carat old mine cut diamond sapphire 18k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage engagement ring centers on a bold 3.02 carat old mine cut diamond, radiating a warm, antique glow through its distinctive hand-cut facets.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage GIA 5.02 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary vintage engagement ring is centered around a remarkable 5.02 carat old mine cut diamond, a stone that radiates history, individuality, and undeniable presence.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro pearl old mine cut diamond 18k two tone three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Flanking the pearl are 2 old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.30 carats in total, graded M-N color and VS-SI clarity.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Lugano GIA 2.00 carat old mine cut diamond 18k white gold engagement ring
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Lugano engagement ring centers on a 2.00 carat old mine cut diamond, certified by GIA #6501686364, displaying a warm I color and I1 clarity with a distinctive antique ch...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage GIA 1.03 carat old mine cut diamond cluster 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage cluster ring centers on a 1.03 carat old mine cut diamond certified by GIA under report number 2235903901.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold silver solitaire ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Understated and timeless, this Victorian solitaire ring is centered by an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold 0.17ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising five old mine cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is set with 5 sparkling dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring 0.30ct approx
Located in London, GB
A charming late Victorian three-stone diamond ring set with a trio of old-cut diamonds in an elegant graduated arrangement. The centre diamond is flanked by two slightly smaller ston...
Diamond, 18k Gold
ART DECO ring with sapphire and old mine cut diamonds 18k gold, platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Art Deco ring of 18k gold and platinum set with sapphire and old mine cut diamond up to 1.30 ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 10.5 - EU. 20.25 (64) Detailed description: The top of t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18K Gold Cluster Ring with 2 ct Old Mine-Cut Diamonds & Accent Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Elevate your collection with this exquisite 18K yellow gold cluster ring, masterfully crafted in solid 750‰ gold and featuring a 0.50-carat old mine-cut diamond at its center, surrou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver and 18k Gold Ring. Five Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Shared Prong
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.45 Carats Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Five Stone Engagement Ring, Low Profile Engagemen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Victorian Opal Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 18K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring with three gorgeous natural oval Opals of incredible color and stunning beauty. The three Opal gems are accented by four sparklin...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian old mine cut fancy color diamond 18k rose gold bezel engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare and romantic treasure from the turn of the century, this Victorian engagement ring showcases a captivating one-carat old mine cut diamond in a natural fancy brownish yellow hue.
Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
ART NOUVEAU eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold full alliance ring set with old mine cut diamond -1.80 ct - ring size U.S. 5 - EU. 15.75 (49) detailed description the top of the ring is 4.0 mm wide ring size U.S....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Ring Size: FR 56 / US 7 ½ Period: Mid-20th Century (c. 1950s) Style: Vintage Cluster (Flower) Materials: 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire, Old Mine Cut Diamonds Metal Weight: 7....
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
RETRO ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold and platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k pink gold with platinum ring set with old mine cut diamond 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 8.0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
ART NOUVEAU eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold full alliance ring set with old mine cut diamond -1.80 ct - ring size U.S. 5 - EU. 15.75 (49) detailed description the top of the ring is 4.0 mm wide ring size U.S....
Diamond, 18k Gold
French old mine diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This French 18k yellow gold and platinum engagement ring features a stunning approximately 1-carat old mine cut diamond, L color, SI2 clarity, accented by eight single-cut diamonds t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Style Yellow Gold Ring with Old Mine Cut Diamond
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The hefty 18 karat yellow gold mount centres on a substantial 1.73 carat old mine cut diamond of K/L colour and SI1 clarity that has been eight claw set in a mount that could be refe...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.2ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond 4 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising four old mine cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Antique Yellow Gold 4 Stone Diamond Ring is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18K Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Celestial Star Ring, Size 7
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This Edwardian 18K gold ring showcases three delicate stars, each centered with a precious stone, two blue sapphires and one old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.14ct 18k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with old mine cut diamond total 0.14ct - G/H - Pique - ring size U.S. 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Old Mine Cut & Ruby Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We love everything about this unique vintage beauty! Ring Details Material: 18K Rose Gold Lower; White Gold Top Era: Art Deco 1910 - 1930 Length:22.2mm Width:13.9mm Height: 2.3mm Sh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 18 Karat Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian solitaire ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
VINTAGE ring with pearl and old mine cut diamond up to 0.25ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with a pearl and old mine cut diamond up to 0.25ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1.90ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
- Art Deco diamond cocktail ring - Seventeen Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approx 1.90ct (H-I / VS2-SI1) - Art Deco, circa 1920-1935 - 18K yellow and white gold - Accompanied by ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Starburst Ring, Celestial, 1899, Size 4.25, 18K
Located in Upland, CA
This stunning piece boasts a rare old mine cut diamond with a large culet, surrounded by two natural old cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Navette Ring. This incredible Victorian old mine diamond navette ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique English 18k Gold 1.4ct Chunky Old Mine Cut Diamond 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Fishtail Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - Near Colorless - Nice Old Cuts Total Carat Weight: 1.40 (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage old mine cut diamond five stone 18k yellow gold band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage five stone band showcases a harmonious row of 5 old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.25 carats, each exhibiting the soft, romantic brilliance characteristic of...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.20ct 18k yellow gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with old mine-cut diamond up to 0.20 ct – H/I - pique - ring size US 7.5 – EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 6.9 mm wide and 3.2 mm hig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro French GIA 2.28 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold tank ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Retro French diamond tank ring is a striking 1940’s design, centered by a GIA-certified old mine cut diamond weighing 2.28 carats.
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Mark Broumand 1.80 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ravishing diamond engagement ring is set with a gorgeous 1.50ct old Mine cut center diamond, GIA certified at I-VS1.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Old Mine Cut Diamond & 18k Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring - Size 7.25
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - --------------------------------------------- Primary Stone(s): Diamond - Stone Grading: - Color: White - Clarity: I1 - Color Grade: K - Shape: Round - Stone Cut...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Gents Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Step back in time with this remarkable Late Victorian gents ring, a stunning testament to craftsmanship from a bygone era. The ring is exquisitely set with 3 old mine cut diamonds,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 18K Rose Gold Old mine-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, 1.56 ct K VS2
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A study in refined simplicity and modern craftsmanship, this elegant solitaire ring is crafted in warm 18K rose gold and set with a single 1.56 carat Old mine-cut diamond of K color ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 0.70 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with an Old Mine cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.70 carat. Circa late 1800s Size 7 3/4, resizable
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.44 carat old mine cut diamond 18k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Art Deco engagement ring centers on a beautiful 1.44 carat old mine cut diamond, certified by GIA #2231903923, showcasing a warm, romantic glow with its M color and SI1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,625Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 18k White Gold Three Piece Old Mine Cut Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 18k White Gold Three Piece Old Mine Cut Ring Beautifully created ,this ring features 3 antique shape old mine cut diamonds ;centered with 1 Oval Shape old mine cut diamond est...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
GIA 1.67 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Radiating warmth and exceptional clarity, this modern engagement ring showcases a 1.67 carat GIA-certified cushion brilliant diamond whose old mine influence is seen in its romantic,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,576Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 18K Sapphire and Diamond Ring with Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Adorn yourself with this exquisite Antique 18K Sapphire and Diamond Ring, featuring a 0.54 carat sapphire and old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.56ct Fancy Orangy Brown Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Behold our striking fancy brown old mine cut diamond engagement ring, a masterpiece of elegance set in luxurious 18k rose gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Edwardian 18k Yellow Gold Old Mine Rose Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Rose Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,140Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 2.60 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond & Royal Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
At its heart is a charming old mine cut diamond, estimated at 0.50 carats, exhibiting a desirable I color and VS2 clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Solitaire Gents Ring, London 1904
Located in London, GB
Step back in time with this distinguished gents' ring; a remarkable example of Edwardian craftsmanship from 1904, London, carrying over a century of history. Meticulously crafted in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18ct Gold, Old Mine Cut Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in London, England
A 18ct gold ring made in Chester in 1906. This ring is both impressive and delicate. A vibrant sapphire is set within a cluster of good white old mine cut diamonds. The shank is heav...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
0.65 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring with A Halo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old Mine cut center Diamond weighing 0.65 carats, M-N color, VS1-VS2 clarity, as well as Round Brilliant cut Diamonds forming a halo and on t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
.47 Carat Old Mine Diamond 18k White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Elegant and full of antique character, this vintage 1930 -1940 filigree engagement ring ring features a captivating approximately 0.47 carat Old Mine cut diamond, celebrated for its ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.